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Strengthening clean power and infrastructure for British Columbia’s critical minerals advantage

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BURNABY, BC, May 11, 2026 /CNW/ – The Government of Canada is making smart strategic investments so we can put our mineral wealth to work and ensure all Canadians benefit from the resources beneath our feet. With world-class mineral deposits, clean hydroelectric power and strong partnerships with Indigenous Nations leadership, British Columbia is ready to build the infrastructure and value-chain capacity needed to level-up its mining potential and help secure Canada’s place in the global clean energy economy as an energy and mining superpower.

Today, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development, on behalf of the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, visited Nano One Materials’ Innovation Hub facility to highlight over $100 million for five projects based in British Columbia that will accelerate critical mineral development in the province’s planning, development and processing capacity across the country.

Through the First and Last Mile Fund, Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships Program and the Energy Innovation Program, Canada is supporting projects that will unlock economic opportunities and strengthen critical minerals development across British Columbia. These investments include:

Up to $50 million in approved funding to the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority to upgrade BC Hydro’s regional transmission system in support of Teck Resources’ Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension Project near Kamloops, British Columbia.Up to $44.2 million in conditionally approved funding to the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority to support expanded electricity transmission capacity for major mining developments in northwest British Columbia, including Newmont’s Red Chris copper mine expansion project and Seabridge’s KSM gold mining project.Up to $3 million to Nano One Materials for research, development and optimization of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) production, a critical input for electric vehicles, defence, aerospace and electronics.Up to $1.87 million in conditionally approved funding to Defense Metals Corp. to advance the development of a new 60-kilometre transmission line to the Wicheeda Rare Earth Elements Project mine site, along with upgrades to the service road connecting the mine to the highway.$900,000 to the Salish Sea Indigenous Guardians Association (SSIGA) to establish a critical minerals department within the Osoyoos Indian Band to support mineral expertise, Indigenous-led assessment and economic participation.$736,778 to Boney Creek Development Ltd. to advance pre-construction requirements for the Anyox Hydroelectric facility, enabling the generation of clean, renewable energy to support critical mineral development in northwest British Columbia.

These investments position British Columbia to lead the way in unlocking Canada’s full potential and in laying the groundwork for good jobs, clean power and long–term economic security for years to come.

Quotes

“British Columbia has world–class minerals, clean power and strong Indigenous leadership, and we are turning our critical mineral advantage into action. Today’s investments are strengthening transmission, supporting Indigenous communities and unlocking major projects across the province. This is about creating good jobs and opportunity for British Columbians while securing Canada’s place as a leader in the global clean-energy economy.”

The Honourable Randeep Sarai
Secretary of State for International Development

“Canada is moving faster, building smarter and thinking bigger about our critical minerals future. These projects represent exactly the kind of made-in-Canada leadership that will strengthen our supply chains, from the first mile of infrastructure to the last mile of getting minerals to market. By investing in clean power, transmission upgrades, Indigenous leadership and early-stage development, we are unlocking British Columbia’s full potential and creating the conditions for long-term economic security. This is how we build a resilient, sustainable and competitive critical minerals value chain right here in Canada.”

The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“BC Hydro has been a cornerstone of economic growth and sustainability in British Columbia — because one of our biggest competitive advantages is our clean, reliable and affordable electricity. This funding supports our ongoing work to expand our grid and deliver clean power to the critical minerals sector while keeping costs affordable for our customers.”

Charlotte Mitha
President and CEO, British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority

“This conditional funding approval represents an important milestone in advancing critical infrastructure planning for the Wicheeda REE Project. Securing access to clean, low-carbon hydroelectric power and optimizing transportation networks are key components in positioning Wicheeda as a strategically important domestic source of rare earth elements essential for clean energy technologies and modern transportation systems.”

Mark Tory
President and CEO, Defense Metals Corp.

“We are very grateful to NRCan and the Government of Canada for their ongoing support. This previously announced funding continues to support our efforts to advance sustainable, cost-competitive and scalable LFP processing technology alternatives, enhance our commercial offerings and strengthen resilient battery supply chain solutions for strategic partners and customers around the world.”

