Technology

Minister Champagne announces a new governance framework for cleantech funding

Published

4 months ago

June 4, 2024

Government of Canada resumes investments to cleantech sector with heightened due diligence

OTTAWA, ON, June 4, 2024 /CNW/ – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, made the following statement:

“Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) has played a critical role in the growth and success of the clean technology sector in Canada. Established by an Act of Parliament more than 20 years ago, SDTC has a unique governance model that places most of its activities at arm’s length. While this model may have appeared suitable at the time, a new governance approach will strengthen oversight and accountability to meet today’s expectations of stewardship.

“The various reviews conducted ―including the Auditor General’s report ―have revealed serious weaknesses in SDTC’s governance, prompting a new delivery approach to government support for the cleantech sector.

“As soon as allegations were brought forward, my Department acted swiftly to address the situation. We immediately froze new funding to SDTC and initiated two separate independent reviews to thoroughly examine the claims, and invited the Auditor General to conduct an audit. These actions were rooted in our commitment to transparency, accountability, and upholding the highest standards of integrity.

“The government welcomes and agrees with the findings of the Auditor General’s report. We support the recommendations in the report, and many measures have already been implemented or are underway to address them. Our goal is to strengthen governance, enhance accountability, and ensure robust conflict of interest practices within SDTC and across all government operations.

“In light of the above, over the coming months, SDTC programming will transition to the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). The NRC’s vast experience supporting innovative, tech-focused SMEs, under programs such as the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), makes it an ideal choice to take on the responsibility of supporting homegrown clean technology companies. As a Government of Canada organization, the NRC is subject to rigorous and stringent oversight of its personnel and finances. This structure will help rebuild public trust while increasing accountability, transparency and integrity.

“To support this transition process, the Government has named a new SDTC Board Chairperson and two new Directors who will lead the SDTC in the transfer of its programming to the NRC.

“For their part, SDTC employees will be offered employment with the NRC. Employees at SDTC have gone through a difficult and challenging period. Their dedication and hard work will ensure the continued success of our cleantech startups.

“Effective immediately, SDTC will also resume funding, under a reinforced contribution agreement with ISED, for eligible projects in a sector vital to our country’s economy and clean growth transition. In line with the Auditor General’s findings, my Department will enhance oversight and monitoring of funding during the transition period.

“SDTC programming as well as the NRC’s IRAP, will come together under the previously announced new Canada Innovation Corporation (CIC), creating a national-scale integrated platform to support business research and development, and innovation-driven growth. Once the CIC is established, by 2026-27, SDTC and IRAP employees will be transitioned seamlessly, and their employment will continue under the CIC.”

“Our government is committed to ensuring that organizations which receive federal funding adhere to the highest of standards and always act in the best interest of all Canadians.”

Quick facts

SDTC is an arm’s length, not-for-profit foundation that was established by the Government of Canada in 2001 and its mission is to support the growth and development of precommercial cleantech companies. In October 2023, ISED tasked SDTC with a Management Response and Action Plan in response to a fact-finding report from the third-party organization, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton.Following allegations of a toxic workplace and inappropriate practices at SDTC, ISED―via the Department of Justice―hired a third-party law firm, McCarthy-Tétrault, to conduct a rigorous review of SDTC’s human resources practices and conduct voluntary interviews with current and former employees. The report concluded that SDTC’s leadership has not contributed to a toxic workplace and there was no improper employment-related conduct in SDTC’s human resources practices.The Office of the Auditor General conducted an audit of SDTC and ISED to determine whether funds were managed in accordance with the contribution agreement (CA) and with proper oversight. The report identified issues around project eligibility and conflict of interest at STDC. The report also recommended enhanced oversight by ISED to ensure SDTC’s full compliance with the CA and the proper allocation of funds.Three new appointments have been made to the SDTC Board: Paul Boothe as the new Chair, and Catherine (Cassie) Doyle and Marta Morgan as Directors. All three have been appointed for 1-year terms. These former senior public servants bring with them the experience required to direct SDTC as its programming transitions to the NRC.The NRC is a Government of Canada organization formed in 1916 that partners with Canadian industry to take research impacts from the lab to the marketplace, where people can experience the benefits.

