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The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec invest close to $21.5 million in public transit in Sherbrooke

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SHERBROOKE, QC, Feb. 19, 2024 /CNW/ – Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, and Geneviève Guilbault, Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, announce an investment of $21,445,679 to modernize the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS) and electrify its vehicles. The governments of Quebec and Canada are investing $12,482,553 and $8,963,126 respectively.

For the occasion, the ministers were accompanied by Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, MNA Élisabeth Brière, MNA for Saint-François Geneviève Hébert, MNA for Richmond André Bachand, Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin and STS President Laure Letarte-Lavoie. The projects funded will benefit the community by providing residents with a modern, efficient public transit network.

Firstly, more than $18.6 million will support the electrification of the STS operations centre. This sum also covers the expansion of the main building, the installation of a new electric entrance, and the acquisition and commissioning of charging stations for the 40 future 100% electric buses. These vehicles come from the contract announced on May 8, 2023 for the acquisition of 1229 electric city buses from Nova Bus.

In addition, $2.8 million is being invested to improve the customer experience. More specifically, boarding will be made easier and faster thanks to 140 new validators capable of accepting payment by credit card and QR code, which will be installed on the front and rear of all vehicles. The STS will also acquire 120 validators for paratransit to replace its token payment system and simplify fare management. Finally, passengers will be able to use Wi-Fi on board buses thanks to the acquisition and installation of a 5G/LTE modem communication system.

These projects will improve the capacity, quality and safety of the City of Sherbrooke’s existing public transit network, while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and thus combat climate change.

This investment in public transit will help make this community more inclusive and enhances the quality of life for users of these services by making it easier for them to get around.

Quotes

“When we invest in public transit, we’re not only fighting climate change, we’re also investing in the well-being of local residents. Like the people of Sherbrooke, who will soon have access to a more modern, reliable and efficient bus service. We continue to deliver for Quebecers through investments that will make a real difference to their everyday lives.”

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“This is further proof that our government is massively supporting public transit in our regions. By offering direct benefits such as a 100% electric service adapted to the reality of its users, we are investing in improved services and quality of life for Quebecers.”

Geneviève Guilbault, Deputy Premier of Quebec and Minister of Transports and Sustainable Mobility

“Today’s investment in the city of Sherbrooke’s public transit system is a promise of efficient, convenient travel throughout the city, and an opportunity to contribute to the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Compton—Stanstead

“In Sherbrooke, 53% of greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation. So we need to work on moving away from the single-occupant car and towards active and public transportation. Today’s investment will not only support the Société de transport de Sherbrooke in its efforts to completely electrify its bus fleet, but will also enable it to offer a more efficient and reliable service to the population. By modernizing our public transit infrastructure, we’re making it easier and more convenient for residents to choose environmentally-friendly means of getting around.”

Élisabeth Brière, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Member of Parliament for Sherbrooke

“This investment shows our commitment to developing sustainable mobility initiatives throughout Quebec, including in Sherbrooke. The STS will be able to significantly improve both the experience and its energy performance. Together, we’re building an efficient transportation network, where quality of service and respect for the environment go hand in hand.”

Geneviève Hébert, Member of National Assembly for Saint-François

“Like us, many organizations in our region have great ambitions when it comes to electrification. Sometimes, all that’s needed is financial leverage to turn words into deeds, and I’m delighted that we can help modernize the STS operations centre, install charging stations inside the garage to accommodate the new electric vehicles, and enhance the user experience.”

André Bachand, Member of National Assembly for Richmond

“The development of sustainable mobility is one of my administration’s priorities. With this major financial support for five projects, our government partners are backing the STS’s energy transition and making it easier for the entire Sherbrooke community to get around. All the members of the municipal council welcome these investments in our public transit system with great appreciation.”

Évelyne Beaudin, Mayor of Sherbrooke

” The Société de transport de Sherbrooke is very grateful for the support offered today by the governments of Canada and Quebec. In addition to the technological advances they will enable, these investments will help us deploy a public transit network that meets our ambitions, is accessible and innovative, and is in line with our strategic objectives. The entire population of Sherbrooke will benefit from these projects.”

