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Powering Canada’s Future: More Renewable, Affordable and Reliable Power for Albertans

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CALGARY, AB, Dec. 13, 2024 /CNW/ – In the 21st century, a reliable and affordable clean electricity grid is the backbone of a strong economy. Today, more than 80 percent of Canada’s electricity is generated from clean sources like hydropower, wind, solar and nuclear — and it’s a big part of the reason why companies are choosing to invest in Canadian workers and business. By taking action to expand clean power, new economic opportunities are being unlocked while families and workers are getting ahead with lower energy bills.

Today, Member of Parliament George Chahal announced investments totalling over $152 million for nine clean electricity projects in Alberta through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs). These solar, wind energy and grid infrastructure upgrade projects will support the delivery of reliable, affordable and clean electricity in Alberta, a key sector for economic growth, and are expected to displace approximately 760,000 tonnes of harmful carbon emissions per year, once commissioned, and generate enough electricity to power upward of 170,000 homes. That’s more homes than in all of Red Deer, Lethbridge, Airdrie and Fort McMurray combined.

As demand for electricity grows, the opportunity to power our communities and the world with clean, affordable and reliable power is a win-win-win — for workers, for affordability and for the environment. The Government of Canada’s plan is working to drive GHG pollution down while the economy grows and inflation cools. Together, with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, municipalities, industry and workers, the Government of Canada is seizing the opportunity ahead to build a strong economy with good jobs and to ensure a healthy environment for our children and grandchildren.  

Quotes

“Renewable energy is increasingly making the most economic sense to build, and it delivers power at the most affordable rates. When governments understand this fact and invest in building good projects that create good jobs, drive investment in our economy and clean our air, we all succeed. Alberta’s workers have always powered and will always power our economy, and investments like today’s will make sure of that.”

The Honourable, Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“There is a world of economic opportunity available to Alberta in clean and renewable energy, but only if we allow it to flourish with the right conditions and supports. Today’s announcement is another tangible demonstration of the significant investment we are making in Alberta to build clean energy projects and create good-quality, middle-class, unionized jobs in the process. By working together, we can seize the opportunity ahead to build a strong and sustainable economy for generations ahead.”

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault 
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Albertans play an important role in powering Canada’s economy with clean electricity, hydrogen, oil and gas, and critical minerals. The Prairies economy is a major source of Canada’s economic activity, alone representing about a quarter of our gross domestic product. Investments like today’s $152-million infusion in Alberta are about boosting our clean electricity production, saving people money and growing our economy.”

George Chahal
Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview

“As a company solely owned by Montana First Nation, the 22-megawatt Killarney Lake Solar Project is an economic venture that aligns with our traditional values and role as stewards of the environment. This project has allowed our community to increase our participation in the clean energy economy in a meaningful way by providing utility-scale power generation, at the same time creating career opportunities and economic benefits for Montana First Nation members.”

Jesse Currie
Operations Manager, MFN Management Inc.

“With the support of Natural Resources Canada, we are driving momentum for Indigenous leadership in renewable energy. Our commitment to creating equitable partnerships has driven the success of projects like the Tilley Solar project and now the Paul First Nation Solar Farm project, both Indigenous-led and majority-owned. In alignment with our Indigenous community partners, we are determined to forge a sustainable future.”

Firman Latimer
Founder and CEO, First Nation Power Development Inc. (FNpower)    

“We’re proud to bring the Big Sky Solar Power Project to completion, producing renewable energy responsibly and greatly benefiting our host community. The project not only delivers clean energy on a site compatible with local land use but also contributes over $800,000 annually in local taxes, nearly doubling the Municipal District of Acadia No. 4’s revenue. In addition, we provide $50,000 each year to a community benefit fund, alongside permanent local jobs and contracts for services like vegetation management and road maintenance. We welcome this important federal government funding, which highlights the value of partnership in advancing Canada’s clean energy future.”

