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Government of Canada investing in innovation ecosystems and AI to strengthen Saskatchewan’s tech sector

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PrairiesCan investments will support tech incubator Co.Labs and five AI businesses in Saskatchewan

SASKATOON, SK, April 30, 2026 /CNW/ – Over the past year, Canadian businesses have navigated a rapidly changing, and increasingly fragmented world.

In response, Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control–building a stronger, more independent, more resilient economy. We are moving with speed and ambition to diversify our trade partners abroad and build our strength at home while delivering responsible fiscal management. Saskatchewan’s growing innovation ecosystem and artificial intelligence sector have the potential to drive productivity, unlock new markets, and create jobs. Harnessing this potential is essential to building a more resilient, competitive economy for the province and the country.

Today, Taleeb Noormohamed, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, on behalf of Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced over $3.7 million in funding to support Co.Labs as they grow Saskatchewan’s technology and agtech scale-up ecosystems, and over $4.1 million in funding to support organizations developing and using artificial intelligence (AI) in the province. This represents a combined federal investment of over $7.9 million.

Co.Labs will strengthen collaboration with ecosystem partners, expand its Expert and X-in-Residence programs, enhance agtech programming, and deliver three Uniting the Prairies (UP) conferences, starting this week in Saskatoon. Through new and expanded partnerships – including with Regina-based Cultivator – these initiatives will connect startups to venture capital and angel investors, accelerate commercialization, attract private capital, and create more pathways for Saskatchewan founders to grow and scale their businesses.

The Government of Canada also announced its support for five other businesses and organizations working to develop and use AI to help transform Saskatchewan’s tech ecosystem, including Coconut Software Corporation, Vendasta Technologies Inc., HomeTeam Live Technologies Inc., the University of Regina and Artificial Intelligence Saskatchewan Corp. (AiSK). Details are available in the Backgrounder.

Quotes

“At a time of global uncertainty, it is more important than ever to support homegrown innovations that create good jobs and strengthen Canada’s position as an innovation powerhouse. Our new government is investing in Saskatchewan’s dynamic tech sector to drive growth, attract investments and build Canada strong.”

–The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada

“Businesses and innovators are the backbone of our economy, and many are looking to use artificial intelligence to unlock productivity. The Government of Canada is committed to scaling up our country’s AI industry, driving AI adoption and building a sovereign digital infrastructure. Harnessing AI while increasing trust in its responsible development and deployment will promote growth and shared prosperity in Saskatchewan and across the country.”

–The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Canada is committed to advancing innovation ecosystems that help us respond to the challenges of a rapidly changing global economy and stay competitive in the development and adoption of artificial intelligence. The investments announced today highlight the shared goals of our government and the tech sector to support local businesses, scale innovation, and build long-term economic resilience.”

–Taleeb Noormohamed, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation

“We are living in a time of global change and mounting competition, but Saskatchewan has what it takes to lead, build, and innovate with the best in the fields of tech and AI. By supporting organizations like Co.Labs and local AI leaders, our government is responsibly helping to create good local jobs, attract investment to our province, and ensure Saskatchewan continues to be a driver of Canada’s tech sector, now and into the future.”

–The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development

“PrairiesCan’s support allows us to go further in the work that matters most: helping Saskatchewan founders access the expertise, networks, and opportunities they need to scale tech startups fast. It also strengthens the Uniting the Prairies conference as a platform to bring investors, partners, and high-growth startups together — raising the profile of this region and accelerating what’s possible for Prairie tech.”

–Jonathan Lipoth, Executive Director, Co.Labs

Quick facts

Co.Labs is an independent non-profit incubator, funded primarily by the federal and provincial governments through PrairiesCan and Innovation Saskatchewan.Uniting the Prairies, a conference organized by Co.Labs, is the largest annual tech event in Saskatchewan, bringing together over 75 investors, over 150 startups, and up to 400 community members.Projects with Co.Labs and AiSK are supported under Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE), which helps build, grow, and nurture inclusive regional innovation ecosystems. Through targeted investments in not-for-profit organizations, the program supports businesses in priority sectors to innovate, grow, and compete globally.Projects with Coconut Software Corporation, Vendasta Technologies Inc., HomeTeam Live Technologies Inc. and the University of Regina are supported under the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) which helps bring new AI technologies to market and speed-up AI adoption in critical sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, healthcare and manufacturing.

