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MP Chahal announces federal investments to grow Alberta’s aerospace and aviation industry

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Over $4.3 million through PrairiesCan to manufacture and commercialize new technologies, connect small- and medium-sized firms with procurement opportunities, and create new career paths for underrepresented groups

EDMONTON, AB, Nov. 4, 2024 /CNW/ – With more than 500 small- and medium-sized businesses that employ thousands of workers, Alberta’s aerospace and aviation industry is playing a key role in diversifying local economies and creating good-paying jobs in communities across the province. The Government of Canada is collaborating with partners like post-secondary institutions, industry associations, municipalities and businesses to strengthen this important industry’s competitiveness.

Today, George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, on behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, highlighted five projects receiving more than $4.3 million in PrairiesCan funding that are contributing to Alberta’s leadership in aerospace and aviation innovation. The projects include:

Over $186,000 for the Alberta Aviation & Aerospace Council to develop and deliver the Alberta Aerospace and Defence Conference in 2025 in Calgary and 2026 in Edmonton. This newly established in-person event will help connect Alberta’s small- and medium-sized firms with procurement and investment opportunities with global defence contractors.

Over $100,000 for Elevate Aviation to develop and launch a mentorship initiative that provides access to personalized mentorship connections, networking opportunities and professional development courses—ultimately leading to job placement opportunities for underrepresented groups while addressing the demand for skilled workers in in the aerospace and aviation industry.

Over $1.4 million for the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) to create an aerospace composite materials laboratory. Innovations that use advanced composite materials have the potential to enhance aircraft performance while reducing the environmental impact of the aviation sector. This new lab includes leading-edge manufacturing and testing equipment, as well as a team of expert researchers and engineers to support cutting-edge research in the aerospace manufacturing sector.

Over $50,000 for Sturgeon County to develop a report and ecosystem map on the Alberta’s aerospace and defence sector value chain. This project is better enabling the County and sector partners to identify and connect local small business suppliers to larger companies.

$2.6 million for UVAD Technologies Inc. for developing, demonstrating and commercializing an electric fixed-wing uncrewed aerial vehicle.  

In total, today’s investments are expected to benefit over 330 small- and medium sized businesses and support more than 360 jobs.

In line with the principles of the Government of Canada’s Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy, these investments are about collaborating on local priorities and building on local strengths to seize opportunities for prosperity in a sustainable net-zero Prairie economy.

Quotes

“Municipalities, the private sector and post-secondary institutions are all part of the vital ecosystem for Alberta’s growing aerospace and aviation sector. Our government’s investments in these projects are helping empower cutting-edge research and commercialization, connecting local businesses to new markets, and breaking down barriers for underrepresented people seeking careers in this growing sector.”
–The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan

“Alberta has a global reputation for excellence in aerospace and aviation thanks to the ingenuity, innovation and hard work of our small- and medium-sized businesses, innovators and talented workforce. Calgary Skyview is home to some of the best aerospace and aviation companies in Canada and are benefiting greatly from our government’s investments in the growing sector.”
–George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview

“Alberta’s aviation and aerospace industries have incredible potential, and the addition of defence to our conference will create critical connections and opportunities for businesses to grow within the global aerospace and defence market. Bringing industry stakeholders together under one roof will accelerate Alberta’s role in these sectors, driving innovation and investment in our province.”
–Kendra Kincade, Chair, Alberta Aviation & Aerospace Council

“This investment enables us to expand our mentorship initiatives, opening doors for individuals who bring diverse perspectives, drive innovation, and strengthen the industry. By connecting participants with mentorship, networking, and professional development, we are setting the stage for a stronger, more inclusive future for aviation.”
–Laura Sinclair, Chief Operating Officer / Chief Financial Officer, Elevate Aviation

“This significant investment in SAIT’s aerospace composite materials laboratory within our Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) area positions Alberta at the forefront of sustainable aerospace innovation. Equipped with advanced technology and a skilled research team, this lab will drive new levels of performance and environmental responsibility across the aerospace sector. This project also aligns with SAIT’s plans to expand CIRAMM’s newly established Alberta Aerospace Research Centre (AARC), advancing Alberta’s aerospace capabilities and elevating Canada’s standing in this critical industry.”
–Dr. Hamid Rajani, Chair of CIRAMM – Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials at ARIS