Peter Clibbon
Senior Vice President – Development at RES in Canada

“I thank Natural Resources Canada for investing in the Sadee Solar Power project through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP). Through this program, NRCAN is creating meaningful ways for Indigenous entrepreneurs to contribute to the green energy transition. Once completed, this project will provide 28 gigawatt hours of clean energy into Alberta’s electrical grid every year.”

Jasper Lamouelle
CEO, It’oa Energy

“The Gleichen Solar Project is a collaboration between Ermineskin Cree Nation and TIU Canada and is supported by the Government of Canada through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP). The project represents an over-$30-million combined investment in renewable energy for the region and will bring online over 13 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to surrounding communities in the southeastern Alberta hamlet of Gleichen. The economic and environmental benefits of this unique partnership will extend from the community, to the province, to nationwide.”

Daniel Visser
Country Manager, TIU Canada

“The Wild Rose 2 Wind farm is a great example of Capstone and NRCan’s leadership in driving the energy transition forward and forging partnerships with the public and private sectors to help governments and companies procure clean, renewable energy to reach their climate goals. Once operational, the Wild Rose 2 Wind Farm will be the largest facility in our fleet, providing enough electricity for approximately 90,000 Alberta homes each year and contributing significantly to Pembina Pipeline and the City of Edmonton meeting their decarbonization targets. We greatly appreciate the Ministry’s support.” 

David Eva, Chief Executive Officer
Capstone Infrastructure Corporation

“Uniting diverse stakeholders is essential for driving innovation and sustainable development. In Canada, collaborations with Indigenous stakeholders and NRCan highlight the importance of reconciliation and shared knowledge. These efforts empower Indigenous peoples and integrate traditional wisdom with modern practices. Together, we are building a secure and prosperous future for all, proving that partnerships and reconciliation are active, impactful processes.”

Jody Linklater
CEO, Clean Communities Corp

“Today’s investments boost Canada’s global competitiveness by ensuring that Canadians and Canadian businesses have access to affordable, clean and reliable power essential for growth.”

Vittoria Bellissimo
President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association

Quick Facts

Federal funding for these projects is provided by the Government of Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs). This $4.5-billion program is designed to support the deployment of grid modernization, energy storage and non-emitting generation in every region of Canada, helping to grow the grid in a sustainable, affordable and reliable manner.

Since 2021, SREPs has approved funding for 72 deployment projects, enabling the deployment of approximately 2,700 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity, which will displace over 3.1 megatonnes of CO2e per year in Canada.

Today’s announcements build on previous Government of Canada’s investments in the province, such as $175 million for 12 Alberta-based clean energy projects in September 2023.

The Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy sets out a vision for a green Prairie economy that is prosperous, sustainable and benefits everyone. It is a long-term commitment by the federal government to have stronger coordination between federal departments on investments for the Prairies and closer collaboration with Prairie partners on priorities to seize new opportunities in the transition to a net-zero future.

Across Canada, electricity operators are taking advantage of the more than $60 billion over the next decade in federal support to help build 21st-century electricity grids.

All G7 countries have committed to build a net-zero grid as a foundational measure for enabling achievement of net-zero economies by 2050.

Electrification is helping to save families money on their energy bills, such as by driving hybrid trucks or installing all-season heat pumps that have lower operating costs. These cost-saving technologies are supported by purchase incentives and rebate programs from the Government of Canada, helping to put hundreds of dollars more in the pockets of Canadian families every month.

Related Information

Backgrounder: Powering Canada’s Future: More Renewable, Affordable and Reliable Power for AlbertansSmart Renewables and Electrification Pathways ProgramPowering Canada Forward: Building a Clean, Affordable, and Reliable Electricity System for Every Region in Canada2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong EconomyGreen Prairie economy – Canada.ca

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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Solid Joins Snowflake and Industry Leaders to Advance Open Standards for AI-Ready Semantic Context

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The Open Semantic Interchange (OSI) creates a universal semantic framework that enables AI agents, analytics platforms, and data systems to share trusted business context across the modern data ecosystem.

