Technology

The Week in Canadian Press Releases: 10 Stories You Need to See

Published

1 year ago

March 28, 2025

A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from Cision Distribution this week

TORONTO, March 28, 2025 /CNW/ – With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on Cision. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week’s most newsworthy and popular releases, here’s a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn’t be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

Porter Airlines, BMO and Mastercard Launch First Canadian Credit Card Program Granting Immediate Airline Loyalty Benefits
Porter Airlines, BMO and Mastercard are announcing the launch of two new BMO VIPorter Mastercard credit cards – creating the first and only travel credit card program in Canada that grants immediate frequent flyer benefits for cardholders in an airline’s loyalty program, while enabling accelerated travel rewards. More than 30,000 people have joined the pre-launch waitlist since the program was announced in January 2025 as Canadians seek more choice and benefits from their travel credit cards.BLUE ANT MEDIA ANNOUNCES GO PUBLIC TRANSACTION BY WAY OF REVERSE TAKEOVER OF BOAT ROCKER MEDIA
Blue Ant Media Inc. (“Blue Ant” or “The Company”), a privately owned company controlled by Michael MacMillan, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Blue Ant will go-public via a reverse take-over (the “RTO” or the “Transaction”) of Boat Rocker Media Inc. (“BRMI”) (TSX: BRMI). Blue Ant is a global media company with interconnected operations spanning content creation and acquisition, rights management, international distribution, streaming, broadcasting, consumer shows, and connected TV ad sales.Fraser Institute News Release: Albertans contributed $53.6 billion more to CPP then retirees in Alberta received from it from 1981 to 2022
“Albertan workers have been helping to fund the retirement of Canadians from coast to coast for decades, and Canadians ought to know that without Alberta, the Canada Pension Plan would look much different,” said Tegan Hill, director of Alberta policy at the Fraser Institute and co-author of Understanding Alberta’s Role in National Programs, Including the Canada Pension Plan. From 1981 to 2022, Alberta workers contributed 14.4 per cent (on average) of the total CPP premiums paid—Canada’s compulsory, government-operated retirement pension plan—while retirees in the province received only 10.0 per cent of the payments. BOAT ROCKER MEDIA SIGNS DEFINITIVE AGREEMENTS FOR A PROPOSED REVERSE TAKEOVER BY BLUE ANT MEDIA CONCURRENT WITH A MANAGEMENT BUYOUT OF BOAT ROCKER’S STUDIO BUSINESS
Boat Rocker Media Inc. (“BRMI” or the “Company”) (TSX: BRMI) announced today that it has entered into definitive agreements in respect of a transaction (the “Transaction”) pursuant to which Blue Ant Media Inc. (“Blue Ant”), a privately owned company controlled by Michael MacMillan, will go-public via a reverse take-over (the “RTO”) of BRMI, and BRMI will concurrently sell Boat Rocker Studios to a privately owned company controlled by BRMI Co-Founders and Co-Executive Chairmen, David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg, and BRMI CEO John Young (“IDJCo”).Air Canada’s New Café at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport Provides Domestic Customers Added Comfort and Hospitality
This opening is part of Air Canada’s broader investment in new, upgraded and expanded lounges planned for 2025 and beyond, further elevating the airport experience for its premium travellers. “We’ve created a premium experience tailored to the needs of our busiest customers, while celebrating the essence of Montréal’s vibrant café culture,” said Jacqueline Harkness, Managing Director, Product & Services at Air Canada. “Every detail of the Air Canada Café is designed for productivity and comfort, bringing together efficiency with the warmth and energy that make it a beloved product amongst our customers.” New report reveals contamination and tailings risks at Red Chris Mine: a cautionary tale for mining in Northwest B.C.
A new investigative report from SkeenaWild reveals contamination from the Red Chris Mine, highlighting concerns for future mining projects in the region and the urgent need for improved mining laws in BC. Northwest British Columbia is home to some of the world’s last wild salmon strongholds, but large-scale open-pit mining puts these vital ecosystems at risk. Operating for nearly a decade, the Red Chris Mine has released higher-than-expected levels of toxins like selenium and copper into surrounding lakes and creeks. The report documents physical destruction of fish habitat and risks associated with tailings dam failure—an event that could devastate critical fish habitat and endanger mine workers and communities downstream.Canadian Dental Care Plan expands to include millions of new eligible Canadians
Investing in Canadians’ health is key to building a stronger Canada. In its first year, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has significantly improved access to affordable dental care. More than 3.4 million Canadians were approved to be part of the plan, while 1.7 million have already received care. Today, the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Health, accompanied by the Honourable Ali Ehsassi, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Services and Procurement announced that all remaining eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64 years-old will be able to apply for the CDCP in May 2025; with coverage starting as early as June 1, 2025.CIBC becomes the first major Canadian bank to sign the federal generative AI code of conduct
CIBC has reinforced its commitment to responsible AI by becoming the first major Canadian bank to sign the Government of Canada’s Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems. This initiative highlights CIBC’s dedication to fostering ethical AI practices and promoting responsible innovation within the financial sector. As set out in the 2024 Sustainability Report, our AI governance foundation is built on our Trustworthy AI Principles, enforced through the CIBC Enterprise AI Framework, and supported by our robust AI Risk Assessment Process (AIRAP). In addition, we have AI governance committees consisting of Senior Executives as well as risk stakeholders across the bank.DOLLARAMA TO ACQUIRE AUSTRALIAN DISCOUNT RETAILER THE REJECT SHOP
Dollarama Inc. (TSX: DOL) (“Dollarama” or the “Corporation”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of The Reject Shop Limited (ASX: TRS) (“The Reject Shop”), the largest discount retailer in Australia, for an all cash consideration of A$6.68 per ordinary share (the “Transaction”), which values The Reject Shop’s ordinary share capital at approximately A$259 million (C$233 million1). The Transaction will be implemented by way of an Australian scheme of arrangement (the “Arrangement”). The Reject Shop Board of Directors unanimously recommends that The Reject Shop’s shareholders vote in favour of the Arrangement2.CORUS ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES START OF PRODUCTION ON HALLOWEEN BAKESHOP AND HOLIDAY BAKESHOP, HOSTED BY LAUREN ASH, FOR FLAVOUR NETWORK
Get ready for a sugar-fueled showdown as Corus Entertainment’s Flavour Network starts production on the new Canadian Original series Halloween Bakeshop (7×60) and Holiday Bakeshop (7×60). Hosted by actress and comedian Lauren Ash, these seasonal baking battles bring festive flair and fierce competition, with eight talented bakers competing for sweet victory and a $25,000 prize. Produced by Nikki Ray Media Agency in association with Corus Studios for Flavour Network, Halloween Bakeshop and Holiday Bakeshop are shooting in Toronto and slated to premiere in fall 2025.