Backgrounder

The projects announced today help build Saskatchewan’s tech ecosystem and implement AI through investments in six organizations. Investments will help strengthen and diversify the economy, drive productivity, unlock new markets, and create jobs.

The supported projects announced today are funded under two programs:

Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program – $3,766,000

The RIE program helps create, grow, and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems. Through RIE, targeted investments in not-for-profit organizations assist businesses in priority sectors to innovate, grow, and compete globally.

PrairiesCan announced investments for two non-repayable projects under the RIE:

Co.Labs is strengthening collaboration with ecosystem partners, expanding its Expert and X-in-Residence programs, enhancing agtech programming, and delivering three Uniting the Prairies (UP) conferences from 2026 to 2028, with a federal investment of $3,756,000.Artificial Intelligence Saskatchewan Corp. (AiSK) hosted the Sask AI Expo on April 27, 2026, with a federal investment of $10,000.

Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) – $4,172,561

The RAII provides $200 million to help businesses bring new AI technologies to market and speed up adoption in critical sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. This repayable and non-repayable interest-free funding is part of the government’s 2024 budget commitment to ensure Canada is a world leader in AI.

PrairiesCan announced investments for three repayable projects under the RAII:

Coconut Software Corporation is commercializing a proprietary cloud-based AI augmented workforce management platform for the financial sector, with a federal investment of $1,522,564.Vendasta Technologies Inc. is commercializing AI-augmented workflows to support small and medium sized businesses, with a federal investment of $1,416,100.HomeTeam Live Technologies Inc. is using proprietary technology to improve sport streaming, with a federal investment of $976,730.

PrairiesCan announced an investment for one non-repayable project under the RAII:

The University of Regina is developing an AI platform using tree ring data to predict climate change and soil moisture, with a federal investment of $257,167.

Associated links

Prairies Economic Development CanadaRegional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) in the Prairie provinces – Canada.caRegional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces – Canada.caCo.Labs – Saskatchewan’s Tech IncubatorCoconut Software CorporationVendasta Technologies Inc.HomeTeam Live Technologies Inc.University of ReginaArtificial Intelligence Saskatchewan – AiSK

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Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378
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SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada

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Booking.com’s Latest Travel and Sustainability Research Reveals Australian Generational Paradox

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37 minutes ago

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May 3, 2026

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SYDNEY, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today Booking.com released its 11th annual research report into consumer attitudes and understanding of the social and environmental impact of travel. With insights from 32,500 travellers across 35 markets globally, including 1,000 from Australia, this year’s research highlights a generational paradox.

While 83% of Australian travellers say that more sustainable travel is important to them, older generations demonstrate greater commitment through concrete actions, despite younger generations often expressing stronger sustainability intentions.

Older generations demonstrate greater commitment through concrete sustainable actions, with almost two–thirds of Boomers across Asia Pacific (63%) saying they will shop more at local, independent stores on their trips, three–quarters (75%) planning to reduce general waste, and 63% intending to reduce energy consumption, higher than Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z.However, younger travellers are leading in cultural and conservation management; more than a quarter of Gen Z (27%) and Millennials (26%) participated in a tour or activity that contributed to the health or conservation of the local ecosystem or wildlife.Extreme weather is actively reshaping travel choices. Nearly three-quarters of Australian travellers said they consider extreme weather risk when choosing both destination (72%), and timing (75%), and 27% reported having cancelled or changed trip plans in the past twelve months due to extreme weather or natural disaster.Australian travellers are shifting when and where they travel, seeking reliable climates and comfort. 43% say they plan to avoid overcrowded tourist destinations, 42% plan to travel outside of peak season, and 26% will seek out destinations with cooler temperatures.In 2025, travellers booked more than 100 million room nights on Booking.com at accommodation partners with a third-party sustainability certification, including at 363 third-party certified Australian properties.

