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New innovative digital application from CIBC makes first Canadian banking experience for newcomers faster and more convenient

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TORONTO, May 27, 2024 /CNW/ – CIBC today announced it is the first major financial institution to launch a bundled digital credit card and deposit account application for those new to Canada, making it faster and more convenient for these clients to make key banking decisions sooner.

“Moving to a new country is a big step and the earlier you can plan, the easier it can be to settle into a new environment and begin pursuing your ambitions,” said Michael Clabby, Executive Vice-President, Head of Digital, Data and Strategy, CIBC. “We know that finances, especially access to banking, are at the top of a newcomer’s checklist because it drives many early decisions around how, when and where they start their journey in Canada.”

Through an innovative ‘two for one’ application, newcomers to the country can now apply for two financial products by submitting only one online digital application.

“Newcomers often face challenges finding a place to live when they arrive in Canada, including renting or buying a home because they need access to credit and a credit history,” added Clabby. “This new digital capability will speed up the process and help alleviate some of the hurdles experienced as individuals and families begin their new lives in Canada.”

Clients will be able to choose from a range of select CIBC credit cards, including CIBC Aventura®, CIBC Aeroplan® and CIBC Dividend®.

Today’s announcement builds on CIBC’s Newcomer program, which offers a number of solutions and useful tools to help those new to Canada, including CIBC Smart™ Arrival, which enables permanent residents, foreign workers and international students from eligible countries to apply to open a deposit account online in as little as 10 minutes. As most newcomers make the decision about where to bank before they arrive in Canada, CIBC Smart Arrival will provide a head start as an easy way to open a bank account from their home country before arriving in Canada. Once set-up, clients can deposit funds directly into the account prior to their arrival so money is available sooner and easier once in Canada.

Additional tools and solutions for newcomers include:

The digital CIBC Smart™ Guide to Canada which provides tailored resources, tips and banking offers, providing an early advantage in building a new life and new ambitions;Free day-to-day banking for two years through a CIBC Smart™ Account for Newcomers and Foreign Workers;No annual fee for two years on select CIBC credit cards;Exclusive program with TELUS that enables clients to open a bank account and set up a mobile phone at the same time, available through select branches;A free Canoo Cultural Pass with VIP access to over 1,400 of our country’s most exciting cultural and outdoor experiences;Educational content to support financial literacy.

About CIBC

CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 14 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets and Direct Financial Services businesses, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada, in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre.

SOURCE CIBC

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America’s First VC-Backed Cyber Warfare Startup Raises Additional $30M from Khosla Ventures at $1.2B Valuation

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The investment follows Twenty’s $100M Accel-led Series B and further cements Twenty as the definitive offensive cyber company industrializing capabilities for the United States and its allies.

ARLINGTON, Va., July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Twenty, America’s first VC-backed cyber warfare startup, today announced an additional $30 million investment from Khosla Ventures at a $1.2 billion valuation. The investment follows Twenty’s recently announced $100 million Series B at a $1 billion valuation led by Accel.

With this investment, Twenty has now raised $168 million from many of the world’s foremost technology and national security investors, including Khosla Ventures, Accel, Friends & Family Capital, Point72 Ventures, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and In-Q-Tel.

Founded in 2024, Twenty is industrializing offensive cyber warfare for the United States and its allies. The company builds AI-enabled, end-to-end systems for the U.S. military and Intelligence Community, giving warfighters the speed and scale required to deter and defeat adversaries in cyberspace. Twenty’s systems are designed to keep human judgment at the center, pairing advanced AI and automation with rigorous evaluation, controlled deployment, and mission alignment.

The investment follows unprecedented government demand for offensive cyber capabilities built at commercial speed. This Administration has brought renewed leadership to offensive cyber, calling for the United States to use the full suite of offensive cyber operations to disrupt adversary networks and raise the costs of aggression on those who threaten American interests.

“Our thesis here is simple. AI is reshaping the world and the US and its allies need an AI-native cyberwarfare prime capable of protecting our most critical interests. That prime is Twenty,” said Jon Chu, the Partner at Khosla Ventures who led the investment. “Every major national security domain needs a prime that can operate at the speed of AI while delivering commercial grade execution and earning mission level trust. I’ve searched for a company that fits this thesis for years, but have never found a team with the necessary depth across AI, cyber, and defense until now. Twenty brings together the talent, product velocity, customer pull, and mission relevance required to define this category.”

