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The Government of Canada invests in local innovation

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The Government of Canada invests in local innovation

College-industry research partnerships will result in better-aged care, Indigenous community health and advanced manufacturing

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, Nov. 5, 2018 /CNW/ – Canada’s colleges play an important role in research and innovation across the country. That’s why we’re funding partnerships between colleges and companies to help provide local students with training opportunities and jobs while growing local and regional economies.

Today, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, announced investments to support 94 forward-thinking partnerships to address challenges that affect all Canadians, locally and nationally. These projects will receive over $45 million through the College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program and the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF).

Today’s announcement took place at Niagara College Canada, which is receiving support for researchers that help Canada’s farmers grow healthy crops using robots, drones and other leading technologies for precision agriculture. The researchers at the college will partner with local vineyards, apple growers, grain farmers, and hazelnut producers, among others, to test their prototypes.

Across Canada, this investment will advance research and innovation for years to come and delivers on the Government of Canada’s historic commitment to science. Budget 2018 included $140 million in additional funding for the CCI program over five years and $30 million a year ongoing after that. That means that the CCI program will be funding more lab equipment, more research partnerships with businesses and entrepreneurs, and more learning and training opportunities for students.

Quotes
“On campuses across the country, colleges are pursuing exciting research opportunities and at the same time helping companies enhance their products and processes, bringing promising ideas to the marketplace. With research areas ranging from advanced manufacturing to artificial intelligence, the projects being funded today will have real-life benefits for all Canadians.”
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport

“NSERC is proud of its role as a convenor and enabler of innovation-driven activities that help businesses compete and thrive through interactions with colleges and polytechnics. Today’s recipients also exemplify how researchers are effective at closely aligning their activities with regional needs to strengthen their communities.”
– Dr. Marc Fortin, Vice-President, Research Partnerships, NSERC

“Partnerships between business and industry and colleges and polytechnics play an essential role in enabling Canada to compete successfully in the global economy. The Canada Foundation for Innovation is proud to support these excellent initiatives through the College-Industry Innovation Fund.”
– Dr. Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President and CEO, Canada Foundation for Innovation

“We welcome the significant investments announced today, which recognize the important role that Canada’s colleges play in driving economic growth through research and innovation. For Niagara College, this funding will equip our Agriculture and Environmental Technologies Innovation Centre with new tools to advance our strategies in precision agriculture, it will help us assist farmers with producing healthier crops, and it will provide exciting new opportunities for our students as they work with our Research & Innovation division to provide real-world solutions for key industry sectors and gain the experience they need to succeed in the skilled workforce of tomorrow.”
– Dan Patterson, PhD, President, Niagara College

Quick facts

  • Budget 2018 makes a historic investment of nearly $4 billion over five years in research and in the next generation of researchers. This is the single largest investment in fundamental research in Canadian history.
  • CCI and CCSIF are led by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council(SSHRC). Funding support for infrastructure is also provided by the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
  • The CCI program is one of the largest vehicles for funding applied research at colleges, polytechnics and CÉGEPs across Canada. This research helps businesses innovate, grow and train the next generation of researchers and entrepreneurs.
  • CCSIF grants foster social innovation by connecting the talent, facilities and capabilities of Canada’s colleges and polytechnics with the research needs of local community organizations.
  • Since its launch in 2009, the CCI program has invested more than $492 million in 2,900 projects at post-secondary institutions across Canada.

Statement on Veterans’ Week from the Mental Health Commission of Canada

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Statement on Veterans' Week from the Mental Health Commission of Canada

OTTAWA, Nov. 5, 2018 /CNW/ – 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the Armistice that ended the First World War. Since 1919, we have taken the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to remember those who have served their country, in times of conflict and in peace.

Just as important as honouring the past, remembrance is a time to acknowledge and recognize those who serve today, living among us and doing a job unlike any other. It is also an opportunity to recognize those who stand behind the uniform – who willingly support and encourage their service member or Veteran. We must not forget the wider service family, loved ones and caregivers whose heroism is no less valorous for being unsung.

