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Canada announces first agreement under new Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator

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TRAIL, BC, July 7, 2026 /CNW/ – Canada is entering a new era of mining, defined by speed, scale and purpose. Introduced in Budget 2025, the new Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator (CCMA) will catalyze private sector investment, get projects built faster and secure the critical minerals Canada and the world need for economic sovereignty, national security and the energy transition.

Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, launched the Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator (CCMA) and announced a Strategic Investment Agreement signed by the CCMA, the Canada Growth Fund (CGF) and Teck Resources Limited (Teck). The Agreement supports expanding production capacity at Teck’s Trail Operations in British Columbia, one of the world’s largest fully integrated polymetallic smelting and refining complexes. 

The CCMA, a Natural Resources Canada initiative delivered by Export Development Canada (EDC), is a first-of-its-kind investment tool designed to accelerate Canadian critical mineral projects along the value chain from extraction to processing. The CCMA enables the Government of Canada to invest in projects alongside industry, moving them forward while generating investment returns that can be re-invested into more projects that create benefits for Canadians.

Teck’s Trail Operations in southern British Columbia currently produces nineteen products, employs over 1,400 people and has a long history of critical minerals production. The expansion is part of an up-to $850-million potential total investment by Teck to sustain and enhance critical minerals processing capacity at its Trail Operations from a portfolio of feed sources, which could double Trail’s existing production capacity for germanium and antimony and potentially add new gallium production capacity.

The agreement establishes the commercial framework for an equity-like investment by CGF of up to $400 million directly into the facility. Through the CCMA, the agreement allows the Government of Canada to enter into negotiations on the establishment of an offtake structure, including rights for a portion of future germanium, antimony and gallium produced by Trail. This will build on Canada’s position as a reliable global supplier of critical minerals.

The federal government is working with provinces and territories to align approaches and priorities and get projects moving through a Team Canada approach. As a priority project under British Columbia’s Look West strategy, Teck’s Trail project will also benefit from streamlined regulatory processes for any authorizations needed and the potential for support under the B.C. Strategic Investment Fund.

Today’s announcement underscores Canada’s commitment to expanding a reliable supply of the critical minerals that are key to our economic and national security. Canada is moving decisively to deliver the projects that will power our economy, strengthen and diversify our supply chains and position Canada as a trusted global supplier of critical minerals and an energy and natural resources superpower.

Quotes

“Canada has what the world wants, and we are moving decisively to get projects built faster so we can provide for ourselves and our partners. Our new Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator is about turning Canadian resource abundance into real projects by giving industry the certainty to invest and grow, even in a volatile global market. By working with companies like Teck, aligning with provinces and territories and partnering with the Canada Growth Fund and Export Development Canada, we are using every tool in our toolbox to build Canada Strong.”

The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Today’s Critical Minerals Accelerator agreement marks a significant milestone in strengthening our economic resilience and securing the critical resources that will power the global transition to cleaner technologies. By pursuing strategic investment agreements in Canada’s abundant critical minerals sector, we are driving innovation, creating good-paying jobs and reinforcing Canada’s role as a trusted partner in building resilient and sustainable global supply chains. The Accelerator will help unlock long-term prosperity by ensuring Canadians benefit from the responsible development of our natural resources — supporting stronger communities, a more competitive economy and lasting opportunities for generations to come.”

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
Minister of Finance and National Revenue

“Leveraging its unique expertise and ability to implement bespoke structured financial instruments, CGF’s investment will support the advancement of the expansion of Canada’s only germanium-producing smelter, a critical mineral essential to applications related to national security. Canada Growth Fund Investment Management Inc. is pleased to once again put its experience to work in support of the Government of Canada’s establishment of a third offtake agreement that positions Canada as a reliable partner of choice for global partners seeking access to important critical minerals.”

Yannick Beaudoin
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canada Growth Fund Investment Management Inc.

“The Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator plays an important role in strengthening the domestic production and development of critical minerals, helping ensure Canada and its partners have reliable access to materials essential to defence, security and advanced industries. Drawing on EDC’s financing expertise, we can structure and arrange solutions that bring together partners — including other export credit agencies and private investors. We’re pleased to be working in close collaboration with Natural Resources Canada, Teck and the Canada Growth Fund to help expand processing capacity here at home.”