Read more of the latest releases from Cision, see our resources for journalists, and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @cnwnews.

About Cision Canada

Cision is a comprehensive communications platform enabling more than 100,000 public relations and marketing professionals around the world to understand, influence and amplify their stories. As the market leader, Cision enables the next generation of communication professionals to strategically operate in the modern media landscape where company success is directly impacted by public opinion. Cision has offices in 24 countries through the Americas, EMEA and APAC, and offers a suite of best-in-class solutions, including Newswire, Brandwatch, Cision Communications Cloud® and Cision Insights. To learn more, visit www.cision.ca and follow @CisionCA on Twitter.

SOURCE Cision Canada

Technology

The Inner Circle acknowledges Colleen Reilly as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

Published

1 hour ago

April 24, 2026

PORT ST. JOE, Fla., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Colleen Reilly is honored as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Transforming Catering and Event Services in Northwest Florida.

Since 2015, Colleen Reilly has served as founder and CEO of Catering Connections, a company that has redefined catering in Northwest Florida’s beach communities through innovation, collaboration, and community focus. Guided by her motto “Just one call feeds them all,” Ms. Reilly established a unique model by partnering with local restaurants to showcase their specialties, fostering unity among businesses while providing clients with one-of-a-kind event experiences.

With over 15 years of industry expertise, Ms. Reilly specializes in coordinating weddings, family reunions, and corporate events, managing every detail from client consultation to menu planning and flawless execution. Her dedication to service has earned Catering Connections multiple recognitions, including the Couples Choice Award from WeddingWire from 2021 to 2025, the Best of Florida Award from 2022 to 2024, and the Lux Life Hospitality and Catering Award in 2023 and 2024.

Ms. Reilly’s career foundation includes an associate degree in paralegal studies, magna cum laude, from Volunteer State College, a reflection of her meticulous approach to detail and commitment to excellence. Beyond her business, she serves her community as a board member of the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership and as president of Friends of the Governor Stone Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving maritime heritage in Panama City. Her previous civic contributions include serving five years as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children within the legal system, and volunteering as a school chaperone for international student trips.

A leader who blends innovation with service, Ms. Reilly continues to grow Catering Connections while deepening her commitment to the local community. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to expanding her company’s impact, bringing people together, and creating meaningful experiences through food and fellowship.

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

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-inner-circle-acknowledges-colleen-reilly-as-a-pinnacle-professional-member-inner-circle-of-excellence-302753052.html

SOURCE The Inner Circle

Technology

Media Contributor Kianga Moore to Host Executive Media Roundtable On AI’s Transformational Impact in Retail

Published

1 hour ago

April 24, 2026

Leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint, and New Nexus Group to Explore Real-Time Decision-Making, Resilience, and Growth in a Volatile Market

NEW YORK, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As retailers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, supply chain volatility, and rapidly shifting consumer expectations, the upcoming convening of a high-level roundtable discussion will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the retail landscape in real time.

Moderated by Media Contributor Kianga Moore, to be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 11h00am (EST), the roundtable will bring together senior leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint and New Nexus Group to discuss how modern enterprise platforms are leveraging AI to drive agility, efficiency, and long-term resilience across the retail ecosystem.

