Technology

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

Published

2 years ago

August 9, 2024

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

TORONTO, Aug. 9, 2024 /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.

Aurora Cannabis Announces Fiscal 2025 First Quarter Results and Delivers Positive Free Cash Flow
“This was a milestone quarter for Aurora, as we delivered strong net revenue1 growth, a substantial increase in adjusted EBITDA1, and positive free cash flow1. Our impressive performance was driven by record net revenue1 in the rapidly growing global medical cannabis segment, and we look forward to building on our achievements in key markets such as Germany, Australia, and the UK throughout fiscal 2025 and beyond. The quarter was further supported by a record contribution from our Bevo plant propagation business, underscoring the strength of our diversified business model,” said Chief Executive Officer Miguel Martin.RECONAFRICA ANNOUNCES AN OPERATIONS UPDATE
The Naingopo exploration well has been drilled to a depth of 1,450 metres, with surface casing set at 350 metres and a first casing string set at 1,200 metres. The well has been tracking to drilling depth and well cost estimates, with everything on schedule and plan. Elsewhere on PEL 73, the Company continues to make progress in the construction of the access road for the second Damara Fold Belt exploration well, Prospect P, which is expected to start drilling in the fourth quarter of 2024. Prospect P is targeting 309 million barrels of unrisked prospective light/medium oil resources(1) or 1.6 trillion cubic feet of prospective natural gas resources(1), on a 100% working interest basis, based on the most recent prospective resources report prepared by NSAI.Deep Sky to Build World’s First Carbon Removal Innovation & Commercialization Centre, Deep Sky Labs, in Innisfail, Alberta
Deep Sky, the Canadian carbon removal project developer, has selected a site in Innisfail, Alberta to build the world’s first carbon removal innovation and commercialization centre, Deep Sky Labs. Strategically located an hour north of Calgary, Innisfail is an emerging clean energy hub. Deep Sky Labs’ mission is to accelerate the path to low cost, low energy intensity and highly scalable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) to produce high integrity carbon credits. The project represents an industry first for the private development of scalable CDR, the first cross-technology project in the world, and the first commercial direct air capture project in Canada.Air Canada Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results
“Air Canada today reported second quarter operating revenues of more than $5.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $914 million. We saw healthy demand, with load factors remaining above historical averages. We remained sharply focused on our customers and operations throughout the quarter and experienced a 10-percentage point year-over-year improvement in our on-time performance, even with the increased flying. I thank our employees for their hard work in safely transporting 11.6 million customers in the quarter and I am pleased to see their efforts recognized as we were ranked the best airline in Canada and received five honours at the Skytrax 2024 World Airline Awards, the most of any Canadian carrier,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.TD Direct Investing launches fractional trading for Canadian investors
Today, TD Direct Investing (DI) is excited to offer Canadians a simpler way to invest in the stock market, with the launch of partial shares. With partial shares, also commonly known as fractional shares, investors can buy and sell a fraction of stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), making investing accessible to all. “As Canada’s first and largest direct investing brokerage, we’re proud to continue our longstanding heritage of breaking down barriers for individual investors,” said Scott Ignall, Senior Vice President, TD Direct Investing and Delivery, TD Bank Group. “We believe investing should be accessible for all. With partial shares from TD Direct Investing, Canadians can invest in the companies they want, regardless of the share price or how much they have to invest.”CIBC to hire more than 200 data and AI roles to further momentum in delivering for clients
A priority for the hires will be continuing the development of resilient and trustworthy AI solutions across the bank, which has various AI use cases in development. CIBC has a long history of leveraging AI in key functions, including existing implementations such as sophisticated risk, fraud, and information security models. As new Generative AI solutions continue to evolve, the bank has executed several pilot programs that have GenAI functionality built in. These new hires will enable CIBC to operationalize AI at scale, enhance the experience for clients and team members, and continue to build out the governance and guidelines within which AI operates.Canadian Tire Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results
“We delivered well in the quarter, as top-line pressures were balanced by strong margin and cost control, improving our retail profitability,” said Greg Hicks, President and CEO, Canadian Tire Corporation. “In a quarter that traditionally skews heavily to discretionary purchases, consumers remained cautious and weather conditions compounded declines. Yet, Canadians continued to turn to our banners for new products, seasonal favourites, and innovative Triangle Rewards campaigns – with categories and regions of our business providing us positive signals.” “Looking to the second half of the year, we are well positioned with the right assortment and inventory to meet the needs of Canadians and are confidently leveraging investments to strengthen our connection with customers, online and in stores.”NG ENERGY PROVIDES SINU-9 DEVELOPMENT UPDATE AND ANNOUNCES TRANSITION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
As of the end of July, the total workforce for the Sinu-9 Phase 1 infrastructure project reached a milestone of approximately 160 individuals, comprising staff, contractors, and local workers. With all final construction activities nearing completion, commissioning of Phase 1 for early production is expected in the next three to four weeks and full production is expected to commence within the next six to eight weeks. Further to the Company’s June 27, 2024, news release, the Company has completed its production optimization activities at Maria Conchita and is now completing production planning and geological studies to test and successfully produce natural gas from the discovered H4 zone from the Aruchara-3 well.TimeVallée celebrates the opening of its first store in Canada
In a notable expansion, Swiss multi-brand watch retail concept, TimeVallée, is excited to announce the opening of its first flagship store in Canada, in partnership with Maison Birks. Nestled within the highly anticipated Royalmount Center in midtown Montreal, the store is set to open to the public on September 5th, 2024. With this new location TimeVallée is also celebrating the milestone of its 50th boutique worldwide. TimeVallée’s Montreal store will offer a comfortable 2,800 sq. ft. space to discover a curated selection of watches from seven of the most prestigious Maisons worldwide: Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Chopard, Grand Seiko, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai and Piaget. Each Maison is presented in a distinctive setting that emphasizes its heritage and craftsmanship, designed to engage enthusiasts of horology.TELUS announces Canada’s fastest and most reliable internet technology is coming to Doig River First Nation
TELUS and Doig River First Nation, in partnership with All Nations Trust Company, the Government of Canada, the Government of B.C. and the Northern Development Initiative Trust, celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for TELUS PureFibre, which will enable faster, more reliable internet and wireless connectivity in Northeast B.C., unlocking new opportunities for residents and businesses. This $19.2-million project will connect more than 60 households and a dozen businesses in Doig River First Nation, approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Fort St. John, as well as hundreds of households in another 14 communities. This PureFibre expansion is a continuation of TELUS’ ongoing efforts to bring Western Canada’s fastest and most reliable internet technology to even more rural and Indigenous communities, residents and businesses.

