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Advancing Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy to Strengthen Supply Chains and Global Competitiveness at PDAC 2025

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TORONTO, March 5, 2025 /CNW/ – Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, concluded his participation at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada 2025 Convention in Toronto, Ontario. The Convention was an opportunity for the Government of Canada to showcase the progress made in the critical minerals sector since launching the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy in 2022. Canada is proud to highlight the momentum from various levels of government and the private sector to expand Canadian critical mineral production and exports while addressing growing demand and reducing global reliance on non-aligned countries.

At the Convention, Minister Wilkinson announced:

Up to $50 million to advance work under the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy to support infrastructure development, innovation and data collection while partnering with Indigenous communities on the engagement, participation and capacity building needed to achieve Canada’s potential as a world leader in sustainable and responsibly sourced critical minerals.The official launch of the second CFP under the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund, with over $500 million in available funding for clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects to enable the sustainable development and expansion of critical minerals production in Canada.A proposed extension of the 15-percent Mineral Exploration Tax Credit for investors in flow-through shares until March 31, 2027.

Together, these investments, among others, will help expand critical mineral resources in Canada, boost economic growth, reduce emissions by advancing clean technologies and advance Indigenous economic participation while creating jobs for Canadians.  

These announcements came as Minister Wilkinson also met again with his provincial and territorial counterparts to ramp up their joint efforts for supporting Canada’s resource industries against the new tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States. Minister Wilkinson and his fellow provincial and territorial ministers for energy and mining agreed their Team Canada approach to U.S. protectionism must include getting good resource projects built faster while continuing to advance environmental protections and Indigenous collaboration, as well as strengthening Canada’s supply chains, energy security and infrastructure and pursuing new markets, both at home and abroad. 

Through keynote addresses and participation in roundtables with industry leaders, government officials and international partners, the Minister shared Canada’s vision for the critical minerals sector, highlighted the important strides we are taking to build Canada’s supply chains and addressed the gaps we need to close to ensure success at home and on the world stage. The Minister participated in roundtables with industry partners where he reiterated the need to accelerate and increase Canadian production and supply of critical minerals and discussed possible solutions to trade barriers, infrastructure deficits and government supports. He highlighted the vital importance of critical minerals in national and continental security. He also met with financial institutions and industry stakeholders on attracting the capital investment needed to get projects built for the continued development of Canada’s critical mineral value chains.

Minister Wilkinson met with several international partners on the margins of the Convention on Canada’s critical mineral potential, expanding global market access and strengthening energy security for allied countries. Also in these discussions, he reiterated that Canada’s G7 presidency will focus on demonstrating our leadership and advancing meaningful dialogue, collective action and innovative solutions for the benefit of all peoples.

Lastly, at the Convention, the Minister signed the Collaboration Arrangement on Critical Minerals and Mining Sustainability with Argentina, which aims to make mining more sustainable by improving funding tools, tax policies, environmental and social standards, technology and workforce development. In addition, the Minister met with his counterpart from the Netherlands, with whom he discussed ways to increase collaboration on critical minerals and hydrogen, with a special focus on investment opportunities to grow Canada’s critical minerals market in Europe.

Global demand for critical minerals is steadily increasing as countries move assertively to secure the resources that they need to power the economy of the future — including semiconductors and processing chips, batteries and clean energy technologies, and much more. Throughout the Convention, Minister Wilkinson reiterated that Canada is the ideal country for strategic investments. Canada is uniquely positioned to be a reliable supplier for sustainable and responsibly sourced critical mineral around the world, with over 60 minerals and metals produced, including nickel, lithium, potash, aluminium, steel and uranium. By developing and expanding critical mineral value chains — from mining and processing to manufacturing and recycling — Canada can create good jobs for Canadian workers and businesses, support economic opportunities, bolster its energy security and contribute to a resilient and secure future. 

