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Eight organizations to join Canada’s voluntary AI code of conduct

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More organizations including Mastercard, Salesforce and Lenovo commit to the responsible development and management of advanced generative artificial intelligence systems

OTTAWA, ON, May 27, 2024 /CNW/ – Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology are benefiting society in many ways, including in improving supply chain management, enhancing health care and precision medicine, and helping tackle environmental sustainability challenges. These advances, however, have also reaffirmed the urgency of ensuring that AI systems, particularly advanced generative AI systems, are developed and managed safely.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced that eight more organizations have undertaken a voluntary commitment in support of the ongoing development of a robust, responsible AI ecosystem in Canada. The new signatories to the Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems are:

AlloprofKyndrylLenovoLevioMaRS Discovery DistrictMastercardOrganisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ)Salesforce

In signing on to the voluntary code, these organizations are pledging to apply the code to their operations when developing and managing advanced generative AI systems. They are joining the 22 other signatories that have committed to supporting the ongoing development of a robust, responsible AI ecosystem in Canada. In addition, Canada continues to engage in domestic and international discussions supporting the creation of common standards and safeguards for generative AI systems.

The code is based on the input received from a cross-section of stakeholders through these engagements and through the consultation on the development of a Canadian code of practice for generative AI systems. The government has published a summary of feedback received during the consultation.

The government continues to take a leadership role in AI, committing $2.4 billion in Budget 2024 to help secure Canada’s AI advantage. Measures include investing in compute capacity and infrastructure, accelerating responsible and safe AI adoption and deployment, and supporting workers through skills training.

Quotes

“Artificial intelligence is one of the greatest technological transformations of our age, and our government is committed to providing Canadians and Canadian businesses with the tools they need to thrive in this digital era. In undertaking the Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems, leading Canadian organizations continue to adopt responsible measures for advanced generative AI systems that will help build safety and trust well into the future as the technology grows.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Generative AI and traditional AI will unlock profound opportunities to enable solutions that benefit everyone. But, for this innovation to be sustainable and inclusive, people will need to trust it. And that starts with foundational practices that respect and protect individual rights and communities. At Mastercard, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of data and tech responsibility, and we believe Canada’s voluntary generative AI code of conduct is an important step forward in creating a unified framework for responsible data-driven innovation.”
Sasha Krstic, President, Mastercard, Canada

“We’ve seen how exploring and using artificial intelligence as a tool to support the real estate brokerage regulatory framework and its unique mission of protecting the public is paying off. In addition, our approach is helping to unleash the full potential of our employees by automating routine tasks. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s initiative in creating a code of conduct on artificial intelligence, to which the OACIQ adheres, demonstrates the importance of adopting an ethical approach in this field of innovation.”
– Nadine Lindsay, LL.B., ASC, C.Dir., Mediator, President and Chief Executive Officer, Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec

“The Government of Canada’s Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems is a significant step forward for the entire AI community and a strong commitment to AI stewardship. At MaRS, we are dedicated to upholding these standards to cultivate an ecosystem where innovation flourishes ethically and responsibly, ensuring that Canada continues to lead in safe and impactful AI advancements.”
–Alison Nankivell, Chief Executive Officer at MaRS Discovery District

“AI has the potential to enhance productivity and reshape entire industries for the benefit of humanity. Building that future will take a partnership between regulators, businesses, and civil society. We’re proud to sign Canada’s voluntary generative AI code of conduct as we collectively work towards instilling trust in the technology.”
–Eric Leob, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs at Salesforce

Quick facts

The Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems was launched in 2023.The Government of Canada has already taken significant steps toward ensuring that AI technology evolves responsibly and safely through the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), which was introduced in June 2022 as part of Bill C-27, also known as the Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022.AIDA is designed to promote the responsible design, development and use of AI systems in Canada’s private sector, with a focus on systems with the greatest impact on health, safety and human rights (high-impact systems).Since the introduction of Bill C-27, the government has engaged extensively with stakeholders on AIDA and will continue to seek the advice of Canadians, experts—including the government’s Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence—and international partners on the novel challenges posed by emerging AI technologies.Bill C-27 was adopted at second reading in the House of Commons in April 2023 and is currently being studied by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology.