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

VYLIT OPENS ITS CREATOR ADVISORY BOARD, GIVING CREATORS EQUITY IN THE PLATFORM

Published

49 minutes ago

July 23, 2026

Reality star & chef Dom DeAngelis, model & creator Cydney Moreau, and creator-entrepreneur Crystal Jackson named as founding members, with applications now open for creators who want a voice in how the platform is shaped

MIAMI, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vylit, the 18+ creator-first social platform co-founded by Ami Gan, former CEO of OnlyFans, and seasoned entrepreneur Kailey Magder, is opening applications for its Creator Advisory Board, which will include a select group of creators that will have a strong voice in shaping the platform they use and earn on.

Vylit is inviting creators not just to join the platform, but to help build it, with real shares in the company reserved for those who contribute to its growth, culture and direction. The Creator Advisory Board will give creators a direct voice in building Vylit’s community, the platform’s development and creator tools, along with ownership in the business they’re helping grow.

Applications are now open. Creators can apply by emailing vylit@vylitworld.com with their name, bio and social handles.

Vylit is launching the board with three founding members who show the range of creators it’s built for.

Dominic DeAngelis, known from YouTube and Vanderpump Villa, where his culinary skills earned recognition from viewers around the world, has been using the platform to share behind-the-scenes and day-in-the-life content with his subscribers — the kind of direct, monetized relationship with fans that Vylit is designed around.

“Social media sucks right now. The algorithms are negative, you don’t even see the people you follow anymore, and creators are struggling to find real connections with their fans,” said DeAngelis. “I’m thrilled to be part of a platform that’s doing it differently. Vylit is actually listening to creators and building with us, not just for us.”

Cydney Moreau, a Louisiana-born former track athlete turned model and creator with a following across fitness, fashion and lifestyle, balances her work with life as a mom. Vylit is where she’s turning that following into a business for the first time, on her own terms.