 Quotes 

“Canadian energy is poised to prosper thanks to federal investments in critical minerals and collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous and industry partners. Since launching the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy in 2022, this federal government has made over $700 million in investments and catalyzed a 15% increase in the production of key critical minerals – just 5% away from our target of 20% by 2030. In tumultuous times, our mining industry has successfully risen to the challenge of strengthening our supply chains, meeting the ever-increasing international demand for critical minerals, and securing Canadian energy independence. The investments and initiatives announced at PDAC 2025 will help Canada maintain its status as a global leader in the critical minerals space, in a world where they are in greater demand than ever before – and where our future economy and national secure depends on our ability to secure our resources and market them effectively.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources 

Canada is a mining nation, and as such is a world leader in the sustainable and responsible management of our mineral resources. As the demand for critical minerals and the clean energy and technologies they enable increases, our high environmental, social and governance standards and the expertise of our workforce will be critical advantages in the low-carbon economy of the future. And by partnering with our international allies to advocate for responsible mining practices around the world, we are ensuring that the materials we need to lower emissions and ensure a prosperous economy are sourced in a manner that protects our planet.”

Marc G. Serré
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and to the Minister of Official Languages

Quick Facts 

The annual PDAC Convention is one of the biggest mineral exploration and mining conventions in the world. This year’s convention hosted over 27,000 attendees from over 135 countries from the world’s mineral industry.During the Convention, Minister Wilkinson met with dignitaries from the Netherlands and Argentina and signed one bilateral arrangement.At a meeting with provincial and territorial mines ministers, Minister Wilkinson and his counterparts shared perspectives on the strategic and economic importance of critical minerals, trade and investment.During a Roundtable on Critical Minerals Financing with the TMX Group, Minister Wilkinson examined opportunities for greater capital investment attracting to advance the development of Canada’s critical mineral value chains.During an Industry Roundtable on Accelerating Canadian Production and Supply, Minister Wilkinson brought industry leaders together to discuss options to facilitate increased Canadian production and supply of critical minerals, including barriers to trade, infrastructure deficits, government supports and other key pressure points.At the Canada-U.S. Roundtable on Critical Minerals for Defence Supply Chains, Minister Wilkinson discussed opportunities for closer Canada-U.S. collaboration on critical mineral value chains for defence applications — given that Canadian critical minerals are vital to our continental security — with U.S. government counterparts, Canadian mining executives and U.S. defence companies.At the 10th International Mines and Ministers Summit, organized by PDAC and the World Economic Forum, Minister Wilkinson engaged with international mines Ministers, industry and leaders from key non-governmental organizations to discuss accelerating mineral discoveries and production.

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Canada’s Critical Minerals StrategyPrograms and funding for critical minerals projectsTax incentives for mining and exploration

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Russell E. Jones as a Pinnacle Professional Member

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CHANDLER, Ariz., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Russell E. Jones is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for his contributions to Pioneering Innovation in Software Engineering and Communications.

With over three decades of experience in software engineering and software quality engineering, Russell E. Jones continues to lead transformative innovations in the field of communications as the Executive Director of Integration, Verification, and Validation at Iridium Communications Inc.. Since stepping into this role in 2021, Mr. Jones has overseen critical processes that ensure the seamless integration and functionality of the company’s sophisticated communication systems.

His promotion to this key leadership position followed a successful tenure as Director of SV Software Engineering at Iridium, where his leadership was pivotal in advancing the company’s technological capabilities. Before joining Iridium, Mr. Jones gained extensive experience in systems engineering and software testing through impactful roles at Motorola and Boeing, further solidifying his reputation as an innovator in the field.

Mr. Jones’s academic foundation includes an Associate of Arts in Electronics Technology (1990) and a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management (2001), both from DeVry University. These credentials have been instrumental in shaping his career, which has spanned satellite testing, systems engineering, and software integration.

Throughout his journey, Mr. Jones credits his family’s unwavering love and support and his mother and father’s influence for instilling the values of hard work and resourcefulness—traits that have been the cornerstone of his success.

Looking to the future, Mr. Jones is passionate about educating the next generation of engineers. His vision includes addressing educational gaps by teaching courses, presenting at conferences, and advocating for the inclusion of testing and integration in academic curricula. His goal is to inspire future leaders while continuing to contribute to the advancement of technology at Iridium.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

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Vision Marine Technologies Announces Next Phase of Its Marine Technology Strategy

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Company plans to leverage its integrated operating platform to support technology development, commercialization and long-term growth.

BOISBRIAND, QC, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR; TSXV: VMAR) (“Vision Marine” or the “Company”), a marine technology company combining proprietary high-voltage electric propulsion technology with an integrated marine retail, marina and service platform through Nautical Ventures, today announced the next phase of its long-term strategy to advance and commercialize marine technologies through its operating platform.