Alison Nankivell 
President and CEO, Export Development Canada 

“The alignment of the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia in identifying the Teck Trail expansion as a priority project is based on our mutual commitment to expediting these nation-building projects that create long-lasting jobs and economic benefits for all Canadians. This project will support the critical minerals value chain and ensure long-term sustainability of Teck Trail — a prime example of the progress we’re making to grow the economy and create good jobs through our Look West strategy.”

The Honourable Jagrup Brar
Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, British Columbia

“Teck’s Trail Operations is a cornerstone of North America’s critical minerals ecosystem. Collaboration with CGF and the Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator will help advance the opportunity we have to quickly and significantly increase production capacity for key strategic metals and help strengthen secure, responsible supply chains. By leveraging Trail’s existing infrastructure and expertise, this initiative has the potential to deliver new supply of strategic metals while providing strong returns for Teck shareholders.”

Jonathan Price
President and CEO, Teck Resources Limited

Quick Facts

Realization of the commercial arrangements contemplated by the Strategic Investment Agreement between the CCMA, CGF and Teck remains subject to certain conditions, including the negotiation and execution of definitive documentation, and satisfaction of applicable approvals.Critical minerals are essential inputs for everyday products like medical devices; defence technologies; and the energy transition, as a key input in technologies like electric vehicles and solar panels.Global markets for these minerals can be concentrated and volatile. The CCMA provides the certainty companies need to move forward with higher-risk projects that unlock Canada’s significant critical minerals deposits.With the CCMA, Canada is taking a novel approach to public investment by investing alongside industry, which reduces risk and unlocks capital at scale. Unlike traditional grants and contributions, the CCMA uses investment tools that generate returns that can be reinvested over time, delivering lasting economic benefits for Canadians. The CCMA will also be leveraged to build Canada’s national stockpile of critical minerals.Strong co-ordination, governance and expertise will underpin every investment under the CCMA. Natural Resources Canada will guide strategic policy direction, Export Development Canada will lead the execution of investments, and final decisions will be made by a dedicated Ministerial Investment Board. This ensures discipline, transparency and alignment with Canada’s economic and national security priorities.The Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator supports the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, which is designed to capture more value at home while strengthening supply chain resilience. Budget 2025 announced $2 billion over five years to establish the Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund — now the CCMA — reinforcing Canada’s position as a reliable global supplier and a top destination for responsible critical minerals investment.

Related Products

Teck, Canada Growth Fund and Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator sign Agreement to Support Strategic Metals Production at Trail Smelter

Associated Links

Canada Critical Minerals AcceleratorCanada’s Critical Minerals StrategyBudget 2025: Canada StrongCanada Growth FundExport Development CanadaTeck Resources Limited

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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Datex and Elastic Solutions Survey Suggests 3PL Competitive Advantage Is Shifting from Technology Adoption to Execution

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100+ 3PL professionals reveal a growing gap between technology adoption and measurable value, with throughput gains widespread but ROI confidence still limited

CLEARWATER, Fla., Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Datex, a leading provider of third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse management software (WMS) for complex and regulated storage environments, today released findings from The 3PL AI & Automation Playbook Survey, based on original research conducted by Elastic Solutions and sponsored by Datex. The survey gathered insights from more than 100 3PL logistics, supply chain and warehousing professionals across North America.

The findings point to a shift in the 3PL technology conversation. As adoption of AI and automation grows, simply having the technology may no longer be enough to differentiate. The greater opportunity is in execution: how effectively 3PLs turn those investments into better warehouse performance, measurable business value and stronger customer service. This closely reflects the brief’s central finding that differentiation is shifting from technology adoption to operational execution.

The data illustrates both the progress 3PLs are making and the execution challenges that remain. While 83% of respondents reported increased warehouse throughput from automation and advanced WMS capabilities, only 33% said they are confident or very confident they will achieve positive ROI within their projected implementation timeline. At the same time, 80% said customers expect, or increasingly assume, AI and automation capabilities from their 3PL partners.

The survey also points to a shift in what is driving investment. Among respondents, 84% cited operational efficiency, evolving client demands or competitive advantage as the primary reason for investing in AI and automation, compared with just 6% who primarily cited labor shortages and rising labor costs.

“Competitive advantage doesn’t come from simply having more technology. It comes from what you can accomplish with it,” said Mike Armanious, CEO of Datex. “For 3PLs, the opportunity is to start with the business outcome and make sure every investment contributes to a better operation, whether that means greater productivity, stronger service or the ability to respond faster to new customer requirements. Sometimes that means getting more from the technology you already have. Other times, it means recognizing when the foundation itself needs to change.”