“Sturgeon County is ideally situated near three army and two Royal Canadian Air Force bases, the epicenter of Alberta’s aerospace and defence sectors. Defining the skills, knowledge and expertise within the aerospace and defence ecosystem will help us attract further investment into our region. We’re thankful for PrairiesCan support, and are already seeing the benefits from this work as we engage in conversations with potential investors.”
–Alanna Hnatiw, Mayor of Sturgeon County

“Funding received by UVAD Technologies Inc. through PrairiesCan and the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative is critically important to our efforts in developing and commercializing an industry leading Uncrewed Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) on a global scale. The Alpine Swift, UVAD’s all-electric UAV, has progressed significantly through the support of this program. Government support has also enabled Southern Alberta to attract world leading experts in the UAV field, and UVAD is strategically positioned to build on this expertise. UVAD has grown exponentially since establishing our facility in Medicine Hat, Alberta.”
–David Birkett, President and CEO, UVAD Technologies Inc.

Quick facts

Federal funding for these projects is being provided through PrairiesCan, the federal department that supports economic growth in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.The total federal investment of $4,350,160 announced today is allocated through three programs administered by PrairiesCan: the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) program, and the Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program. ARRI is a national program that is providing $250 million over three years to help the Canadian aerospace sector emerge from the pandemic and continue to compete on the global stage and the intake period is now closed.CEDD supports economic development initiatives that contribute to the economic growth and diversification of communities across the Prairie provinces. Through this program, PrairiesCan enables communities to leverage their capacity and strengths to respond to economic development opportunities and adjust to changing and challenging economic circumstances.RIE creates, grows and nurtures inclusive regional ecosystems that support what businesses need to innovate from start to finish and an environment where companies can innovate, grow and compete.The Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy is a long-term commitment to work differently, through stronger coordination among federal departments on investments for the Prairies and closer collaboration with Prairie partners on their priorities for a prosperous and sustainable Prairie economy.

Associated links

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI)Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) programRegional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) programThe Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy

Stay connected
Follow PrairiesCan on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn
Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 
TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388

SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada

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Central Holidays Invites Travelers to Discover the Warmth and Wonders of Central & South America with Exclusive Added-Value Travel Offer

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— Award-winning travel brand showcases immersive, customizable journeys to
Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru and Ecuador, featuring a complimentary
guided experience valued at up to $399 per person —

MOONACHIE, N.J., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As travelers look to trade colder days this fall and winter for sunshine, spectacular landscapes, and new adventures, Central Holidays is shining the spotlight on the amazing diversity of Central and South America, inviting travel advisors and their clients to discover a world of unforgettable experiences with the ultimate in destination expertise and an exclusive added-value travel offer. The award-winning travel brand, renowned for more than five decades of destination specialists delivering meticulously crafted travel programs, is offering a complimentary guided experience valued at up to $399 per person on qualifying bookings to Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru, and Ecuador.

From the rhythm and romance of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro to the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, the ancient wonders of Peru, and the remarkable biodiversity of Ecuador, Central Holidays presents a captivating collection of travel opportunities that pair some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations with its signature approach to personalized, affordable-luxury travel.

For travelers seeking an escape from the colder months in North America, these destinations offer an enticing combination of seasonal warmth, cultural discovery, outdoor adventure, and authentic local experiences. While weather varies by region and elevation, much of South America welcomes its warmer season as winter arrives in the United States, creating exceptional opportunities for travelers to discover these remarkable countries from a different seasonal perspective.

“Central and South America offer an incredible range of travel experiences, and that’s what makes these destinations so exciting for travel advisors and their clients,” said Adam Greis, General Manager of Central Holidays. “Within this extraordinary region, travelers can discover everything from fascinating ancient civilizations and magnificent natural wonders to sophisticated cities, spectacular beaches, and incredible culinary traditions. Our destination specialists bring all these elements together to create personalized journeys that reflect each traveler’s interests. With this special offer, we’re adding even more value while giving advisors an outstanding opportunity to introduce their clients to destinations they may not have previously considered.”

