The Short Report: October 23, 2024

GOVERNMENT FUNDING

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) announced the establishment of the Canada Water Agency as a standalone federal entity headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Over the coming years, the Canada Water Agency will provide grants and contributions to hundreds of projects supporting the restoration and protection of fresh water in Canada, funded by a $650-million investment outlined in Budget 2023. Previously within ECCC for an interim period, the new independent agency will strengthen freshwater management in Canada by providing leadership and improved coordination and collaboration federally and with provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples. As a standalone entity, the Canada Water Agency will work closely with partners to deliver major elements of the Freshwater Action Plan, build a strong approach to freshwater protection, and help address transboundary freshwater challenges and opportunities. The Agency also will provide freshwater policy expertise and lead the development of a national freshwater data strategy. It will also work closely with ECCC and other federal departments and agencies to support and leverage freshwater science. The Canada Water Agency will administer freshwater funding programs in eight waterbodies of national significance: the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, Lake Simcoe, the St. Lawrence River, the Mackenzie River, the Fraser River, and the Wolastoq/Saint John River. In addition to its Winnipeg headquarters, the agency will have five regional offices across Canada – with about 220 employees once fully staffed – to ensure responsiveness to local freshwater issues. ECCC

The Digital Research Alliance of Canada and the Government of Ontario awarded a combined total of more than $95.4 million to upgrade advanced research computing infrastructure at two of Canada’s national host sites. The Alliance awarded $26.2 million to the University of Toronto (U of T) to upgrade the compute infrastructure of the Niagara system, operated by SciNet. The University of Waterloo (UWaterloo) received more than $21.8 million to renew high-performance computing and cloud storage infrastructure of the Graham systems, operated by SHARCNET. The Ontario government, in partnership with Compute Ontario, announced a matching investment of nearly more than $21 million for UWaterloo and $26.2 million for U of T.  Together, the joint investment will provide researchers across Canada with robust compute capacity and secure storage to advance ground-breaking research in their fields. Both projects will harness leading-edge technology to reduce cooling costs and utilize water rather than air, resulting in more efficient and sustainable systems for the future.  This investment is made possible by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) Strategy and approved DRI funding for 2023–25.  Digital Research Alliance of Canada

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) announced contracts totalling over $73 million, awarded to help Ontario-based South Head Switch Power supply renewable energy certificates (RECs) from new solar power. These contracts support the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy commitment to use 100-percent clean electricity in federal buildings and the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The contracts will supply 100,600 RECs annually from new clean electricity solar facilities. This agreement will enable the government to attribute its electricity consumption as being clean in regions where opportunities for new clean renewable sources are not yet available, while supporting the creation of new green energy facilities. The RECs will reduce up to 32,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent for the governments’ real property operations, equal to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of more than 9,980 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles. These contracts also will help promote Indigenous business capacity in the clean energy sector and contribute to Canada’s efforts to strengthen economic relationships with Indigenous entrepreneurs. Rama, Ont.-based South Head Energy is an Indigenous-owned business, and South Head Switch Power is joint venture with Calgary-based Switch Power, which is registered with the Indigenous Business Directory. PSPC

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) announced a federal investment of $40 million from the Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program to Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA). This funding will help develop and manage a province-wide program for industry to become more cost- and energy-efficient. Funding will support ERA’s $50-million Strategic Energy Management for Industry program, which will provide industrial and manufacturing facilities with expertise and training in energy management. Industry participants will be given the opportunity to increase profitability by reducing energy costs and taking advantage of funding to help cover the cost of capital retrofits for industrial process equipment. An additional $10 million was invested by the Government of Alberta for ERA’s Strategic Energy Management for Industry program. NRCan

The federally funded National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC) announced a slate of 37 Canadian projects that will receive a total of $22.8 million toward cybersecurity projects as part of NCC’s second annual call for proposals program. Funded projects in 2024 are spearheaded by Canadian organizations within academia, industry and the not-for-profit sector, with many projects benefiting from cross-sectoral collaborations facilitated by the NCC. The projects encompass commercialization, research and development, and training. With a total project value of over $60 million, these high-impact initiatives will advance Canadian cybersecurity in three areas: commercialization, training, and research and development, the NCC said. NCC

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) announced a $20-million investment, through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), to support Toronto-headquartered Kepler Communications’ development of the Aether satellite constellation and its in-orbit, high-speed connectivity network, a project valued at $280.3 million. Kepler Communications, a Canadian leader in small satellite mass manufacturing, also received $2 million in funding for this project from the Canadian Space Agency in September 2024. ISED said the SIF contribution will advance Canada’s satellite communications capabilities to deliver higher-speed data relay between space and the Earth by using optical intersatellite link laser technology. ISED

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) announced a federal investment of over $13 million for eight Calgary and area companies to scale up, access new markets for their products and services, and create new opportunities for job seekers. The companies, which are developing innovative applications in sectors such as digital, health care and clean technology, include:

• Aligned Outcomes, receiving up to $178,088 to upgrade its Enterprise Digital Twin platform software to support expansion into the post-secondary market and create new jobs in Alberta’s digital sector.
• Avanti Software, up to $3 million to optimize functionality and competitiveness of human resource management software to scale up the company’s business prospects nationally and increase market share.
• Global Analyzer Systems, up to $1.5 million to launch and scale up an advanced nitrogen dioxide analyzer using efficient and cost-effective technology that supports more stringent pollutant regulation and lowering of the carbon footprint.
• Morweb, up to $850,000 to accelerate the growth of its sales, marketing and product development to enhance its cutting-edge website platform, which empowers non-profit organizations worldwide to build and manage dynamic, mission-driven websites with ease and advanced functionality.
• PK Sound, up to more than $2.28 million to accelerate the manufacturing of its patented robotic audio systems to meet growing global demand.
• Surface Medical, up to $262,362 to accelerate sales and marketing to fuel revenue growth for its market-first, patented product called CleanPatch which helps keep health care surfaces clean and safe for patients and workers.
• TEKTELIC, up to more than $3.97 million to develop, test, certify, manufacture and launch digital health Internet of Things products and solutions for the Canadian health sector.
• WaitWell, up to $1 million to enhance capabilities of current software to digitally transform services for clients, including analytics that will streamline operations as well as expand further into Canadian and American markets. PrairiesCan

The Federal Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) announced more than $12 million to help six manufacturers scale up the electric vehicle production supply chain. The funding recipients are:

• S.B. Manufacturing Ltd., $1.2 million to modernize its facility and seize future growth in the industry with the addition of automated production equipment to increase its capacity to produce EV and hybrid vehicle components.
• Can Art Aluminum Extrusion Canada Inc., $5 million to expand its aluminum parts manufacturing (extrusion) capacity to produce new components for the EV market at its Lakeshore, Ont. facility.
• Clover Tool Manufacturing Ltd., $750,000 to support enhanced manufacturing capabilities to produce intricate components for the EV sector at its Concord facility.
• CMP Automation Inc., $499,532 to bring to market modified computer numerical control machinery for high-volume production of EV parts.
• Electrovaya Inc., $2 million to expand its lithium-ion battery manufacturing capacity in order to meet the demand from the EV industry for its products.
• Marwood International Inc., $3 million to increase its parts manufacturing and assembling capabilities for complex EV parts. FedDev Ontario

The Federal Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) announced over $6.5 million for three projects supporting southern Ontario's manufacturing sector. The funding includes $4 million for the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI). This Niagara College-led network is made up of 11 postsecondary institution (PSIs) partners across southern Ontario that pool together resources and expertise to match PSIs with the needs of manufacturers to find innovative solutions to their manufacturing challenges. This investment will support SONAMI as it continues to bring technical and industry leadership, equipment, expertise and solutions to participating manufacturers across southern Ontario, with a focus on clean growth. SONAMI will also continue to foster future talent by involving students in projects with participating companies. The program is expected to support up to 90 businesses, create 45 new products, services or processes, and create or license 100 new intellectual properties. Two manufacturers in the Niagara region: CMI Heavy Industries and Black Creek Metal Inc., will receive $1.5 million and $1 million, respectively. CMI Heavy Industries, which makes machined components and assemblies, will increase production capacity and automate operations through the purchase and installation of advanced manufacturing equipment. Black Creek Metal, which makes custom metal and structural steel for building frameworks and is expanding its second facility in Thorold, will expand production capacity by purchasing new equipment and adopting new technologies to increase efficiencies. FedDev Ontario