Veterans’ week, which culminates on Remembrance Day, can be a difficult time of the year. Some service members and veterans continue to live with the psychological impact of their service and strive to overcome mental health challenges. At the Mental Health Commission of Canada, we are committed to providing effective, evidence-based tools and resources to support them in this mission. We’re also committed to supporting service and Veteran families and caregivers in their roles.

Take the time this Veterans’ week to participate in an act of remembrance and to honour the sacrifices of those who have served and continue to serve their country. Don’t forget to acknowledge those who stand proudly behind them. If you know a service member, Veteran or caregiver who may need a helping hand encourage them to step forward to get the supports they deserve. If you are part of the Veteran community, we encourage you to enrol in the Mental Health First Aid course designed specifically for your needs. Learn more here.

Louise Bradley
President and CEO, Mental Health Commission of Canada

SOURCE Mental Health Commission of Canada

Lilly brings new oral treatment Olumiant™ for Canadians living with rheumatoid arthritis

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Lilly brings new oral treatment Olumiant™ for Canadians living with rheumatoid arthritis

TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2018 /CNW/ – “You would never know by looking at me,” says Angela Vance, a Lilly employee, “that I have rheumatoid arthritis (RA).”

RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, pain, stiffness and progressive joint destruction, and affects roughly 300,000 Canadians.1 It is associated with higher rates of illness and premature death and, when RA is moderate to severe, the disease can reduce a life span by as much as a dozen years if untreated.2

“It’s a horrible disease,” she says. “It rears its head with sharp unexplained pain that won’t fade, and a feeling of being wiped most of the time, like I’ve stayed up 36 hours straight.”

“Rheumatoid arthritis can progress very quickly into a debilitating condition,” said Edward Keystone, MD, FRCP(C), Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto.  “Early diagnosis and referral to a rheumatologist for treatment is essential in order to get individuals’ RA well controlled or in remission, quickly reduce pain, and avoid permanent damage to joints.”

Despite current treatment options, many patients do not reach their therapeutic goals or sustained remission. Research shows that fewer than half of patients in clinical practice will sustain remission for more than 1 year.3 There remains an important need to provide additional treatments to improve overall patient care.4 The overall goals of treatment are to stop inflammation, relieve symptoms, prevent damage to joints and organs, improve physical function and overall well-being, and reduce long-term complications.5

Eli Lilly Canada Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of Olumiant™ (baricitinib), a once-daily, 2 mg oral tablet. Olumiant, in combination with methotrexate (MTX), is indicated for reducing the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adult patients who have responded inadequately to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Olumiant may be used as monotherapy in cases of intolerance to MTX.6 7

“New oral options like Olumiant (also known as baricitinib) are key to helping rheumatologists like myself bring active rheumatoid arthritis under control—or even achieve remission—so patients can get back to enjoying their lives,” says Dr.Janet Pope, Professor of Medicine, University of Western Ontario & Chair Division of Rheumatology St. Joseph’s Health Care London.

“I’m proud of Lilly’s longstanding research in autoimmunity, which has led to the approval of Olumiant so that people living with the devastating impact of RA, like me, have a new option,” says Angela Vance from Lilly.

The research behind Olumiant:

Olumiant is believed to interfere with the activity of an enzyme called Janus Kinase (JAK). Normally JAK enzymes help turn on your immune system when you need it. The immune system then causes swelling and tenderness, which is called inflammation. Olumiant inhibits the action of JAK enzymes and thereby helps to reduce the swelling and tenderness in people with RA.6, 7

Olumiant was studied in patients with moderately to severely active RA who had an inadequate response or intolerance to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARDs), in the RA-BUILD study, and in patients who had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more biologic therapies (including Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) inhibitor) despite ongoing treatment with cDMARDs, in the RA-BEACON study.6