Five Extraordinary Destinations. Endless Possibilities.
Central Holidays’ expansive Central and South America portfolio brings together iconic attractions and immersive experiences that reveal the unique personality of each destination.

Argentina – A World of Passion, Culture and Natural Wonders
From the European-inspired boulevards and tango traditions of Buenos Aires to the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia and the thundering cascades of Iguazú Falls, Argentina delivers an irresistible blend of cosmopolitan sophistication and beautiful naturescapes. Travelers can explore renowned wine regions, savor authentic Argentine cuisine, and discover the country’s rich cultural heritage through thoughtfully designed experiences.Brazil – Where Nature, Culture and Celebration Come Together
Brazil captivates from the start with its dazzling combination of golden beaches, tropical landscapes, and lively energy. From the iconic sights of Rio de Janeiro, including Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, to the spectacular Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls, the country’s vibrant music, and culinary traditions, Central Holidays offers opportunities to experience the distinctive spirit of this remarkable destination.Costa Rica – A Tropical Paradise for Nature Lovers and Adventure Seekers
For travelers dreaming of lush landscapes and outdoor adventure, Costa Rica offers an enchanting escape into one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations. Discover verdant rainforests, magnificent volcanoes, wildlife-rich national parks, and inviting Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. From exhilarating adventures to relaxing nature retreats, Costa Rica presents a wealth of opportunities for families, couples, and groups seeking meaningful connections with the great outdoors and beyond.Peru – Ancient Civilizations, Culinary Treasures, and Breathtaking Landscapes
Few destinations combine history, culture, natural beauty, and world-class gastronomy quite like Peru. Travelers can follow in the footsteps of the Incas through the Sacred Valley and legendary Machu Picchu, discover the vibrant culinary scenes of Lima and Cusco, and savor innovative cuisine and authentic regional flavors that have earned Peru international acclaim as a premier culinary destination. Central Holidays’ destination specialists bring Peru’s extraordinary heritage and rich culinary traditions to life through immersive experiences that go far beyond conventional sightseeing.Ecuador – Extraordinary Biodiversity and Authentic Cultural Encounters
Small in size yet remarkable in diversity, Ecuador offers a fascinating combination of colonial cities, dramatic Andean landscapes, colorful indigenous markets, and extraordinary wildlife experiences. Quito was recognized in the 2026 World Travel Awards (WTA) as South America’s Leading City Destination and Leading Cultural City Destination, further highlighting its rich cultural heritage, historic charm, and growing appeal as a must-visit destination in South America. From the historic heart of Quito to the natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador invites travelers to discover a destination filled with memorable encounters and striking contrasts.

Exclusive Added Value: Complimentary Guided Experience Worth Up to $399 Per Person
To encourage travelers to explore the region, Central Holidays is featuring a special Fall 2026 Central & South America Offer that includes a complimentary guided experience valued at up to $399 per person on qualifying vacations to Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru, or Ecuador.

The added-value experience offers travel advisors another compelling selling point when recommending these destinations, enhancing the overall vacation experience while providing additional value for their clients.

Travel advisors can explore the promotion and applicable booking details via this link.

Helping Travel Advisors Turn Destination Expertise into Business Opportunities
With Central and South America’s extraordinary diversity comes the need for knowledgeable planning, carefully coordinated travel arrangements, and trusted local expertise. Central Holidays works alongside travel advisors as an extension of their own teams, providing the specialized destination knowledge and comprehensive planning resources needed to create seamless, memorable vacations.

From customized independent travel and private guided experiences to multigenerational vacations, special-interest groups, and fully tailored group journeys, the company’s destination specialists help advisors bring even the most intricate travel requests to life. Central Holidays’ experienced professionals coordinate accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, and other essential travel arrangements, supported by established destination partnerships and local resources.

For group travel planners, the region offers particularly exciting possibilities. Culinary and wine enthusiasts can discover Argentina’s celebrated vineyards, nature-focused groups can explore Costa Rica’s extraordinary biodiversity, and cultural or educational organizations can build immersive journeys around Peru’s ancient civilizations or Ecuador’s remarkable heritage.