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) announced an investment of more than $5.1 million for the Canadian Poultry Research Council (CPRC) through the AgriScience Program - Clusters Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. This funding will allow the CPRC to partner on research that will ensure poultry welfare at all levels of the production chain, meeting the consumer demand for healthy and safe poultry products and decreasing the environmental impacts of poultry farms – including ambient air quality, emissions and the effect on humans and birds in the surrounding area. Some examples of cluster activities include upcycling Canadian fruit waste to develop novel feed ingredients, managing environmental conditions to reduce the risk of avian influenza, researching alternatives to antimicrobials, and optimizing feed to reduce particulate matter emissions. AAFC

RESEARCH, TECH NEWS & COLLABORATION

Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) announced that Concordia University will establish a thematic campus in Shawinigan, Quebec, focused on energy transition. The campus will be dedicated to advancing clean energy research, which is critical to addressing climate change and promoting sustainability. This project is part of Concordia University’s “Volt-Age: Where Innovation Meets Purpose” initiative, which received a $123-million investment through the $1.4-billion Canada First Research Excellence Fund in 2022. The campus will foster collaboration between Concordia University, the City of Shawinigan and the National Center in Environmental Technology and Electrochemistry in Shawinigan, aligning with broader federal efforts to address critical challenges in energy storage, transport electrification and sustainable innovation. In support of this new initiative, the National Research Council of Canada signed a memorandum of understanding with Concordia University to advance battery materials research in Canada and address the gaps in next-generation battery processing and manufacturing. ISED

Ottawa-based Evidence for Democracy launched its latest bilingual toolkit titled “Best Practices Toolkit: Practices to Improving Transparent Evidence Usage in Policy-Making.” This toolkit offers guidance, tools and best practices to improve the transparent use of evidence in policy-making. It also contains solutions to pursue on how government systems, structures and resources can implement evidence-informed and transparent policy-making to its fullest extent. While polling data shows that eight in 10 Canadians want to see the evidence behind government decisions, public servants and elected officials have identified time constraints and lack of incentives as significant barriers in using evidence to inform policy-making. The Best Practices Toolkit empowers policymakers with the tools needed to ensure that policy decisions are not only based on evidence but also transparently communicated to the public – helping to fulfill the government’s commitments to openness and accountability. Download the Toolkit here. Evidence for Democracy

The Financial Times released its Executive MBA 2024 ranking, which lists the top 100 executive MBA programs from around the world. Programs are assessed through two surveys that gather data on topics such as diversity, faculty research output and alumni career outcomes. Participation in the rankings is at the business school’s request, with schools required to be accredited with the European Quality Improvement System or the U.S. Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Four Canadian business programs ranked among the top 100: York University’s Kellogg-Schulich EMBA (#36); University of Toronto’s EMBA (#54); Western University’s Ivey EMBA (#56); and Queen’s University’s Smith EMBA - The National Program (#75). One international business program partially offered in Canada also appeared in the rankings: Queen's and Cornell University's EMBA Americas program (#35). Financial Times

Canada’s five biggest banks have widened their lead in artificial intelligence against their international counterparts, according to an annual global ranking by London-based intelligence platform Evident. The ranking measures the AI “maturity” of 50 international banks based on four criteria: innovation, talent, leadership and transparency. Canada maintained its lead as the highest-scoring region for a second year. It was the only country or region to have all its major banks score in the top 25. Also, Canada’s lead over the U.S., which ranked in second place, increased slightly. RBC was the highest-ranking Canadian bank and placed third overall globally for the second year in a row, thanks to the head start it got by launching the Borealis Institute for AI research in 2016. TD Bank made the top 10, moving into ninth place from 11^th last year, while CIBC moved up to 22^nd place from 41^st the previous year on the strength of better transparency around its efforts to reduce risks and promote ethical AI use. Scotiabank placed 20^th in the global rankings and BMO 24^th. Evident, Fintech.ca

CQDM, a not-for-profit biopharmaceutical research consortium, and Brain Canada announced a total of $7.4 million, which includes financial support from various industry partners, for three collaborative projects aimed at addressing unmet needs in the treatment of brain disorders. These projects are made possible by a contribution of $1,796,387 from the Government of Quebec via CQDM and $2,271,500 from the Brain Canada Foundation via the Canadian Brain Research Fund, an innovative arrangement between the federal government (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada Foundation. Projects benefitting from receiving funding are:

• A revolutionary organoid platform (tiny 3D tissue cultures derived from stem cells) to dissect the role of microglia (the resident immune cells of the brain) in degenerative conditions and to enable the identification of new targets and therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s treatment.

This project, led by Prof. Thomas Durcan, director of the early drug discovery unit of the Neuro, a McGill University research institute, in collaboration with Merck scientists, was awarded a Quantum Leap grant of close to $2.6 million. 

• A novel immunotherapy based on genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells (immature stem cells that can develop into all types of blood cells) as a new hope for treating glioblastoma, an aggressive cancerous tumor of the brain.

Led by Dr. Elie Haddad from CHU Sainte-Justine in collaboration with Immugenia, this project includes an interprovincial research collaboration with professors Scott McComb and Anna Jezierski of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the University of Ottawa, who are advancing research innovations through the NRC’s Disruptive Technology Solutions for Cell & Gene Therapy Challenge program.

• Cognitive training platform to revolutionize healthcare for people with concussions.

Led by Prof. Jocelyn Faubert from the Université de Montréal in collaboration with NeuroTracker, this project includes an interprovincial research collaboration with professors Brian Christie and Jodie Gawryluk from the University of Victoria. Faubert and her team will explore the use of the NeuroTracker remote training platform to help diagnose and facilitate recovery in people with a history of concussions. 

Functional brain deficits, resulting from traumatic brain injury or disease, affect a significant portion of Canada’s population. These deficits are not only associated with significant costs but also have a profound impact on the lives of those affected and their loved ones. For example, dementia alone accounted for $8.3 billion in healthcare costs in 2011, and these are expected to double by 2031. CQDM

The University of Manitoba received US$12.5 million from The Gates Foundation to expand the work of the Institute for Global Public Health (IGPH). The IGPH, led by Dr. James Blanchard, Canada Research Chair in Epidemiology and Global Public Health, engages in research to identify barriers and improve access to life-saving family planning. With this grant, IGPH researchers will work with local governments to identify the strengths and limitations of core health systems constraints in availability, utilization and quality of family planning, maternal, newborn and child health services and supplies health systems in priority regions of Senegal, Cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Sindh province of Pakistan. The work is expected to improve health outcomes for women, newborns and their families. University of Manitoba

Edmonton-based Wyvern, a space-data company, will receive funding (the amount wasn’t disclosed) and support from the U of A Innovation Fund, launched last October with the backing of donors who are passionate about championing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Within just a year of launching, the fund invested in five research-driven startups: RL Core Technologies; Nanostics Precision Health; PulseMedica; Areto Labs and most recently, Wyvern. The U of A Innovation Fund provides both initial and follow-on funding, as well as access to local and global networks and resources, support for commercializing products and services, and opportunities for shared learning with other tech entrepreneurs. Wyvern’s four founders, all University of Alberta graduates, met when they were students involved in the AlbertaSat team, where they got their first glimpse into the industry they would soon revolutionize. Now, the data captured by their hyperspectral imaging telescopes offers the highest resolution on the market. Regular satellite imagery captures what the naked eye can see, like the size of a forest or the colour of a particular land mass. “With hyperspectral imagery, you can see what species of trees are in the forest, distinguish real grass from artificial turf, identify diseases and nutrient deficiencies in crops, and even detect gases such as methane in the atmosphere,” said Wyvern co-founder Callie Lissinna. Support from the Innovation Fund and the venture capital firm Squadra Ventures will allow Wyvern to continue improving its technology, developing next-generation satellite payloads that provide even higher resolution and more colours. U of A

Waterloo, Ont.-based SkyWatch, which provides commercial geospatial data, and Colorado-based Maxar, which provides secure and precise geospatial intelligence, announced a multi-year agreement enabling the distribution of Maxar’s high-resolution satellite imagery to SkyWatch’s global customer base via the SkyWatch platform. Through this partnership, SkyWatch customers will have access to Maxar’s high-quality archive and tasking capabilities, including 50-centimetre, 30-cm, and 15-cm high-definition resolution imagery from the Maxar satellite constellation, including the recently launched WorldView Legion satellites. The addition of Maxar data significantly strengthens the growing list of geospatial data products available on the SkyWatch platform, SkyWatch said. SkyWatch

Toronto-based Kepler Communications, Inc. announced that the European Space Agency (ESA) has selected the company as prime contractor to lead the development of the low-Earth orbit segment (Element #1) of the High Throughput Optical Network (HydRON) program. The initial phase of the contract led by Kepler totals 36 million Euros (Cdn$54 million) and will be supported by TESAT Spacecom and Airbus Space and Defence. The HydRON-DS Element #1 project will leverage the Kepler Network to fulfill the program’s objectives to demonstrate a high-capacity, low-latency data transport system in low-Earth orbit, and advanced space-based internet traffic management. Establishing the program is critical since the demand for data transport in space is rapidly increasing. Kepler Communications

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced, in addition to Kepler Communications’ selection by the European Space Agency (ESA) for the HydRON program, other Canadian companies benefitting from Canada’ long-standing partnership with ESA. The partnership allows Canadian companies from the space sector to leverage their expertise and skills on the European market. The other companies are:

• Sherbrooke, Que.-based SBQuantum will assess the viability of its quantum diamond magnetometer in space. ESA will evaluate both the reliability and precision of the sensor, and explore its potential deployment on satellites for various purposes, like assisting in the monitoring of magnetic storms or mapping minerals under the surface of the Moon.
• C-CORE, based in St. John's, Nfld., will design and build a calibration transponder for the ESA’s Biomass mission, which will deliver crucial information about the state of the world's forests and how they are changing, and further our knowledge of the role forests play in the carbon cycle.
• Québec-based ABB Canada's analytical business unit will provide the laser unit for the interferometer of the Forum mission, ESA's ninth Earth Explorer satellite mission. Data from the mission will be used to evaluate the role that the far-infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum plays in shaping our climate.