Associated links

Securing Canada’s AI advantageConsultation on the development of a Canadian code of practice for generative artificial intelligence systemsMinister Champagne launches voluntary code of conduct relating to advanced generative AI systemsVoluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI SystemsNew laws to strengthen Canadians’ privacy protection and trust in the digital economyCanada’s Digital Charter and Bill C-27: Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022Artificial Intelligence and Data ActAdvisory Council on Artificial Intelligence

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Brightstar Lottery Receives Highest MSCI ESG Rating of AAA

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LONDON, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brightstar Lottery PLC (NYSE: BRSL) (“Brightstar”) announced that it received the highest MSCI ESG rating of AAA. This rating exemplifies Brightstar’s commitment to global sustainability leadership in managing ESG-related risks and opportunities. Brightstar received a perfect score for carbon emissions and high scores in the product safety and quality category.

“Receiving the MSCI AAA ESG rating in Brightstar’s first year as a pure-play lottery company highlights our commitment to making sustainability practices a priority throughout our business,” said Wendy Montgomery, Brightstar SVP, Branding, Communications and Sustainability. “This rating from MSCI serves as motivation to continue our work building a sustainable future where our people, our partners, and our planet can thrive.”

MSCI ESG Ratings measure a company’s resilience to long-term, industry-specific sustainability risks using a rules-based methodology. MSCI analysts research and rate companies on a ‘AAA’ (leader) to ‘CCC’ (laggard) scale based on their exposure to and management of these risks relative to peers.

MSCI Sustainability and Climate products and services are provided by MSCI Solutions LLC and certain related entities, and are designed to provide in-depth research, ratings and analysis of environmental, social and governance related business practices to companies worldwide. ESG ratings, data and analysis from MSCI Sustainability and Climate are also used in the construction of MSCI Indexes.

Brightstar received its MSCI ESG rating on March 23, 2026.

About Brightstar Lottery PLC
Brightstar Lottery PLC (NYSE: BRSL) is a global leader in lottery focused on innovation and forward-thinking strategies and solutions, building on our renowned expertise in delivering secure technology and producing reliable, comprehensive solutions for our customers. As a premier pure play global lottery company, our best-in-class lottery operations, retail and digital solutions, and award-winning lottery games enable our customers to achieve their goals, entertain players and distribute meaningful benefits to communities. Brightstar has a well-established local presence and is a trusted partner to governments and regulators around the world, creating value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. Brightstar serves nearly 90 lottery customers and their players on six continents. It is the primary technology provider to 26 of the 46 lottery jurisdictions in the U.S. and eight of the world’s 10 largest lotteries. Brightstar has approximately 6,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.brightstarlottery.com or follow along on LinkedIn.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning Brightstar Lottery PLC and its consolidated subsidiaries and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, products and services, customer relationships, results of operations, or financial condition, or otherwise, including specific sustainability goals, based on current beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, such management. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “shall,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project” or the negative or other variations of them. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company’s control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements and from past results, performance, or achievements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to) macroeconomic, regulatory and political uncertainty, including as a result of new or increased tariffs, trade wars, and other restrictions on trade between or among countries in which the Company operates, and related changes in discretionary consumer spending and behavior, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, and the other factors and risks described in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 20-F and other documents filed or furnished from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.brightstarlottery.com. Except as required under applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider these factors and other risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company’s business. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Contact:
Mike DeAngelis, Corporate Communications, +1 (401) 392-1000, mike.deangelis@brightstarlottery.com
Matteo Selva, Italian media inquiries, +39 366 6803635
James Hurley, Investor Relations, +1 (401) 392-7190

© 2026 Brightstar Lottery PLC

The trademarks and/or service marks used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Brightstar Lottery PLC, its affiliates or its licensors.