“Khosla’s investment is further validation that Twenty is the definitive company industrializing cyber warfare for the United States and its allies,” said Joe Lin, Co-founder and CEO of Twenty. “We are building the industrial base for American cyber power: the AI-enabled capabilities our warfighters need to disrupt threats at their origin. We are grateful to partner with Jon and the Khosla team as we continue pouring capital directly into research and engineering.”

“AI is changing cyber warfare. Now it happens faster, at greater scale, and most defense contractors are still building for the old world,” said Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures. “The country that moves fastest on AI-native cyber warfare will have the advantage for the next decade. Joe and the Twenty team have the technical depth and operational credibility to industrialize offensive cyber capability at exactly the moment it matters most.”

Twenty will invest this capital directly into research and engineering, expanding the technical team and accelerating development of the offensive cyber capabilities America’s warfighters need to win against determined adversaries.

About Twenty

Twenty is America’s first VC-backed cyber warfare startup. Founded in 2024, Twenty is industrializing cyber warfare for the United States and its allies. The company builds AI-enabled, end-to-end systems for the U.S. military and Intelligence Community, giving warfighters the speed and scale required to impose costs on adversaries in cyberspace. Twenty’s systems are designed to keep human judgment at the center, pairing advanced AI and automation with rigorous evaluation, controlled deployment, and mission alignment.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americas-first-vc-backed-cyber-warfare-startup-raises-additional-30m-from-khosla-ventures-at-1-2b-valuation-302829778.html

SOURCE Twenty

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Construction begins on the Enbridge Sunrise Expansion Program

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PRINCE GEORGE, BC, July 20, 2026 /CNW/ — Canada is taking the next step in building infrastructure that will strengthen our economy, secure energy sovereignty and ensure affordability for Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced that construction has begun on the Sunrise Expansion Program in British Columbia, following the Government of Canada’s approval in April 2026.

This $4-billion expansion of Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline will ensure British Columbia’s growing energy needs are met by providing up to 300 million cubic feet per day of additional transportation capacity on the province’s natural gas transmission system. This additional capacity ensures we can reliably power homes, schools and hospitals; support B.C.’s industrial and manufacturing sectors; and ensure natural gas supplies are available as LNG export facilities — including Woodfibre LNG, the world’s first net-zero facility — begin operations.

The Sunrise Expansion Program marks another milestone in Canada’s strategic push to get major infrastructure projects built to diversify our trade, create jobs and prosperity, and support national and energy security. The Expansion Program will add over $3 billion to Canada’s GDP as we expand Canadian natural gas exports to Asian markets. It will also create 2,500 jobs, including for local Indigenous communities, and generate $700 million in tax revenue to fund local roads, hospitals and schools.

The project will also maximize Canadian industrial participation and use domestically produced materials, including 100 percent Canadian melted and poured steel supplied by InterPro Pipe + Steel from Saskatchewan. Commitments to buying and supplying Canadian in projects like this support manufacturing jobs and strengthen Canadian supply chains from coast to coast to coast.

This project builds on a strong foundation of Indigenous partnership. Last year, 38 Indigenous communities in British Columbia acquired a 12.5 percent ownership interest in Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system, supported by the first-ever federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee.

The Sunrise Expansion Program underscores the Government of Canada’s commitment to working in partnership with provinces, industry and Indigenous partners to efficiently and responsibly approve projects that turn our energy opportunities into economic realities. We are building a Canada where major projects move forward, new jobs are created, and energy is secure and affordable for everyone.

Quotes 

“From approval to groundbreaking in just three months, the Sunrise Expansion Program shows how Canada is getting major projects built. This expansion will provide reliable natural gas for homes, hospitals, schools and B.C.’s growing low-carbon energy sector while creating thousands of well-paying careers and new, diverse international trade opportunities. This is how we strengthen Canadian energy security, support affordability and prove once again what being an energy superpower looks like.”

The Honourable Tim Hodgson 
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources 

“Breaking ground on Enbridge’s Sunrise expansion is a big step forward for our economy, for good local jobs and for Indigenous communities. Through our government’s Look West strategy, we’re building the kind of lasting prosperity that keeps our hospitals, schools and communities strong for generations to come.”

The Honourable Ravi Kahlon
B.C Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth

“The Sunrise Expansion project demonstrates what’s possible when First Nations, industry and government work together with a shared commitment to building a stronger future. For Lheidli T’enneh, meaningful partnerships are about more than economic opportunity — they are about ensuring our Nation has a seat at the table in shaping projects that will benefit our people and region for generations to come. By working collaboratively, we can help build a reliable and secure energy future that supports growing communities, creates opportunities for First Nations participation and respects the lands and waters that have sustained for time immemorial. This is the kind of partnership that moves reconciliation from words to action while strengthening a shared future.”