Between April 2018 and March 2022, 44 Canadian organizations received 125 contracts valued at approximately €59 million, which would otherwise not have been accessible without the Canada-ESA Cooperation Agreement. CSA

Ottawa-based Mission Control and Virginia-headquartered satellite manufacturer Spire Global Inc. announced a mission to explore the power of artificial intelligence in space. The Persistence Mission is expected to showcase how AI can be reliably used onboard satellites over a long period of time to generate actionable insights in real-time. Spire has agreed to build and operate the LEMUR 6, a 6U (a cube-satellite, or nanosatellite, although it’s six times larger than nanosatellites composed of a single unit) satellite with an optical payload that will provide images of the Earth for analysis by Mission Control’s onboard AI algorithms. Mission Control has agreed to demonstrate its SpacefarerAI™ platform, designed to streamline the deployment and update of AI models for spaceflight applications. SpacefarerAI™ is expected to simplify how mission teams can harness the power of AI directly onboard their spacecraft, ushering in a new era for the use of AI in space and a better understanding of the Earth supported by AI. The satellite is scheduled for launch no earlier than 2025. Mission Control

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the Italian Space Agency (ISA) are advancing potential collaboration on “CubeSats” (cube-satellites) in the spirit of the Italy-Canada Roadmap for Enhanced Cooperation. The two agencies are actively discussing opportunities to address common challenges and strengthen their partnership in line with mutual goals and interests. Specifically, the CSA and the ISA intend to advance cooperation in the development of their respective CubeSat programs, including scientific and technological demonstration missions, with the objective of developing jointly the expertise required to ensure the success and prosperity of the Canadian and Italian space sectors. Additionally, both agencies aim to foster advanced industrial collaboration in the space sector. The agencies are committed to initiating a technical dialogue in fields such as quantum technologies and cybersecurity for civil space systems. They will also collaborate within the framework of the Artemis Accords to ensure the safety and sustainability of space exploration. The CSA also extended its memorandum of understanding with the Swedish National Space Agency. This partnership will support the Space for Climate Observatory and strengthen efforts to promote gender equality in the space sector.  CSA

Innovative forest reclamation research led by the Edmonton-based Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) received a 10-year, $1.5-million boost from long-standing industry partner ConocoPhillips Canada. The funding will support the ongoing efforts of researchers at NAIT’s Centre for Boreal Research, who are investigating improved methods for boreal forest reclamation following industrial activities such as oil and gas development. The work began nearly a decade ago thanks to a previous investment from ConocoPhillips Canada. Led by Dr. Amanda Schoonmaker, PhD, NAIT’s NSERC Industrial Research Chair for Colleges in Boreal Reclamation and Reforestation, the research team will continue to advance various site preparation and revegetation techniques to improve forest reclamation outcomes at ConocoPhillips Canada’s Surmont oilsands site, 56 kilometres south of Fort McMurray. The ongoing partnership is also expanding beyond ConocoPhillips Canada’s Surmont site into new areas, including the Montney field in northeast B.C. NAIT

The Ocean Startup Project, supported by Atlantic Canada-based Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and industry partners, announced 16 innovative companies selected as part of the 2024 Ocean Startup Challenge cohort. Each startup will receive up to $25,000 in non-dilutive funding, as well as a comprehensive support package – including workshops, one-on-one mentorship with industry experts and extensive networking opportunities –  to accelerate the growth of their ocean-focused solutions. Additionally, program participants will have access to approximately $250,000 worth of in-kind support from partners across the country, gaining access to co-working spaces, facilities, technical expertise and more. This year, the Ocean Startup Challenge attracted 56 applications from across Canada. The chosen startups span various sectors of the blue economy, including sustainable seafood and fisheries, renewable ocean energy, autonomous and robotic vessels, marine biotechnology, marine transportation and ocean-based carbon capture and storage. There was a surge in seaweed-related innovations, reflecting the growing interest in sustainable ocean solutions and the diverse opportunities within the blue economy. Ocean Startup Project

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) violated federal safe drinking water rules and its underground injection permit with a leak at the first major U.S. underground carbon sequestration facility in Illinois. The Illinois Industrial Carbon Capture and Sequestration Project is meant to demonstrate the ability of carbon dioxide to be stored safely underground. The Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act expanded tax credits for CCS projects from $50 a tonne to $85 a tonne, generating more interest in these projects. In an August 14 letter to ADM, the EPA said a July inspection of the site found that carbon dioxide injected into the subsurface flowed into "unauthorized zones," and that the company failed to follow an emergency response and remediation plan and monitor the well in accordance with its permit. Leaks from fractures in the rock layers or from injection could contaminate both the soil and groundwater in the area surrounding the storage site. ADM responded to the EPA's notice on August 22 and said that it had detected some corrosion in one of its two deep monitoring wells and subsequently plugged it and reported it to the agency, according to a copy of the letter seen by Reuters. "At no time was there any impact to the surface or groundwater sources or any threat to public health," ADM spokesperson Jackie Anderson said in a statement. Reuters

Amazon signed deals with Dominion Energy and X-Energy Reactor to produce more nuclear energy, including an agreement with Dominion Energy Virginia to develop new technology that would help advance potential small modular reactor development in Virginia. Amazon also became part of a $500-million financing deal for X-Energy Reactor, a nuclear reactor and fuel technology company. X-Energy launched the Series C-1 financing round to provide cash for growing energy demands by funding the completion of its reactor design and licensing, as well as the first phase of its TRISO-X fuel fabrication facility in Oak Ridge, Tenn. Over the summer, the Wall Street Journal reported that Amazon Web Services was nearing a deal for electricity supplied directly from a nuclear plant on the East Coast with Constellation Energy, the largest owner of U.S. nuclear-power plants. In a separate deal in March, Amazon bought a nuclear-powered data centre in Pennsylvania from Talen Energy for $650 million. Google said last week it will back the construction of seven small nuclear-powered reactors in the U.S. Under the deal's terms, Google committed to buying power generated by seven reactors to be built by California-based nuclear energy startup Kairos Power. The agreement targets adding 500 megawatts of nuclear power starting at the end of the decade. In mid-September, Microsoft and Constellation Energy entered into a deal to restart Pennsylvania's Three Mile Island to help power the tech giant's growing artificial intelligence ambitions. The explosive growth of generative AI, as well as cloud storage, has increased tech companies’ electricity demands. Morningstar

Dale and Jennifer Harris, a math teacher and an author, respectively, and parents of a Massachusetts high school senior, are suing his teacher, Hingham Public Schools District faculty and staff members, and a local school committee for punishments the student received after he used artificial intelligence tools to research and create an outline for a history class essay. The lawsuit, filed in Massachusetts district court, said the student didn’t break any rules and is now at a disadvantage in the highly competitive Ivy League college application process after he received punishments that included a detention, a poor grade and, initially, being barred from the National Honor Society. After his history teacher discovered he and another student used AI for a project on basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar late last year, the complaint said, the student received zeroes and an overall D on the assignment, pulling him down to a C for the semester and lowering his overall GPA. The student, who is referred to only by his initials in the lawsuit, set his sights on Stanford University, according to the complaint, and got a perfect score on the ACT standardized college entry test. The complaint said the school’s AI policy was added to the Hingham High School student handbook only the year after the plaintiff’s son was punished. As schools, workplaces and institutions adjust to the increasing use of generative AI tools for education, labor and more, the Massachusetts case could establish a legal precedent about disciplinary decisions. NBC News

