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Zero to 200 – Federal government and Langs Bus Lines race ahead on fleet electrification

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LONDON, ON, June 21, 2024 /CNW/ – The federal government is partnering with Langs Bus Lines to replace nearly half their diesel school buses with 200 electric ones.

The announcement was made by Parliamentary Secretary Peter Fragiskatos; MP Arielle Kayabaga; Brian Reilly, Senior Director of the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB); and Kevin Langs, Vice-President of Langs Bus Lines.

Infrastructure Canada is providing more than $22.2 million in federal funding through the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF) to Langs. CIB has also reached financial close on a $22.4 million investment with them.

Both the ZETF funding and the CIB loan will work together to support purchasing the new buses by 2026. In addition, a portion of the ZETF investment will go towards installing the required chargers and upgrading existing facilities in five sites across southwestern Ontario. The new buses will serve students in Sarnia, Strathroy, London, and Woodstock’s most populated communities.

Over $600,000 of the total ZETF funding will support a feasibility study to support Langs in strengthening its knowledge and preparing for the transition.

Meanwhile, CIB’s loan will help cover the higher upfront capital costs of the buses, helping  accelerate the transition.

A family run business for over 50 years, Langs Bus Lines operates buses, vans and mobility accessible vehicles for home to school transportation in London, Sarnia, Chatham-Kent, Woodstock, and surrounding areas throughout Southwestern Ontario. Transitioning to an electric fleet is in line with their vision to drive clean and reduce students’ exposure to bus emissions.

Quotes

“Electric school buses will help 9,000 students in Southwestern Ontario get to school safely. At the same time, they will play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping Canada meet its emissions reduction target of net-zero by 2050.”

Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“School buses fulfill a critical need in our communities by providing a safe and reliable way for children to arrive at school. These vehicles drive thousands of kilometres every year, contributing to pollution and noise. The federal government’s investment in 200 electric, zero-emission school buses for Langs Bus Lines will benefit students and our communities for years to come.”

Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West

“Diesel buses significantly contribute to carbon emissions across the country and there is an important opportunity to transform the school bus market to electric. The Canada Infrastructure Bank’s investment in Langs Bus Lines will help students get to and from school in sustainable zero-emission vehicles.”

Ehren Cory, Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Infrastructure Bank

“We are delighted to receive this support through the Government of Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund, to assist us in providing safe and sustainable student transportation. With this funding, we will replace diesel engine buses that are retiring from service with zero-emission battery electric school buses. Thousands of students in our service area throughout southwestern Ontario will benefit from a safe, emissions-free ride every school day.”

Kevin Langs, Vice-President, Langs Bus Lines Limited

Quick facts

The Government of Canada is investing more than $22.2 million in the electrification of Langs Bus Lines’ fleet through the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF). The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is providing a $22.4 million investment. Langs Bus Lines is contributing more than $23.08 million.Replacing 200 diesel buses with electric ones will reduce yearly greenhouse gas emissions by over 4,200 tonnes, equivalent to offsetting the yearly energy consumption of 550 homes.The ZETF helps communities transition to zero emission transit and school buses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to Canada’s net-zero emissions targets. By electrifying their bus fleets, communities are working toward a cleaner environment for our kids while creating jobs and supporting Canadian manufacturing.Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested over $24.8 billion in transit projects across the country, providing Canadians with cleaner and more efficient commuting options.This Fund is closely coordinated with the CIB’s Zero Emission Bus Initiative through which the Bank has committed more than $1.5 billion to supporting the deployment of zero emission buses.The CIB’s Zero Emission Bus Initiative assists transit agencies and school bus operators to transition their fleets to modern, environmentally friendly vehicles.The CIB seeks to invest up to CAD $5 billion into public transit projects that are in the public interest and support Canadian sustainable economic growth.

Associated Links

Zero Emission Transit Fund
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/zero-emissions-trans-zero-emissions/index-eng.html 

Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html 

Canada Infrastructure Bank – Zero Emission Buses Initiative
https://cib-bic.ca/en/sectors/public-transit/ 

Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-on-eng.html 

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Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

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POVADDO AND PROLEGIS ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND ACCESS TO PUBLIC POLICY PROFESSIONALS FOR OPINION RESEARCH

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Partnership connects policy professionals using Prolegis’ modernized Congressional platform with Povaddo’s exclusive paid research panel, combining forces to serve the policymaking community

ST. LOUIS and WASHINGTON, May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Povaddo, a leading provider of public opinion and policy elite research, has announced a strategic partnership with Prolegis, a nonpartisan technology platform serving thousands of policy professionals in Congress and the advocacy community. The partnership will expand the reach of the Povaddo Panel—an exclusive network of nearly 5,000 public policy professionals worldwide—while providing Prolegis users new opportunities to contribute their expertise to policy research.