Results from both the RA-BUILD study and the RA-BEACON study demonstrated that patients treated with Olumiant 2 mg once daily had statistically significantly higher ACR20, ACR50 and ACR70 response rates at 12 weeks compared to placebo-treated patients (ACR = American College of Rheumatology score; ACR20/50/70 represents at least a 20/50/70 percent improvement across selected measures of disease activity). In both studies, higher ACR20 response rates were observed as early as one week with Olumiant 2 mg versus placebo. Patients treated with Olumiant 2 mg also had higher rates of clinical remission and achieved a DAS28 – hsCRP – a measure of RA disease activity – below 2.6 (indicating disease remission) versus placebo-treated patients at Week 12.6 In addition, in both studies, compared to placebo, patients treated with Olumiant 2 mg demonstrated greater improvement from baseline in the physical component summary (PCS) score and the physical function, bodily pain, vitality, and general health domains at Week 12.6

“For many people living with arthritis, the act of opening a medicine bottle or picking up a tablet can be extremely difficult, and Lilly designed the Olumiant tablet, bottle and cap with this in mind,” says Bruce Watson, Arthritis Society Director of Business and Foundation Development. “We are pleased to give Olumiant our Ease of Use designation, which recognizes products that are designed to make life easier for people with arthritis.”

“Olumiant is an innovative oral medicine that represents an evolution in the treatment of RA,” said Lisa Matar, President and General Manager of Lilly Canada. “At Lilly, we focus on the whole person, so the patient’s voice is front and centre. We are dedicated to ongoing collaboration with the community to identify solutions that help people with RA thrive.”

Lilly received a Notice of Compliance for Olumiant from Health Canada on August 17, 2018.

Notes to Editors:

About Olumiant™

Olumiant™ (baricitinib), a once-daily, 2 mg oral tablet, provides a new approved treatment option for adult patients living with RA in Canada.6  Olumiant, in combination with methotrexate (MTX), is indicated for reducing the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adult patients who have responded inadequately to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Olumiant may be used as monotherapy in cases of intolerance to MTX.6

Olumiant is believed to interfere with the activity of JAK enzymes. The four known JAK enzymes include, JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2. JAK-dependent cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Normally JAK enzymes help turn on your immune system when you need it. The immune system then causes swelling and tenderness, which is called inflammation. Olumiant inhibits the action of JAK enzymes and thereby helps to reduce the swelling and tenderness in people with RA.6, 7 Olumiant is approved in more than 50 countries.

For more information about Olumiant refer to the product monograph.

About Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

As a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, pain, stiffness and progressive joint destruction, RA is a significant population health concern, affecting 300,000 Canadians, and is associated with higher rates of illness and death.3

RA affects women two to three times more often than men, and while the disease can occur at any age, its onset is most common between the ages of 40 and 60. Although its cause is still unknown, RA is believed to be the result of a malfunctioning immune system.3

About Eli Lilly Canada Inc.

Eli Lilly and Company is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by Colonel Eli Lilly, who was committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet people’s needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and contribute to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.

Eli Lilly Canada was established in 1938, the result of a research collaboration with scientists at the University of Torontowhich eventually produced the world’s first commercially-available insulin. Our work focuses on oncology, diabetes, autoimmunity, neurodegeneration, and pain. To learn more about Lilly Canada, please visit us at www.lilly.ca.

Constellation Brands’ $5 Billion CAD Investment in Canopy Growth

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Constellation Brands' $5 Billion CAD Investment in Canopy Growth

VICTOR, NY and SMITHS FALLS, ON, Nov. 1, 2018 /CNW/ – Constellation Brands, Inc. (Constellation) (NYSE: STZ) (NYSE:STZ.B) and Canopy Growth Corporation (Canopy Growth or the Company) (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) today announced the closing of Constellation’s $5 billion CAD ($4 billion USD) investment in Canopy Growth, which was previously announced on August 15, 2018. The transaction was approved by an overwhelming majority of Canopy Growth shareholders and has been granted all required regulatory approvals, including by the Canadian government under the Investment Canada Act.

This investment provides Canopy Growth with the significant funding needed to build scale in the more than 30 countries currently pursuing federally permissible medical cannabis programs while establishing the foundation needed to supply new recreational adult-use markets as cannabis becomes legal in markets around the world.

“We’re excited to expand our strategic partnership with Canopy Growth and to begin helping them build the global scale needed to win long-term,” said Rob Sands, chief executive officer, Constellation Brands. “The global cannabis market presents a significant growth opportunity and Canopy Growth is well-positioned to establish a strong leadership position in this fast-evolving category.”