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Technology

DANAconnect and eSource Capital Launch PayrollTrace for Digital Payroll Compliance

Published

8 mins ago

September 22, 2024

PayrollTrace is an innovative, secure platform for paperless payroll receipt delivery, ensuring regulatory compliance and real-time traceability.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — DANAconnect, the leading company in automated business communications, in collaboration with eSource Capital, a prominent Google Cloud Partner in Latin America, announce the launch of PayrollTrace, an innovative platform designed for the secure and efficient digital delivery of payroll receipts, ensuring regulatory compliance and complete traceability in every transaction.

Paul Kienholz, CEO of DANAconnect, highlighted: “PayrollTrace is the next step in automating critical business processes, enabling companies to eliminate paper and manage payroll receipt deliveries with full confidence and transparency, while ensuring regulatory compliance.”

PayrollTrace automates the delivery of payroll receipts through multiple channels, including email and SMS, completely eliminating the use of paper or reliance on email. This solution not only simplifies human resources processes but also ensures regulatory compliance with verifiable technical reports that allow companies to manage and audit receipt deliveries in real time.

Juan Aguilera Franceschi, Managing Partner at eSource Capital, added: “Our partnership with DANAconnect allows us to offer companies in the region a robust solution that optimizes payroll management. PayrollTrace provides the security and flexibility companies need to manage payments efficiently and sustainably.”

The partnership between DANAconnect and eSource Capital combines DANAconnect’s strength in omnichannel business communications with eSource Capital’s expertise in cloud digital transformation. Together, they aim to provide businesses across the Americas with a comprehensive solution that not only optimizes payroll delivery but also ensures compliance with local regulations, guaranteeing that every transaction is backed by complete audits.

About DANAconnect

DANAconnect is a North American company and a leader in communication automation for financial companies through its omnichannel platform. It sends communications to more than 10% of the population of the Americas every month, ensuring secure deliveries, traceability, and large-scale regulatory compliance.

About eSource Capital

eSource Capital is a leading Google Cloud partner in Latin America, specializing in digital transformation and cloud solutions. With a focus on Google Workspace and Google Cloud, eSource Capital helps companies optimize their operations in the digital environment.

Media Contact

Fabiana Arroyo, DANAconnect Corp., 1 8556003262, info@payrolltrace.com, https://www.payrolltrace.com

Twitter, LinkedIn

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SOURCE DANAconnect Corp.

Technology

Siemon Announces Optical Patching Solutions for GenAI Networks Using NVIDIA Accelerated Computing

Published

6 hours ago

September 22, 2024

Siemon announces it is offering its full range of optical patching solutions to work specifically with NVIDIA AI infrastructure for generative AI networks.

WATERTOWN, Conn., Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Siemon Company, a global leader in network infrastructure solutions, today announced it is offering its full range of optical patching solutions to work specifically with NVIDIA AI infrastructure for generative AI networks. Large complex GPU clusters can benefit from using structured cabling patch panels versus point-to-point cabling. Siemon acts as a trusted advisor to customers by providing expert advice and best practice recommendations for design & deployment of NVIDIA AI Infrastructure.

“Siemon is very familiar with NVIDIA reference architectures and has worked with many customers to design and deploy NVIDIA clusters… Siemon offers a full range of AI-ready fiber cabling, DAC, and AOC solutions that support 400G, 800G, and 1.6T applications.”

As part of the solution integration, Siemon has joined the NVIDIA Partner Network (NPN) as a Solution Advisor Consultant. NPN Solution Advisor Consultants provide consultation services and expert advice to customers looking to implement NVIDIA-based solutions or technologies. Siemon joins the network to offer its expertise in addressing the unique infrastructure and cabling challenges presented by accelerated computing.