Prolegis provides nonpartisan technology solutions designed to modernize Congress. Built specifically for the policymaking community, the platform serves as a natural intersection where policy professionals and issue advocacy campaigns meet, making it an ideal environment for connecting researchers with the experts shaping public policy.

Beginning this month, users of the Prolegis platform will be invited to join the Povaddo Panel and become eligible to participate in research studies tailored specifically for public policy professionals.

“There is no shortage of so-called ‘expert network’ firms, but Povaddo is setting the standard when it comes to building the most rigorous and credible network of public policy professionals in the U.S. and beyond,” said William Stewart, President of Povaddo. “What makes Prolegis the right partner is the quality and relevance of their community—these are precisely the professionals our clients most want to hear from. Prolegis users are actively engaged in policy work daily, making them ideal participants for our research studies. This partnership will meaningfully accelerate our efforts.”

“Prolegis exists to serve the policy community with tools that make their work more effective,” said Jim Gianiny, CEO of Prolegis. “Partnering with Povaddo allows our users to contribute their expertise in a new way and take part in rigorous research that helps organizations better understand the policy landscape. It’s a natural extension of what our platform already does: connecting policy professionals with the resources and opportunities that matter to their work.”

Launched in 2018, the Povaddo Panel was built to meet growing demand for research insights from individuals who shape, influence, and analyze public policy as part of their daily work. Over the past eight years, the panel has grown to nearly 5,000 public policy professionals worldwide, including over 2,000 in the United States. Many panelists are former elected officials, including former Members of Congress.

This partnership is part of a broader period of momentum for Povaddo. The company recently announced it is launching a quarterly omnibus survey among public policy professionals in the United States and Europe.

“Companies and other organizations that want to understand what public policy professionals think—whether about their brand or an issue they are facing—now have a new way of doing that. Our new omnibus survey among public policy professionals fills an important need in the research services marketplace,” said Brooke Hayes, Executive Vice President of Povaddo, who oversees the Povaddo Panel and the firm’s new omnibus research service among public policy professionals.

Additionally, Povaddo recently released select findings from its survey of public policy professionals in the U.S. and Europe regarding their attitudes towards AI. In an era when political consensus is elusive, this study finds widespread agreement within policy communities on both sides of the Atlantic that government regulation of AI should be increased.

About Povaddo: Povaddo specializes in public opinion and policy elite research. Founded in 2009, Povaddo is recognized as a trusted advisor to top-tier organizations seeking to navigate complex issues management, strategic communications, corporate reputation, and business transformation challenges. Most of the firm’s clients sit within external affairs, corporate affairs, public affairs, government affairs, regulatory affairs, scientific affairs, corporate communications, business planning and strategy. For more information, please visit www.povaddo.com.

About Prolegis: Prolegis provides nonpartisan technology solutions designed to modernize Congress. Built specifically for the policymaking community, Prolegis delivers innovative solutions, efficient tools, and engaging content, all on one easy-to-use platform. The platform serves Congressional staff, think tank scholars, and public affairs professionals, creating a unique intersection where policy expertise and advocacy meet. For more information, please visit www.prolegis.com.

Media Inquiries: William Stewart, +1 (855) 768-2336, stewart@povaddo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/povaddo-and-prolegis-announce-strategic-partnership-to-expand-access-to-public-policy-professionals-for-opinion-research-302760432.html

SOURCE POVADDO LLC

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POVADDO AND PROLEGIS ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND ACCESS TO PUBLIC POLICY PROFESSIONALS FOR OPINION RESEARCH

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Partnership connects policy professionals using Prolegis’ modernized Congressional platform with Povaddo’s exclusive paid research panel, combining forces to serve the policymaking community

ST. LOUIS and WASHINGTON, May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Povaddo, a leading provider of public opinion and policy elite research, has announced a strategic partnership with Prolegis, a nonpartisan technology platform serving thousands of policy professionals in Congress and the advocacy community. The partnership will expand the reach of the Povaddo Panel—an exclusive network of nearly 5,000 public policy professionals worldwide—while providing Prolegis users new opportunities to contribute their expertise to policy research.

