Latest news with #WilfridLaurierUniversity
Hamilton Spectator
09-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Shop Local: New Hamburg Pet Valu owner keeping company values in the family
For Kayla Orleck, the owner of Pet Valu New Hamburg, running a Pet Valu store is in her genes. Both of Orleck's parents, Joanne and Dale, run their own Pet Valu stores, meaning she spent plenty of time inside the pet stores and learned the company's values around providing great customer service and giving back to community early on. 'I always joke that I grew up in a Pet Valu and now we're passing on the tradition, which is really fun,' Orleck said. 'My mom thinks it's the best. My mom has one (store) and my dad has one, so between the two of them, we were very, very busy.' Orleck, who got her first taste of Pet Valu company culture working at her parents' stores while growing up in Cobourg, met her now-husband while they were attending school at Wilfrid Laurier University. Her husband, who is from Waterloo Region, ultimately convinced her to stay, leading directly to the opportunity to open a Pet Valu store in New Hamburg. 'I worked for corporate, as well, when I was in university, so they reached out to my parents to ask, 'Is Kayla still in that area? We want to get a store in New Hamburg,' ' Orleck recalled. 'And I was like, 'Oh my God, New Hamburg is amazing,' so I jumped on it.' That opportunity, however, came at a difficult time for businesses locally and around the world, in 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the New Hamburg store opened, Orleck said they had to operate through curbside pickup only and customers couldn't even come inside to see for themselves all the products and services Pet Valu has to offer. Since then, business has improved and the store has become a treasured part of the New Hamburg business community offering everything from pets for adoption to a self-serve dog-wash station complete with towels, shampoo and aprons to help dog owners stay at least somewhat dry during the process. 'We try to make our experience really personable and we like to work with a lot of the local rescues,' Orleck said. 'We're trying to get involved with our community events and we know most of our customers by name. 'In New Hamburg, it's kind of unique because we're halfway between the Kitchener-Waterloo and Stratford humane societies, so being able to help support and raise money for some of the local, grassroots animal rescues and organizations is kind of nice.' Last month, for example, New Hamburg Pet Valu ran its Paw Month initiative to raise money for Axel's Imprint Rescue and Sanctuary, a cat rescue in Shakespeare. Pet Valu New Hamburg, like Pet Valu stores across Canada, is also a huge supporter of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides initiative. Each year in the spring, the local Pet Valu partners with the Wilmot Lions/Lioness clubs to host the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides. The fundraiser walk supports people living with disabilities or agencies assisting people who have experienced trauma by providing Dog Guides at no cost and supporting them in their journey together. While Orleck is currently living out her dream of carrying on her family's Pet Valu tradition, she is also actively passing that tradition on to the next generation, often brining her daughter, 10-month-old Blythe, into work with her. This way, little Blythe is learning to love pets, and their owners, before she can even walk. For more information about Pet Valu New Hamburg, visit in person at 100 Mill St. in the Sobey's plaza or call 519-390-0265. Hours of operation are Monday to Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CTV News
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
National Youth Orchestra performing free shows in Waterloo ahead of national tour
The future of classical music was on display at Wilfrid Laurier University. CTV's Jeff Pickel takes a listen. The best classically trained young musicians from across Canada have set up residency in Waterloo this month. The National Youth Orchestra (NYO) of Canada, consisting of 91 musicians between the ages of 16 and 28, are using the Wilfrid Laurier University music faculty for rehearsals and as performance space. As part of their preparations for a national tour, the NYO musicians are putting on free shows throughout June and early July. This year the orchestra consists of several members with local connections. Manuel Galvez is a third-year music student at Wilfrid Laurier University. 'It's really nice to know that there's like-minded people, they're very passionate about what they do. They're very disciplined,' said Galvez, who plays the viola. Galvez and others look at the NYO as part of their path to a professional music career. 'There's a lot of connections to be made because you never know if the person you're sitting across from while you're eating lunch is going to be the future concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra,' said Galvez. Lauren Lee is a violinist from Kitchener, now attending the University of Toronto. 'It feels kind of new to me, seeing lots of talented musicians play together and the opportunity to watch everyone play in chamber and in orchestra,' Lee said. The Big Little Concert series runs until July 11th before the national tour begins on July 18th in Toronto.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jim Balsillie donates $5 million to Wilfrid Laurier University to kick start digital sovereignty