“As someone who is monetizing my content for the first time, knowing that I will have a say in how the platform treats other creators means everything,” said Moreau. “It’s not every day a platform actually wants creators in the room while they’re building it. Knowing Vylit is making decisions with our interests at heart gives me the confidence to build here, and I’m excited to help shape where this goes.”

Crystal Jackson, known to millions of followers as Mrs. Poindexter, is the co-founder of EssentL, a company building business infrastructure and benefits for creators. A former engineer turned multi-platform creator and entrepreneur, she brings an operator’s understanding of what creators actually need from the platforms they build on.

“I’ve spent years building an audience and a business across platforms that weren’t built for today’s creator ecosystem,” said Jackson. “What drew me to Vylit is that they’re handing creators actual ownership and a real say in the decisions that affect us. That’s not something I’ve seen anyone else do, and I want to help build it right.”

Since launching, Vylit has positioned itself as the “HBO of social media,” a space between traditional social media and adult subscription platforms, where creators can be expressive, marketable and in control. The Creator Advisory Board takes that further. Rather than building the platform for creators and handing it over, Vylit is building it with them, giving them direct ownership and a say in its direction.

“The users driving value should have a say in the business,” said Ami Gan, Co-Founder and CEO of Vylit. “Creators understand culture and digital monetization better than anyone. At Vylit, that expertise earns them a real seat at the table.”

“We didn’t want to build another platform where creators show up after the fact,” added Kailey Magder, Co-Founder and COO of Vylit. “We want them involved from day one, shaping the product, the community and the direction of the business.”

Vylit truly puts creators in charge, giving them real ownership and a direct say in how the platform evolves. The Creator Advisory Board is just the start.

To learn more, visit https://vylitworld.com/

To access the media kit, click here.

ABOUT VYLIT
Vylit is an 18+ creator-first social platform redefining how adults share, discover and monetize content. Co-founded by Amrapali (Ami) Gan and Kailey Magder, Vylit was created to fill the gap between traditional social media and creator platforms, offering a premium digital experience for expression. Built as “the HBO of social media,” the platform allows topless content while prohibiting explicit material, giving creators greater freedom. Vylit combines social connectivity with built-in monetization, interest-based discovery through its Vybe Matching Engine, and in-house AI Image Generation and Chat tools designed for its users. Learn more at www.vylitworld.com.

FOR PRESS INQUIRIES
pr@vylitworld.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vylit-opens-its-creator-advisory-board-giving-creators-equity-in-the-platform-302833733.html

SOURCE Vylit World

Technology

CNBC Names PayJoy one of the World’s Top FinTech Companies of 2026

Published

49 minutes ago

July 23, 2026

Recognition highlights PayJoy’s leadership in emerging market consumer finance

SAN FRANCISCO, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CNBC and Statista have named PayJoy to the “World’s Top Fintech Companies 2026,” which honors companies providing digital funding and bank-independent lending solutions for individuals and businesses. PayJoy is a leading financial services provider for underserved consumers across emerging markets.

Now in its fourth edition, the ranking identifies 500 leading companies across eight fintech market segments worldwide, including Payments, Neobanking, Wealth Technology, Digital Assets, Enterprise Fintech, Insurtech, Regtech, and Alternative Financing. Companies were evaluated using an aggregated scoring model built on both general and segment-specific KPIs, drawing on desk research from publicly available sources alongside company self-reports submitted through an open application process.

PayJoy’s inclusion reflects its work bringing credit access to the emerging middle class in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, South Africa, the Philippines, and Indonesia, nine countries where traditional financial infrastructure has long excluded first-time borrowers.

“This recognition from CNBC and Statista is a meaningful validation of the work our team does every day,” said Doug Ricket, PayJoy CEO and Co-Founder. “Millions of people across the markets we serve are building credit for the first time through PayJoy. Being named among the world’s top fintech companies reflects the scale and impact of that work.”