The initiative establishes a framework through which Vision Marine intends to pursue internal development, technology partnerships and selected strategic opportunities, which may include mergers or acquisitions, that complement its existing capabilities and relate to the recreational boating industry.

The initiative builds upon the strategy presented by Vision Marine in May 2026: connecting proprietary marine technology with direct retail distribution, vessel integration capabilities, marina infrastructure, service operations and established customer relationships.

Over the past year, Vision Marine has integrated and expanded the Nautical Ventures platform, commercially launched and begun customer deliveries of its E-Motion™ 180 high-voltage electric propulsion system, expanded its intellectual property portfolio, continued optimizing its real estate and operating structure, and completed its previously announced at-the-market equity offering program. As previously disclosed, the Company currently has no active ATM program.

As previously disclosed, net cash provided by operating activities totaled approximately US$2.4 million for the nine-month period ended May 31, 2026. This result was supported by working-capital management, including the reduction and monetization of inventory. Management believes this reflects its focus on operational discipline and capital efficiency. Net cash provided by operating activities is distinct from net income and should not be interpreted as profitability.

The Company intends to use its existing customer relationships, distribution channels and service infrastructure to evaluate and, where appropriate, commercialize complementary marine technologies.

By combining technology development and vessel integration with retail distribution, marina operations, service, rentals and direct customer engagement, Vision Marine intends to evaluate whether new technologies can be introduced and supported through its existing operations. Any such initiatives will remain subject to customer demand, technical development and integration requirements, operating costs, financing availability, market conditions, regulatory approvals and disciplined capital allocation. There can be no assurance that these initiatives will result in commercialization, additional revenue or anticipated financial benefits.

“We are not beginning from a concept. We are expanding from a platform that is already in operation,” said Alexandre Mongeon, Chief Executive Officer of Vision Marine. “Vision Marine now connects proprietary technology with vessel integration, retail distribution, marina infrastructure, service capabilities and direct customer access. Our objective is to use these capabilities to evaluate and, where appropriate, support the development and commercialization of complementary marine technologies.”

“Proprietary electric propulsion remains central to Vision Marine’s technology strategy,” continued Mongeon. “We intend to evaluate complementary technologies that could improve vessel integration, energy management, connectivity, serviceability and the overall ownership experience. Our objective is to strengthen our marine technology platform through internal development, strategic partnerships and carefully selected strategic opportunities, while maintaining disciplined capital allocation.”

Vision Marine intends to prioritize initiatives that it believes complement its existing platform and may provide commercial value. In evaluating potential opportunities, the Company will consider expected costs, technical and operational requirements, financing needs, integration risks and potential financial benefits. There can be no assurance that any initiative will expand recurring revenue, improve margins or strengthen cash generation.

This announcement does not constitute the announcement of any acquisition, merger or definitive transaction. There can be no assurance that any evaluation or discussion will result in a completed transaction. Any material transaction will be disclosed in accordance with applicable securities laws and the requirements of Nasdaq and the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Vision Marine Technologies Inc.

Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR; TSXV: VMAR) is a marine technology company specializing in high-voltage electric propulsion systems and recreational boating solutions. Its E-Motion™ electric powertrain technology is designed to provide a marine-specific, integration-ready propulsion solution for boat manufacturers. Through Nautical Ventures, Vision Marine also operates an integrated marine retail, marina, service and rental platform supporting both electric and internal-combustion recreational boating. For more information, visit visionmarinetechnologies.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding Vision Marine’s business strategy; the advancement and commercialization of marine technologies; internal development initiatives; potential technology partnerships, investments, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic opportunities; the anticipated use and potential benefits of the Company’s operating platform; the introduction and commercialization of complementary technologies; the potential expansion of recurring revenue; potential improvements in margins and cash generation; and the Company’s capital allocation priorities and long-term growth objectives.

Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as “expects,” “plans,” “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “continues,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “will” and similar expressions or variations of such words and phrases.

