Education tech initiative brings SMART Boards to remote classrooms
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Recently, SMART has been hard at work in its partnership with the N50 Project — a nonprofit consortium of more than 250 companies operating with the shared goal of expanding access to technology.
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'We work with SMART to help lead that effort as to how the technology works in the classroom, particularly in rural and remote environments where they've not had this before,' said Gutwein.
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SMART has led projects in places like Guadalajara, Mexico City and Nairobi. But plenty of underserved and isolated communities in North America suffer from the same technological divide.
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'Often, we think of these challenges as being a world away, but the reality is that we have underserved populations all across Canada and the U.S.,' said Kimberly Ball, senior manager of global customer education and success at SMART Technologies.
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SMART makes it a point to align with the unique goals and needs of communities, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution to educational technology.
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In May, SMART was able to contribute to a new digital community lab at Monarca Academy in Indianapolis, outfitting the space with its latest interactive displays along with its web-based learning platform, Lumio. The lab was also equipped with cutting-edge tools like 3D printers and robotics kits.
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In more remote communities, challenges like connectivity and infrastructure are at the forefront. SMART and its partners at N50 address these obstacles head-on, collaborating with companies like Starlink to help provide internet access.
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Globe and Mail
44 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
More Mexico awaits! WestJet expands codeshare partnership with Aeromexico, unlocking 10 new destinations
CALGARY, AB , July 2, 2025 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced an expansion of its reciprocal codeshare partnership with Aeromexico, offering guests on both sides of the continent enhanced access to a broader network of destinations all with the ease of a single booking. Available today, guests travelling to and from WestJet's Canadian network, including its global hub in Calgary , can expand their horizons to some of the airlines' most interesting destinations with the convenience of booking their entire journey on one ticket, seamless single connection, baggage transfers and earning WestJet Rewards throughout. "As the number one Canadian carrier to Mexico , WestJet's expanded partnership with Aeromexico represents a meaningful step forward in deepening the airline's commitment to the region," said John Weatherill , WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. "Our longstanding partnership has always reflected a shared vision to better connect communities across North America . This expansion reinforces our commitment to delivering seamless, accessible travel for our guests, and signals our intent to grow with purpose and partnership for years to come." "As Mexico's Global Airline, our goal is to connect Mexico with the world. To achieve this, partnerships with great allies such as WestJet are essential. We are thrilled about this expansion, through which we will connect WestJet's clients to our domestic network and show the best of Mexico . On the other hand, we will be pleased to offer Aeromexico's travellers more destinations across Canada ", said Jose Zapata , Vice-President of Sales for US, Canada and Latin America . Additional codeshare destinations for WestJet guests travelling south From cultural capital cities to hidden gems by the sea, WestJet guests can now enjoy streamlined access to more than 30 destinations across Mexico ; ideal for discovering ancient ruins, vibrant culinary scenes or coastal escapes. With codeshare service already available to major Mexican cities such as Guadalajara and Monterrey , guests can also now enjoy expanded connectivity to additional destinations, including: Aguascalientes Ciudad Obregon Ciudad Juarez Durango Oaxaca Puerto Escondido Tampico Tuxtla Gutierrez Torreon Veracruz Additional codeshare destinations for Aeromexico guests travelling North The partnership expansion opens options for Mexico -based guests looking to see the best of Canada . Guests travelling from across Aeromexico's network now have access to connect to more than 20 uniquely Canadian destinations from coast-to-coast-to-coast with WestJet including Victoria , Regina , Saskatoon , Ottawa and Halifax . In addition, starting today, guests will have access to three new popular British Columbia destinations including Comox , Cranbrook and Nanaimo as well as the return of codeshare service to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. About WestJet WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada , cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America , Central America , the Caribbean , Europe and Asia. As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada's leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. Learn more about WestJet at (also available in French) Follow WestJet on Facebook at Follow WestJet on X at and Follow WestJet on Instagram at Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at About Grupo Aeromexico Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V., is a holding company with subsidiaries engaged in commercial and cargo aviation in Mexico , training, assistance, and maintenance, as well as the control of its passenger loyalty program: Aeromexico, Aeromexico Connect, Aeromexico Cargo, Aeromexico Formacion, Aeromexico Servicios and Aeromexico Rewards. The company is Mexico's global airline and has its main hub at Mexico City International Airport. Its destinations network features Mexico , the United States , Canada , Central America , South America , Asia , and Europe . The Group's operating fleet is comprised of Boeing 787 and 737 jet airliners and Embraer 190 models. Aeromexico is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, which celebrated its 25th anniversary and serves 184 countries with its 18 SkyTeam airline partners.