With this investment, Constellation Brands increases its ownership interest in Canopy Growth to approximately 37 per cent of outstanding common shares of Canopy Growth and has appointed two members of its executive team, as well as two independent directors, to the Board of Directors of Canopy Growth. Constellation estimates the interest expense associated with this transaction to approximate $55 million before tax with an approximate $0.25 impact on fiscal 2019 comparable basis EPS results. Constellation also continues to evaluate the potential equity in earnings impact from the Canopy Growth investment and related items.

“Our cash position opens up a world of opportunity for us,” said Bruce Linton, chairman and co-chief executive officer, Canopy Growth.  “Relative to our valuation, we have never been in a better position to create shareholder value. This investment was a landmark moment for the entire sector when it was announced. Now that the capital is Canopy’s to deploy, we’re going to quickly get to work increasing our lead by adding strategic assets around the world.”

As previously announced, the transaction includes a restructuring of Canopy Growth’s Board of Directors. Canopy Growth management wishes to thank Chris Schnarr and Murray Goldman for their contributions to the company. Mr. Schnarr and Mr. Goldman sat on the Board as it oversaw a transformative period for Canopy Growth from a small start-up to a global, diversified industry leader. Mr. Schnarr will continue with Canopy Growth and transition into a senior leadership role overseeing medical and therapeutic research commercialization. Subsequently, Canopy Growth management welcomes Constellation’s President and Chief Operating Officer Bill Newlands and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer David Klein, as well as current Constellation Board Members Judy Schmeling, former HSNi LLC chief operating officer, and Robert Hanson, chief executive officer of John Hardy Global Limited, to the Canopy Growth Board. Their leadership and experience will be invaluable as Canopy Growth continues to grow around the world.

About Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a Fortune 500® company, is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, Italy and Canada. Constellation is the No. 3 beer company in the U.S. with high-end, iconic imported brands such as Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra and Pacifico. The company’s beer portfolio also includes Ballast Point, one of the most awarded craft brewers in the U.S., and Funky Buddha Brewery. In addition, Constellation is the world leader in premium wine, selling great brands that people love, including Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Kim Crawford, Meiomi, Mark West, Black Box, Ruffino and The Prisoner. The company’s premium spirits brands include SVEDKA Vodka, Casa Noble Tequila and High West Whiskey.
Based in Victor, N.Y., the company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to brand building, our trade partners, the environment, our investors and to consumers around the world who choose our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. Founded in 1945, Constellation has grown to become a significant player in the beverage alcohol industry with more than 100 brands in its portfolio; about 40 wineries, breweries and distilleries; and approximately 10,000 talented employees. We express our company vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more, follow us on Twitter @cbrands and visit www.cbrands.com.

About Canopy Growth Corporation
Canopy Growth (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) is a world-leading diversified cannabis and hemp company, offering distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and Softgel capsule forms. From product and process innovation to market execution, Canopy Growth is driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to building a world-class cannabis company one product, site and country at a time. The Company has operations in 12 countries across five continents. The Company is proudly dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, conducting robust clinical research, and furthering the public’s understanding of cannabis, and through its wholly owned subsidiary, Canopy Health Innovations, has devoted millions of dollars toward cutting edge, commercial research and IP development. Through partly owned subsidiary Canopy Rivers Corporation, the Company is providing resources and investment to new market entrants and building a portfolio of stable investments in the sector. From our historic public listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange to our continued international expansion, pride in advancing shareholder value through leadership is engrained in all we do at Canopy Growth. Canopy Growth has established partnerships with leading sector names including cannabis icon Snoop Dogg, breeding legends DNA Genetics and Green House seeds, and Fortune 500 alcohol leader Constellation Brands, to name but a few. Canopy Growth operates ten licensed cannabis production sites with over 4.3 million square feet of production capacity, including over 500,000 square feet of GMP certified production space. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com.

Canada joins global partners in support of agriculture innovation and trade 

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Canada joins global partners in support of agriculture innovation and trade 

OTTAWA, Nov. 2, 2018 /CNW/ – The Government of Canada recognizes that Canadian innovation has helped make our country a leader in producing safe, high-quality products and we are committed to fostering agricultural innovation in the agricultural sector – here in Canada and beyond.

