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Partial strike notice – Operational slowdown expected at Port of Montreal

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MONTREAL, Sept. 27, 2024 /CNW/ – The SCFP Longshoremen’s Union, Local 375, filed a notice with the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) at 7 a.m. this morning for a three-day strike at the Viau and Maisonneuve container terminals. As a result of these developments, the Montreal Port Authority has activated its business continuity plan, to ensure that any pressure tactics will not affect the rest of port operations.

“Although negotiations are continuing, we are disappointed that they have not, to date, enabled both parties to reach an agreement, while nearly $6 billion worth of goods are expected to arrive on the Port of Montreal’s docks in the coming weeks. For the time being, we intend to concentrate our efforts on ensuring that port operations are affected as little as possible, and we hope that the parties will quickly agree on a way out, as the uncertainty surrounding our activities will have a domino effect, both on importers and exporters who rely on the transportation of goods, and on the general public. I therefore invite both parties to continue negotiations in order to avoid a work stoppage,” declared Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. 

Upcoming disruption

The 72-hour notice filed today calls for a three-day strike at the Viau and Maisonneuve container terminals operated by Termont Montréal, from Monday, September 30, at 7 a.m., to Thursday, October 3, at 6:59 a.m. This action will suspend operations at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals, which account for 41% of container traffic at the Port of Montreal. This action will suspend operations at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals, which account for 41% of containers transiting the Port of Montreal. In concrete terms, docking services normally provided by stevedores and cargo handling at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals will be suspended, access to these terminals will be prohibited, and no rail, ship or truck services will be provided. The other terminals remain in service. Port users may continue to use other port facilities.

Economic impact of the Port of Montreal

A recent study by Martin Associates estimated the economic contribution of Montreal port activities at $98.3 billion, or 3.5% of Canadian GDP (2022), and at $54.9 billion, or 10% of Quebec GDP (2022). In all, some 589,364 jobs are supported by the Port of Montreal’s activities. 

“When companies choose the Port of Montreal, it’s first and foremost because they know they can count on a reliable trade infrastructure. When a labor dispute arises, Port users quickly adopt new behaviors, and the economic impact of the Port of Montreal is greatly affected. All the data shows just how essential Port of Montreal activities are, not only for Quebec, but for Canada as a whole,” adds Ms. Gascon. 

To keep abreast of developments

The APM has set up a web page to keep Port of Montreal users informed of developments and operational impacts.

About the Port of Montreal

Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is the largest container port in Eastern Canada and a diversified transshipment centre that handles all types of goods: containerized and non-containerized cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk. The only container port in Quebec, it is a destination port served by the largest shipping lines in the world. It is also an intermodal hub with a service offering that is unique in North America, featuring its own rail network directly dockside connected to Canada’s two national rail networks. The MPA also operates a Cruise Terminal and a Port Centre.

The MPA factors economic, social and environmental components into its corporate initiatives. This commitment is governed by a sustainable development policy whose guiding principles focus on involvement, cooperation and accountability. Port activity in Canada supports some 590,000 jobs and generates $93.5 billion in economic activity.

SOURCE Port de Montréal

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Appy Pie’s No-Code AI Design Platform Simplifies Holiday Creations for Christmas Posters and Avatars

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NEW DELHI, Dec. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Appy Pie Design, a leading No-code AI Design Platform, offers businesses and individuals an easy way to create Christmas posters and avatars for this upcoming holiday season. With its enhanced suite of AI-powered tools, the platform allows users to design festive visuals effortlessly, making it a go-to choice for creative holiday solutions.

Also, users can create unique, seasonally-themed avatars to showcase their holiday spirit across social media and professional platforms. These Christmas avatars can be used to personalize social media profiles, email signatures, or even professional platforms, spreading holiday cheer in both casual and formal settings.

“Our platform is designed to make the holidays easier and more joyful for everyone,” said Abhinav Girdhar, CEO of Appy Pie. “By providing accessible and creative solutions, we aim to help users connect meaningfully during this festive season.”

The AI Animation Generator enables users to bring their holiday ideas to life with engaging and dynamic visuals. The platform provides flexibility and convenience, making it an indispensable tool for celebrating the holiday season creatively and efficiently.

For those looking to turn static visuals into dynamic content, the Image to Video AI tool transforms still images into alluring videos. This functionality adds a new dimension to holiday designs, making them more interactive and impactful.

About Appy Pie
Appy Pie, a Trademark of Appy Pie LLP, is a leading global platform offering a suite of no-code, AI-powered tools, including an app builder, website builder, workflow automation platform, graphic design software, chatbot builder, help desk software, and live chat software, to help businesses and individuals design, build, and automate. With a user-friendly interface and a wide range of customizable templates, Appy Pie empowers users to create professional-grade applications, websites, and automation without coding expertise. Appy Pie caters to diverse needs from entrepreneurs to established enterprises by providing innovative solutions for various industries.

Media Contact
Abhinav Girdhar
sales@appypie.com
+1 888 322 7617

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/appy-pies-no-code-ai-design-platform-simplifies-holiday-creations-for-christmas-posters-and-avatars-302337846.html

SOURCE Appy Pie

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The Art of Lightness: ASUS to Unveil World’s Lightest Copilot+ PC

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LAS VEGAS, Dec. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ASUS is set to debut the world’s lightest Copilot+ PC during the AIways Incredible launch event on January 7, 2025. This groundbreaking laptop redefines ultra-light, AI-powered performance and will kick off CES 2025 with a live global stream.