To find Booking.com’s full 2026 research, visit here.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/bookingcoms-latest-travel-and-sustainability-research-reveals-australian-generational-paradox-302760310.html

SOURCE Booking.com

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Florida Physician Specialists Data Breach: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Launches Investigation into Exposure of Personal Information

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4 hours ago

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May 3, 2026

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National class action firm offering free case evaluations to individuals impacted by the Florida Physician Specialists cybersecurity incident

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from the Florida Physician Specialists data breach. Florida Physician Specialists learned of the cybersecurity incident between November 27 and 29, 2025.

What Happened

Florida Physician Specialists discovered that its network was hacked between November 27 and 29, 2025. An investigation launched in late November 2025 confirmed that an unauthorized third party accessed its network. The review of the exposed data was completed on April 6, 2026.

Information Exposed

Affected personal data includes full names and one or more of the following: Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers or state identification numbers, other government identification numbers, financial account information, credit or debit card information, medical information, and/or health insurance policy information.

Who May Be Impacted

Individuals who received a data breach notification from Florida Physician Specialists may face an increased risk of identity theft and fraud.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action to pursue legal remedies on behalf of individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised in the Florida Physician Specialists breach. The firm will evaluate your rights and potential claims at no cost.

Recommended Protective Steps

Review account statements and credit reports regularly and remain vigilant for suspicious activity. Confirm whether your information was involved in the Florida Physician Specialists incident and preserve any letters or emails you received about the breach. Consider placing fraud alerts and credit monitoring.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney today: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2; Email: medelson@edelson-law.com; Web: www.edelson-law.com. Or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About Florida Physician Specialists

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Florida Physician Specialists is a multi-specialty private physician practice serving patients in Northeast Florida.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, federal antitrust violations, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud

Media and Partnership Inquiries: Use the contact information above to connect with our team regarding interviews, co-counsel opportunities, and referral partnerships.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/florida-physician-specialists-data-breach-edelson-lechtzin-llp-launches-investigation-into-exposure-of-personal-information-302760742.html

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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Sandhills Medical Foundation, Inc., d/b/a Sandhills Medical Data Breach: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Launches Investigation into Exposure of Personal Information

Published

4 hours ago

on

May 3, 2026

By

National class action firm offering free case evaluations to individuals impacted by the Sandhills Medical cybersecurity incident

MCBEE, S.C., May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from the Sandhills Medical data breach. Sandhills Medical learned of the cybersecurity incident between November 27 and 29, 2025.

What Happened

On May 8, 2025, Sandhills Medical discovered it had been the victim of a ransomware attack. Sandhills Medical began an investigation with the help of cybersecurity experts and a forensic firm. That investigation determined an unauthorized third party accessed Sandhills Medical’s server directly and obtained personal information for select patients.

Information Exposed

Affected personal data includes names, personal health information, and birth dates. This data breach has affected an estimated 169,017 people.

Who May Be Impacted

Individuals who received a data breach notification from Sandhills Medical may face an increased risk of identity theft and fraud.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action to pursue legal remedies on behalf of individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised in the Sandhills Medical breach. The firm will evaluate your rights and potential claims at no cost.

Recommended Protective Steps

Review account statements and credit reports regularly and remain vigilant for suspicious activity. Confirm whether your information was involved in the Sandhills Medical incident and preserve any letters or emails you received about the breach. Consider placing fraud alerts and credit monitoring.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney today: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2; Email: medelson@edelson-law.com; Web: www.edelson-law.com. Or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About Sandhills Medical

Based in McBee, South Carolina, Sandhills Medical operates as a Federally Qualified Community Health Center (FQHC) that provides community-based primary health care services.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, federal antitrust violations, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud

Media and Partnership Inquiries: Use the contact information above to connect with our team regarding interviews, co-counsel opportunities, and referral partnerships.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sandhills-medical-foundation-inc-dba-sandhills-medical-data-breach-edelson-lechtzin-llp-launches-investigation-into-exposure-of-personal-information-302760743.html

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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