VC, PRIVATE INVESTMENT & ACQUISITIONS

Vancouver-based Lithium Americas announced a new $625-million joint venture agreement with General Motors for Lithium Americas’ Thacker Pass project in northern Nevada. Under the deal that the project developer calls the largest ever by a U.S. original equipment manufacturer in a lithium project, GM is to acquire a 38-percent stake in Thacker Pass for $625 million in cash and letters of credit. The joint venture deal replaces the $330 million in second tranche equity investment from GM announced in January 2023, and is in addition to a $2.3-billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy. The deal also includes $430 million of direct funding to the joint venture to build the project’s first stage, expected to cost $2.9 billion. At Thacker Pass, located in Humboldt County, Lithium Americas has completed about 40 percent of the project’s engineering design, and site preparation for major earthworks is complete. Excavation of the process plant area is about half-finished and preparations for concrete placement are underway. The project hosts the largest known measured and indicated lithium resource in North America, with 385 million measured and indicated tonnes grading 2,917 parts per million (ppm) lithium, equivalent to 6 million tonnes of lithium carbonate. The mine could potentially produce enough lithium to power 1 million electric vehicles annually, Lithium Americas said. Lithium Americas

Montreal-based bitcoin company Blockstream raised US$210 million in convertible debt financing led by Fulgur Ventures. Blockstream said the capital will be used to accelerate the market adoption and development of the company’s layer-2 technologies, expand its mining operations in preparation for the next bitcoin market cycle, and significantly grow Blockstream’s bitcoin treasury. Blockstream’s layer-2 solutions address growing demand from enterprises for secure, scalable bitcoin-based financial products. Blockstream also announced it appointed Michael Minkevich as chief operating officer. He brings over two decades of experience in developing advanced technological solutions for traditional industries, including finance. Blockstream

 Hong Kong-based billionaire Solina Chau purchased approximately 18.6 million common shares of Vancouver-based WELL Health Technologies Corp., representing a total purchase price of more than US$60 million. The purchase will give her approximately 14.53 per cent, or roughly 36 million shares, of the company’s issued and outstanding shares – making Chau the largest Well Health shareholder. Chau said the shares were acquired “for investment purposes,” and she doesn’t have any plans involving a merger, sale or transfer of WELL Health's assets, or a change in the company's management, board of directors or business structure. Founded in 2012, WELL Health offers a software platform for healthcare providers that covers electronic medical records, practice management, billing, revenue cycle management and data protection solutions. Chau Hoi Shuen Solina Holly

Idealist Capital, Sanimax and Fondaction announced a combined $58-million investment in Sherbrooke, Que.-based Entosystem, a world leader in the production of insect proteins and organic fertilizers for agriculture and animal nutrition. The investment aims to accelerate Entosystem's growth by increasing existing production capacity and constructing a second commercial plant. Using its cutting-edge technology, Entosystem diverts tonnes of organic materials from landfills and transforms them into high-quality ingredients, reducing the environmental footprint of food production. The Drummondville-based carbon-negative plant can process 90,000 tonnes of organic matter each year into 5,000 tonnes of high-quality protein meal, as well as 15,000 tonnes of fertilizer approved for organic farming. According to an independent study, this innovative project reduces greenhouse emissions by 85 percent compared with the current scenario and generates carbon credits. In terms of preventing food loss and waste, Entosystem's solution is preferred as it enables the reintroduction of organic matter into the food chain through an ecological process. The second plant under development represents a key step in the company's growth strategy to meet increasing demand for sustainable proteins and organic fertilizers. Entosystem

Toronto-based Fable, a platform for digital accessibility powered by people with disabilities, raised US$25 million in a Series B funding round led by Five Elms Capital.  Fable helps some of the largest brands in the world build inclusive digital products with its accessibility testing and training solutions. The company said the funding will be used to further this focus, including building out its datasets for training AI that’s inclusive of people with disabilities and adding accessibility tools for people with cognitive and hearing impairments. Fable's commitment to accessibility includes influencing national standards for inclusive AI through its leadership in the Canadian Technical Committee on Accessible and Equitable Artificial Intelligence Systems. Fable

Toronto-based Information Venture Partners (Information VP), after 10 years and three funds, announced a shift to single-asset, special-purpose vehicle investing. Since being spun out of RBC 10 years ago, the venture capital firm has focused on early-stage North American business-to-business (B2B) fintech and enterprise software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies across three funds. After recently taking a step back to consider its options amid a particularly tough VC fundraising environment, Information VP has decided to invest more selectively in later-stage B2B fintech and enterprise SaaS startups on a deal-by-deal basis, co-founders and general partners Robert Antoniades and David Unsworth said in a LinkedIn post. Information VP will continue to support the development and maturation of its current portfolio companies. Information Venture Partners, BetaKit

Montreal-based data collector/integrator company Deck raised $6.2 million in a seed funding round led by Golden Ventures and Better Tomorrow Ventures, with participation from Luge Capital. Deck plans to use the funds to invest in product development. Deck, founded by Yves-Gabriel Leboeuf and Frédérick Lavoie – the founders behind fintech-focused Flinks – provides businesses and software companies with an application programming interface platform to automate the collection, integration and tracking of critical data, including energy, fuel, waste and water, to streamline energy management and carbon accounting processes. FinSMES

Edmonton-based space data company Wyvern raised US$6 million million in a strategic investment led by Squadra Ventures. The round included follow-on investment from Uncork Capital and Y Combinator, and new investment from the University of Alberta Innovation Fund, Accelerate Fund III, and Brent Perrot. Wyvern said the funding enables deeper penetration into the U.S. market while strengthening its position as a global leader in Earth observation. Wyvern said data from its satellites helps to fortify Alberta's world-renowned machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence research – which includes Edmonton-based Amii, a national AI institute – wherein Wyvern imagery can be used within an ML/AI algorithm to solve key sustainability issues. Wyvern

Montreal-based Trustii, a technology company specializing in background verification and people risk management, raised $2.8 million in a funding round led by AQC Capital and Accelia Capital, with joint participation from Boréal Ventures. Trustii said this funding will enable the company to accelerate its expansion across North America and strengthen its go-to-market efforts for its platform, Horizon. Horizon provides managers proactive alerts on non-compliance through the cloud-based, centralized and secure platform, providing an overview of risks, automation of internal procedures and alignment with compliance policies. Trustii

Toronto-based Montfort Capital Corp. has agreed to sell its TIMIA Capital business unit to Toronto-based venture firm Round13 Capital for an all-cash purchase price of $4.5 million, plus the prepayment of $2 million in debt to Pivot Financial, a creditor connected to TIMIA Capital. The sale also includes Montfort’s equity stake in the TIMIA Group's investment funds. In a LinkedIn post, Round13 said it will be providing “significant” new liquidity to TIMIA to expand its current alternative lending capabilities. Founded in 2015, TIMIA Group lends to B2B software firms based in Canada and the U.S. Montfort Capital Corp.

Guelph, Ont.-based Precinmac has agreed to be acquired by New York-based investment group Centerbridge Partners. Centerbridge is acquiring Precinmac from an investor group comprising Pine Island Capital Partners, Bain Capital's Private Credit Group, and Compass Partners Capital, who have been Precinmac’s investment partners since April 2020. Precinmac is a supplier of complex precision components for mission-critical applications in aerospace, defense, space, semiconductor and other high-requirements end markets. The company serves these customers through a network of nine facilities across the United States and Canada. Precinmac

The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund launched OCIF Express, a  simpler, quicker funding mechanism to address specific gaps within the city’s economy. OCIF Express simplifies the process of accessing essential funding, and the first round offers two distinct funding streams tailored to meet the unique needs of Calgary-based SMEs – job creation and talent development. OCIF Express’ first round will distribute up to $5 million in funding. With the first funding stream, businesses can access funding to help fuel the addition of new employees in critical positions to tackle their next project. The second stream focuses on talent development within organizations. SMEs can receive funding to implement in-house training programs, fostering their workforce with the skills they need to succeed. Calgary Economic Development

REPORTS & POLICIES

Federal research funding agencies and research community weigh in on new capstone research funding organization

The federal government, in implementing the new capstone research funding organization, should retain and preserve distinct budgets for the three federal granting agencies, with new incremental funding provided for the capstone organization.

In a report to government, Canada's three federal research funding agencies said there also needs to be clear roles, responsibilities and relationships between the new capstone organization and the research funding agencies, the proposed Advisory Council on Science and Innovation, the Canada Foundation for Innovation and other key players – with dedicated resources for coordination, 

The Government of Canada announced its intention to create a new capstone research funding organization in Budget 2024, as part of its response to recommendations from the Advisory Panel on the Federal Research Support System.

