Latest news with #Canadian-built
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Minister Joly travels to France to support innovative Canadian industries
PARIS, /CNW/ - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, led Canada's presence at the 55th International Paris Air Show. Minister Joly showcased Canada's highly innovative aerospace sector and promoted the country as a top destination for global aerospace investment—at a time when Canada is seeking to help build trusted, reliable partnerships that support its companies and workers. Minister Joly met with CEOs of Canadian and global aerospace businesses as well as with key provincial partners, including François Legault, Premier of Quebec; Christine Fréchette, Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy; and the Honourable Victor Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. During the visit, Minister Joly underscored Canada's world-class aerospace sector, with its strong workforce and cutting-edge innovation, and highlighted that the government is committed to making major investments in the economy and supporting Canada's defence sector. These investments will generate jobs and opportunities throughout Canada's industrial base, strengthen domestic capabilities, and diversity Canada's international partnerships. She also advocated for workers across other Canadian industries, including steel and aluminum, which are well positioned to be better integrated into global aerospace supply chains. A highlight of the visit was LOT Polish Airlines' announcement of its intention to purchase up to 84 Canadian-built Airbus A220 aircraft, made in Mirabel, Quebec. This is a major win for Canadian workers. The deal will create many high-paying jobs and highlights Canada's desire for deeper industrial and commercial ties with Europe at a time when cooperation with reliable partners is more important than ever. Minister Joly welcomed France's announcement of its purchase of new GlobalEye aircraft from Saab, which uses Bombardier's Canadian-designed, -developed and -built Global 6500 platform. In addition, Minister Joly welcomed the announcement of $87.4 million for the latest projects from the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT), a pan-Canadian, industry-led network focused on accelerating sustainable innovation in aviation. Prior to the Paris Air Show, Minister Joly represented Canada at VivaTech 2025, Europe's largest startup and tech event. Canada was Country of the Year at the event, and its participation was a celebration of our leadership in AI and new technologies that the world needs. Quotes "Canada is open for business. Our aerospace companies and workers help lead the world, and international partners want to invest. Canada is one of the few countries in the world that has everything needed to develop and manufacture modern aircraft. Building the strongest economy in the G7 means supporting our leading industries, forging new trade partnerships and showing Canadian leadership at home and around the world." – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions Quick facts Canada is one of the top suppliers of aircraft technology, and Canadian-made aerospace parts are used on almost every passenger aircraft in the world. The International Paris Air Show is a global showcase for the aerospace industry that attracts over 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries. Associated links Stay connected Find more services and information on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada website. SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Cision Canada
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Just Vertical and GlobalMedic Launch Moldova Indoor Farm to Support Ukrainian Refugees and Local Communities
Vertical indoor farm in Eastern Europe will provide year-round fresh produce in a region plagued by security concerns and inadequate growing conditions. TORONTO, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - A Canadian-built indoor farm is now feeding refugees and local families in Rîșcova, Moldova—offering a sustainable food solution amid war and food insecurity. The initiative, led by Just Vertical and GlobalMedic, marks the first time hydroponic technology has been deployed for humanitarian aid in the region. The farm, which is able to grow more than 1,000 plants at once, is now fully operational, providing year-round access to fresh, culturally significant crops in an area where farming is restricted by extreme climate conditions. Conflict, climate, and economic instability have made it increasingly difficult for communities to access fresh food. Post this Located in Eastern Europe, Moldova borders Ukraine and Romania. While historically an agricultural nation, the country faces harsh winters, economic constraints, security concerns, and logistical disruptions that make the supply of fresh produce almost impossible throughout the year. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, over 1.9 million Ukrainian citizens have passed through Moldova, with around 127,000 currently residing in the country. This influx has significantly increased the demand for food and resources in stressed and vulnerable communities. This project provides an immediate food security solution while demonstrating how indoor farming technology can be applied in long-term humanitarian efforts. Award-Winning Documentary Captures the Impact A short documentary chronicling the project—"Moldova Feeds," directed by Just Vertical's Conner Tidd and Christopher Di Grazia —was recently awarded Best Short Documentary – Advertising at the 2025 Niagara Canada International Film Festival. The film features powerful visuals and first-person accounts of the farm's development, community impact, and refugee support. It was edited by Andrew King, a Toronto-based video editor with more than 15 years of experience in reality and non-scripted television in both Australia and North America. King's past work earned him a Canadian Screen Award nomination. Quotes "Conflict, climate, and economic instability have made it increasingly difficult for communities to access fresh food," said Conner Tidd, co-founder and CEO of Just Vertical. "By implementing hydroponic technology in Moldova, we're giving people the tools to grow their own food—helping to create long-term stability in an unpredictable world." "Food insecurity isn't just about access—it's about control," said Rahul Singh, executive director of GlobalMedic. "In Moldova, families who fled the war in Ukraine are trying to rebuild their lives while local communities face the strain of supporting them. This project ensures that refugees and their hosts have a sustainable, local food source, reducing dependence on unstable supply chains and foreign aid." Project Highlights First-of-Its-Kind Humanitarian Hydroponic Farm – The Moldova farm features 1,024 plant ports, each serving as a dedicated growing site, enabling year-round fresh produce production in a compact, resource-efficient system. Direct Support for Ukrainian Refugees and Local Communities – The farm grows culturally significant crops, ensuring the produce aligns with local diets and traditions. Technology-Driven Resilience – The green wall system optimizes space and efficiency, allowing communities to grow fresh, pesticide-free produce with minimal inputs. Award-Winning Storytelling – The farm's development and human impact are documented in an acclaimed short film, offering a rare window into how Canadian-led innovation is changing lives abroad. Global Humanitarian Collaboration – Made possible through a partnership between: Just Vertical – Provider of indoor farming technology GlobalMedic – Humanitarian aid partner Katalyst Kitchens – Local Moldovan implementation partner The Myhal Foundation – Project funder and philanthropic partner Expanding Impact in Eastern Europe – This is Just Vertical's first major project in Eastern Europe, setting the stage for future food security initiatives in vulnerable regions. About Just Vertical As the demand for sustainable food production continues to rise, Just Vertical is providing scalable solutions through its cutting-edge indoor vertical hydroponic farming systems. Designed for both commercial and consumer markets, the company's systems are changing how businesses, institutions, and consumers grow fresh produce in any space. Just Vertical's systems empower organizations to meet sustainability goals by producing fresh, local, and pesticide-free food all year round, using 95 per cent less water and significantly less land than traditional agriculture. Learn more at About GlobalMedic Founded in 2002, GlobalMedic (The David McAntony Gibson Foundation) is a Canadian charity committed to providing rapid and effective humanitarian aid to communities affected by poverty, disaster, and conflict. Driven by a team of professional humanitarians and dedicated volunteers, GlobalMedic ensures that critical aid reaches those who need it most—efficiently and effectively. Through innovative programs like the award-winning RescUAV initiative, the organization continuously improves aid delivery while maximizing impact and cost efficiency. Learn more or support GlobalMedic's mission, visit About Katalyst Kitchens Katalyst is a Moldovan initiative that empowers communities through entrepreneurship, food security, and education. By building commercial kitchens and training centers, it fosters local innovation, supports small businesses, and promotes self-sufficiency. Katalyst integrates social impact with sustainable development, helping individuals turn ideas into action and build stronger, more resilient communities. Learn more at About Myhal Foundation The Myhal Family Foundation, led by Rayla and George Myhal, advances healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid. Their contributions include a $10 million matching gift to St. Joseph's Health Centre, support for the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation at the University of Toronto, and a $6 million pledge to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. The foundation emphasizes community impact, sustainability, and long-term development.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Just Vertical and GlobalMedic Launch Moldova Indoor Farm to Support Ukrainian Refugees and Local Communities
Vertical indoor farm in Eastern Europe will provide year-round fresh produce in a region plagued by security concerns and inadequate growing conditions. TORONTO, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - A Canadian-built indoor farm is now feeding refugees and local families in Rîșcova, Moldova—offering a sustainable food solution amid war and food insecurity. The initiative, led by Just Vertical and GlobalMedic, marks the first time hydroponic technology has been deployed for humanitarian aid in the region. The farm, which is able to grow more than 1,000 plants at once, is now fully operational, providing year-round access to fresh, culturally significant crops in an area where farming is restricted by extreme climate conditions. Located in Eastern Europe, Moldova borders Ukraine and Romania. While historically an agricultural nation, the country faces harsh winters, economic constraints, security concerns, and logistical disruptions that make the supply of fresh produce almost impossible throughout the year. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, over 1.9 million Ukrainian citizens have passed through Moldova, with around 127,000 currently residing in the country. This influx has significantly increased the demand for food and resources in stressed and vulnerable communities. This project provides an immediate food security solution while demonstrating how indoor farming technology can be applied in long-term humanitarian efforts. Award-Winning Documentary Captures the ImpactA short documentary chronicling the project—"Moldova Feeds," directed by Just Vertical's Conner Tidd and Christopher Di Grazia—was recently awarded Best Short Documentary – Advertising at the 2025 Niagara Canada International Film Festival. The film features powerful visuals and first-person accounts of the farm's development, community impact, and refugee support. It was edited by Andrew King, a Toronto-based video editor with more than 15 years of experience in reality and non-scripted television in both Australia and North America. King's past work earned him a Canadian Screen Award nomination. Quotes"Conflict, climate, and economic instability have made it increasingly difficult for communities to access fresh food," said Conner Tidd, co-founder and CEO of Just Vertical. "By implementing hydroponic technology in Moldova, we're giving people the tools to grow their own food—helping to create long-term stability in an unpredictable world." "Food insecurity isn't just about access—it's about control," said Rahul Singh, executive director of GlobalMedic. "In Moldova, families who fled the war in Ukraine are trying to rebuild their lives while local communities face the strain of supporting them. This project ensures that refugees and their hosts have a sustainable, local food source, reducing dependence on unstable supply chains and foreign aid." Project Highlights First-of-Its-Kind Humanitarian Hydroponic Farm – The Moldova farm features 1,024 plant ports, each serving as a dedicated growing site, enabling year-round fresh produce production in a compact, resource-efficient system. Direct Support for Ukrainian Refugees and Local Communities – The farm grows culturally significant crops, ensuring the produce aligns with local diets and traditions. Technology-Driven Resilience – The green wall system optimizes space and efficiency, allowing communities to grow fresh, pesticide-free produce with minimal inputs. Award-Winning Storytelling – The farm's development and human impact are documented in an acclaimed short film, offering a rare window into how Canadian-led innovation is changing lives abroad. Global Humanitarian Collaboration – Made possible through a partnership between: Expanding Impact in Eastern Europe – This is Just Vertical's first major project in Eastern Europe, setting the stage for future food security initiatives in vulnerable regions. About Just VerticalAs the demand for sustainable food production continues to rise, Just Vertical is providing scalable solutions through its cutting-edge indoor vertical hydroponic farming systems. Designed for both commercial and consumer markets, the company's systems are changing how businesses, institutions, and consumers grow fresh produce in any Vertical's systems empower organizations to meet sustainability goals by producing fresh, local, and pesticide-free food all year round, using 95 per cent less water and significantly less land than traditional more at About GlobalMedicFounded in 2002, GlobalMedic (The David McAntony Gibson Foundation) is a Canadian charity committed to providing rapid and effective humanitarian aid to communities affected by poverty, disaster, and conflict. Driven by a team of professional humanitarians and dedicated volunteers, GlobalMedic ensures that critical aid reaches those who need it most—efficiently and effectively. Through innovative programs like the award-winning RescUAV initiative, the organization continuously improves aid delivery while maximizing impact and cost more or support GlobalMedic's mission, visit About Katalyst KitchensKatalyst is a Moldovan initiative that empowers communities through entrepreneurship, food security, and education. By building commercial kitchens and training centers, it fosters local innovation, supports small businesses, and promotes self-sufficiency. Katalyst integrates social impact with sustainable development, helping individuals turn ideas into action and build stronger, more resilient more at About Myhal FoundationThe Myhal Family Foundation, led by Rayla and George Myhal, advances healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid. Their contributions include a $10 million matching gift to St. Joseph's Health Centre, support for the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation at the University of Toronto, and a $6 million pledge to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. The foundation emphasizes community impact, sustainability, and long-term development. Interviews & Resources Watch the award-winning video: Link Media kit: Link High-resolution photos and video b-roll available upon request Interview access with project leads in Toronto and Moldova SOURCE Just Vertical View original content to download multimedia:
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Business leader says BC Ferries' hiring of Chinese shipyard is 'informed decision'