Dan Blondal
CEO and Founder, Nano One Materials Corp.

“When First Nations rights holders are supported with meaningful participation and informed decision making, we will have tangible changes that yield more collaborative and efficient processes for responsible project building. Instead of wasting resources to force processes through a mould, we are looking to build that mould together to develop critical minerals for the benefit of everyone.”

Marian Ngo
Executive Director, Salish Sea Indigenous Guardians Association (SSIGA) 

“On the anniversary of the Nisga’a Treaty, Boney Creek is pleased to advance sustainable electricity generation with our partner Anyox Hydroelectric, supporting responsible natural resource development of national importance. We are proud to lead projects that create shared value for all three signatories to the Treaty: the Nisga’a Nation, the Province of British Columbia and Canada. We look forward to continued collaboration with all parties to navigate the path to commercial operations and to help establish a resilient, sustainable foundation for the natural resource sector in northwest B.C.”

Tristan Walker
President, Massif Energy (Boney Creek Development Ltd.)

Quick Facts

Canada produces over 60 minerals and metals and already produces or has the potential to produce all 34 critical minerals identified on our Critical Minerals List.British Columbia produces copper, molybdenum, zinc and magnesium, with 13 additional critical minerals in development. In 2024, the sector generated $5.7 billion in production, supported over 1,100 companies, $4.2 billion in exploration spending and more than 20,000 jobs.The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy aims to advance the development of these resources and related value chains. Between the launch of the Strategy in 2022 and 2024, domestic production of critical minerals in Canada has increased by more than ten percent for nine critical minerals: aluminum, graphite, lithium, magnesium (magnesite), molybdenum, niobium, platinum group metals, scandium and uranium.

Related Products

News release (March 3, 2026): Government of Canada invests to unlock Canada’s critical minerals advantage Backgrounder (March 3, 2026): Government of Canada invests to unlock Canada’s critical minerals advantage

Associated Links

Canadian Critical Minerals StrategyFirst and Last Mile Fund (FLMF)Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships Program (INRP)Energy Innovation Program

Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn.

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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Rocket Money’s Rowan Rewrites What AI Can Do in Personal Finance

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Rocket Money’s new AI financial assistant, developed with Anthropic, takes money management out of apps and dashboards and puts it into conversational texts

DETROIT, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rocket Money, part of Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT), today launched Rowan, an AI agent that goes beyond analysis, monitoring consumer’s finances and even acting on their behalf, all through simple text messaging.

Rocket Money’s AI financial assistant puts management into conversational texts.

Powered by Anthropic, Rowan watches spending around the clock. When it spots a way to save, it sends a text. The consumer replies in plain language and Rowan handles the rest. It can renegotiate recurring bills, cancel subscriptions and even create automated savings transfers.  

Most personal finance apps are passive, showing a dashboard that leaves the real work up to the consumer. Rowan does the work for them.

“What we’ve built with Rowan wasn’t possible even 12 months ago,” said Aaron Dignan, VP of Agentic Products at Rocket Money. “It finds the money slipping through the cracks, the forgotten subscriptions, the bills that creep up, and it actually does something about them. That’s the difference between knowing and acting.”

Rowan is built on a sophisticated stack of AI agents trained with Rocket Money data. The result is something unprecedented: a system that monitors your finances, applies advanced reasoning, and proactively engages to give you knowledge and control over your personal finances. Rowan identifies opportunities and executes complex tasks in the real world based on your instructions.

Consider a client that signs up for a free month of streaming that then goes unused.  Rowan doesn’t forget, three weeks later it will send a text asking the consumer if they are enjoying the service or if they would like to cancel before incurring a charge.  If the member replies “cancel” Rowan contacts the service, cancels the trial and confirms when it is done. One word, no logging in, no lengthy conversations and no hold music.

Maybe someone wants to save money while still enjoying their morning coffee. They simply text Rowan: “Every time I buy a coffee, round up to the nearest dollar and put the extra change in my high-yield savings account.” Rowan sets up the process. From that moment forward, every coffee purchase triggers an automatic rounding and transfer.

That is a monumental leap from passive to proactive financial management, going from “here’s what you spent” to “here’s how I can help.”