The resulting executive brief, The Execution Advantage, looks at what the survey findings may mean for 3PLs as they continue investing in AI, automation and warehouse technology, including considerations around ROI, workforce productivity, changing customer expectations and the role of the WMS in supporting these initiatives.

The findings represent the perspectives of more than 100 survey respondents and should be viewed as a snapshot of their experiences and priorities rather than a representation of the entire 3PL market.

Download the full executive brief, The Execution Advantage: How AI, Automation, and Modern WMS Platforms Are Shaping the Next Competitive Advantage for 3PLs, here.

About Datex
Datex helps third-party logistics providers simplify the complexity of multi-client warehouse operations. Footprint® WMS combines real-time inventory visibility, client-specific workflows, advanced billing and low-code configurability to help 3PLs operate more efficiently and adapt faster. Complemented by Footprint Analytics and Datex Studio, the platform delivers trusted insights, streamlined operations and seamless integration. The result is greater agility, stronger customer service and a foundation for scalable growth.

For more information, visit https://datexcorp.com/.

About Elastic Solutions
Elastic Solutions is a leader in targeted marketing, research and demand generation services for the B2B high-tech community. Elastic Solutions was responsible for generating and analyzing the data presented in the executive brief.

For more information, visit www.elasticroi.com.

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SOURCE Datex Inc.

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ECRI Expands Problem Reporting Network and Calls for More Data on AI Errors in Patient Care

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As the adoption of AI in healthcare continues to accelerate, ECRI calls on healthcare providers, systems, and clinicians nationwide to report AI-related incidents

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global patient safety nonprofit ECRI announced an expansion of its Problem Reporting Network to specifically capture and investigate errors, malfunctions, and near misses involving artificial intelligence (AI) tools and AI-enabled devices used in patient care.

ECRI is calling on healthcare providers, health systems, and clinicians nationwide to submit reports of any incident where an AI-enabled tool may have contributed to an error or introduced risk into care delivery. ECRI triages and investigates those reports and shares findings with each submitter. This program compliments the ECRI and ISMP Patient Safety Organization (PSO) which has gathered and analyzes more than 8 million reports of safety events from healthcare providers nationwide.

AI’s promise comes with a data gap

AI is actively transforming healthcare, with immense potential to improve clinical outcomes and efficiency. However, clinical AI tools and AI-enabled medical devices are being deployed at a pace that has challenged the safeguards designed to prevent, identify, and respond to failures.

AI now assists with everything from diagnostic imaging and clinical decision support to personal chatbots, but there is no centralized, healthcare-specific mechanism tracking how often these tools produce incorrect or misleading outputs, and how often those outputs reach a patient.

“ECRI has persistently emphasized the risk of adopting AI with insufficient scrutiny,” said Scott Lucas, PhD, ECRI’s Vice President of Devices, Therapeutics, and Technology. “Although we appreciate AI’s tremendous potential, we don’t yet have a clear picture of its downstream impact in healthcare. Without a robust reporting dataset and analysis, the industry cannot sufficiently improve the design and integration of AI tools and devices. We must look to evidence and data to understand the evolving risks and associated system factors, to enable the use of the safest, most effective technologies.”

Survey shows a mix of AI errors & uncertainty  

In a recent ECRI survey of 124 respondents — mostly quality, safety, risk or compliance leaders — nearly one-third said they encountered an AI output they believed was incorrect or misleading over the past year (31%), while 34% had not, and 35% were unsure. Nine percent reported an AI error reached a patient or impacted a care decision. Ambient scribes were the most commonly encountered AI tools in the survey (37%), ahead of EHR-embedded clinical decision support (31%) and clinical LLM assistants or chatbots (31%).

ECRI has evaluated the effectiveness and clinical evidence surrounding numerous AI-enabled devices and AI tools, including applications in imaging, fall prevention, anesthesia, wearable technology for chronic disease management, cardiovascular diagnoses, colonoscopy systems, and behavioral therapy.

How ECRI’s Problem Reporting Network works

ECRI’s Problem Reporting Network has served the healthcare community since 1972, offering a free, confidential channel for reporting medical device and technology problems. Every submission is triaged and investigated by ECRI’s clinical and engineering experts, and ECRI follows up directly with the submitter to share what was found.