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, is pleased that Canada has joined Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Jordan, Paraguay, the United States, Uruguay, Vietnam, and the Secretariat of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in supporting the International Statement on Agricultural Applications of Precision Biotechnology. The Statement sends a strong message to governments around the world that we must strive for functional, risk-based regulatory approaches that encourage innovation and facilitate trade if we are to more effectively unlock the benefits from the latest scientific advances such as gene editing.

Globally, farmers need access and the ability to choose new and better tools to help address major worldwide challenges such as climate change, pest and disease pressures, and food security. At the same time, consumer demand for healthier, higher quality foods at affordable prices continues to grow, putting pressure on farmers to be more efficient.

It is critical that regulatory frameworks be rooted in science, protect animal and plant health as well as the environment, while ensuring only safe products get to market. It is also important that they are transparent, predictable, and focus oversight on those products that pose a potential risk. Governments must create an enabling environment in which all players are able to take advantage of advances in innovation.

In supporting the International Statement on Agricultural Applications of Precision Biotechnology, Canada is committing to work with international partners to minimize unnecessary barriers to trade related to the regulatory oversight of products of precision biotechnology.

Quotes

“We are committed to supporting agricultural innovation, here in Canada and abroad, recognizing its essential role in growing prosperous economies. Today, we are sending a strong message that we stand ready to work with our global partners in support of transparent, predictable and science-based regulatory approaches to reduce potential trade disruptions and allow for the commercialization of precision biotechnology products.”
– Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Canada has a long and distinguished history as a global leader in developing and supporting a rules-based international trading order. We will continue to work cooperatively with other governments to minimize unnecessary barriers to trade, including those related to the regulatory oversight of products of precision biotechnology.”
– Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification

Quick facts

  • In 2017, 67 countries adopted agricultural biotechnology crops — 24 countries planted and 43 additional countries imported. The same year, 189.8 million hectares of agricultural biotechnology crops were planted by up to 17 million farmers.
  • The major agricultural biotechnology crops currently grown globally are soybeans, maize, cotton, and canola.
  • Canada ranks fifth in the world in terms of area cultivated with agricultural biotechnology crop varieties, behind the United States, Brazil, Argentina and India.

Premier Health Group Inc. Announces Plans to Enter Canadian Pharmacy & Drug Store Market

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Premier Health Group Inc. Announces Plans to Enter Canadian Pharmacy & Drug Store Market

VANCOUVER, Nov. 5, 2018 /CNW/ – Premier Health Group (CSE: PHGI) (CSE: PHGI.CN) (OTCQB: PHGRF) (Frankfurt: 6PH) (the “Company” or “Premier Health”), a Company focused on developing innovative approaches that combine human skill-based expertise with emerging technologies for the healthcare industry, is pleased to announce that as a part of its expansion plans it will enter the Pharmacy market via acquisition and/or launching a new Canada based pharmacy in H1-2019.

“Pharmacy is a critical component in our commitment to providing patients with best in class primary care that is accessible and efficient in its delivery. Having the ability to prepare and deliver prescription and non-prescription pharmaceuticals and other health products to patients with ease, and having it as a part of our comprehensive technology solution for primary care, is something we are very excited to roll-out to patients,” said Dr. Essam Hamza, CEO of Premier.

The Company is actively reviewing a pipeline of additional pharmacy partners which include bricks and mortar locations for acquisition and strategic new retail opportunities for pharmacies. “It is our position that the emergence of technology such as the ability for patients to electronically send their prescription(s) to a pharmacy for fulfilment and pick up at a later time or delivery directly to them at home or work will result in increased patient and consumer enrollment in apps that offer this type of functionality,” added Dr.Hamza.

The Canadian retail pharmacy market is estimated to be $44 billion (Source: IBISWorld). It is expected the industry sector will continue to allow for favourable economics for pharmacy operators as baby boomer’s demand increases for prescriptions and operators to expand the scope of practice to include preventative services.