By bringing together destination expertise, itinerary development, customization, and comprehensive travel planning, Central Holidays helps advisors confidently expand their offerings into markets where specialized knowledge and reliable local connections can make all the difference.

“Travel advisors shouldn’t have to become experts in every destination around the world to deliver extraordinary experiences for their clients,” added Greis. “That’s where our team comes in. We provide the destination insight, planning expertise, and trusted local relationships that help advisors confidently develop highly personalized travel programs. Whether it’s a couple planning their life-list, dream experience or an organization bringing together a group of travelers with shared interests, we work behind the scenes to make the advisor shine. Their success is our success, and that’s a partnership we’ve believed in since Central Holidays was founded.”

A World of Discovery, Backed by More Than 50 Years of Experience
Established in 1972, Central Holidays continues to build upon its longstanding reputation for creating thoughtfully planned travel experiences that combine exceptional value, personalized service, and authentic destination discovery.

With its extensive portfolio throughout Central and South America, the company invites travel advisors and group planners to explore new opportunities to grow their businesses while introducing travelers to destinations filled with inspiration, adventure, and lasting memories.

For additional information about Central Holidays’ Central and South America programs and the current special offer, travel advisors can contact request@centralholidays.com or call 1-800-935-5000. Advisors interested in expanding their business with Central Holidays can contact Margie Bell, Travel Industry Sales Vice President, at mbell@centralholidays.com.

About Central Holidays:
Founded in 1972, Central Holidays is an award-winning travel brand that offers superior travel programs, value, and service to enchanting destinations across Italy, Europe, Egypt, Africa, West Asia, and Latin America. As true destination specialists, this leader in travel offers an expansive range of Independent, Escorted, Hosted, and Land/Cruise itineraries. Central Holidays presents a wide array of diverse travel opportunities including cultural programs, culinary adventures, family vacations, romantic getaways, and active travel. Group Travel Experiences are a hallmark of the company, offering special interest travel, religious pilgrimages, and fully customized programs. Their newest brand, Journeys by Central Holidays, was created to orchestrate tailor-made travel experiences that redefine luxury. Central Holidays remains at the forefront of the tourism and travel industry, offering distinctive travel programs that support brand promises of reliability, expertise, and flexibility. For more information, contact Central Holidays at 1-800-935-5000 or visit centralholidays.com. 

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SOURCE Central Holidays

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Asymbl Opens Austin Headquarters as AI Takes On More Work

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Fully remote in North America until now, the company will concentrate its North American hiring in Austin, betting that as AI takes on more work, in-person relationships matter even more.

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Asymbl, The Workforce Orchestration Company™, opened its Austin headquarters Oct. 19 at 1515 E. Cesar Chavez St., its first office in the city where it has been based since its launch. The company, which has operated fully remotely in North America until now, will focus its North American hiring in Austin.

The office opens with 14 employees, and everyone in Austin works there full time. The space initially seats 40 people, with room to add more as the team grows, and is home base for Asymbl’s sales, marketing, customer success and people operations teams. Asymbl has about 120 employees worldwide and more than 200 digital workers. It has six open roles in Austin, primarily in sales and account management. The office is its first U.S. hub and its second overall, after Jaipur, India.

Working remotely served Asymbl well as it rapidly grew, letting it hire talented people wherever they lived. As the team scaled, aligning departments, developing people and building shared context became harder to do from a distance. Asymbl’s team moves quickly, and keeping that pace depends on trust, strong relationships, alignment and focus.

Over the past several years, Asymbl has developed Workforce Orchestration™ inside its own business, bringing people, AI and software together as one workforce. That experience has shown that the more digital workers take on, the more its people’s judgment, relationships and ability to learn from one another matter. The Austin office is an investment in those strengths, and Asymbl plans to keep expanding both its human team and its use of AI and digital labor.

“Investing in our people is just as critical as investing in our digital workforce,” said Brandon Metcalf, CEO and founder of Asymbl. “Our people learn and deliver faster when they’re working alongside each other. The side conversations are where relationships deepen and trust gets built, and that’s what lets us move faster for our customers. Austin is where we’re going to grow, and this office lets us focus on developing our people.”