Laure Letarte-Lavoie, President of the Société de transport de Sherbrooke

Quick Facts

The amounts break down as follows :The Government of Quebec is investing $12,482,553 through the Programme d’aide gouvernementale aux infrastructures de transport collectif;The Government of Canada is investing $8,963,126 through the same program. These funds come from the Public Transit component of the Integrated Bilateral Agreement Canada – Quebec for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.The Société de transport de Sherbrooke is contributing $1,579,322.The Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program supports the building, expansion, and upgrading of urban and rural transit networks.Investments in public transit help Canadians get where they need to be, create new manufacturing and construction jobs, reduce pollution, and make life more affordable.Including today’s announcement, 26 infrastructure projects or project bundles under the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream have been announced in Quebec, with a total federal contribution of more than $2.8 billion and a total provincial contribution of more than $5.4 billion.Today’s funding brings the Quebec government’s support for the STS to approximately $115.2 million since 2019. This amount includes:Up to 40 electric buses from the contract to acquire up to 1229 electric city buses from Novabus announced on May 8, 2023;$4.7 million from the one-time $400-million budget envelope allocated to public transit organizations to support the recovery of their services hard hit by health measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.The federal government is investing $14.9 billion over the next eight years in reliable, fast, affordable, and clean public transit. This funding includes $3 billion per year in permanent, predictable federal public transit funding which will be available to support transit solutions beginning in 2026-27.

Associated Links

Backgrounder : The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec invest close to $21.5 million in public transit in Sherbrooke

Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Public Transit Infrastructure Stream
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/pti-itc-eng.html 

Federal infrastructure investments in Quebec
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-qc-eng.html

Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html 

Programme d’aide gouvernementale aux infrastructures de transport collectif
https://www.transports.gouv.qc.ca/fr/aide-finan/transport-collectif/PAGITC/Pages/PAGITC.aspx 

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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

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HKAGE Showcases Gifted Students’ Learning Journeys at InnoCarnival 2026

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Promoting “Technology for Good” Through Innovation and Creativity 

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) has been invited to participate in InnoCarnival 2026, organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission. Under the theme “Technology for Good, Innovation for All”, HKAGE will showcase the learning journeys of gifted students who have completed programmes on AI robotic arms, underwater archaeology, etc., demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to address societal needs.

Having proactively aligned its work with the education development strategies of the Education Bureau (EDB), HKAGE fully supports the EDB’s Blueprint for Digital Education in Primary and Secondary Schools, which seeks to advance the digital transformation of school education in Hong Kong. Building on its Talent Development Model, HKAGE systematically develops programmes, provides diversified learning experiences and engages in cross-sector collaborations to nurture gifted talents equipped with innovative capabilities, technological literacy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. At the exhibition this year, HKAGE will present how students applied knowledge gained through gifted education programmes and learning experiences in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, environmental science, underwater archaeology and sustainable development to design socially conscious solutions. These experiences reflect the students’ ability to serve society with knowledge and respond creatively to diverse challenges.

Among the highlights is the learning journey of students in the “Artificial Intelligence Course: Creative AI Robotic Arm for Inclusion”. After acquiring foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence, robotics and sensor applications, students designed, tested and refined intelligent robotic arm prototypes through real-time data analysis and algorithms. With the aim of improving the quality of life for the elderly and caregivers, students explored various application scenarios for intelligent robotic arms. Another showcase features the “Environmental Science Course: Bat Echoes – Voices of the Night”. Through acoustic monitoring, the exhibition demonstrates how students recorded bat voices and analysed related activity data and characteristics. The programme enabled students to gain a deeper understanding of local biodiversity and explore practical approaches to ecological conservation.

The HKAGE exhibition booth also features an interactive photo-taking device, allowing visitors to take photos with different gifted programme themes and share the joy of learning.

On the first day of the exhibition, a “Build Your Own Glider Parent-Child Workshop” is specially organised by HKAGE for the visitors. Under the guidance of instructors and assisted by HKAGE students, participants will learn the basic principles of aerodynamics, including lift, gravity, thrust and drag. They will also learn to design, assemble and decorate their own gliders by using lightweight and durable materials, experiencing the joy of science and engineering.

Mr WONG Chung Po, Acting Executive Director of HKAGE, said: “The Academy is committed to providing gifted students with diversified learning platforms and encouraging them to transform knowledge into innovative practices that generate positive social impact. Participation in this exhibition not only provides students with a valuable learning experience that helps consolidate the knowledge acquired in gifted programmes, but also enables the public to better understand how gifted education nurtures a new generation of creative and socially responsible talents to jointly advance the philosophy of ‘Technology for Good’.”

InnoCarnival 2026 – The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

Date:

24 Oct – 1 Nov

Venue:

The Hong Kong Science Park

Booth:

C08-09

Time:

10:00 – 17:00 (Mon to Fri)

10:00 – 18:00 (Sat & Sun)

 

About the HKAGE

Established in 2008 and subvented by the Education Bureau, the HKAGE offers gifted education services actively to local primary and secondary school students to unleash their potential. It also provides gifted education-related information and support for teachers, parents, and other relevant stakeholders.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/hkage-showcases-gifted-students-learning-journeys-at-innocarnival-2026-302918606.html

SOURCE Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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