When a safety risk is identified in a device or technology, ECRI informs relevant stakeholders including manufacturers, providers, and regulatory agencies by issuing hazard reports that describe the problem and provide actionable recommendations to reduce risk. The Problem Reporting Network also contributes to the top health technology hazards and patient safety concerns in research reports ECRI publishes for the public each year.

With this most recent expansion, the Problem Reporting Network now explicitly includes a pathway for reporting suspected AI-related errors, incorrect outputs, or unsafe AI behavior encountered in clinical or operational use. Healthcare providers, systems, and professionals who have encountered a suspected AI error, whether it reached a patient or was caught beforehand, are encouraged to submit reports through ECRI’s Problem Reporting Network. 

In addition, ECRI encourages healthcare organizations to submit safety reports through all applicable required reporting channels, including state and federal reporting, and through Patient Safety Organizations.

For more information about the safe use of AI in healthcare, visit ECRI’s AI Resource Hub.

About ECRI

ECRI is an independent, nonprofit organization improving the safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness of care across all healthcare settings. Over the past six decades, ECRI has built its reputation on integrity and disciplined rigor, with an unwavering commitment to independence and evidence-based insights. ECRI is designated an Evidence-based Practice Center by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The ECRI and Institute for Safe Medication Practices PSO is a federally certified Patient Safety Organization (PSO) as designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ECRI is the only organization worldwide to conduct independent medical device evaluations. ECRI acquired The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) in 2020 to address one of the most prolific causes of preventable harm in healthcare, medication errors; then acquired The Just Culture Company in 2024 to transform healthcare workplace cultures – thus creating one of the largest healthcare quality and safety entities in the world.

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SOURCE ECRI

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Murrieta the Gem of the Valley TV Series Spotlights Southern California Real Estate and Lifestyle on REAL Shows Network

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Locally hosted series led by Tiffany Williams highlights the people, neighborhoods, businesses, and stories that make Murrieta the Gem of the Valley.

PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — REAL Shows Network (RSN), the national TV platform dedicated to elevating real estate and lifestyle storytelling, has added Murrieta the Gem of the Valley, a new locally hosted series serving Southern California, to its lineup. The real estate and lifestyle TV series is hosted by local real estate leader Tiffany Williams and produced by RSN’s Emmy-nominated, Telly Award-winning team.

Viewers can learn more about the series and watch episodes of Murrieta the Gem of the Valley at realshows.tv.

The series captures the spirit of Murrieta by blending real estate, local culture, and community stories into a vibrant viewing experience. Each episode features Tiffany Williams:

Highlighting notable neighborhoods and distinctive propertiesCelebrating local businesses and community organizationsSpotlighting the people and stories that give the area its unique characterSharing insight into how real estate can help families build long-term wealth and legacy

“After nearly 30 years serving this valley, we’ve learned that real estate isn’t just about property. It’s about the people, businesses, and neighborhoods that give a place its soul,” said Tiffany Williams, host of Murrieta the Gem of the Valley. “Murrieta is truly the Gem of the Valley, and through this show, we want to spotlight those stories while teaching families how a home today can become a legacy tomorrow. Wealth via real estate isn’t just a strategy. It’s how you pass something priceless down to your children’s children.”

Murrieta the Gem of the Valley is part of REAL Shows Network’s growing lineup of locally branded series that highlight communities across the United States.

As part of RSN’s national network of locally branded shows, Murrieta the Gem of the Valley gives its host a full 30 minutes to build a recognizable, personality-driven brand while authentically representing the people and communities she serves. The show provides local organizations, including nonprofits and philanthropic initiatives, along with entrepreneurs and community influencers, a high-quality platform to share their stories through cinematic, lifestyle-driven segments.

Rooted in RSN’s mission of positive media, Murrieta the Gem of the Valley focuses on authenticity, connection, and the everyday experiences that make communities stand out. It uplifts the people, businesses, and causes that make the region extraordinary, offering viewers fresh insight along with engaging, professionally produced entertainment. High-resolution images and video clips from Murrieta the Gem of the Valley are available upon request.

About REAL Shows Network

REAL Shows Network (RSN) is a national TV network for top real estate professionals and influential local leaders, giving select hosts in each market the exclusive opportunity to lead a full 30-minute show that showcases their expertise, partners, and community. Created by an Emmy-nominated, Telly Award-winning production team, RSN delivers cinematic, lifestyle-driven storytelling and strategic media exposure that builds authority, deepens community connection, and elevates positive stories in each market. For more information, visit realshows.tv.

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SOURCE REAL Shows Network

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