NEW YORK, July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Solid today announced it is joining the Open Semantic Interchange (OSI), an open source initiative that creates a universal specification for all companies to standardize their fragmented data definitions with an open, vendor-neutral semantic model specification. OSI aims to enhance interoperability across various tools and platforms, offering enterprises a vendor-neutral specification that provides consistent metrics and definitions across dashboards, notebooks, and machine learning models.

OSI is an open source initiative led by Snowflake, the AI Data Cloud company, and ecosystem partners across multiple domains and industries including business intelligence (BI), data governance, data engineering, AI, financial services, and manufacturing. Its goal is to create a common, vendor-agnostic specification that defines semantic metadata in a standard, open format. By facilitating seamless semantic metadata exchange, the initiative will accelerate the adoption of AI and BI tools to streamline operations and reduce complexity. This in turn allows organizations to unify their data definitions, leading to more comprehensive and accurate data analysis and data product sharing to fuel AI innovation.

By joining the Open Semantic Interchange, Solid is committed to the creation of a universal standard that simplifies data operations and accelerates innovation for the broader ecosystem,” said Yoni Leitersdorf, CEO & Co-Founder, Solid. “Our participation ensures that semantic context can automatically move seamlessly across AI agents, data warehouses, BI tools, and analytics platforms – enabling organizations to build reliable AI systems on top of a shared, interoperable understanding of their business, without vendor lock-in.”

As a member of OSI, Solid is helping to build a transparent and community-driven standard for semantic model sharing, ensuring that business metrics and definitions remain consistent and interoperable.

“Unlocking the full potential of data and AI requires a common foundation, and the Open Semantic Interchange is the critical step in building that bedrock,” said Josh Klahr, Director of Analytics Product Management at Snowflake. “Our collaboration with partners like Solid establishes a unified, vendor-neutral standard for semantic data, ensuring clarity and consistency across the entire ecosystem. This initiative is essential for simplifying data operations, fostering innovation, and preparing organizations to build the next generation of AI applications.”

OSI is poised to revolutionize interoperability within the data and AI ecosystem by providing a transparent, community-driven standard. This collaborative effort simplifies data operations, unlocks new possibilities for innovation, and gives organizations the flexibility and efficiency they need to build a future-ready data infrastructure.

To learn more about the Open Semantic Interchange visit Snowflake’s blog here.

About Solid

Solid is the AI-native context layer for enterprise AI, automatically creating, evaluating, and maintaining the semantic context AI agents need to understand and act on business data reliably. Unlike legacy semantic layers built for dashboards and manual modeling, Solid continuously benchmarks accuracy, detects data changes, and keeps AI systems aligned as the business evolves. The result is faster deployment of trusted AI agents, workflows, and analytics across any data warehouse or AI platform.

To learn more about Solid, visit getsolid.ai

Media Contact: Blair Bader, blairb@getsolid.ai

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SOURCE Solid Data, Inc

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Orbis Marks 30 Years of Advancing Eye Health in Vietnam Through Long-Term Partnership and Training

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Flying Eye Hospital project in Da Nang, supported by FedEx, advances locally led eye care and expands access across Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands.

DA NANG, Vietnam, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global eye care nonprofit Orbis International is marking three decades of collaboration with Vietnam’s eye health community, a long-term partnership that has helped build local expertise, strengthen institutions, expand access to care, and support Vietnam’s growing leadership in eye health across the Asia-Pacific region.

The arrival of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital in Da Nang represents the next chapter in that partnership. At the invitation of Da Nang Eye Hospital and with approval from the People’s Committee of Da Nang City, and support from Da Nang Department of Health, and other relevant departments and local authorities, the project will serve as a platform for hands-on training, innovation, and knowledge exchange. Through clinical training and mentorship across key specialties, the project will help approximately 230 eye care professionals build skills that will benefit communities for years to come, while supporting access to specialized services for nearly 9 million people in Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands.

Cybersight, Orbis’s telemedicine and e-learning platform, is an integral part of every Flying Eye Hospital project—connecting in-person training with continuous learning before and after the aircraft is on site. Through Cybersight, participants can prepare in advance, consult with global experts, access ongoing education, and continue building skills long after the project concludes, extending the impact of the Flying Eye Hospital far beyond the aircraft itself.