Prolegis provides nonpartisan technology solutions designed to modernize Congress. Built specifically for the policymaking community, the platform serves as a natural intersection where policy professionals and issue advocacy campaigns meet, making it an ideal environment for connecting researchers with the experts shaping public policy.

Beginning this month, users of the Prolegis platform will be invited to join the Povaddo Panel and become eligible to participate in research studies tailored specifically for public policy professionals.

“There is no shortage of so-called ‘expert network’ firms, but Povaddo is setting the standard when it comes to building the most rigorous and credible network of public policy professionals in the U.S. and beyond,” said William Stewart, President of Povaddo. “What makes Prolegis the right partner is the quality and relevance of their community—these are precisely the professionals our clients most want to hear from. Prolegis users are actively engaged in policy work daily, making them ideal participants for our research studies. This partnership will meaningfully accelerate our efforts.”

“Prolegis exists to serve the policy community with tools that make their work more effective,” said Jim Gianiny, CEO of Prolegis. “Partnering with Povaddo allows our users to contribute their expertise in a new way and take part in rigorous research that helps organizations better understand the policy landscape. It’s a natural extension of what our platform already does: connecting policy professionals with the resources and opportunities that matter to their work.”

Launched in 2018, the Povaddo Panel was built to meet growing demand for research insights from individuals who shape, influence, and analyze public policy as part of their daily work. Over the past eight years, the panel has grown to nearly 5,000 public policy professionals worldwide, including over 2,000 in the United States. Many panelists are former elected officials, including former Members of Congress.

This partnership is part of a broader period of momentum for Povaddo. The company recently announced it is launching a quarterly omnibus survey among public policy professionals in the United States and Europe.

“Companies and other organizations that want to understand what public policy professionals think—whether about their brand or an issue they are facing—now have a new way of doing that. Our new omnibus survey among public policy professionals fills an important need in the research services marketplace,” said Brooke Hayes, Executive Vice President of Povaddo, who oversees the Povaddo Panel and the firm’s new omnibus research service among public policy professionals.

Additionally, Povaddo recently released select findings from its survey of public policy professionals in the U.S. and Europe regarding their attitudes towards AI. In an era when political consensus is elusive, this study finds widespread agreement within policy communities on both sides of the Atlantic that government regulation of AI should be increased.

About Povaddo: Povaddo specializes in public opinion and policy elite research. Founded in 2009, Povaddo is recognized as a trusted advisor to top-tier organizations seeking to navigate complex issues management, strategic communications, corporate reputation, and business transformation challenges. Most of the firm’s clients sit within external affairs, corporate affairs, public affairs, government affairs, regulatory affairs, scientific affairs, corporate communications, business planning and strategy. For more information, please visit www.povaddo.com.

About Prolegis: Prolegis provides nonpartisan technology solutions designed to modernize Congress. Built specifically for the policymaking community, Prolegis delivers innovative solutions, efficient tools, and engaging content, all on one easy-to-use platform. The platform serves Congressional staff, think tank scholars, and public affairs professionals, creating a unique intersection where policy expertise and advocacy meet. For more information, please visit www.prolegis.com.

Media Inquiries: William Stewart, +1 (855) 768-2336, stewart@povaddo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/povaddo-and-prolegis-announce-strategic-partnership-to-expand-access-to-public-policy-professionals-for-opinion-research-302760432.html

SOURCE POVADDO LLC

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IMDA and Tencent Debut “Beyond the Screen” to Champion Real-World Connection through Digital Play

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The launch is marked by the signing of an agreement between IMDA and Tencent to advance healthy digital habits and safe, responsible use of digital technologies among youths, parents, and families.

SINGAPORE, May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Tencent today jointly launched “Beyond the Screen: Healthy Digital Play”, a new digital wellbeing campaign that encourages healthy digital habits by bringing families into the conversation and strengthening real-world connection through healthy gameplay.

The campaign encourages families to bridge the gap between play and purpose through gaming. It showcases how digital play can foster deeper understanding, facilitate balanced routines, and build stronger connections at home.

“Digital spaces are already a natural part of how young people learn, play, and connect today,” said Mr Murphy Zhao, Country Manager of Tencent Singapore and Head of Tech Group, Tencent Games. “As a company with deep expertise across digital entertainment and communications, we want to play a constructive role by helping families build meaningful digital habits that extend beyond the screen.”

