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Canada’s Competition Summit 2024: Competition Bureau releases details about panels and expert participants

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GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 5, 2024 /CNW/ – On September 16, 2024, the Competition Bureau will host “Canada’s Competition Summit 2024: Market Dynamics in the AI Era”. Held in Ottawa and virtually, this full-day event will bring together domestic and international competition authorities, regulators, businesses, non-governmental organizations, lawyers and academics to understand and address the economic implications of AI.

It will feature a virtual keynote speech by Lina Khan, Chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

In addition to the keynote, Summit 2024 will include an introductory overview, two panels, a fireside chat, a regulators roundtable and a debate.

Talk: AI and competition 101

Joel Blit, Professor of Economics at the University of Waterloo and Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, will set the tone for the day by providing an overview of AI and its impact on the economy.

Panel 1: The AI Effect – How is AI changing the competition game?

The opening panel will explore AI’s impact on competitive dynamics in the marketplace.

Moderator:

The Honourable Colin Deacon, Independent Senator, Senate of Canada

Panelists:

Dr. Jennifer Quaid, Associate Professor, University of OttawaDr. Robert Clark, Professor, Queen’s UniversityDr. Robin Shaban, Associate Partner, Deetken InsightBenjamin Bergen, President, Council of Canadian Innovators

Fireside chat: The rise of AI – Risks for consumers

This fireside chat will focus on some of the current and potential future risks of AI for consumers.

Moderator:

Vasiliki “Vass” Bednar, Executive Director, Master of Public Policy Program at McMaster University

Speaker:

Siddharth Hiregowdara, Co-founder, CivAI

Keynote address

Lina Khan, Chairperson, Federal Trade Commission

Canadian Regulators Roundtable: A whole-of-government approach to digital markets

This roundtable will explore how competition intersects with privacy, telecommunications and cultural considerations.

Moderator:

Alexandra Posadzki, Reporter, The Globe and Mail

Participants:

Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition, Competition Bureau of CanadaPhilippe Dufresne, Privacy Commissioner of Canada, Office of the Privacy Commissioner of CanadaVicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications CommissionDrew Olsen, Vice-Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Copyright Board of Canada

Panel 2: International approaches to competition and AI

Panelists will discuss the role of competition authorities in their respective markets in addressing AI.

Moderator:

Ellen Creighton, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, International Affairs Directorate, Competition Bureau of Canada

Panelists:

Carlota Reyners Fontana, Director, Directorate-General for Competition, Markets and cases II: Information Technology, Communication and Media, European CommissionCarlos García Cueva, General Director of Market Intelligence, Mexican Federal Economic Competition Commission (COFECE)Ori Schwartz, Head of Competition Division, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)A representative of the United States Department of Justice

Debate: Yea or Nay – Can Big Tech be trusted with AI?

Two teams will square off to debate whether or not big tech companies can be trusted with managing the use of AI.

Moderator:

Majid Charania, Director of Compliance, Competition Bureau of Canada

Debaters:

Brianna Workman, Law Student, University of OttawaKeldon Bester, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project (CAMP)Umang Khandelwal, Associate, Davies Ward Philips & Vineberg LLPMakaila Kelly, Law Student, Lincoln Alexander School of Law

Quick facts

The Competition Bureau continues its work to better understand AI, how it might affect competition, how to address its potential competitive harms, and how to promote competition in AI markets. Summit 2024 is the fifth annual summit hosted by the Bureau. The summits aim to expand the Bureau’s knowledge, hear from experts and keep the Bureau at the forefront of issues in the Canadian economy.The Bureau’s previous summits focused on:how competition considerations can be factored into policy development across all levels of Canadian government;the role of competition in the transition to a greener economy;how competitive markets can play a role in driving economic growth following the COVID-19 pandemic; andbest practices and tools that can be used to enforce competition in the digital era. In March 2024, the Bureau also published a discussion paper on artificial intelligence (AI) and competition for public consultation. The consultation closed on July 7, 2024.

Related products

Canada’s Competition SummitCompetition Bureau to host summit on competition and artificial intelligence this September

Associated links

Exploring policy approaches to unlock competition (2023)The Competition and Green Growth Summit (2022)The Competition and Growth Summit (2021)Digital Enforcement Summit (2020)Artificial intelligence and competition: Discussion paper (2024)

General information:

Request for information | Complaint form

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The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Competition drives lower prices and innovation while fueling economic growth.

SOURCE Competition Bureau

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/C O R R E C T I O N – Venture Dock/

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In the news release, Venture Dock Connects Global Startups with Silicon Valley, issued 22-Oct-2026 by Venture Dock over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end:

Venture Dock Connects Global Startups with Silicon Valley

Collaboration with Korean and Indian Consulates and KISED reinforces Venture Dock’s role in international startup commercialization and cross-border innovation.

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Venture Dock, a Silicon Valley-based startup commercialization and innovation platform, collaborated with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in San Francisco, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco, and the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) to host Korea–India Startup Founders’ Day on October 21 at its downtown Palo Alto headquarters.