VICTORIA — A business leader on ferry-dependent Vancouver Island says BC Ferries made a "strongly informed decision" in hiring a Chinese shipyard to build four new major vessels. Both the NDP government and B.C. Conservative Opposition have criticized the choice of Chinese state-owned China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards to build the new ferries. Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, said the Chinese contract in the best interests of all who rely on BC Ferries, adding that BC Ferries needs more capacity to meet growing demand. "So, this is very timely, and it's a good thing to have this happen," Williams said. The decision is also making waves in Ottawa, where Conservative MP Jeff Kibble, whose riding neighbours Victoria, asked Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland whether Ottawa would make a $33-million federal grant to BC Ferries conditional on buying Canadian-built ships. Freeland said she "absolutely" shared concerns about procurement at all levels, but noted that the ferry agreement was not a federal contract. Williams said few companies around the world have the capacity to build vessels of such size, and BC Ferries did "due diligence" for years in a global procurement process that did not receive any Canadian bids. "So, at this point, I think it's in the best interest of all the people, who rely on BC Ferries … especially up and down the coast in communities that are very reliant upon it," he said. Williams said he would like to see a fifth vessel added to the contract to meet growing demand. The independent BC Ferry Commission rejected a request by BC Ferries earlier this year to add a fifth major vessel to the contract, saying it is "neither essential nor affordable." "It's too bad the fifth one hasn't been approved by the Ferry Commissioner, but it's great to see this, because the fleet is aging," Williams said. Dan McGreer, an adjunct professor in UBC's Faculty of Applied Science, previously worked for a firm that did some of the early concept development for the new ferries, but he wasn't involved in the contract. McGreer couldn't say why BC Ferries chose that shipyard. "But I suspect that the advantage the Chinese shipyard had is a lower cost," he said, noting Chinese wages in the shipbuilding industry are "significantly lower" than in Canada. "I know that BC Ferries did evaluate their capability … and I believe they were comfortable that the shipyard could build the ships," McGreer said. McGreer said their quality from Chinese shipyards "is reasonably good," but construction needs to be "carefully" monitored. "I think some of the European (shipyards) do have a longer experience and a higher reputation for quality, but I think the Chinese yards do deliver a product with reasonable quality." Canadian shipbuilder Seaspan said in a statement after the request for proposals was issued last year that shipyards and their suppliers in Canada can't compete with countries that have low wages and lower safety and environmental standards. The B.C. Conservatives have called on Premier David Eby's government to cancel the contract that was announced on Tuesday, while accusing the premier of abandoning Canadian workers. Opposition transport critic Harman Bhangu said in a statement that the "deal is fully within the government's control" because BC Ferries board chair Joy MacPhail is a former NDP cabinet minister. 'Premier Eby put on a big show of not stopping in China on his trade mission to Asia,' Bhangu said. 'Then the NDP sends billions of dollars to a state-owned shipyard in China.' Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth said Tuesday that he raised concern with BC Ferries about the contract, but notes that the operator is an independent company that makes its own operational decisions. The provincial government is the sole preferred shareholder in BC Ferries and it receives public funding, and Williams said the purchase decision was not a government decision. When asked about Farnworth's comments, Williams said his organization is "politically agnostic" in reserving comment. "But I think that the most important thing to remember is that BC Ferries will have a team on site … in China, overseeing the project," he said. The four new major vessels will offer 52 per cent more space for passengers and 24 per cent more space for vehicle compared to the vessels they are replacing. The ferries will also feature diesel-battery hybrid propulsion systems that could fully run on electricity in the future, propellers that minimize underwater noise that impacts at-risk whales. The first of the four new vessels is scheduled to enter service in the spring of 2029. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2025. Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Hamilton Spectator
06-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
U.S. ambassador Pete Hoekstra says Canada's economic hopes align with Trump's goals
OTTAWA - The American ambassador to Canada says U.S. President Donald Trump's goal of enhancing American power aligns with Ottawa's aim of becoming the fastest-growing G7 economy. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra also says frequent talks between Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney show how much Washington is invested in boosting both countries' economic growth — even though he isn't sure how often the two leaders speak. Hoekstra tells The Canadian Press the important thing is that the exchanges between Carney and Trump happen frequently and aren't leaked to media. Hoekstra says Canada and the U.S. can partner more on producing cars and challenging China's growing share of the global auto market — despite Trump's repeated claim that America doesn't need Canadian lumber or energy and doesn't want Canadian-built cars. The ambassador insists there is 'absolutely no discrepancy' between his focus on win-win partnerships and Trump's tariffs and rhetoric. Hoekstra isn't offering a timeline for trade talks as discussions continue between Ottawa and Washington on tariffs and a possible early start to a review of the North American trade deal this fall. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025.