Chief Dolleen Logan
Lheidli T’enneh First Nation

“Today marks an important milestone as construction begins on the Sunrise Expansion Program. We appreciate the ongoing support of the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia to advance this critical natural gas infrastructure project. This project will strengthen energy security, support economic growth, create jobs and help to ensure Canadians have access to reliable, affordable energy for decades to come. We’re proud to be working alongside Indigenous groups, local communities, contractors and labour across British Columbia as we move this project from approval to construction and deliver lasting benefits for Canadians.”

Greg Ebel
CEO and President, Enbridge

“The Sunrise Expansion Program will be built in Canada, with Canadian steel. InterPro Pipe + Steel is proud to supply steel that is 100 percent melted and poured in Canada for this nation-building project. By choosing Canadian steel, we are supporting skilled workers, strengthening domestic supply chains and ensuring Canada’s critical energy infrastructure is built with Canadian materials. This is how we create lasting jobs, resilient communities and long-term economic benefits across the country.”

Doug Matthews
CEO, InterPro Pipe + Steel

Quick Facts 

The Enbridge Westcoast Pipeline is a 2,900-kilometre natural gas transmission system in British Columbia, supplying gas to B.C., Alberta and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. The Expansion Program would add approximately 140 kilometres of new pipeline by constructing 11 pipeline looping segments, parallel to the existing line, and supplying additional natural gas compression and upgrades and modifications to existing facilities.On July 2, 2025, Stonlasec8 Indigenous Alliance Limited Partnership, representing 38 Indigenous communities in British Columbia, acquired a 12.5 percent ownership interest in Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system. This transaction was supported by the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, which issued a loan guarantee covering $400 million of a $736-million investment.To date, more than $52 million has been spent by Enbridge on the hiring and procuring of services from Indigenous businesses for the Sunrise Expansion Program.

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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PrideStaff Announces New Ownership for Columbia, MD Office

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COLUMBIA, Md., July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PrideStaff, a nationally franchised staffing organization, is pleased to announce that Paul D’Souza will acquire the PrideStaff Columbia office and assume the role of Owner/Strategic-Partner. The ownership transition marks an exciting new chapter for the office as it continues its mission of connecting top talent with leading employers throughout Columbia and the greater Baltimore-Washington metropolitan region.

As Strategic-Partner, D’Souza will lead the Columbia office’s efforts to expand its market presence, strengthen client relationships, and deliver exceptional staffing and workforce solutions to businesses and job seekers across Central Maryland.

D’Souza brings extensive business leadership experience and a strong commitment to helping organizations and individuals achieve their goals. Under his leadership, the Columbia office will continue to leverage PrideStaff’s nationally recognized resources, innovative staffing solutions, and client-focused approach while maintaining the personalized service that has become a hallmark of the local operation.

“I’m excited to join PrideStaff as the Strategic-Partner of the Columbia office and to become part of a brand so highly regarded for its commitment to service,” said D’Souza. “The Columbia market offers tremendous opportunities for growth, and I look forward to building strong relationships with local businesses, supporting job seekers, and helping our clients navigate an increasingly competitive talent landscape. Together with our team, we’ll continue delivering the personalized service and results that have made PrideStaff a trusted staffing partner.”

Located in one of Maryland’s most vibrant business communities, the Columbia office serves employers across a variety of industries, providing staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. The office also supports job seekers throughout the region by connecting them with meaningful employment opportunities and career advancement resources.

“We’re excited to welcome Paul as the new Owner/Strategic-Partner of our Columbia office,” said Tammi Heaton, Co-CEO of PrideStaff. “His leadership experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to helping others succeed make him an excellent fit for our organization. We are confident that Paul will build on the office’s strong foundation while continuing to deliver the exceptional client and talent experiences that define the PrideStaff brand.”

The transition reflects PrideStaff’s ongoing commitment to empowering local owners who combine market expertise with a passion for service. Supported by PrideStaff’s national resources and proven operating model, the Columbia office is well-positioned for continued success and growth in the years ahead.

About PrideStaff 

PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. It operates offices in North America to serve thousands of clients and is headquartered in Central California. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated’s prestigious Best of Staffing® 15-Year Diamond Awards three years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.

For more information on our services, or for staffing franchise information, visit our website.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pridestaff-announces-new-ownership-for-columbia-md-office-302829817.html

SOURCE PrideStaff

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