Advancing Family Digital Wellness In Partnership with IMDA

As part of the launch, IMDA and Tencent also signed an agreement to strengthen collaboration on initiatives in digital wellbeing. The agreement was signed by Ms Joanna Lam, Cluster Director for Digital Readiness, IMDA, and Mr Murphy Zhao, Country Manager of Tencent Singapore and Head of Tech Group, Tencent Games. The collaboration builds on Tencent’s ongoing cooperation with IMDA, in support of the national Digital for Life (DfL) movement, focusing on promoting online safety and healthy digital habits among youths, parents, and families.

Tencent will co-develop educational content with IMDA, as well as organise four community outreach activities, reaching out to an estimated 4,000 participants. The company will also commit S$ 25,000, which totals to S$ 50,000 with the government’s dollar-to-dollar matching, to the DfL Fund. The DfL Fund provides support for projects and activities promoting digital inclusion, digital literacy and digital wellness. 

“Ensuring digital wellness is increasingly important, particularly for our children who are digital natives,” said Ms Joanna Lam, Cluster Director for Digital Readiness, IMDA. “Tencent has been a DfL partner since 2022, and I thank them for their continued commitment to the DfL cause. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Tencent to empower parents and youths with practical guidance to build healthy digital habits and navigate the digital world safely together.”

Leading the Conversation on Healthy Digital Play

The inaugural Singapore launch event was officiated by Ms Jasmin Lau, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information, and also hosted social service organisations from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. At the event, families participated in gamified quiz experiences and took home educational materials designed to transform gaming into healthier routines at home. 

The programme also featured a parenting talk that shared practical guidance on utilising games as a bridge for conversation at home. The session highlighted how, when guided by constructive routines, gaming can support the development of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, strategic thinking, and persistence.

During the event’s expert insights session, Mr Narasimman S/O Tivasiha Mani, psychotherapist and co-founder of local youth charity Impart, said, “Healthy gaming is not built through one-off rules. It grows through rapport, shared understanding, and everyday conversations. Through a collaborative process between educators, families, and the wider community, it becomes easier to set shared expectations and support balanced habits that carry beyond the screen.”

Building a Scalable Digital Wellbeing Framework for Southeast Asia

While digital habits may look different across the region, the underlying need is the same — helping families build healthier, more confident relationships with the digital world.

“Beyond the Screen” is part of Tencent’s broader commitment to fostering intentional digital play, equipping youths, parents, and educators with practical resources to build balanced routines, encourage respectful interactions, and strengthen open communication at home.

Insights from the Singapore launch will inform the rollout of the campaign across Southeast Asia in 2026, with local adaptations to meet the needs of diverse communities in the region.

About Digital for Life Movement

A Digital Future for All – In our increasingly digital world, everyone can play a part to help create a more inclusive digital future.

The Digital for Life (DfL) national movement, launched on 8 February 2021, aims to galvanise the community across the 3Ps (Private, Public and People) to help Singaporeans embrace digital as a lifelong pursuit and enrich lives through digital technology.

The DfL fund was also set up to support projects and activities promoting digital inclusion, digital literacy and digital wellness. Learn more about the DfL movement at digitalforlife.gov.sg.

About Infocomm Media Development Authority

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation by developing a vibrant digital economy and an inclusive digital society. As Architects of Singapore’s Digital Future, we foster growth in Infocomm Technology and Media sectors in concert with progressive regulations, harnessing frontier technologies, and developing local talent and digital infrastructure ecosystems to establish Singapore as a digital metropolis.

For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on LinkedIn (IMDAsg), Facebook (IMDAsg) and Instagram (@imdasg).

About Tencent 

Tencent is a world-leading internet and technology company that develops innovative products and services to improve the quality of life of people around the world. Our communication and social services connect more than one billion people around the world, helping them to keep in touch with friends and family, access transportation, pay for daily necessities, and even be entertained. Our financial technology business covers payment, credit, wealth management and insurance sectors, as we support our partners’ business growth and assist their digital upgrade through FinTech and other enterprise services. We also publish some of the world’s most popular video games and other high-quality digital content, enriching interactive entertainment experiences for people around the globe. Tencent was founded in Shenzhen, China, in 1998, and has been listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong since 2004.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/imda-and-tencent-debut-beyond-the-screen-to-champion-real-world-connection-through-digital-play-302760594.html

SOURCE IMDA; Tencent

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