In June, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) asked the granting councils (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research) to jointly undertake engagement with the research community to help inform the government's ongoing work to create the new capstone organization.

The three agencies’ summary report, What We Heard: Tri-agency engagement with the research community on modernization of the federal research support system, said the new capstone organization must have autonomy, transparency, accountability and equitable, diverse and inclusive representation.

Strong agency leadership and inclusive governance should be maintained to preserve autonomy and ensure diversity informs capstone initiatives, the report says.

There’s a need to clarify definitions and scope of mission-driven, international and interdisciplinary research, the agencies said. Robust impact evaluation frameworks will be needed to measure the health, societal and economic contributions of mission-driven research.

Also, research infrastructure support should be aligned with research funding, and a diversity of infrastructures allowed.

The interface between researchers and research support needs harmonized policies and operations, a single portal, design of inclusive programs, and procedures for continuous community engagement, the funding agencies said.

Feedback from the research community focused on three main tenets and themes: sustain  community engagement, build on existing strengths, and shape new opportunities.

In addition to the tenets already mentioned above, other principles under the three main themes in implementing the new capstone organization are:

1. Sustain Community Engagement

• Continued engagement in design and implementation, with sustained dialogue to identify and address evolving issues and opportunities.

2. Build on Existing Strengths

• Academic freedom, research excellence and peer/merit review: Governance/funding decisions free from outside interference.
• Investigator-initiated research: Maintain and enhance support for investigator-initiated research, acknowledging its centrality to training, mentorship, innovation and the long-term sustainability of Canada’s research ecosystem.
• Research training: Maintain and grow Budget 2024 investments to support students and postdoctoral scholars; enable their participation in governance structures.
• Equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA): Build on inter-agency EDIA initiatives.
• Indigenous research priorities: Enhance support for Indigenous research priorities and organizations in alignment with distinctions- and rights-based frameworks.
• Reliable program delivery: Ensure delivery of current programs and Budget 2024 commitments.
• CIHR and the health portfolio: Health ecosystem partners welcomed the capstone proposal contingent on maintaining CIHR’s strong ties to the health portfolio.

3. Shape New Opportunities

• Change management and organizational agility: Phased implementation for stability; avoid adding complexity; ensure appropriate resources and experienced staff.
• French-language research: Address the place of French-language research in the federal funding ecosystem to maximize the impact of all Canadian research.

The government has reviewed the councils’ summary report, and said it is “taking it under consideration” to advance the design and implementation of the capstone organization.

Meanwhile, the Standing Committee on Science and Research has started hearing testimony from stakeholders in its meeting on the new capstone research funding organization. The committee will report its findings to the House of Commons. ISED

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Federal government needs to rethink its innovation strategies in next budget, says Council of Canadian Innovators

The federal government in Budget 2025 needs to reform public sector innovation procurement, prioritize domestic AI commercialization and data sovereignty, and reverse the capital gains tax changes, says the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI).

Ottawa’s next budget also needs to finalize and implement a consumer-driven banking framework, create a national “innovation box” tax structure, and measure the economic outputs of Canada’s research granting councils, the CCI said in a pre-budget submission.

“Despite significant investments in Canada’s innovation ecosystem, the country is struggling to scale home-grown companies to compete on the global stage,” the CCI said.

The CCI said its 2025 budget submission emphasizes the need for the government to rethink its innovation strategies, focusing on optimizing existing programs and investments to support businesses with strong growth potential.

“By targeting companies that can thrive in competitive global markets, Canada can maximize the impact of public investment and drive sustained economic growth.”

Key recommendations in the CCI’s pre-budget submission are:

1. Prioritize Domestic AI Commercialization and Data Sovereignty: CCI advocates for the development of a comprehensive AI commercialization strategy that enhances R&D capacity, secures data sovereignty, and prevents the loss of talent and intellectual property from Canada. Check out CCI’s Roadmap for Responsible AI Leadership in Canada.
2. Implement a National Innovation Box Regime: Moving beyond a traditional patent box, CCI proposes an “innovation box” tax structure to encourage the commercialization of R&D and generate revenue, complementing the existing SR&ED tax credit.
3. ‍Reform Foreign Direct Investment Policy with an Economic Spillover Lens: With the shift of value to intangible assets, CCI urges the government to evaluate the real benefits of foreign direct investment and set clear performance indicators for corporate subsidies.
4. ‍Finalize and Implement Consumer-Driven Banking Framework: CCI calls for the timely implementation of the Consumer-Driven Banking Framework to promote innovation and competition in Canada’s financial sector.
5. ‍Empower Domestic Innovators for Cybersecurity and NATO Targets: CCI stresses the importance of leveraging domestic innovation to meet cybersecurity needs and NATO defense spending targets, ensuring Canada’s national security is bolstered by home-grown technology. Canada should reconsider its NATO spending priorities to ensure a balanced approach to national security that includes both conventional military capabilities and advanced cybersecurity measures.
6. ‍Reform Public Sector Innovation Procurement: CCI recommends a federal procurement strategy that encourages the adoption of innovative technologies,
   with a focus on SME participation to spur economic growth.
7. ‍Reverse Harmful Capital Gains Tax Changes: CCI argues that the recent increase in the capital gains inclusion rate is detrimental to Canada’s economy and urges its reversal to support investment and growth.
8. ‍Finalize SR&ED Tax Credit Reform: CCI calls for the completion of Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax reform to ensure the program delivers maximum benefits to Canadian innovators, driving economic returns from R&D investments.
9. ‍Measure Economic Outputs of Canada's Research Granting Councils: CCI calls on the federal government to undertake a full review of the mandates of Canada's research granting councils to ensure outputs are measured by economic gain. The government should develop clear key performance indicators for the benefit of these councils on innovation, productivity and economic growth for Canada.

“To set Canadians up for success, we must rethink our innovation strategies and optimize existing programs and investments,” the CCI said.

“The government should review federal innovation support programs and measure key performance indicators to ensure taxpayer dollars are effectively directed towards scale-up companies that can significantly boost national economic productivity.” CCI

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Canada needs to strengthen the use of science for and during emergencies, says Canada's chief science advisor

Canada must develop clear and agile frameworks and ways of operating to strengthen the use of science for and during emergencies, according to a report by Mona Nemer, Canada's chief science advisor.  

Key among these frameworks is: the need for science advice and research prioritization processes; robust and timely data collection and sharing; and evidence-informed engagement and communication plans tailored to communities and the most at-risk, says the report, Strengthening the Use of Science for Emergency Management in Canada.

Additionally, critical health needs in emergencies must be planned, the report says. This includes: basic and clinical research capacity; knowledge of drivers and risk mitigation; planned surge capacity; science-informed stockpiling; and secure supply chains and manufacturing capabilities for medical countermeasures and protective equipment.

The report summarizes opportunities and challenges with science advice coordination in Canada during national emergencies across a wide range of threats.

The document aims to improve the use of science for emergency management based on international best practices, learnings from recent simulation exercises on the use of science in emergencies, expert advice, and the lived experience of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The report’s recommendations to the federal government include implementing an agile, comprehensive and multidisciplinary federal science advice framework for emergencies that is aligned with the Federal Emergency Response Plan and the National Risk Profile.

The government should establish a federal research and development prioritization and coordination framework to be activated during national emergencies and through the recovery phase, the report recommends.

Another key recommendation is to ensure protocols are in place for high-quality data collection and sharing suitable for risk analysis and scenario modelling as required by major threats.

The report’s other recommendations to support the federal government’s objective to strengthen the use of science across the key stages of emergency management are:

• Take practical steps to improve the science-policy nexus for emergency preparedness.
• Review the existing evidence gaps to support prevention, mitigation and preparedness for major threats and develop prioritization and coordination processes to address gaps.
• Embed the process for integrated science advice in the federal government response from the beginning of an emergency through to recovery considerations, as a means to mitigate further cost burdens on the federal government and on Canadians.
• Enhance trust and reduce dis- and misinformation by improving science literacy and societal understanding of policymaking through dialogue, openness and transparency.
• Develop a comprehensive national health risk register and promote evidence-based actions that strengthen the health resilience of populations and health systems.
• Adopt interrelated One Health approaches to effectively detect, mitigate and address disease threats to humans, animals and environments.
• Use science to ensure the readiness and deployment of appropriate countermeasures and protective equipment for the health concerns at hand.

Many of the recommendations in the chief science advisor’s report are similar to those in the report by the Expert Panel for the Review of the Federal Approach to Pandemic Science Advice and Research Coordination.