Join the AIways Incredible Launch Event Online:

Date: January 7 at 9:00 AM PST

Event Page: https://asus.click/ces25_teaser

Teaser Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLgFyI5jnbQ 

This latest solution will be part of the ASUS Zenbook series of laptops and offers several innovative aspects to look forward to.

The Art of Lightness Meets Next-Gen Technology

The ultra-light design of the world’s lightest Copilot+ PC is set to redefine possibilities for mobility on AI devices, offering a portable partner and collaborator for the modern user. It is the perfect blend of elegance and functionality, offering a seamless experience for professionals, creators, and everyday users alike. Inspired by minimalism and nature, the design philosophy celebrates quiet luxury without sacrificing innovation.

Intelligent Innovation with Copilot+ AI

The new Zenbook is more than a laptop—it is a smart partner designed to revolutionize productivity. Powered by Copilot+ AI, it delivers intuitive, adaptive workflows, seamless collaboration, and smarter performance tailored to user needs.

Performance Without Compromise

Despite its ultra-light design, the laptop boasts robust performance and an impressive 32-hour battery life, offering continuous productivity that makes it ideal for travelling, remote work, and on-the-go productivity. Full specs, including details of the cutting-edge processor, will be unveiled during the event.

AIways Incredible at CES 2025

The launch marks a key milestone for ASUS in shaping the AI era. Viewers around the world will discover the complete AI-powered capabilities of the revolutionary Zenbook, redefining the future of computing.

Tune in on January 7 to experience AIways Incredible for yourself: https://asus.click/ces25_teaser

About ASUS
ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components, and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, ASUS is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies for tomorrow, garners more than 11 awards every day for quality, innovation, and design, and is ranked among Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-art-of-lightness-asus-to-unveil-worlds-lightest-copilot-pc-302337417.html

SOURCE ASUSTek Computer INC.

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IGF 2024 Concludes 19th Edition, Calling for Enhanced Digital Cooperation and Sustainable Development

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) successfully concluded its 19th edition, hosted in Riyadh at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center from December 15 to 19, 2024. Organized by the United Nations, the event featured over 100 experts, specialists, officials, and stakeholders from 160 countries, alongside more than 1,000 international speakers.

The forum served as a distinguished platform for global digital transformation experts, fostering discussions on artificial intelligence and digital innovation. It provided an opportunity for the exchange of experiences, information, and best practices, while addressing emerging digital challenges and collaboratively identifying solutions across governments, private enterprises, and non-profit sectors.

This year’s edition was held under the theme “Building Our Multistakeholder Digital Future” and centered around four key sub-themes: Harnessing Innovation and Balancing Risks in the Digital Space; Enhancing Digital Contribution to Peace, Development and Sustainability; Advancing Human Empowerment and Inclusiveness in the Digital Age; and Improving Digital Governance for the Internet We Want.

Discussions focused on achieving a shared understanding of how to maximize the global internet’s potential, mitigate risks, and address challenges to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key topics included leveraging digital innovation while addressing associated challenges, supporting strategic digital government initiatives, and promoting global peace and sustainability through digital tools.

His Excellency the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha, expressed his great pride in the forum’s success, saying, “This year’s edition of the forum is the largest to date in terms of participants and working sessions, as confirmed by the United Nations. As one of the fastest-growing countries in the digital sector, Saudi Arabia is committed not only to facilitating internet access and harnessing technological developments to drive progress and sustainable development, but also to enhancing digital cooperation to achieve the SDGs.”

The forum’s activities featured a strong presence from public and private sector institutions and international entities dedicated to enabling digital transformation and fostering innovation. Success stories were showcased, demonstrating how these entities have accelerated digital government services for the benefit of society. Sessions and workshops addressed critical digital challenges, transformative applications of digital innovations, and opportunities for adopting and expanding access to digital technology and governance.

Participants engaged enthusiastically in interactive sessions with experts who shed light on diverse aspects of internet governance and digital collaboration, responding to inquiries and providing valuable insights. These interactions offered Saudi national cadres and emerging talents an exceptional opportunity to expand their knowledge and expertise.

The forum was an opportunity to showcase the Kingdom’s great capabilities in communications and information technology, the tremendous digital developments and achievements in e-commerce, banking, healthcare services, and official government transactions.

The forum also served as a platform to highlight Saudi Arabia’s remarkable advancements in communications and information technology, including progress in e-commerce, banking, healthcare services, and official government transactions. It reaffirmed the Kingdom’s rapid strides in building a thriving digital economy, its leadership in promoting digital inclusion, and its efforts to bridge the global digital divide in alignment with the UN’s SDGs.

By hosting the 19th edition of IGF, Riyadh reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to solidifying its position as a global leader in digital innovation, international cooperation, and shaping the future of internet governance.

For more information about the Internet Governance Forum, please visit: https://www.intgovforum.org/en

For more information about the Digital Government Authority, please visit: https://dga.gov.sa/en

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/igf-2024-concludes-19th-edition-calling-for-enhanced-digital-cooperation-and-sustainable-development-302337853.html

SOURCE Internet Governance Forum

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