The discussion will additionally focus on how AI is enabling retailers to respond dynamically to changing demand signals, optimize marketing investments, and strengthen interoperability across increasingly complex vendor and marketplace networks.

“Retailers today are operating in a constant state of disruption”, stated Kianga Moore. “This roundtable will explore how AI is not just a tool for efficiency, but a strategic asset for anticipating change and building more resilient, adaptive American enterprise.”

Key discussion topics will include remarks on how, for example, enterprise AI platforms are helping retailers respond instantly to fluctuations in consumer demand, pricing pressures, and external supply chain disruptions and the role of AI in enhancing interoperability across vendors, partners, and marketplaces to create more agile and resilient retail infrastructures in 2026.

Rob Gonda, Chief Technical Officer at Vendormint, stated that, “Interoperability is the backbone of modern retail. AI enables seamless communication between platforms, vendors, and marketplaces—turning fragmented systems into cohesive, responsive ecosystems that can adapt under pressure.”

Discussion topics will also include machine learning’s ability to optimize ad spend, improving personalization, and delivering measurable ROI while maintaining brand trust and regulatory compliance.

Eric Howerton, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AdFury.ai, added that,”AI is fundamentally changing how brands approach customer acquisition. By leveraging machine learning through fine-tuned, retail-specific agentic flows, we can not only optimize ad spend in real time, but we can also ensure messaging is personalized, compliant, and aligned with evolving consumer expectations.”

And indeed the roundtable will include discussions on how AI-powered predictive analytics can help businesses anticipate economic, technological, and geopolitical disruptions ahead—and plan accordingly.

Cheryl Yarbrough, Vice President of Partnerships at New Nexus Group added that, “Resilience in retail is no longer built in quarterly planning cycles-it’s built in real time. AI gives organizations the ability to identify disruptions before they cascade, pivot strategies before momentum is lost, and maintain continuity when the market moves faster than any human team can react alone.”

The roundtable will be held via Zoom TeleConference, with questions from the press and key stakeholders to follow opening remarks and a 30-minute Q&A between the moderator and the panelists.

For all media inquiries and to register to attend, please contact: Sam Amsterdam, Amsterdam Group Public Relations Inc. – Sam@AmsterdamGroup.net / +1 (202) 910-8349

Vendormint (https://vendormint.com)New Nexus Group (https://www.newnexusgroup.com)AdFury.ai (https://www.adfury.ai)

Samuel Amsterdam
Communications Counsel
Vendormint
samuelamsterdam@gmail.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/media-contributor-kianga-moore-to-host-executive-media-roundtable-on-ais-transformational-impact-in-retail-302753148.html

SOURCE Vendormint

Technology

Fairway Home Mortgage Earns Prestigious USA TODAY Top Workplaces Award For 6th Consecutive Year

Published

2 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Fairway CEO Steve Jacobson Named #1 Leadership Award Winner of Companies With 2500+ Employees

MADISON, Wis., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fairway Home Mortgage announced that it has earned the prestigious 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award. This is the sixth year in a row Fairway achieved this honor.

The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 40,500 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners at the National Awards Summit in Nashville. Watch the video of the event here.

“Being recognized with this award reflects Fairway’s commitment to bringing our people together face-to-face,” said Fairway’s CEO and Founder Steve Jacobson. “Companies are better when their people are around each other. People need each other and they learn from each other, and we’re very intentional about creating opportunities for in-person collaboration at Fairway.”

Jacobson demonstrated that in-person collaboration when he traveled to Knoxville this week with Fairway Senior Vice President Dan Richards to spend time with one of Fairway’s branches and their local real estate partners. “We engaged in real conversations about the market, discussed what people are seeing on the ground, and talked about how Fairway keeps showing up for clients,” said Richards. “It’s a reflection of the same hands-on approach that has defined Fairway’s culture for more than two decades.”

“To be named a Top Workplace for six consecutive years speaks to Fairway’s leadership, our mindset, and the empowerment of our staff,” said Fairway’s Chief People and Engagement Officer Julie Fry. “Our strength isn’t just what we offer employees. What sets a top workplace apart is the daily commitment to people—prioritizing connection, valuing contributions, and creating an environment where employees feel energized to serve because they feel valued first.”

The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance.

“Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization’s credibility and commitment to a people-first culture,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “This award, driven by real employee feedback, is more than just a recognition — it’s proof that your employees believe in the organization and its leadership. Job seekers and customers look for this trusted badge of credibility and excellence. It signals a company that values its people, and that kind of culture resonates in today’s competitive market”

About Fairway Home Mortgage
Madison, WI- and Carrollton, TX-based Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #2289) is a full-service mortgage lender licensed in all 50 states. Fairway is the #2 overall retail lender in the U.S.

About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.™
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fairway-home-mortgage-earns-prestigious-usa-today-top-workplaces-award-for-6th-consecutive-year-302753183.html

SOURCE Fairway Home Mortgage