These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These factors include, without limitation, the Company’s ability to execute its business strategy; identify, negotiate, finance, complete and integrate potential strategic transactions; develop and commercialize new technologies; generate market acceptance for its products and services; improve operating performance and achieve profitability; manage liquidity, inventory and floor-plan financing requirements; realize anticipated benefits from the integration of Nautical Ventures; maintain relationships with manufacturers, suppliers and commercial partners; protect its intellectual property; comply with applicable regulatory and listing requirements; and respond to competition, economic conditions, capital-market volatility, supply-chain disruptions and changes affecting the recreational marine industry.

Additional risks and uncertainties are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, as amended, for the year ended August 31, 2025, and in its subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and on SEDAR+. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Vision Marine undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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SOURCE Vision Marine Technologies, Inc

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World-Renowned MAGURA USV Manufacturer UFORCE Partners with RECONCRAFT to Build Combat-Tested Autonomous Maritime Drones in the U.S.

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MAGURA family of drones, made exclusively by UFORCE, holds one of the most impactful and reliable combat records in modern maritime warfare, helping drive the Russian Navy from the Black Sea

LONDON and KYIV, Ukraine and WASHINGTON, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — UFORCE, the Ukraine-origin, UK-based autonomous systems defense technology company built to unify and scale the world’s most combat-proven unmanned platforms, today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with leading Special Operations combatant craft manufacturer RECONCRAFT, following a ceremony hosted by the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States.

UFORCE USA and RECONCRAFT are partnering to build the world’s most capable autonomous surface vessels as part of the Arsenal of Freedom. UFORCE has also entered the U.S. Drone Dominance competition and related programs in partnership with RECONCRAFT.

The initiative will be led by Sean Plankey, CEO of UFORCE USA. Plankey most recently served as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security, overseeing the United States Coast Guard, and was twice nominated by the President of the United States to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Through the partnership, UFORCE will work to make available to the United States its combat-proven full-stack aerial, maritime, and ground unmanned systems, advanced autonomy software, and command-and-control technologies.

The company’s MAGURA family of autonomous surface vessels holds one of the most impactful and reliable combat records in modern maritime warfare and contributed to the destruction of more than a dozen Russian warships in the Black Sea. UFORCE’s portfolio also includes the first autonomous surface vessel to successfully down manned helicopters and fighter aircraft in combat.

“Today’s combat environments show that autonomous warfighting capabilities are a must-have. UFORCE is exceptionally positioned to deliver capabilities already tested by some of the world’s most sophisticated militaries under the most demanding battlefield conditions,” said Oleg Rogynskyy, CEO of UFORCE. “Through this partnership with RECONCRAFT, these combat-proven capabilities will become available to the U.S., combining Ukrainian battlefield innovation with American manufacturing excellence.”

“This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when American manufacturing and combat-proven innovation come together,” said Sean Plankey, CEO of UFORCE USA. “Working with RECONCRAFT, we will help ensure these proven autonomous capabilities become available to the U.S. It’s exactly the kind of industrial partnership the Arsenal of Democracy is designed to enable.”

“RECONCRAFT is building multiple combatant craft platforms trusted by U.S. and Partner Special Operations Forces in the world’s most demanding environments,” said Joe Silkowski, Co-Founder of RECONCRAFT. “Partnering with UFORCE combines our manufacturing expertise and capabilities with the combat-proven autonomy of the MAGURA platform, allowing us to deliver greater capability to American warfighters faster than developing a new system from the ground up.”

About UFORCE

UFORCE USA is a U.S. based, wholly owned subsidiary of Ukrainian-origin defense technology operating company UFORCE, built to unify and scale the world’s most battle-proven autonomous systems. UFORCE unified nine leading Ukrainian defense technology developers and manufacturers into a single company, with registered in London and operations in Ukraine. By combining Ukrainian frontline innovation with Western capital, governance, and global distribution, UFORCE delivers next-generation autonomous defense capabilities to allied militaries. The company’s full-stack platform includes hardware systems spanning aerial, maritime and ground unmanned platforms, advanced autonomy software, and command-and-control solutions.

Media Contact: KekstCNC-UFORCE@kekstcnc.com

About RECONCRAFT

RECONCRAFT is the leading designer and manufacturer of combatant craft for U.S. and Foreign Partner forces.  RECONCRAFT’s global headquarters and primary manufacturing campus is located in the Portland, Oregon, area where the skilled team produces highly sophisticated vessels, manned and unmanned, between multiple Programs of Record.

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SOURCE UFORCE

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