The headquarters is designed for in-person collaboration. New hires in Austin onboard alongside the teammates they will work with, and junior and mid-level employees work next to experienced colleagues every day. Asymbl plans to grow its Austin team steadily.

“Having our sales, marketing and customer success teams together in one place means quicker answers for our customers and a team that’s aligned on what they need,” said Greg Symons, president and founder of Asymbl. “It makes us a better partner to them.”

Current employees outside the Austin area will continue to work remotely. The headquarters gives them a central hub to visit and work with colleagues in person.

About Asymbl

Asymbl, The Workforce Orchestration Company™, brings people, AI and software together as one workforce, primarily for staffing and recruiting firms. Its mission is to elevate people, increase productivity and grow profits while making work more meaningful for everyone involved. The company develops the software, puts AI to work and provides the consulting expertise to orchestrate it all. Its team has spent decades in the staffing industry and more than 20 years working in the Salesforce ecosystem. Asymbl’s customers range from Fortune 100 companies to small and midsize businesses. Launched in 2023, the company is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with a workforce of about 120 people and more than 200 digital workers. Learn more at www.asymbl.com or LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Brad Schechter, Senior Director, Marketing
press@asymbl.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asymbl-opens-austin-headquarters-as-ai-takes-on-more-work-302914441.html

SOURCE Asymbl, Inc.

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CGI selected to join PCI Security Standards Council Global Executive Assessor Roundtable

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CGI will bring client and assessor perspectives to discussions
advancing payment security standards and practices

FAIRFAX, Va., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A), one of the world’s largest independent technology and professional services firms, today announced its selection to join the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) 2026–2028 Global Executive Assessor Roundtable (GEAR), as one of 33 organizations selected globally to provide industry, geographic and technical insights that help advance payment security standards and practices.

PCI SSC works with financial organizations to help secure payment data and trains and qualifies thousands of assessors each year to support the appropriate adoption and implementation of PCI security standards. GEAR provides a direct channel for communication between payment security assessor organizations and PCI SSC senior leadership.

“The Global Executive Assessor Roundtable brings together experienced industry leaders whose expertise and perspectives help guide the continued evolution of PCI security standards and programs,” said Gina Gobeyn, Executive Director of PCI SSC. “We look forward to working with CGI as we continue advancing our shared mission of helping organizations protect payment data around the world.”

“CGI’s selection to join the PCI Security Standards Council’s Global Executive Assessor Roundtable reflects our longstanding commitment to helping clients protect critical payment data and strengthen cybersecurity across increasingly complex technology environments,” said Steve Wojtowecz, Senior Vice-President, Global Technology Operations at CGI. “The PCI Security Standards Council plays an essential role in bringing the global payments ecosystem together around trusted, consistent and effective security standards. We look forward to contributing CGI’s experience and client perspectives to this important work and to collaborating with industry leaders in advancing payment security practices worldwide.”

GEAR members serve as strategic partners to PCI SSC, contributing insights on behalf of the assessor community to Council plans and projects. For CGI clients, the company’s participation provides an additional connection to the global dialogue surrounding payment security. CGI will engage in discussions with PCI SSC leadership about programs, guidance and assessment practices, while contributing perspectives informed by its work with organizations navigating payment security requirements.

“Our participation in the Global Executive Assessor Roundtable gives CGI an opportunity to bring the real-world experiences of assessors and clients into important industry discussions,” said Rosemary Monroe, Director, Consulting Delivery for Global PCI Services within CGI’s U.S. Global Technology Operations, who will serve as CGI’s primary representative. “By engaging directly with PCI SSC leadership and other members of the global assessor community, we can contribute insights that help strengthen payment security programs and practices while helping our clients better understand and respond to an evolving security landscape.”

About CGI

Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent technology and professional services firms in the world. With 94,000 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2025 reported revenue is CA$15.91 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgi-selected-to-join-pci-security-standards-council-global-executive-assessor-roundtable-302915426.html

SOURCE CGI Technologies and Solutions, Inc.

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