The system is also constantly improving. When Rowan encounters something unexpected, such as a subscription service with an unusual cancellation flow, it learns. It diagnoses the issue, finds a solution and deploys it across the entire system. Each edge case solved becomes a permanent improvement for every consumer.

“This architecture moves us from ‘this is cool’ to ‘this is incredibly powerful and can help me maximize my money,” said Chase Adams, VP of AI Engineering at Rocket Money. “We built it with adaptable agents where you need flexibility and strict code where you need certainty, and our team is engaged throughout to provide human verification.”

Rowan is available to select Rocket Money subscribers now as part of a new Premium Plus tier, with broader availability coming later this year.

ABOUT ROCKET MONEY

Rocket Money is a personal finance app designed to help people manage their money, track spending, monitor subscriptions, build savings, and improve their overall financial health. Originally founded as Truebill and acquired by Rocket Companies in 2021, Rocket Money helps users understand where their money is going, identify opportunities to save, manage recurring expenses, track net worth and credit, and take action through features such as subscription management, budgeting, bill negotiation, automated savings, and Rowan, its AI-powered financial agent. Rocket Money is part of Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT), a Detroit-based fintech platform company.

For more information, please visit www.rocketmoney.com.

ABOUT ROCKET COMPANIES

Founded in 1985, Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT) is a Detroit-based fintech platform including mortgage, real estate and personal finance businesses: Rocket Mortgage, Redfin, Rocket Close, Rocket Money and Rocket Loans. With insights from more than 160 million calls with clients each year, 30 petabytes of data and a mission to Help Everyone Home, Rocket Companies is well positioned to be the destination for AI-fueled homeownership. Known for providing exceptional client experiences, J.D. Power has ranked Rocket Mortgage #1 in client satisfaction for primary mortgage origination and mortgage servicing a total of 23 times, the most of any mortgage lender.

For more information, please visit www.rocket.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rocket-moneys-rowan-rewrites-what-ai-can-do-in-personal-finance-302859522.html

SOURCE Rocket Money

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Veridian Credit Union launches Money Moves to help members build financial confidence, achieve goals

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WATERLOO, Iowa, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Veridian Credit Union has launched Money Moves, a new financial empowerment program designed to help members build confidence, strengthen financial habits and take meaningful steps toward their financial goals.

The program combines financial education, personalized coaching and financial incentives to help participants increase savings, improve credit and reduce debt. Through one-on-one guidance and practical tools, Monday Moves helps participants create a personalized plan that works for their unique circumstances and long-term goals.

“Financial success should be within reach for everyone,” said Ana Hernandez Eveland, Veridian’s Financial Empowerment Strategist. “Money Moves is about meeting people where they are and giving them the guidance, resources and encouragement they need to move forward with confidence. Whether someone is focused on building savings, improving credit or paying down debt, we’re here to help them take the next step.”

Participants who successfully complete the program may qualify for a $250 matching incentive that can be used toward a secured credit card, starter certificate of deposit or debt repayment, helping reinforce the financial progress they make during the program.

Money Moves is free to attend, though advance registration is required. Individual sessions begin mid-September in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Omaha, and Oct. 1 in Des Moines. Details are available at veridiancu.org/moneymoves.

Founded in 1934, Veridian Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative dedicated to improving the financial well-being of its members. With 32 branches across Iowa, eastern Nebraska and the Twin Cities metro area, Veridian provides a full range of personal and business financial services desigened to help members build confidence and reach their goals. As a not-for-profit credit union, Veridian returns value to its members through competitive products, trusted guidance and a commitment to helping people ahcieve lasting financial success.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veridian-credit-union-launches-money-moves-to-help-members-build-financial-confidence-achieve-goals-302859521.html

SOURCE Veridian Credit Union

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Cresset Expands to Boca Raton, Welcomes $4 Billion Advisory Team

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Led by Michael Bober and Ed Ventrice, the team previously managed approximately $4 billion in client assets at UBS and has deep connections to the Boca Raton community

BOCA RATON, Fla., Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cresset announced today that it is expanding to Boca Raton, Fla., with the addition of a 16-person advisory team led Michael Bober, and Ed Ventrice. The team previously managed approximately $4 billion in client assets for UBS. The team also includes Michael MacDonald, William “Billy” Marino, Sarah Ponczek, and Alex Santos.