The Company expects to provide additional updates on acquisitions in Q4-18 and Q1-19.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
“Dr. Essam Hamza, MD”
Chief Executive Officer

About Premier Health

Premier Health is a Canadian company that is strategically poised to take advantage of business opportunities in the global healthcare industry. We are developing innovative healthcare approaches that combine human skill-based expertise with emerging technologies and will set the gold standard for services in locations of interest worldwide. Premier Health’s subsidiary, HealthVue is focused on developing proprietary technology to deliver quality healthcare through the combination of connected primary care clinics with telemedicine and artificial intelligence (AI). We currently have an ecosystem of over 100,000 active patients and have plans to rapidly increase that number both domestically and internationally. The HealthVue team has a strong track record of successfully creating value in healthcare and technology enterprises. The Management team has deep clinical, financial and operational expertise and a passion for improving healthcare for all patients.

Cautionary Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on Premier Health’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding its business and the economic environment in which it operates, including with respect to the implementation of its shareholder communications initiative and the timing thereof. Although Premier Health believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Premier Health undertakes no obligation to update them publicly to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstancesunless otherwise required to do so by law.

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Premier Health Group Inc.

Valens Signs Multi-Year Cannabis Extraction Agreement with GTEC Holdings

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Valens Signs Multi-Year Cannabis Extraction Agreement with GTEC Holdings

KELOWNA, BC, Nov. 5, 2018 /CNW/ – Valens GroWorks Corp. (CSE: VGW) (the “Company” or “Valens“), a multi-licensed, vertically integrated provider of cannabis products and services focused on various proprietary extraction methodologies, distillation, cannabinoid isolation and purification, as well as associated quality testing is pleased to announce that it has entered into a multi-year cannabis extraction services agreement (the “Agreement”) with GTEC Holdings (TSXV:GTEC) (OTC:GGTTF) (“GTEC”).

Under the Agreement, GTEC will ship bulk quantities of dried cannabis to Valens for an initial four-year term. The Company will receive and process the cannabis on a fee for service basis into crude, distillate or other cannabis oil derivatives as required by GTEC before bulk shipping the desired product back to GTEC for final processing and sale.

“We are excited to announce another material agreement to support a great Canadian and local Okanagan industry peer in bringing high quality, cannabis derivatives to the market. This Agreement shows the start of a shift where companies are beginning to understand the demand and supply shortage for oils and Valens’ strategic position in that shift. We have been working diligently to ramp up our processing capacity to support new agreements such as this,” says Tyler Robson, CEO of Valens.

“In mature cannabis markets, derivative products such as vape pens, edibles and infused beverages account for over half of all products sold at the consumer level. Over the coming years, we anticipate that the Canadian market will evolve to reflect a similar product mix”, said Norton Singhavon, Chairman & CEO of GTEC Holdings. “This partnership provides GTEC with the ability to utilize Valens’ IP, technology and expertise to immediately develop value-added products. We are excited to commence this partnership, given our respective core competencies and the geographic proximity to our facilities, we view this as a well-suited and synergistic relationship”.

Sun Life Financial launches first of its kind digital health network

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Sun Life Financial launches first of its kind digital health network

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is making a significant commitment to help Canadians live healthier lives with the launch of Lumino Health – Canada’s premier network of health resources free to all Canadians through the website Luminohealth.ca. The innovative Lumino Health digital experience offers ratings, cost and other information to help Canadians find and select a health care resource that is the best fit for them within seconds.

“Lumino Health is a game changer and it’s about time a health network like this is available,” said Canadian Olympic hockey legend, Hayley Wickenheiser. “As an athlete, I’ve used my share of massage therapists, physiotherapists and dentists to help me be my best throughout my playing days, but now as a busy mom and medical student, Lumino Health makes it so much easier and quicker for me to find everything I need in one place.”

Here’s what Luminohealth.ca is bringing to Canadians:

  • Information on more than 150,000 health providers including dentists, massage therapists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, psychologists, vision care providers, naturopaths, acupuncturists and more from coast to coast;
  • More than six million ratings on these providers from Sun Life’s Clients who have used these services;
  • Ability to compare provider costs;
  • Helpful information like hours of operation, languages spoken and the ability to request an appointment online;
  • The latest apps, products and solutions from health innovators supported by reviews from a community of users; and
  • Insights from health industry experts on how to live a healthier life.