The event brought together approximately 120 founders, investors, government representatives, and technology leaders to explore opportunities for cross-border investment, technology partnerships, and international market expansion. The program featured a panel discussion, “Korea & India: Two Startup Ecosystems, One Global Opportunity,” startup showcases, and networking opportunities.

Accelerating Global Startups’ U.S. Market Entry

For Venture Dock, the collaboration reflects a broader mission: helping international innovation organizations connect promising startups with Silicon Valley’s enterprise customers, investors, industry expertise, and commercial opportunities.

“Silicon Valley’s greatest advantage isn’t simply access to capital or technology. It’s the concentration of talent, expertise, and relationships that can transform promising innovations into successful businesses,” said Vivek Vipul, Co-Founder and CEO of Venture Dock. “Our vision is to make that ecosystem accessible to exceptional founders worldwide, helping them build meaningful commercial relationships and accelerate their growth.”

Venture Dock has supported international startup cohorts, including companies from South Korea, and delivered industry-focused initiatives such as its cybersecurity immersion program. Recently, Venture Dock was selected through a competitive procurement process to support a KISED initiative helping Korean startups develop their U.S. go-to-market strategies.

These engagements demonstrate Venture Dock’s growing capabilities in structured accelerator programs, customer discovery, enterprise connections, and international commercialization.

Building Ecosystems That Create Lasting Opportunities

Venture Dock’s approach emphasizes long-term relationships among government innovation agencies, corporations, investors, and entrepreneurial communities.

“Building a thriving startup ecosystem goes far beyond bringing people together. It’s about creating trusted relationships that open doors to new markets, customers, capital, and meaningful partnerships,” said Lochan Alagh, Co-founder of Venture Dock. “When we connect international founders with Silicon Valley’s corporate leaders, investors, and innovation networks, we’re creating pathways for long-term commercial success. Our ambition is to make Venture Dock a trusted partner for innovation ecosystems worldwide.”

Looking ahead, Venture Dock plans to expand its international startup programs and industry-focused initiatives across artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, healthcare technology, semiconductors, and enterprise innovation.

Through collaborations with government agencies, economic development organizations, corporate innovation teams, and institutional partners, Venture Dock aims to create scalable pathways connecting emerging technologies with U.S. commercial opportunities.

International innovation organizations and corporate partners interested in exploring Silicon Valley market-entry programs, startup commercialization, or strategic partnerships are invited to connect with Venture Dock.

About Venture Dock

Venture Dock is a Silicon Valley-based startup commercialization and innovation platform headquartered in Palo Alto, California. Built around Community, Connections, and Capital, Venture Dock connects global founders with investors, enterprise executives, and innovation partners through international accelerator programs, industry initiatives, and strategic partnerships.

Correction: An earlier version of this release required an update to the third image. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/venture-dock-connects-global-startups-with-silicon-valley-302917456.html

SOURCE Venture Dock

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New York City Council passes carriage horse ban; Humane World for Animals calls vote a landmark step for horse welfare

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Historic measure will protect nearly 200 horses from the dangers of New York City’s streets while ensuring their humane future

NEW YORK, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, today celebrates the City Council’s passage of Intro 943, legislation ending horse-drawn carriage operations in New York City.

New York City carriage horse ban. Today’s vote marks a historic milestone for animals.

“Today’s vote marks a historic milestone for animals,” said Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals. “For decades, New York City’s carriage horse industry has operated on a fantasy that these horses can carry some semblance of a former world. But animals are not inert icons; they are living, breathing individuals with needs, instincts and intentions all their own. By ending the use of horse-drawn carriages, the City Council has recognized that no maintenance of tradition should come at the expense of risks to animals and people.”

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has 30 days to sign Intro 943, veto or to allow the bill to pass without action on his part.

The legislation follows years of accidents, injuries and deaths that have endangered horses used in New York City’s carriage horse industry. Among them was the June 2026 death of Deniz, a 16-year-old carriage horse who collapsed while pulling passengers in Central Park. The public has also been in danger due to this cruel business. Debates on the future of the carriage horse trade came to a head after the tragic death of 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan in a separate runaway carriage incident in June.

Together, these incidents reinforce what animal welfare experts have long maintained: horses are highly sensitive animals with powerful flight instincts who do not belong amid the traffic, noise and congestion of New York City’s streets. A Humane World for Animals report further details concerns about the care and oversight of the city’s carriage horses. Their presence on the streets creates risks and hazards for vehicles in the city, and the interests of both people and horses would be better served by a transition to other means of conveyance and an alternative livelihood program to serve drivers and others displaced by the end of the trade. Humane World for Animals had called upon the city government, businesses and the tourism industry to develop a new and better approach to showing off the city to visitors.

The organization recognizes Council Member Chris Marte, Speaker Julie Menin and Health Committee Chair Lynn Schulman for their leadership in advancing this landmark legislation and their commitment to protecting both horses and New Yorkers.

