by

Bell and Mila join forces to drive AI innovation in the telecommunications sector

Source: https://www.bce.ca/news-and-media

  • Three-year partnership supports the development of cutting-edge AI solutions, enhancing customer experience and optimizing business operations

MONTRÉAL, June 13, 2024 /CNW/ – Mila and Bell are pleased to announce a new partnership to develop cutting-edge AI solutions. This collaboration is driven by a shared vision to enhance customer experience, optimize business operations and cultivate a vibrant AI ecosystem within Québec and across Canada.

In line with Bell’s significant investments in AI, this partnership reinforces Bell’s transformation as a technology services leader, harnessing Mila’s groundbreaking research to drive transformative improvements across Bell’s operations. From data analysis and operational efficiency to internet-based applications, Mila’s expertise will accelerate advancements that will enhance the customer experience.

This announcement builds on the 18-month collaborative project (opens in new window)  Mila and Bell entered into earlier this year to apply deep learning neural network algorithms to Bell’s environment. This technique leverages the transformative power of AI deep learning to teach computers how to process information in a manner inspired by the human brain.

 

Click above link for full article

by

Northwestel to be sold to Indigenous consortium from the 3 territories

Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/northwestel-indigenous-consortium-three-territories-1.7231517

CBC News ·

Click on the above link for the full article

Bell to transfer ownership of northern telecoms giant later this year, in deal worth close to $1B

The biggest telecommunications company in the North will be sold to a group of Indigenous development companies from Yukon, N.W.T. and Nunavut.

Northwestel, which is owned by Bell Canada, called its sale to a consortium of Indigenous communities a “landmark partnership.”

 

 

by

Unifor sounds alarm over Enbridge Gas cuts to emergency response

 

TORONTO—Enbridge Gas’ proposal to eliminate the evening and overnight emergency response shift will jeopardize the lives of customers and nearby residents, says Unifor.

“The disregard for public safety is breath-taking,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “If the company does not have enough workers to fulfil critical emergency roles, it is because it has laid off too many workers in pursuit of returns for shareholders.”

The evening (after 4 p.m.) shift is almost entirely an emergency response shift staffed by four workers for the evening. The overnight (after 8 p.m.) shift is only staffed by two positions to respond to critical gas leaks or broken infrastructure.

Enbridge has also internally announced a plan to reduce or eliminate compliance work because the company is not employing enough workers to do the inspections and fix problems.

“Enbridge has cut staffing to the bone already—it is unfathomable that they are seeking to lay-off more shift workers,” said Doug Carter, president of Unifor Local 975. “Gas line incidents are no joke. Enbridge must take emergencies seriously and enhance their response measures.”

Compliance work involves checking and inspecting valves and other parts of gas infrastructure for defects. Increasing the time between compliance inspections increases the risk of undetected faults.
Unifor members at Enbridge Gas are the only workers trained in emergency response for most gas leaks. Currently, Enbridge evening and overnight processes has a normal response time within one hour. However, gas workers are concerned the continued reduction of in-house staff, cutting shifts, and contracting-out will increase the time to respond to leaks.

Increasing Enbridge’s response time also increases the time that municipal emergency services must also be onsite securing the location, increasing risk of a serious incident and the costs to municipalities.

Unifor is calling on the City of Toronto to review contracts between the city and Enbridge Gas regarding the safety of natural gas lines. Unifor’s Health and Safety Department has responded with a statement of concern about the hazards introduced by Enbridge’s attempts to cut corners on emergency response readiness. A letter has also been sent to the Government of Ontario.

by

VIA’s new baggage policy: Prioritizing efficiency over accessibility

June 11, 2024

 

VIA Rail’s recent changes to its baggage policy highlight a shift in priorities, making eco-friendly travel more challenging in Canada.

Passenger rail travel remains the most environmentally-friendly mode of intercity transport, crucial for many remote and isolated communities. VIA Rail serves as a vital link for those needing to travel for family, work, school, and health care.

Passengers often carry significant luggage: a young doctor relocating to a remote community, a student returning home for the summer, a family of new immigrants starting their lives in Canada. These scenarios reflect the diverse needs of VIA Rail’s passengers.