Cision Canada
an hour ago
- Cision Canada
TrumanAnnouncesNew Signed Agreements with Marriott International to Bring Three Iconic Brands to Calgary
Marking Marriott's first luxury hotel and residential offerings in Calgary, W Calgary & JW Marriott Calgary, along with an Autograph Collection Hotel, are set to deliver a new standard of hospitality in the heart of the city CALGARY, AB, July 2, 2025 /CNW/ -- Truman and Marriott International, Inc. announced today plans to open three hotels in Calgary, including W Calgary, JW Marriott Calgary and an Autograph Collection Hotel on Stampede Park. These brands are poised to transform the hospitality landscape in Calgary and will debut as part of a dynamic mixed-use development ideally situated within the city's rapidly evolving Culture + Entertainment District. The development of the Autograph Collection, W Calgary, and JW Marriott Calgary, expected to open in 2028, 2029, and 2030 respectively, will be led by Calgary-based joint-venture partners Truman and Louson. Planned to be two of Western Canada's tallest residential towers and located at 15 Ave and Macleod Trail S.E., W Calgary and JW Marriott Calgary are set to redefine luxury in the city, offering elevated living and travel experiences in the city. "We are incredibly excited to announce our newest hotel development right here in our hometown of Calgary," said Tony Trutina, Chief Operating Officer of Truman. "Truman and Louson, as Calgary-based and family-owned companies, have a deep commitment to this city, and we believe this project will be a significant catalyst for the local economy. Beyond creating numerous construction jobs, these hotels are expected to generate substantial long-term employment opportunities, boost tourism, and support local businesses through increased visitor spending. We are immensely proud to invest further in Calgary's future and contribute to its vibrant growth." Truman brings a uniquely grounded perspective and vested interest in the city's long-term success. With the company's longstanding history of delivering high-quality residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects across the region for over 40 years, the development will be guided by a team that intimately understands Calgary's character, community needs, and economic landscape. "As Marriott continues to expand our hospitality options in Canada to meet the diverse needs of guests, owners and developers, W Calgary, JW Marriott Calgary, and the Autograph Collection Hotel are poised to usher in an unparalleled level of hospitality to this high- energy city," said Paul Cahill, Chief Operating Officer, Canada, Marriott International. "We are thrilled to closely collaborate with Truman and Louson, whose combined passion and love for Calgary will be a perfect complement to the elevated service that guests have come to expect from the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio." Bringing W Hotels signature bold and creative energy to the city, the 69-story W Calgary tower is set to feature 157 guest rooms, including 27 suites, and 239 branded residences. Guests will enjoy one-of-a-kind amenities, including a 7,500 sq. ft AWAY Spa, specialty restaurant, 16,259 sq. feet of meeting space, the brand's signature Living Room, an expansive FIT studio, and a rooftop bar. Residents will also have exclusive access to the facilities and a dedicated private entrance. The 62-story JW Marriott Calgary is set to offer 248 guestrooms and 120 branded residences, each meticulously designed to embody the brand's world-class approach to well-being and luxury hospitality. Guests and residents will enjoy 32,500 sq. feet of meeting space, an indoor and outdoor pool, the brand's signature JW Market, a tranquil JW Garden, a curated retail area, and more. This builds upon Truman's recently announced partnership with Calgary Stampede to deliver a 320-key hotel on Stampede Park, which will officially operate under Autograph Collection Hotels. With an official name to be announced at a later date, the full-service property will be reflective of the premium lifestyle brand's clear vision that makes each property individual, special, and 'Exactly Like Nothing Else,' and is planned to include 320 guestrooms and 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Within 14,000 square feet of food and beverage offerings, guests will enjoy several restaurants, a lobby bar, coffee shop, and a rooftop lounge with views of downtown, plus a south-facing leisure terrace with a pool, jacuzzi and an outdoor bar, and an indoor swimming pool and fitness club. As stewards of the Rivers District Master Plan, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) has been leading the redevelopment of the district for the past seven years, transforming the landscape of this dynamic downtown neighbourhood. "Our shared vision for The Culture + Entertainment District as a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood is coming to life, with more than $2B in city-building infrastructure and cultural destinations completed or underway," said Kate Thompson, President and CEO of CMLC. "As we knew it would, our city's public investment in the C+E is now attracting significant private interest and investment, bringing forward the hotels, residences and commercial spaces envisioned in the master plan that will, critically, support the needs of meetings, conventions and major events taking place in The District." "We are thrilled to work with Marriott on the Autograph Collection Hotel on Stampede Park," adds Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede. "With the growing demand for meetings and conventions at the expanded BMO Centre and across Calgary, these three hotel offerings dramatically elevate our competitive advantage as a host city and complement the Calgary Stampede's world-known exceptional Western hospitality." Together, these projects are set to deliver more than 700 premium and luxury hotel rooms and nearly 360 branded residences in Calgary's emerging Culture + Entertainment District, fulfilling a strong need for hotel accommodations to support key venues like the BMO Centre and the forthcoming Scotia Place event centre. With a combined $1.47 billion in private investment from Truman and