That report, The Time to Act is Now, was produced by an expert panel chaired by Sir Mark Walport, a U.K. health administrator and chief executive of UK Research and Innovation, and was released last week – five months after it was submitted to the federal government.

See: Ottawa must act now to prepare for the next pandemic or other national health emergency, says federal advisory panel.

The chief science advisor’s report doesn’t include implementation details for most recommendations, because broader engagement within government is needed to prioritize major threats and consider contextualized implementation options, the report says.

As a first step, the report suggests establishing a steering committee led by a small group of deputy ministers (including from Public Safety, Public Health Agency, and the National Security and Intelligence Advisor/Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet – Emergency Preparedness, and the Chief Science Advisor) that could be tasked with developing a priority plan.

As a second step, the implementation options for the priority recommendations could be developed by a time-limited, ad hoc director general-level task force composed of representatives from key departments, or through an existing director general-level emergency management committee with input from department science advisors and experts for review by the director general-steering group and recommendation to the Clerk of the Privy Council.

During emergencies, embedding integrated science advice from the outset and prioritizing research that informs policy and operational decisions are key, the report says. This approach can facilitate informed decision-making and help anticipate and mitigate the multifaceted impacts of emergencies on health, society, economy and the environment.

“By advancing the integration of science in emergency management, Canada will be better equipped to prevent, mitigate, handle and recover from an increasing array of complex emergencies, thereby safeguarding the well-being of Canadians, protecting our economy, and preserving our environment.” Office of the Chief Science Advisor

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Canadian business sales of technology in 2022 far surpassed money spent buying tech and IP from elsewhere: Statistics Canada report

In 2022, businesses in Canada that were engaged in research and development activities reported technology receipts of $13 billion from the sale of software-related products, technical assistance and know-how, and intellectual property, according to a report by Statistics Canada.

This represents an increase of 46 percent (+$4.1 billion) from 2021 ($8.9 billion).

In contrast, payments to purchase intellectual property, software, and technical assistance and know-how by businesses active in R&D were unchanged at $2.2 billion, the report says.

The rise in receipts was primarily driven by software-related transactions, which increased $3 billion from 2021 to $9.5 billion in 2022 ($8.4 billion from the sale of original software and $1.1 billion from the sale of off-the-shelf software).

This was followed by sales of technical assistance and know-how ($2.1 billion) and intellectual property ($1.4 billion).

Payments for intellectual property amounted to $1.1 billion in 2022, half of the $2.2 billion spent on total technology purchases.

Intellectual property payments surpassed purchases of software ($752 million) and technical assistance and know-how ($409 million).

These intellectual property payments were attributed to the use of patents, copyrights, trademarks, industrial design and integrated circuit topography.

The largest shares of intellectual property payments were for the use of trademarks ($676 million) and patent-protected ideas ($330 million).

In terms of domestic and international flows of funds for technology payments, receipts from sales to organizations outside Canada reached $10.1 billion in 2022, far surpassing the $1.5 billion in payments to foreign organizations. This resulted in a substantial net inflow of $8.6 billion in 2022.

Technology transactions can occur within a corporate network of related businesses or with entirely unrelated businesses or organizations, StatsCan noted.

In 2022, receipts came predominantly from sales to unaffiliated organizations, totalling $10 billion compared with $3 billion from affiliated companies.

In contrast, payments were evenly divided by business affiliation, with $1.1 billion going to affiliated businesses, and the same amount going to unaffiliated businesses. StatsCan

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Clean energy technologies save Canadians money, but upfront costs can be a barrier: Clean Energy Canada report

Canadians are saving money from clean technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps, but the upfront price for these technologies can be a barrier to entry for many middle-income Canadians, according to a new report by Clean Energy Canada.

In its latest analysis, Vancouver-based Clean Energy Canada found that a household in Toronto that switched out its gasoline-fueled cars for electric versions, ditched its natural gas appliances, installed a heat pump and made some modest energy efficiency upgrades, would cut $550 off its monthly bill – even taking into account upfront costs.

A similar household in Vancouver would save $777 monthly. These families would reduce the carbon footprint of their cars and homes by more than 90 percent.

The report includes provincial breakdowns of monthly savings from switching to a heat pump, EVs and other clean energy upgrades, like electrifying hot water systems and making homes more airtight. 

The only scenario to yield no cost savings was for detached homes in Alberta, which came out $21 in the red, Canada’s National Observer reported. Unlike other provinces, Alberta hasn’t made investments such as rebates to support electrification – leading to the sole example of a net money loss.

Clean Energy Canada is a climate and clean energy program based in the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue at Simon Fraser University. The program has an online tool that calculates cost savings and planet-warming greenhouse gas emission reductions based on geography, number and type of vehicles and home. 

Clean Energy Canada’s report notes that the upfront costs of clean technologies have been moving in the wrong direction, particularly for Ontarians, who receive comparatively little provincial support for shifting to clean technologies.

Over the past year, the federal government’s Greener Homes Grant (that offered up to $5,000 off the price of a heat pump and other energy-saving measures) was discontinued in favour of a program for lower-income households, the report notes.

Also, many of the most affordable and bestselling EVs in Canada have either increased in price or disappeared. Production of both the sub-$45,000 Chevrolet Bolt and the Kia Soul EV has been paused or discontinued, leaving gaps in the more affordable end of the market. And now, the cheapest Tesla will no longer be available in Canada following new federal tariffs imposed on Chinese-made EVs.

A driver opting for an electric Volkswagen ID.4 instead of a gasoline-powered Honda CR-V would save over $2,400 a year over the lifetime of the car, the report says. “The problem is that not everyone can finance a pricier car that will start saving them money in the future.”

Europeans can choose from at least 12 different fully electric options with a purchase price of less than $45,000, compared with just three options offered in Canada, according to the report.

Ontario, which doesn’t offer a rebate for buying a new or used EV, continues to trail the national average and has now even fallen behind the Yukon on electric market share, the report says.

EVs now make up 32 percent of new vehicle sales in Montreal and 25 percent in Vancouver, compared with just nine per cent in Toronto.

“Ontarians are missing out on EV options. The new Ontario-made electric Dodge Charger, for instance, will initially only be available in B.C. and Quebec.”

The federal Electric Vehicle Availability Standard (which requires automakers to make an increasing portion of EVs available for sale) will be key to incenting automakers to bring more affordable EVs to market, the report says.

However, the future of the policy remains uncertain with the Official Opposition publicly stating they would repeal it if elected as government.

As for other clean technologies, a median-income family in B.C. can receive up to $12,000 in government subsidies to switch from natural gas to a heat pump, while that same family in Ontario would receive no government support (and only up to $2,000 from the utility), the report says.

“We have the solutions to lower energy bills and fight climate change, but it is vital that every Canadian can benefit,” Clean Energy Canada says.

“To that end, all levels of government must take action, offering rebates to cut upfront costs, improving charging access, simplifying financing and improving electricity rates to further incentivize cleaner options.” Clean Energy Canada

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Alberta government launches $7-million advertising campaign against Ottawa’s proposed oil and gas emissions cap

The Alberta government launched a $7-million advertising campaign in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia against the federal government's proposed emissions cap on the oil and gas sector.

The campaign, which the United Conservative Party government has titled "Scrap the Cap," will involve television, online video, print and social media ads.

It closely mirrors the design of a previous $8-million campaign the government rolled out in October 2023, opposing federal clean electricity rules.

"We're telling the federal government to forget this reckless and extreme idea and get behind Alberta's leadership by investing in real solutions that cut emissions and do not cut Canada's prosperity," Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told reporters.

Ottawa’s proposed regulatory framework, as initially outlined last December, would require the oil and gas industry to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent to 38 percent from 2019 levels by 2030, or to purchase offset carbon credits or contribute to a decarbonization fund, which would lower that cut to 20 percent to 23 percent of 2019 levels.  

Publication of the final regulations is targeted for 2025, with the phasing in of the regulations tentatively scheduled between 2026 and 2030.

In an interview with CBC News, federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson said the draft regulations should be released in the next few weeks.

Oil and gas industry emissions continued to rise, up one per cent, or 2.2 million tonnes, from 2022. They now make up 31 per cent of Canada's national total.

The Alberta government maintains that independent analysis by the Conference Board of Canada, Deloitte and S&P Global all concluded that the federal government’s proposed cap would require oil and gas production cuts that would put people out of work and drain billions from Canada’s economy. 

Alberta would be hit hardest, and by 2040 the province’s GDP would shrink by 4.5 percent, the government said in a news release.

Canada’s GDP would decline by one per cent, according to the province. The cap would result in 150,000 Canadians losing their jobs and the loss of $14 billion a year from the economy.