Bober and Ventrice each bring more than three decades of experience advising corporate executives, business owners, high-net-worth individuals, multigenerational families, foundations and endowments, and professional athletes. Together with their team, they specialize in comprehensive wealth management, institutional consulting, business succession planning, and addressing the complex needs of families with significant wealth.

Prior to joining Cresset, Bober and Ventrice both served as Managing Directors with UBS Financial Services. Before transitioning to wealth management, each worked as a Certified Public Accountant with a national accounting firm. Their accounting backgrounds have helped shape the team’s integrated approach to wealth management and its focus on delivering coordinated advice across every aspect of a client’s financial life.

“We are excited to join Cresset and gain access to the breadth of resources and capabilities available through its independent, client- and employee-owned model. Cresset’s family office approach closely aligns with how we have always believed wealth should be managed—with a comprehensive, long-term perspective that extends well beyond investment management,” Ventrice said.

Cresset offers a comprehensive suite of family office services designed to address the interconnected needs of individuals and families with significant wealth. Its capabilities span investment management, private markets, tax preparation and planning, estate and trust services, business succession planning, property and casualty insurance advisory, and philanthropic planning for families, foundations, and endowments. Cresset also provides access to medical and travel concierge services through its expansive network, helping clients coordinate support across their financial and personal lives.

“Joining Cresset represents an exciting next chapter for our team and our clients. Cresset has built an exceptional platform around an integrated approach to wealth management, and we look forward to offering our clients those capabilities while continuing to provide the highly personal advice and service they expect,” Bober said.

“We are also proud to continue serving the Boca Raton community we know so well and to build upon the relationships we have developed here over many years,” Ventrice added.

Cresset’s open-architecture, multi-custodial model provides clients with access to leading custodians. This flexibility, combined with Cresset’s extensive wealth management and family office capabilities, allows advisory teams to deliver highly customized solutions based on each client’s specific needs.

“We are thrilled to expand our presence in South Florida to Boca Raton. Michael, Ed, and team have deep and longstanding relationships throughout the Boca Raton community, and we are honored to welcome them to Cresset and look forward to introducing more successful families to Cresset’s comprehensive family office offerings,” said Cresset CEO Susie Cranston

About Cresset
Cresset is a firm built by clients, for clients. As an independent, award-winning* multi-family office and private investment firm, we are reimagining the way wealth is experienced. Our purpose is to help ensure that both wealth and life are fully optimized**—integrated, intentional, and aligned with each client’s vision of success.

We provide access to the caliber of talent, ideas, and investment opportunities typically available to the largest single-family offices and institutions. Our approach is personalized, entrepreneurial, and client-first.

Proudly owned by our clients and employees, Cresset was built to endure. We are creating a 100+ year firm—one focused on delivering an exceptional experience, not only for the families we serve but for the team that serves them. Recognized by Barron’s and Forbes among the nation’s top multi-family offices,* Cresset is guided by long-term relationships, shared success, and a belief that wealth should serve a life well lived.

*Disclosures related to awards, recognitions, and rankings available here. Forbes Top RIA Firms (issued 10.2025). Based on data from April of the prior year through March of the award year. Rankings are determined by SHOOK Research using a proprietary methodology that considers qualitative and quantitative factors. Barron’s Top 100 RIA Firms (issued 09.2025). Based on data from July of the prior year through June of the award year. Rankings are determined using a proprietary methodology that considers qualitative and quantitative factors. Cresset paid a licensing fee to use the Forbes and Barron’s award logos.

**Wealth Optimized, Life Elevated refers to the firm’s philosophy and process in providing advisory and planning services and is not intended to convey a guarantee of results. 

Cresset refers to Cresset Capital Management, LLC and its respective direct and indirect subsidiaries and controlled affiliates. For a full list of Cresset subsidiaries and controlled affiliates, please see cressetcapital.com/disclosures/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cresset-expands-to-boca-raton-welcomes-4-billion-advisory-team-302859530.html

SOURCE Cresset

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