“This project is not a standalone intervention; it is the latest chapter in a long-term partnership to advance Vietnam’s eye health system,” said Ngoc Pham, Orbis Vietnam Country Director. “The most important outcome is not what Orbis has done in Vietnam, but what Vietnamese institutions and eye care professionals now lead themselves. Our role at Orbis is increasingly to support, convene, innovate, and accelerate that local leadership so progress continues long after the Flying Eye Hospital departs.”

“Around the world, Orbis is focused on creating lasting change by investing in people, institutions, technology, and local leadership,” said Kathleen Sherwin, President and CEO of Orbis International. “The Flying Eye Hospital is one part of that larger model—bringing intensive, hands-on training together with tools like Cybersight, artificial intelligence (AI), and research so local teams can continue improving care long after a project ends. Vietnam shows what is possible when long-term partnership helps proven solutions take root and scale.”

Building on decades of progress, Vietnam is emerging as a regional leader in eye health, with particular strengths in pediatric care, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, workforce development, and technology-enabled care. Its growing experience in AI-supported screening, implementation, research, and evidence generation can help inform eye health progress across the Asia-Pacific region.

FedEx, a long-time supporter of Orbis, and a title sponsor for this Flying Eye Hospital project in Vietnam, donated the MD-10 aircraft that serves as the Flying Eye Hospital and continues to provide essential logistical, financial, and operational support. Volunteer pilots from FedEx fly the aircraft to its destinations around the globe. FedEx is represented on the Orbis International Board of Directors.

“At FedEx, we believe that connecting people goes beyond delivering packages – it is about creating opportunities and helping communities thrive,” said Ee-Hui Tan, managing director of FedEx Vietnam and Cambodia. “We are proud to support the return of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital to Vietnam. Together with Orbis, we are investing in the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals, helping strengthen Vietnam’s eye care system so more patients can access quality care closer to home.”

Underscoring Orbis’s commitment to high-quality training and patient care, QUAD A, a nonprofit accreditation organization, works with Orbis to ensure that the Flying Eye Hospital meets rigorous standards that prioritize patient safety.

Over the past 30 years, Orbis has supported the training of more than 40,000 eye care professionals and helped expand access to care for millions of people across Vietnam. Today, Vietnamese institutions and professionals are increasingly leading innovation and delivering high-quality care independently, demonstrating the impact of sustained investment in local capacity, technology, and systems change.

Looking ahead, Orbis will continue working with partners across Vietnam to scale proven solutions through workforce development, technology, Cybersight, AI-supported screening, research, and stronger health systems—so that more people can receive quality eye care closer to home.

Orbis in Vietnam

Since beginning work in Vietnam in 1996, Orbis has worked alongside government partners, hospitals, and training institutions to expand access to quality eye care and build sustainable local capacity. Cumulative impact includes:

More than 40,000 eye care professionals trained.More than 5.2 million people reached with eye care services.More than 139,000 sight-saving surgeries supported.17 retinopathy of prematurity centers supported.12 vision centers strengthened to bring care closer to communities.National clinical guidelines supported across priority eye health areas.Cybersight and AI-supported screening deployed to expand training, consultation, and early detection.

This work has supported national clinical guidelines, stronger referral pathways, improved treatment outcomes, and new models of care in areas including retinopathy of prematurity, pediatric eye care, school eye health, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

As the partnership continues, Orbis and its partners are focused on scaling proven solutions through workforce development, technology, Cybersight, AI, research, and stronger health systems—so that everyone can access quality eye care closer to home.