However, under VIA’s stringent new baggage policy, these passengers face hefty fees or outright travel denial.

Historically, VIA Rail had a generous baggage policy, balancing capacity with the needs of Canadian travellers.

So, how did we stray so far?

The reasons are two-fold.

First, the federal government has instructed VIA to prepare for the privatization of the Corridor in Ontario and Québec. Starting June 10, passengers must pay for baggage and parking at some stations. And brace yourselves—more fees are coming.

Secondly, despite advice from both unionized and non-unionized employees, as well as passenger advocates, VIA executives chose not to include adequate baggage space in the new Siemens trains.

This decision underscores a disconnect between VIA’s executives and the needs of their passengers.

Take bicycles, for instance. Rail and bicycle travel are a perfect match for promoting green travel. Yet, VIA’s bicycle policy is now more restrictive than ever, banning bikes from the Corridor despite them being accepted on transcontinental and remote trains.

This means a passenger traveling from Ottawa to Winnipeg with a bike will be forced to drive or fly between Ottawa and Toronto, increasing carbon emissions. Students wanting to take their bikes from London to Kingston are also out of luck, left to emit carbon on Highway 401.

VIA’s restrictive baggage policy has driven students back to cars, planes, and unregulated bus companies with questionable safety standards.

The time for action is now.

The Get Back On Track campaign advocates for reinstating baggage cars in the Corridor, connecting seamlessly with transcontinental trains, and abolishing the draconian baggage policy.

Unifor believes that VIA Rail and the federal government should foster adaptive and innovative ways to promote rail travel—the greenest mode of intercity transport. This includes creating baggage policies that cater to Canadians’ needs and making travel more affordable.

Take action and help get Canada back on track.

by

Strike at MDA Space ends after workers ratify agreement

June 6, 2024

 

BRAMPTON—Workers at MDA Space ratified a new collective agreement today, bringing a nine-week strike at the aerospace manufacturer’s global headquarters in Brampton to an end.

“I am proud of the determination our members showed, fighting for their rights on the picket line for nine long weeks to achieve a strong collective agreement at MDA Space,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Thanks to the support of Unifor members throughout the GTA and the tenacity of our bargaining team, we have made significant improvements that ensure a better future for all.”

Unifor Local 112 and 673 members at MDA Space initiated strike action on April 8. The collective agreement expired in October 2023 with bargaining taking place over a 9-month period to allow for the relocation of work to a newly built facility.

Over the life of the agreement workers will receive a total minimum wage increase of 9% plus Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) payments adjusted quarterly, up to a maximum of $0.80 per hour. During the dispute, the union successfully fought employer proposals to eliminate COLA. On ratification, workers will receive a minimum 7% wage increase and the existing $0.80 per hour COLA folded into existing wage rates. Workers will receive retroactive pay for all hours worked between October 2023 and May 2024, totalling a minimum of 3.2% which includes $0.34 per hour in COLA payments. The employer will also increase contributions to the employee Defined Benefit pension plan retroactive to August 5 2020 by $3.

“Our members made this agreement happen with their solidarity on the picket line and the diligent work of our negotiating team to make several key gains,” said Unifor Local 112 President John Turner. “From higher wages to improvements in health and dental benefits, this agreement will serve our members well at a time of increasing economic uncertainty and rising living costs.”

In addition, Unifor members gained a new paid holiday for the first Monday in August and will receive two paid personal emergency days. Job classifications were also expanded to provide new career growth and training opportunities for workers, and new work was secured for the bargaining unit to operate the facility’s testing equipment. Language for the Skilled Trades was also improved to provide seniority protection and wage growth to apprentices as they progress through the program, and a guaranteed wage premium for machinists who complete their certification.

“Our members love what they do and are eager to return to work,” said Unifor Local 673 President Maryellen McIlmoyle. “I am incredibly proud of everyone who held the line rain or shine to secure a fair deal, including a long-overdue pension contribution increase that was a key element in resolving this dispute.”

There are 45 members of Unifor Local 112 and 673 at the MDA Space facility in Brampton which is the home of the Canadarm and several important space robotics, satellite and defense projects.

The new collective agreement expires October 1, 2026.