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SOURCE Brightstar Lottery PLC

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CNFinance Files Annual Report on Form 20-F for Fiscal Year 2025

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GUANGZHOU, China, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CNFinance Holdings Limited (NYSE: CNF) (“CNFinance” or the “Company”), a leading home equity loan service provider in China, today announced that it filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on April 30, 2026.

The annual report can be accessed on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.cashchina.cn as well as the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov

The Company will provide a hard copy of its annual report, free of charge, to its shareholders and ADS holders upon request. Requests should be directed to the Company’s IR Department at ir@cashchina.cn

About CNFinance Holdings Limited

CNFinance Holdings Limited (NYSE: CNF) (“CNFinance” or the “Company”) is a leading home equity loan service provider in China. CNFinance, through its operating subsidiaries in China, conducts business by connecting demands and supplies through collaborating with sales partners and trust companies under the trust lending model, and sales partners, local channel partners and commercial banks under the commercial bank partnership model. Sales partners and local channel partners are responsible for recommending micro- and small-enterprise (“MSE”) owners with financing needs to the Company and the Company introduces eligible borrowers to licensed financial institutions with sufficient funding sources including trust companies and commercial banks who will then conduct their own risk assessments and make credit decisions. The Company’s primary target borrower segment is MSE owners who own real properties in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities and other major cities in China. The Company’s risk mitigation mechanism is embedded in the design of its loan products, supported by an integrated online and offline process focusing on risks of both borrowers and collateral and further enhanced by effective post-loan management procedures.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cnfinance-files-annual-report-on-form-20-f-for-fiscal-year-2025-302758594.html

SOURCE CNFinance Holdings Limited

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Abram’s Kaizen Program Announces 10-Year Milestone in Online Health Coaching

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LOS ANGELES, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Abram’s Kaizen Program, an online health coaching program for women aged 35 and older, today announced that it has served more than 6,000 clients since its founding in 2014 and currently supports approximately 1,000 active members.

The program was founded by Abram Anderson, a nutritionist, published author and public speaker who developed the company’s methodology after investing, by his account, more than $200,000 in direct mentorship from practitioners in behaviour change, gut health and women’s hormonal health. Abram’s Kaizen Program focuses on women navigating perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause — a demographic the company says is often overlooked by mainstream weight management programs.

“A lot of women in this age group come to us after trying multiple approaches that didn’t produce the results they were looking for,” said Abram Anderson, Founder of Abram’s Kaizen Program. “Our program offers a different framework. Whether it’s the right fit depends on the individual, but the demand we’ve seen over the past decade tells us there’s a gap in the market.”

Abram’s Kaizen Program uses what the company calls a “Data-Driven Decision” methodology — an approach adapted from the Japanese manufacturing principle of kaizen, or continuous improvement. Rather than prescribing standardised meal plans, clients are guided to track how their bodies respond to specific foods. Monitoring energy levels, digestive patterns and weight fluctuations and use that information to make individualised dietary adjustments.

The program places emphasis on gut microbiome health and hormonal balance, which the company considers relevant factors in weight management for its target demographic. Research published in Frontiers in Nutrition has explored the relationship between gut microbiota composition and metabolic health, including the role of low-grade inflammation.

Program members receive access to a custom mobile application, a support chat with responses guaranteed within 24 hours, optional access to over 20 live coaching calls per week with nutritionists, a year-long curriculum, and an AI coaching assistant. “The goal is for clients to build habits they can sustain on their own,” said Abram Anderson. “We want people to eventually graduate from the program, not stay in it indefinitely.”

About Abram’s Kaizen Program

Abram’s Kaizen Program is an online health coaching program for women aged 35 and older. Founded in 2014 by nutritionist and published author Abram Anderson, the program uses a personalised, data-informed approach with a focus on gut health and hormonal balance. The program has served more than 6,000 clients and currently supports approximately 1,000 active members. For more information, visit abramskmtp.com

Media Details:

Company Name: Abram’s Kaizen Program
Founder: Abram Anderson
Email Contact: media@abramskmtp.com
Company Website: https://www.abramskmtp.com/
Location: Los Angeles, United States

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2964712/Abrams_Kaizen_Program.jpg

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