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Government of Canada invests $15 million in Xona Space Systems Canada

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Project will advance Canada’s next-generation satellite navigation capabilities and deliver on dual-use objectives under Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 20, 2026 /CNW/ — Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced a $15 million investment through the Strategic Response Fund to advance Xona Space Systems Canada, Inc.’s $64.8 million project to establish a mission operations and space systems development and manufacturing centre in Montréal, Quebec. In an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, the Government of Canada is rebuilding and reinvesting in our defence industrial base and expanding our sovereign space capabilities.

The new centre will be a Canadian hub for mission operations, satellite systems development and advanced manufacturing. This project will build up domestic advanced manufacturing and space capabilities and will enable the long-term deployment, operation and commercialization of Pulsar, a commercial, high-performance low Earth orbit–based positioning, navigation and timing system. Through this project, Xona will expand its operations in Montréal, creating approximately 126 highly skilled jobs and adding manufacturing capacity, mission control facilities, specialized testing infrastructure and engineering expertise to Canada’s domestic defence supply chain. As emerging threats and technologies change, these crucial sovereign capabilities will enhance Canada’s ability to operate effectively and securely in the Arctic.

The Government of Canada is changing how it invests in defence. By supporting companies like Xona, it is investing in the dual-use defence technologies that are critical to strengthening our economic and national security and creating good jobs at home. Through Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy and the Positioning, Navigation and Timing Resilience Framework, the government is rebuilding our sovereign industrial capabilities in key space technology areas and reinforcing a resilient industrial ecosystem that creates high-paying careers across the supply chain and serves both commercial innovation and national security needs.

Quotes

“Canada’s future depends on investing in the industries that underpin our economic and national security. By supporting Xona Space Systems Canada, our government is investing in the advanced space capabilities we need to strengthen our security, helping create jobs in Canada and building a more resilient defence industrial base. Investing in a strong Canadian space industry is fundamental to building a strong, sovereign and secure Canada, for all Canadians.”
– The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“Canada has what the world wants, and Montréal is well placed to help position our country as a global leader in next-generation satellite navigation technologies. Our investment to expand Xona Space Systems Canada in our community will create highly skilled jobs that advance innovation and build Canada strong.”
– The Honourable Anna Gainey, Secretary of State (Children and Youth) and Member of Parliament for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce–Westmount

“Becoming a global leader in navigation requires building a manufacturing, engineering and operational backbone that grows with our service. Expanding our footprint in Montréal creates new industrial capability in Canada and an important new node to Xona’s operational resilience, giving us more capacity to build, operate and evolve Pulsar to become the most trusted satellite navigation service for users around the world.”
– Tyler Reid, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Xona

Quick facts

Incorporated in 2019, Xona Space Systems Canada, Inc. is a space technology company that specializes in developing next-generation positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technologies.Pulsar is designed to complement existing global navigation satellite systems, such as GPS and Galileo, by providing more secure, accurate and resilient PNT services, particularly in environments where traditional satellite navigation systems are weak or unavailable. The technology supports transportation, defence, telecommunications, critical infrastructure, emergency response and Arctic operations.The project will strengthen Canada’s capabilities in satellite operations, advanced manufacturing, resilient navigation technologies and the domestic space supply chain.The Strategic Response Fund supports large-scale, transformative projects that strengthen Canada’s industrial capabilities, improve economic resilience and support innovation in strategically important sectors.In 2024, Canada’s space sector contributed $3.8 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP). The global space economy is forecast to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2035.

Associated links

Xona Space SystemsStrategic Response FundCanada’s Defence Industrial StrategyCanada’s Positioning, Navigation and Timing Resilience Framework

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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