“The average Canadian family would be left with up to $419 less per month to spend on groceries, housing or fuel, impacting the quality of life Canadians enjoy coast to coast to coast,” the Alberta government said.

In response, Wilkinson and Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said in a joint statement. “It is pretty clear that Premier Smith is using this to distract from her own anti-energy policies that have put 24,000 Albertan energy jobs, $33 billion in investment, $54 million in local tax revenues, and enough energy to power 98 percent of Albertans’ homes at risk.” 

“Repeating a lie does not make it true,” their statement said. “Our government’s commitment is to drive down pollution from the oil and gas sector, not to cut production.

University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe said he believes the emissions cap is bad policy, but that the argument that it would drive up the price of gasoline – and therefore groceries – is misleading.

Gasoline prices are largely determined by taxes, retail markups and margins, and global oil prices he said. "There hasn't been any credible analysis suggesting that Canada's emissions cap on oil and gas will affect world oil prices."

Tombe said it's a fair argument to make that the federal cap would result in fewer jobs and lower wages in the oil and gas sector, and he believes the federal policy takes a flawed approach.

He said the most efficient way to lower emissions is by having an identical burden on all sectors, in all regions, so every tonne of emissions faces the same consequence.

At the same time, the emissions cap won't necessarily force lower production, Tombe said. "Even if costs rise and profits fall, the profit per barrel could still very well be positive, even with higher costs."

Chris Severson-Baker, executive director of the Pembina Institute, a Calgary-based clean energy think tank, said he's yet to see any proposals from the provincial government to sufficiently regulate emissions. CBC News, Govt. of Alberta

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Government of Quebec proposes legislation to reduce number of international students

The Government of Quebec has tabled new legislation to reduce the number of international students from the current level of 120,000.

While senior education officials welcomed Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge’s promise to work with them on the road ahead, all highlighted the importance international students play in their institutions’ survival and in regional communities.

Alexandre Cloutier, president of the Université du Québec network, said he has “profound concerns” about the plan because it could have a big impact particularly in the regions.

Roberge’s Bill 74 doesn’t mention specific levels of international students that the government is seeking. All that is to come later in the form of regulations. The legislation will be the subject of hearings, with Roberge hoping to adopt the bill into law before Christmas.

While promoting and preserving the French language is on the list of criteria, and Roberge noted the majority of foreign students (60 percent) settle in Montreal, he said he has no particular plans to target either McGill University or Concordia University. 

Both are still reeling from the effects of the 2023 Coalition Avenir Québec government-imposed tuition increase for out-of-province students.

“It is not about attacking the anglophone network,” Roberge said. “However, knowing which language a course is given in can be an element we consider.”

Roberge said it is clear some colleges are using international students as cash cows. He mentioned one private college school that experienced a 1,392-percent increase in the number foreign students between January 1, 2023 and May 15, 2024.

For months, Quebec has argued that with 600,000 temporary immigrants in the province, including students, its public services and housing are being overtaxed, and the French language is threatened because about 40 percent of the temporary immigrants do not master the language.

In a statement, Cloutier, of the Université du Québec network, said international students play a key role in the development of Montreal and the regions, reinforcing a university’s research and development efforts while representing valuable labour where they settle.

“During their studies, many students fill the labour shortage in the retail and other shortage sectors. They make it possible to keep several companies and businesses active in the cities of the universities that host them. This is an essential contribution,” Cloutier said.

Vannina Maestracci, a spokesperson for Concordia, said the university has already seen a decline of international students with a 15.9-percent decrease in 2024 largely because of the Quebec government’s other measures. In fact, she said, the growth of international studies has mainly been experienced in francophone institutions.

The number of international students residing in Quebec has increased dramatically in recent years, from 50,000 students in 2014 to the current 120,000, a 140-percent increase.

English universities in Montreal are home to the largest number of international students in the province.

As of fall 2023, McGill University had 10,700 students from other countries while Concordia University had 9,200. Université de Montréal has the highest international enrolment of Quebec’s French universities – 7,300.

CBC reported that international enrolment has dropped by about 3,000 people in Atlantic Canada and that the student permit cap is expected to cost the region approximately $163 million.

Memorial University in St. John’s, Nfld., in an update on its enrolment numbers, reported there was a 3.3-percent increase in new students coming from Newfoundland and Labrador. However, there was an overall enrolment decrease of 5.4 percent compared with the Fall 2023 semester.

Enrolment by international students has dropped by 14.5 percent over that same time frame.

Jennifer Lokash, Memorial University’s provost and vice-president (academic), told CBC that similar declines may be occurring at other universities, citing contributing factors such as shifting demographics, fewer high school graduates, the ongoing recovery from COVID-19, and federal changes to Canada’s international study program.

Memorial is reassessing its enrolment targets and prioritizing student retention amid these declines, Lokash said. “My biggest focus is on ensuring that the students who are here are having an excellent experience.” Montreal Gazette, CBC News

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Ontario universities projecting huge financial losses due to federal cuts in international student study permits

Due to federal changes to international study permits, Ontario universities are projecting financial losses of more than $300 million in 2024-25 compared with 2023, doubling to more than $600 million the following year if trends continue, says the Council of Ontario Universities (COU).

That’s nearly a $1-billion financial impact in the first two years alone, Steve Orsini, president and CEO of the COU, said in a statement.

Additional changes announced in September are expected to result in further losses. The inclusion of Master’s and PhD students within the international student cap adds further complexity to the application process and risks discouraging even more highly skilled students from applying to Canada, the COU said.

With a long history of responsibly supporting international students, Ontario’s universities have only modestly increased international student enrolment over the years, while providing comprehensive services to all students, the organization noted.

Even before federal changes, international students represented less than 20 percent of all students at Ontario’s universities.

With the extended cut and freeze to tuition and several years of higher inflationary costs, Ontario universities are facing significant financial challenges, the COU said.

Even after factoring in the Ontario government’s funding for STEM in 2023-24, announced last February, 10 universities are facing more than $300 million in deficits in 2023-24. “These deficits are expected to increase in 2024-25, and do not include the impact of recent changes to international student study permits.”

The COU said it recognizes the federal government had to address the bad actors that “recklessly increased international student enrolment without the necessary supports.”

However, this has resulted in significant collateral damage to universities, which will have untold implications for years to come, the COU said. “It is critical that measures to reduce overall international student numbers target institutions that have seen irresponsible and unsustainable growth in recent years.”

“Moreover, we must ensure Canada and Ontario remain welcoming and competitive destinations for global talent,” the COU said.

International students play a vital role within the social and economic fabric of the province and the country, the organization said. University-level international students provide the top talent that Ontario needs to boost economic growth and compete globally.

The COU said it’s asking the federal government to rebuild Canada’s global reputation to ensure the country can continue to attract the top talent and researchers the country and province needs.

The organization also is urging the Ontario government to protect universities’ existing allocation of provincial attestation letters from further cuts, and ensure the full allocation of spaces that Ontario receives for Master’s and PhD students and other university-based programs go to Ontario universities. COU

THE GRAPEVINE – News about people, institutions and communities

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced changes in the senior ranks of public service, including:

Phillip Jennings, currently director at the  International Monetary Fund, becomes deputy director of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, effective November 4, 2024. Jennings replaces the retired Simon Kennedy.

Daniel Rogers, currently deputy national security and intelligence advisory to the prime minister and deputy secretary to the Cabinet (emergency preparedness), becomes director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, effective October 28, 2024.

Tricia Geddes, currently associate deputy minister of Public Safety, becomes deputy minister of Public Safety, effective October 31, 2024.

Tushara Williams, currently deputy minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Privy Council Office, becomes deputy secretary to the Cabinet (Operations), Privy Council Office, effective October 21, 2024.

Kaili Levesque, currently deputy secretary to the Cabinet (Operations), Privy Council Office, becomes associate deputy Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, effective October 21, 2024.