Louson, the hotels and residences will not only inject vibrancy into the city's skyline but are also planned to support over 9,100 jobs during construction and more than 2,000 ongoing positions across operations and tourism sectors. Annually, Truman expects the development will contribute over $120 million in GDP from hotel operations and an additional $111 million from visitor spending, generating nearly $76 million in government revenues, according to a preliminary economic assessment. As the Culture + Entertainment District undergoes a transformative revitalization, this highly anticipated development is expected to serve as a beacon of adventure and refined hospitality, elevating lifestyle offerings in Calgary. MEDIA ASSETS: Renderings of W Calgary, JW Calgary and the Autograph Collection Hotel on Stampede Park can be found here. About Truman For over 40 years, Truman has proudly and persistently worked to build a better Calgary. As an Alberta-based family-owned developer and builder, we have successfully created thousands of new homes and over two million square feet of retail, office, and industrial space within the Calgary metropolitan area. Truman's core belief is that everyone can Live Better®. From master planned new communities to individual mixed-use buildings in redeveloping and developing neighbourhoods, we're committed to building great places through great design. Places that so many Calgarians have chosen to make an investment and call home. About Louson Investments For over 80 years, Louson has played a key role in shaping communities through the thoughtful acquisition, development, and management of real estate. With a strong foundation in Calgary, Louson remains a family-owned company committed to long-term growth, reinvestment, and generational leadership. About Marriott International Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,500 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 144 countries and territories. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at and for the latest company news, visit In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.
Cision Canada
an hour ago
- Cision Canada
More Mexico awaits! WestJet expands codeshare partnership with Aeromexico, unlocking 10 new destinations Français
CALGARY, AB, July 2, 2025 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced an expansion of its reciprocal codeshare partnership with Aeromexico, offering guests on both sides of the continent enhanced access to a broader network of destinations all with the ease of a single booking. Available today, guests travelling to and from WestJet's Canadian network, including its global hub in Calgary, can expand their horizons to some of the airlines' most interesting destinations with the convenience of booking their entire journey on one ticket, seamless single connection, baggage transfers and earning WestJet Rewards throughout. "As the number one Canadian carrier to Mexico, WestJet's expanded partnership with Aeromexico represents a meaningful step forward in deepening the airline's commitment to the region," said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. "Our longstanding partnership has always reflected a shared vision to better connect communities across North America. This expansion reinforces our commitment to delivering seamless, accessible travel for our guests, and signals our intent to grow with purpose and partnership for years to come." "As Mexico's Global Airline, our goal is to connect Mexico with the world. To achieve this, partnerships with great allies such as WestJet are essential. We are thrilled about this expansion, through which we will connect WestJet's clients to our domestic network and show the best of Mexico. On the other hand, we will be pleased to offer Aeromexico's travellers more destinations across Canada", said Jose Zapata, Vice-President of Sales for US, Canada and Latin America. Additional codeshare destinations for WestJet guests travelling south From cultural capital cities to hidden gems by the sea, WestJet guests can now enjoy streamlined access to more than 30 destinations across Mexico; ideal for discovering ancient ruins, vibrant culinary scenes or coastal escapes. With codeshare service already available to major Mexican cities such as Guadalajara and Monterrey, guests can also now enjoy expanded connectivity to additional destinations, including: Additional codeshare destinations for Aeromexico guests travelling North The partnership expansion opens options for Mexico-based guests looking to see the best of Canada. Guests travelling from across Aeromexico's network now have access to connect to more than 20 uniquely Canadian destinations from coast-to-coast-to-coast with WestJet including Victoria, Regina, Saskatoon, Ottawa and Halifax. In addition, starting today, guests will have access to three new popular British Columbia destinations including Comox, Cranbrook and Nanaimo as well as the return of codeshare service to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. About WestJet WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada's leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. Learn more about WestJet at (also available in French) Follow WestJet on Facebook at Follow WestJet on X at and Follow WestJet on Instagram at Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at About Grupo Aeromexico Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V., is a holding company with subsidiaries engaged in commercial and cargo aviation in Mexico, training, assistance, and maintenance, as well as the control of its passenger loyalty program: Aeromexico, Aeromexico Connect, Aeromexico Cargo, Aeromexico Formacion, Aeromexico Servicios and Aeromexico Rewards. The company is Mexico's global airline and has its main hub at Mexico City International Airport. Its destinations network features Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central America, South America, Asia, and Europe. The Group's operating fleet is comprised of Boeing 787 and 737 jet airliners and Embraer 190 models. Aeromexico is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, which celebrated its 25th anniversary and serves 184 countries with its 18 SkyTeam airline partners.