About Orbis International

Orbis International works around the world to prevent blindness and restore sight for children and adults in places where eye care is out of reach—so vision problems don’t make it harder to learn, earn a living, or enjoy life. Around 1.1 billion people live with vision loss, but with the right care, 90% of it is completely avoidable. That is why Orbis trains doctors, nurses, and other eye care professionals to provide care in their own communities—and works to make sure people of all ages can access the eye exams, glasses, medicine, and surgeries they need to protect and restore their sight. Orbis began this work more than 40 years ago with the Flying Eye Hospital, a teaching hospital on a plane that brings expert training and care where they’re needed most. Today, we also work with local hospitals and clinics across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to make eye care available to more people, and we use and develop technology—like our award-winning Cybersight e-learning and telehealth platform, artificial intelligence screening, and virtual reality training—to help eye care teams treat patients more effectively. Orbis ranks in the top 3% of U.S. charities, having earned top marks for transparency and accountability from Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Better Business Bureau. To learn more, please visit orbis.org

About FedEx Corp.

FedEx Corp. provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services. With annual revenue of $92 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions utilizing its flexible, efficient, and intelligent global network. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 500,000 employees to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards, and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit fedex.com/about.

Media Contacts

Orbis Vietnam
Nhung Nguyen
Communications Officer
Nhung.nguyen@orbis.org
+84 0904562983

Orbis International
Jenna Montgomery
Interim Lead, Global Communications and Marketing
Jenna.montgomery@orbis.org

FedEx
Heather Harshbarger
Communications Advisor
+1 901-690-9869

 

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In HelloNation, Property Management Expert Karen Nolan Explains What Property Managers Do for Landlords

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The article outlines how property management services support landlords through tenant screening, maintenance, and lease enforcement.

MENIFEE, Calif., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What do property managers actually do for landlords in Menifee, CA? HelloNation has published an article that provides clear answers and practical insight into the full scope of property management services.

 

The HelloNation article explains that a property manager handles far more than rent collection. Property management services begin with marketing vacancies and attracting qualified renters in Menifee, CA. The article explains how tenant screening plays a central role in protecting landlords by carefully evaluating applicants and reducing the risk of future issues.

According to the article, tenant screening helps ensure that each tenant meets financial and behavioral expectations. This step supports stable occupancy and reduces turnover, which is critical for any landlord managing property in Menifee, CA. Property Management Experts note that consistent tenant screening also helps maintain the long-term value of rental properties.

Once tenants are placed, the article outlines how a property manager becomes the main point of contact. Property management services include responding to tenant concerns, handling communication, and enforcing leases. By managing these responsibilities, the property manager allows the landlord to avoid direct disputes and maintain professional distance.

The article emphasizes that lease enforcement is essential to protecting both the property and the agreement. Property managers monitor compliance with lease terms and address violations when necessary. This structured approach helps landlords in Menifee, CA, maintain order and consistency across their rental properties.

Maintenance is another major focus of property management services. The article explains that property managers coordinate maintenance and oversee property repairs to keep homes safe and functional. While they may not perform repairs themselves, they manage vendors, schedule work, and respond to urgent issues quickly.

The article notes that timely maintenance and property repairs prevent small issues from becoming larger and more expensive problems. This proactive approach supports tenant satisfaction while preserving the property’s condition. Property Management Experts highlight that consistent maintenance planning is a key benefit for any landlord.

Beyond daily operations, the HelloNation article describes the administrative side of property management services. A property manager prepares leases, maintains records, and ensures compliance with local and state regulations in Menifee, CA. This includes staying informed about legal requirements that affect landlords and rental properties.

Financial oversight is also part of the role. The article explains that property managers handle rent collection, manage deposits, and provide regular financial reporting. These services give landlords a clear understanding of property performance without requiring constant involvement.

For landlords who own multiple properties or live outside Menifee, CA, the article highlights the value of professional property management services. A property manager helps streamline operations, coordinate maintenance, and ensure that lease enforcement and tenant screening are handled consistently. This reduces stress while improving efficiency.

The article concludes that understanding the full role of a property manager helps landlords make informed decisions about their level of involvement. With responsibilities that include tenant screening, maintenance, lease enforcement, and property repairs, property management services offer a comprehensive solution for effectively managing rental properties.

What Do Property Managers Actually Do for Landlords in Menifee features insights from Karen Nolan, Property Management Experts of Menifee, California, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content with storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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