Dozens of rescues, sanctuaries and nonprofit organizations, including Humane World for Animals, have offered placement options for horses currently working in the city. The legislation passed by the City Council and state law both prohibit the horses from being sold for slaughter.

About Humane World for Animals

Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work happening in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering. As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruelest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world.
humaneworld.org

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SOURCE Humane World for Animals.

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Mesirow Advises Union Alarmtronic, LLC on its Sale to Pye-Barker Fire & Safety

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Union Alarmtronic, LLC is a security systems provider specializing in security systems and services, including access control and video surveillance, as well as intercom systems, integrated security, and alarm systems. Mesirow acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Union Alarmtronic LLC on this transaction, highlighting the firm’s continued success in the industrial technology sector.

CHICAGO, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mesirow, an independent, employee-owned financial services firm, today announced it acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Union Alarmtronic, LLC (“Union AlarmTronic” or the “Company”) on its sale to Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, the largest fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety and security services provider in the United States.

Headquartered in New Jersey, Union Alarmtronic is a security systems and services company that specializes in the installation, monitoring, maintenance, and integration of alarm systems, video surveillance, access control, fire alarms and intercom systems for residential and commercial clients. The Company highlights decades of industry experience, tens of thousands of security install and monitoring customers, and a dedication to providing customized life safety solutions designed to help protect people, property, and business assets. Union AlarmTronic also offers 24/7 monitored security services with dispatch and communication to law enforcement, as well as integrated smart technologies that allow customers to monitor their property access remotely. Pye-Barker Fire & Safety is a well-recognized national leader in fire protection, life safety and security services.

William Lynch, Managing Director at Mesirow Investment Banking, said, “Union AlarmTronic has built an outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality security and life safety solutions, and Pye-Barker’s commitment to supporting founder-led businesses by investing in long-term growth made it an excellent partner for the Company. We were honored to advise Union AlarmTronic on this transaction and help achieve a successful outcome that benefits both organizations, their employees and their customers.”

Fred Rosenfeld, President of Union AlarmTronic, said, “For more than three decades, Union AlarmTronic has been committed to delivering exceptional security and life safety solutions while building lasting relationships with our customers. As we looked to the future, it was important to find a partner that shares our values, commitment to service and dedication to our employees and customers. We are proud of what we have accomplished and confident that Pye-Barker will continue that legacy while providing additional resources to support future growth. This transaction represents an exciting new chapter for our company.”

“What stood out to us about Union AlarmTronic was not only its impressive business but also the culture and values that have driven its success. The leadership team’s dedication to Union AlarmTronic’s customers and employees matches our own approach, making this a natural partnership,” said Phil Gardner, EVP, M&A at Pye-Barker. “We are proud to welcome the Union AlarmTronic team and support their continued success.”

The sale of Union AlarmTronic marks another successful industrial technology transaction completed by Mesirow Investment Banking. In recent years, the firm has completed more than 350 transactions across its verticals. With deep industry expertise, long-standing client relationships, and a commitment to delivering tailored solutions, Mesirow continues to build a proven track record of highly successful transactions.

About Mesirow
Mesirow is an independent, employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices around the world, we serve clients through a personal, custom approach to reaching financial goals and acting as a force for social good. With capabilities spanning Private Capital & Currency, Capital Markets & Investment Banking, and Advisory Services, we invest in what matters: our clients, our communities and our culture.

Mesirow has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business multiple times and is one of Barron’s Top 100 RIA firms. To learn more, visit mesirow.com, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to Spark, our quarterly newsletter.

About Union Alarmtronic, LLC
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Roselle, New Jersey, Union Alarmtronic, LLC is a leading regional electronic security and systems integration provider. The company specializes in the custom design, installation, maintenance, and monitoring of comprehensive security solutions, including video surveillance, CCTV, access control, intercom systems, and intrusion detection for both commercial and residential clients. Utilizing a deeply cross-trained technical staff, Union Alarmtronic provides around-the-clock protection alongside specialized app-based safety solutions to help enterprises comply with lone worker and hospitality panic button mandates. For more information, visit www.unionalarmtronic.com. 

About Pye-Barker Fire & Safety
As the U.S. leader in fully integrated life safety systems, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety provides complete fire protection and security systems nationwide. With over 250 locations and 9,000 team members, Pye-Barker is Great Place to Work® Certified™ and is also listed on the Inc. 5000. Pye-Barker ranks #3 on the SDM 100 and #7 on the SDM Top Systems Integrators list. Visit pyebarkerfs.com to learn more about our commitment to our team members and the communities we help protect.

Media
mediainquiries@mesirow.com
Michael Herley | 203.308.1409

Nothing contained herein constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any Mesirow investment vehicle(s). Mesirow Financial, Inc. is not affiliated with Union Alarmtronic LLC, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Mesirow refers to Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. and its divisions, subsidiaries and affiliates. | Investment Banking services offered through Mesirow Financial, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC.

Award recognition disclosures: mesirow.com/award-recognition-disclosures

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SOURCE Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc.

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