Kevin Brosseau, currently associate deputy minister of Fisheries and Oceans, becomes deputy national security and intelligence advisor to the Prime Minister and deputy secretary to the Cabinet (Emergency Preparedness), Privy Council Office, effective October 21, 2024. Prime Minister’s Office

Sharon Blady was appointed to the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board for a five-year term. Blady is an accomplished senior executive with more than 15 years of health care, government and public policy expertise. She is the former health minister of Manitoba and has experience as a mental health advocator and educator. She is the founder and CEO of Speak Up: Mental Health + Neurodiversity, a platform which aims to foster awareness, understanding and provide support to those navigating mental health and neurodiversity. Health Canada

Finance Canada announced the appointment of Shereen Miller as commissioner of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, for a five-year term beginning on November 7, 2025. Miller is a human rights lawyer by training, with more than 20 years of experience in various executive roles with the Government of Canada. Prior to her new appointment, Miller served as senior assistant deputy minister of service innovation at Shared Services Canada. From 2013 to 2017, she was an assistant deputy minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, where she led the creation of the Build in Canada Innovation Program and the Innovative Solutions Canada Program. Finance Canada

Dr. Kevin Keough is stepping down as chair of the board at Science Media Centre of Canada (SMCC). Keough has been a member of the SMCC board since the launch of the  organization in 2010, and has been chair since 2013. He has been a fervent and unwavering champion on behalf of the SMCC and its mission to support evidence-based, accurate and reliable reporting on Canadian science, environment and medical research. Keough is professor emeritus of biochemistry at Memorial University of Newfoundland and has had an active career in research for nearly 50 years. He held various senior positions within the research sector, including: president and CEO of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research; the first chief scientist at Health Canada in Ottawa; and the first vice-president of research and international relations at Memorial University. SMCC

Dr. Jagdeep Singh Bachher, PhD, will be officially installed on October 25 as the University of Waterloo’s (UWaterloo) 12^th chancellor. The chancellor serves as the university’s ceremonial head, representing the institution at public events, presiding over convocation ceremonies and conferring degrees, diplomas and certificates. Bachher, a UWaterloo alumnus, brings global experience and embodies the university’s values of thinking differently, acting with purpose and working together. His leadership will support UWaterloo’s mission to advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research and scholars, the university said. Currently the chief investment officer at the University of California, Bachher oversees the management of more than US$180 billion in investment pools, including pensions, endowments and total-return investment funds. Before joining the University of California in 2014, Bachher held leadership roles in Canada, including executive vice-president of venture and innovation at Alberta Investment Management Corporation. Bachher succeeds Dominic Barton, who served as UWaterloo’s 11th chancellor. UWaterloo

Donette Chin-Loy Chang is the new chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). She is an alumnus, communications leader, public affairs strategist, philanthropist, and long-term supporter of TMU. Chin-Loy Chang has supported hundreds of students by funding scholarships and initiatives to support their well-being at TMU. She has established bursaries at the university’s DMZ tech startup incubator, The Chang School of Continuing Education, and the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. She also created an emergency fund for students during the COVID-19 pandemic and contributed to TMU’s Viola Desmond Awards program and the President’s Awards to Champion Equity campaign. In the late 1970s and 80s, Chin-Loy Chang was a reporter/producer for CBC Radio. In 1990, she founded and was CEO of Donette Chin-Loy and Associates, a leading public relations firm with a roster of international clients. TMU

Armilla AI hired Baiju Devani, a top artificial intelligence executive from TD Bank, to lead the development of Armilla’s technology as the Toronto-based startup courts large firms with its insurance products. At TD, Devani oversaw the AI units of its wealth management, retail banking and other businesses as they built the technology into its products. He also led the engineering and product teams for Layer6, TD’s internal machine learning research lab. Devani, who was appointed as Armilla’s chief technology officer, will spearhead the company’s AI risk assessment platform. Armilla AI

Abhishek Gupta, the founder and principal researcher of the Montreal AI Ethics Institute and a member of the Council of Canadian Academies’ Expert Panel on Artificial Intelligence for Science and Engineering, died in his sleep on September 30. His colleagues shared the news in a memorial post, writing, “It was during his time in Montreal that Abhishek envisioned a future where ethics and AI would intertwine – a vision that became the driving force behind his life’s work.” Gupta was director for responsible AI at the Boston Consulting Group. The Montreal AI Ethics Institute plans to establish an award in his memory to honour his significant contributions to the field of AI ethics. Montreal AI Ethics Institute

The Université de Montréal and the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation received a $2.5-million gift from the Gloria Baylis Foundation to establish a permanent endowment supporting pediatric cardiology education. The Dr. Jean-Claude-Fouron Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Fund will finance international fellowships, allowing doctors from underserved regions around the world to access advanced training at CHU Sainte-Justine. “The expertise these physicians will acquire within our walls will contribute to the sharing of knowledge, both with our population and with medical teams elsewhere in the world," said Dr. Patrick Cossette,  UMontréal dean of the Faculty of Medicine. CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) has received a $2.2-million commitment from the estate of alumnus Dr. Margot Roach to support physics and medicine students. The funds will support initiatives such as paid high school internships in UNB’s physics department, undergraduate physics scholarships, and scholarships for UNB graduates who are continuing into Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick’s physician education program. “These scholarships represent a perpetual legacy that will benefit students and society far into the future,” said Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle, UNB’s president. UNB

The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives (CCSC) received renewed support of $1.3 million from Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL). The funds will support the Co-operative Retailing System Chair in Co-operative Governance until 2029. This chair – based in the CCSC at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy – will engage in research and programming focused on the co-operative governance model. In honour of USask and FCL’s partnership, USask has also named a space in the Diefenbaker Building the Co-op Collaborative Room. This room will give students, faculty, practitioners, policy-makers, researchers and community partners a place to collaborate to address social and economic challenges facing the world’s communities. USask

Suncrest College in Saskatchewan has partnered with Keeseekoose First Nation on a smart farm project that will support the First Nation, just north of Kamsack, Sask., in farming its land. The project will see Suncrest supporting Keeseekoose’s farming initiative with training. Suncrest will also demonstrate new agricultural strategies and technologies. “Over the long-term, we hope that this project will provide viable agriculture and careers to band members while also generating consistent economic benefits from an active farming operation managed and operated by the Keeseekoose First Nation,” said Greg Tomcala, Suncrest's applied research coordinator. The research is supported through a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Suncrest College was established in 2023 as a result of merging Cumberland College and Parkland College. The college has locations in Canora, Esterhazy, Fort Qu’Appelle, Kamsack, Melfort, Melville, Nipawin, Tisdale, and Yorkton. Nipawin Journal

The University of Manitoba launched its Strategic Research Plan 2024-29. The plan, titled “Change Through Research,” provides a comprehensive roadmap highlighting seven key themes: foundations; social justice and human rights; research by, for, and with Indigenous peoples; water and food security; health and well-being; climate action and sustainability; and Manitoba, Hudson Bay, Arctic and the world. The plan will expand upon UManitoba’s strengths and embrace interdisciplinary approaches and research methods. It also recognizes Manitoba’s growing Indigenous population. UManitoba

Eighteen students and post-doctoral fellows from the University of Alberta (U of A), University of Calgary and University of Lethbridge (ULethbridge) are part of the first cohort of the Lab2Market Validate program in Alberta. The program is supported by funding from Prairies Economic Development Canada, Alberta Innovates and Mitacs, with delivery partners at Innovate Calgary, ULethbridge and Edmonton Unlimited. The program allows graduate students and postdoctoral innovators to assess the commercial potential of their technology and determine the appropriate path forward – a first step to bridge the gap between coming up with a great idea and having a product that’s ready to sell. Participants get one-on-one mentoring and workshops from business people with tech startup experience, learning entrepreneurial skills like how to build and refine a business model, and carrying out market research on their products by speaking directly with 100 potential customers. Participants receive a stipend of $15,000 each so they can devote their full attention to Lab2Market Validate for four months, before they complete their studies. The first cohort’s potential products include a breast cancer screening device, a new system to remove traces of pharmaceuticals from wastewater, an AI tool that identifies fungal yeast pathogens, and more. Lab2Market Validate is a Canada-wide program now available at 30 post-secondary institutions. U of A

See also: Network for entrepreneurial grad students and post-docs keeps growing, launches new startup program

Andrew Gadsden, associate professor of mechanical engineering at McMaster University, is working on improving robotic systems with Canadian space robotics company MDA Space, which is developing the Canadarm3 for the Gateway lunar outpost project. The Advancing Space Robotics: Virtual Sensors and Condition Monitoring project, which will bring together the Intelligent and Cognitive Engineering Laboratory at McMaster and the global industry leader, is supported by a new grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada, Mitacs, and MDA Space. McMaster and MDA Space researchers are working on developing and applying novel virtual sensors and AI-based techniques on the next generation of robotic arms for better performance and reliability in space, as well as to reduce the overall cost. Gadsden, associate chair of graduate studies for mechanical engineering, said this partnership will offer his graduate students very exciting opportunities through hands-on experience in cutting-edge robotics. Partnerships like this between McMaster Engineering and leaders in the space sector and industry are invaluable for students, said PhD student Alex McCafferty-Leroux. In addition to the project with MDA Space, he is working on the High-Altitude Aircraft Mounted Robotic telescope mount project with NASA, and recently returned from a two-week visit to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology in Maryland. “It has been the learning experience of a lifetime being able to collaborate with these companies and institutions,” McCafferty-Leroux said. McMaster University

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