NVIDIA optical reach specifications are calculated assuming two optical patch panels are used in the link and assuming each employ two optical connectors, which makes for a total allowance of four optical connectors in the link. The Siemon optical patching solutions meet NVIDIA requirements and provide customers with flexibility and ease of management.

Media Contact

Brian Baum, Siemon, 1 8609454200, brian_baum@siemon.com

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SOURCE Siemon

Technology

AMSimpkins & Associates Awarded Wisconsin Technical Purchasing Consortium Contract RFB 25-002TP – for Identity Verification Solutions

Published

7 hours ago

September 22, 2024

AMSimpkins & Associates has been awarded the Wisconsin Technical Colleges Purchasing Consortium (WTC-PC) contract for Identity Verification Solutions. This partnership includes providing their advanced S.A.F.E. (Student Application Fraudulent Examination) platform to 16 Wisconsin technical colleges, enhancing security and safeguarding against fraudulent student applications. With a focus on higher education, AMSA aims to support these institutions in maintaining the integrity of their admissions processes and preventing identity fraud. This collaboration underscores AMSA’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions tailored for the education sector.

ATLANTA, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — AMSimpkins & Associates is proud to announce its selection by the Wisconsin Technical College System Purchasing Consortium (WTC-PC) to provide Identity Verification Solutions through the S.A.F.E. platform. The WTC-PC comprises 16 independent, publicly funded two-year technical colleges across Wisconsin, including Blackhawk Technical College, Chippewa Valley Technical College, Fox Valley Technical College, and Milwaukee Area Technical College, among others.

“We are honored by the Wisconsin Technical College Consortium’s trust in AMSA. This partnership further emphasizes our commitment to providing secure, innovative identity verification solutions that support the needs of educational institutions in protecting their students and operations.”

With a focus on preventing identity fraud, AMSimpkins & Associates’ comprehensive solutions will strengthen the security measures across admissions, enrollment, and financial aid processes, ensuring secure verification and compliance with federal and state regulations. S.A.F.E. will now support Wisconsin’s higher education system, offering its cutting-edge technology to streamline operations and safeguard student data.

“We are honored by the Wisconsin Technical College Consortium’s trust in AMSimpkins & Associates,” said Maurice Simpkins, President and Founder. “This partnership further emphasizes our commitment to providing secure, innovative identity verification solutions that support the needs of educational institutions in protecting their students and operations.”

As part of this agreement, AMSimpkins & Associates will deliver comprehensive services, including system integration, training, and ongoing support to ensure seamless implementation. S.A.F.E.’s capabilities are designed to evolve with growing threats of fraudulent activities, keeping institutions one step ahead in securing student identities.

Institutions in the Wisconsin Technical College System:

Blackhawk Technical CollegeChippewa Valley Technical CollegeFox Valley Technical CollegeGateway Technical CollegeLakeshore Technical CollegeMadison Area Technical CollegeMid-State Technical CollegeMilwaukee Area Technical CollegeMoraine Park Technical CollegeNicolet Area Technical CollegeNorthcentral Technical CollegeNortheast Wisconsin Technical CollegeNorthwood Technical CollegeSouthwest Wisconsin Technical CollegeWaukesha County Technical CollegeWestern Technical College

The S.A.F.E. platform’s advanced identity verification services will play a pivotal role in securing sensitive data and ensuring a safe and fraud-free environment for Wisconsin’s technical colleges and their students.

For more information about AMSimpkins & Associates and the S.A.F.E. platform, please visit amsa-highered.com.

Media Contact

LAQWACIA SIMPKINS, AMSimpkins & Associates, 1 6786824193, LSIMPKINS@AMSA-CONSULTING.COM, amsa-highered.com

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SOURCE AMSimpkins & Associates