For more information on the full ranking, visit https://www.cnbc.com/worlds-top-fintech-companies-2026/

About PayJoy
PayJoy expands credit access across emerging markets through point-of-sale financing and card offerings. Its proprietary secured-credit technology enables first-time borrowers to responsibly build financial stability and participate fully in the modern economy. Through its cutting-edge machine learning, data science, and anti-fraud AI, PayJoy has financed over $3.5 billion of loans to more than 20 million people and employs over 1,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.payjoy.com/

Contact
payjoy@thekeypr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cnbc-names-payjoy-one-of-the-worlds-top-fintech-companies-of-2026-302833730.html

SOURCE PayJoy

Technology

Youngstown Innovation Hub Breaks Ground at YBI’s 107 Building

Published

49 minutes ago

July 23, 2026

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the United States works to strengthen its aerospace and defense manufacturing base, the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense broke ground today on YBI‘s 107 Building in downtown Youngstown, positioning the region as a national proving ground for advanced and additive manufacturing. The Hub is managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM).

Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense breaks ground at YBI’s 107 Building.

The Hub is one of four Innovation Hubs established across Ohio as part of a statewide initiative to strengthen innovation-driven economic growth. Once complete, it is projected to generate approximately $161.6 million in economic impact, create 450 new jobs, and produce 185 new STEM credential opportunities and 40 internship opportunities by 2029.

The groundbreaking comes as Ohio was recently ranked the No. 1 state for business in America by CNBC’s 2026 America’s Top States for Business rankings, up from No. 5 in 2025.

Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel attended and delivered remarks at the ceremony.

“Today is about more than renovating a building. It’s about building opportunity for Ohioans,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “The Mahoning Valley has always been defined by the people who make things, solve problems, and never stop working toward a better future. This Innovation Hub builds on that proud tradition while preparing the next generation for in-demand careers in manufacturing.”

Hub and YBI leadership also spoke at the ceremony.

“Today’s groundbreaking of the Youngstown Innovation Hub represents much more than the start of a building renovation. It reflects what can happen when state, regional, industry, academic, and community partners come together around a shared vision for the future of manufacturing, aerospace and defense innovation,” said Megan Malara, Ph.D., director of the Youngstown Innovation Hub.

The renovation is made possible in part by a $750,000 state capital investment. Ohio State Sen. Al Cutrona and state Rep. Lauren McNally were credited with helping advance the funding request through the legislative process. YBI also recognized the broader Lake to River legislative delegation, including state Reps. Nick Santucci, Tex Fischer, Monica Robb Blasdel, Dave Thomas, and Sarah Fowler Arthur, for their support, as well as U.S. Sens. Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno for their support of the project in the U.S. Senate.

Speakers at the ceremony included Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel; Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development; Mary Mertz, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources; Julius Oliver, 1st Ward Councilman for the City of Youngstown; State Sen. Al Cutrona; State Rep. Nick Santucci; State Rep. Lauren McNally; and Megan Malara, Ph.D., director of the Youngstown Innovation Hub. Barb Ewing, CEO of YBI, served as master of ceremonies.

The City of Youngstown, which committed $1.35 million in local matching funds to the project, was represented at the ceremony. John Wilczynski, executive director of America Makes, attended, and Barb Ewing recognized Kimberly Gibson and Alexander Steeb of America Makes for their roles in advancing the project.

Upon completion, the five-story, 130,000-square-foot concrete-framed building will offer flexible space for offices, workspaces, and display areas, along with robust power capacity to support multiple high-demand tenants. The building’s security features, including limited access points and naturally separated manufacturing bays, are designed to meet U.S. Department of War contracting criteria, positioning tenants to compete directly for federal defense work.

“It’s great to finally be transitioning from talking about this project to actually working on it. We appreciate all the support we’ve had from our political leaders and the community. YBI is proud to be a part of the project team that’s changing the trajectory of the Mahoning Valley,” said Barb Ewing, CEO of YBI.

Companies looking to expand, relocate, or enter the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector are encouraged to visit the Youngstown Innovation Hub website at youngstownhub.us.

About the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense

Managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), the Youngstown Innovation Hub is a national proving ground for advanced and additive manufacturing, strengthening U.S. aerospace and defense supply chains and workforce development. Learn more at youngstownhub.us.

About YBI

YBI is a globally recognized economic development nonprofit, advancing innovation and growth across Ohio and beyond. Through a flexible suite of high-quality entrepreneurial services and resources, YBI supports startups, small businesses, and manufacturers at every stage of development. For more information, visit ybi.org.

Media Contact:
Jessica Sprowl, Marketing and Communications Director, YBI
jsprowl@ybi.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/youngstown-innovation-hub-breaks-ground-at-ybis-107-building-302833734.html

SOURCE YBI