Jim Balsillie, the Canadian businessman and philanthropist, has donated $5 million to Wilfrid Laurier University for the establishment of a digital governance initiative to build economic resilience and digital sovereignty. 'The nature and the structure of the global economy and global security has shifted foundationally in the last 30 years in a degree and rapidity that's unprecedented in mankind,' said Balsillie in an interview. 'And if you want to be a sovereign and secure and prosperous nation, you need the capacity for navigating that on a front-footed basis. So, this investment is all about that.' In a news release, the university in Waterloo, Ont., said Canada needs to 'shape policy and increase productivity amid growing threats to sovereignty and security.' It said the Balsillie donation will go toward setting up a legal advisory centre that tackles international trade and technology governance, and establishing professional training programs and a proposed graduate degree that focuses on 'law, digital sovereignty and global technology governance.' 'This is about building capacity to manage the expertise into these realms that are digital, whether it's AI, data, blockchain currencies, intellectual property, trade agreements, all of these things are the realms that this is contended, and Canada has had an eroding prosperity, it's had an eroding sovereignty because the terrain of protecting and advancing those is the digital realm,' said Balsillie, the former co-CEO of Research in Motion, the company that developed the Blackberry. He said the digital initiative is a 'natural addition' to the school, which is also home to the Balsillie School of International Affairs, a joint project of Laurier, the University of Waterloo and the Centre for International Governance and Innovation. Deborah MacLatchy, the president and vice-chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier, said the funding will 'stand up' the work students and faculty are doing on the topic of the digital future. While figures aren't yet known, the university hopes to add faculty and more students because of the new research and educational initiative. 'We're hearing a lot from companies, from government, about their capacity needs, meaning that they just don't feel that they have all the internal expertise or the up-and-coming expertise of students and grad students who have experience in this area,' said MacLatchy. 'And this gift will really allow us to really take a take a run at this in a way that will be unique across the country.' The hope is that other Canadian universities will eventually follow Laurier's lead, doing more research and education in the area. The issue of digital sovereignty, said Ann Fitz-Gerald, director of the Balsillie School of International Affairs, is 'about taking control of a state or any organization's digital destiny and autonomy.' This includes not just corporate data security or intellectual property or cross-border data transfer but also issues of national security, Fitz-Gerald said. 'There's a big policy shift towards the intangibles from the tangibles, and we need to make sure policymakers worldwide, not just in Canada, have the knowledge and skill sets to operate in this space,' Fitz-Gerald said. So much of what happens in a modern society, from immigration to business to justice, happens in the digital world and is driven by data. And so Balsillie's donation, Fitz-Gerald said, will help position Canada and Wilfrid Laurier and the Waterloo region at the forefront of that economic, social and political revolution. Indeed, as data can be siphoned off by corporate giants to aid foreign economic development, Canada could wind up being a loser unless it builds expertise in digital sovereignty. 'The best way that I have come to be able to explain it is that we have had, for time immemorial, a policy orientation and governance structures that are fit for a tangibles world. We now live in an intangibles world,' said Fitz-Gerald. 'We want to be able to manage its development and have a real … say in its safe and responsible development, and the safety and responsibility relates to the preservation of our sovereignty and national security and prosperity.' 'Fear and gratitude': Iconic photo captures Canada's role in a forgotten war Canada's first evacuation flight leaves Middle East amid Israel-Iran strikes Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
Vancouver Sun
26-06-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Jim Balsillie donates $5 million to Wilfrid Laurier University to kick start digital sovereignty
Jim Balsillie, the Canadian businessman and philanthropist, has donated $5 million to Wilfrid Laurier University for the establishment of a digital governance initiative to build economic resilience and digital sovereignty. 'The nature and the structure of the global economy and global security has shifted foundationally in the last 30 years in a degree and rapidity that's unprecedented in mankind,' said Balsillie in an interview. 'And if you want to be a sovereign and secure and prosperous nation, you need the capacity for navigating that on a front-footed basis. So, this investment is all about that.' In a news release, the university in Waterloo, Ont., said Canada needs to 'shape policy and increase productivity amid growing threats to sovereignty and security.' It said the Balsillie donation will go toward setting up a legal advisory centre that tackles international trade and technology governance, and establishing professional training programs and a proposed graduate degree that focuses on 'law, digital sovereignty and global technology governance.' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'This is about building capacity to manage the expertise into these realms that are digital, whether it's AI, data, blockchain currencies, intellectual property, trade agreements, all of these things are the realms that this is contended, and Canada has had an eroding prosperity, it's had an eroding sovereignty because the terrain of protecting and advancing those is the digital realm,' said Balsillie, the former co-CEO of Research in Motion, the company that developed the Blackberry. He said the digital initiative is a 'natural addition' to the school, which is also home to the Balsillie School of International Affairs, a joint project of Laurier, the University of Waterloo and the Centre for International Governance and Innovation. Deborah MacLatchy, the president and vice-chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier, said the funding will 'stand up' the work students and faculty are doing on the topic of the digital future. While figures aren't yet known, the university hopes to add faculty and more students because of the new research and educational initiative. 'We're hearing a lot from companies, from government, about their capacity needs, meaning that they just don't feel that they have all the internal expertise or the up-and-coming expertise of students and grad students who have experience in this area,' said MacLatchy. 'And this gift will really allow us to really take a take a run at this in a way that will be unique across the country.' The hope is that other Canadian universities will eventually follow Laurier's lead, doing more research and education in the area. The issue of digital sovereignty, said Ann Fitz-Gerald, director of the Balsillie School of International Affairs, is 'about taking control of a state or any organization's digital destiny and autonomy.' This includes not just corporate data security or intellectual property or cross-border data transfer but also issues of national security, Fitz-Gerald said. 'There's a big policy shift towards the intangibles from the tangibles, and we need to make sure policymakers worldwide, not just in Canada, have the knowledge and skill sets to operate in this space,' Fitz-Gerald said. So much of what happens in a modern society, from immigration to business to justice, happens in the digital world and is driven by data. And so Balsillie's donation, Fitz-Gerald said, will help position Canada and Wilfrid Laurier and the Waterloo region at the forefront of that economic, social and political revolution. Indeed, as data can be siphoned off by corporate giants to aid foreign economic development, Canada could wind up being a loser unless it builds expertise in digital sovereignty. 'The best way that I have come to be able to explain it is that we have had, for time immemorial, a policy orientation and governance structures that are fit for a tangibles world. We now live in an intangibles world,' said Fitz-Gerald. 'We want to be able to manage its development and have a real … say in its safe and responsible development, and the safety and responsibility relates to the preservation of our sovereignty and national security and prosperity.' Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
National Post
26-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Jim Balsillie donates $5 million to Wilfrid Laurier University to kick start digital sovereignty
Jim Balsillie, the Canadian businessman and philanthropist, has donated $5 million to Wilfrid Laurier University for the establishment of a digital governance initiative to build economic resilience and digital sovereignty. Article content 'The nature and the structure of the global economy and global security has shifted foundationally in the last 30 years in a degree and rapidity that's unprecedented in mankind,' said Balsillie in an interview. 'And if you want to be a sovereign and secure and prosperous nation, you need the capacity for navigating that on a front-footed basis. So, this investment is all about that.' Article content Article content In a news release, the university in Waterloo, Ont., said Canada needs to 'shape policy and increase productivity amid growing threats to sovereignty and security.' It said the Balsillie donation will go toward setting up a legal advisory centre that tackles international trade and technology governance, and establishing professional training programs and a proposed graduate degree that focuses on 'law, digital sovereignty and global technology governance.' Article content Article content 'This is about building capacity to manage the expertise into these realms that are digital, whether it's AI, data, blockchain currencies, intellectual property, trade agreements, all of these things are the realms that this is contended, and Canada has had an eroding prosperity, it's had an eroding sovereignty because the terrain of protecting and advancing those is the digital realm,' said Balsillie, the former co-CEO of Research in Motion, the company that developed the Blackberry. Article content Article content He said the digital initiative is a 'natural addition' to the school, which is also home to the Balsillie School of International Affairs, a joint project of Laurier, the University of Waterloo and the Centre for International Governance and Innovation. Article content Article content Deborah MacLatchy, the president and vice-chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier, said the funding will 'stand up' the work students and faculty are doing on the topic of the digital future. While figures aren't yet known, the university hopes to add faculty and more students because of the new research and educational initiative. Article content 'We're hearing a lot from companies, from government, about their capacity needs, meaning that they just don't feel that they have all the internal expertise or the up-and-coming expertise of students and grad students who have experience in this area,' said MacLatchy. 'And this gift will really allow us to really take a take a run at this in a way that will be unique across the country.'