“What’s unique about Lumino Health is how quick and easy it is to find a health provider that fits your needs. In the past, if you moved, you would have relied on word of mouth or spent time researching to find a new set of health providers like dentists and physiotherapists. Now, you can use Luminohealth.ca to find the best matches for you in less than a minute,” says Chris Denys, Senior Vice-President, Possibilities, Sun Life Financial. “We want Lumino Health to be your one-stop-shop by providing credible information with an easy to use tool to make searching for what you need as simple as booking a hotel. By doing so, we hope it will empower Canadians to live healthier lives.”

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies.

 

More precaution than promotion for Canadian cannabis tourism

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More precaution than promotion for Canadian cannabis tourism

TORONTO (Reuters) – Canadian cannabis tourism: Canada’s move to legalize recreational marijuana this week is unlikely to immediately trigger a flood of pot-fueled tourism, as tour operators and consumers are unsure about rules governing the brand new industry.

There are precedents for Canada to follow in California, Colorado and elsewhere. But observers noted that these U.S. states offering legal recreational marijuana could put a damper on Canada’s own pot travel aspirations: Why go all the way to Canada when you can smoke legally a couple of states away?

On Wednesday, Canada became the first major industrialized nation to legalize recreational marijuana, sparking huge demand. But those in the tourism industry are meeting legalization with more precaution than promotion.

“The tourist is really at the mercy of the drastically changing landscape,” said Neev Tapiero, who had a soft launch for his company, Canadian Kush Tours, months ago. “There are still other bugs to work out.”

The landscape changed on Wednesday with legalization. It will change again in six months when Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, allows for private storefronts, and again months after that if edible pot products become legal, he said.

Tapiero said he wishes government tourism agencies were more proactive in telling potential tourists what is and isn’t legal.

Denelle Balfour, a spokeswoman for Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, said a general public awareness campaign directs people to an information site.

“We’ve only had a couple of calls” from would-be tourists asking about legal weed, said Gordon Orr, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Windsor Essex. “One was, ‘Where do we get it?’”

Some tour operators are hesitant to highlight the fledgeling industry.

“We don’t use it as a promotion tool,” said Christian Wolters, Tour Radar’s managing director of North America. “If someone specifically is asking questions we indicate it is legal … but they have to be careful whenever they go back to their own country.”

Aaron Bowker, spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, had a tough message for the would-be visitors.

“I’ve been telling people for months now: If you do travel to Canada to recreationally use marijuana and you are a U.S. citizen, you are guaranteed entry to the United States. However … do not bring it back.”

On Wednesday, new posters went up at bus terminals across Canada targeted at a specific demographic: cannabis aficionados.

Bus tour operator Greyhound’s sign tells passengers where to pack the drug, where they can smoke it and, importantly, what to do with it if they’re crossing the border: Leave it behind.

But don’t expect American tourists to be too pot-savvy when they cross the border in search of Canada’s legal cannabis, said Ryan McConnell, senior vice president of Kantar Consulting, a firm that recently researched America’s “cannabis-curious.”

“You’re going to find some people thinking it’s a free-for-all, everything’s legal. That’s just not the case.”

Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny; Editing by Bill Berkrot

Aphria sends cannabis oil to Argentina for study on epilepsy in children

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Aphria sends cannabis oil to Argentina for study on epilepsy in children

Aphria delivers 1,500 bottles of Rideau oil to its subsidiary ABP to support the advancement of clinical medical cannabis research.

The Company also completes the first shipment of medical cannabis to Malta-based subsidiary ASG Pharma.

LEAMINGTON, ON, Oct. 15, 2018 /CNW/ – Aphria Inc. today announced that it has completed its first shipment of cannabis oil to its Argentina-based subsidiary ABP, S.A. (“ABP” or the “Argentinean Company“), a pharmaceutical import and distribution company. In accordance with a previously announced supply agreement, the Company delivered 1,500 bottles of Aphria’s renowned Rideau CBD oil, which were provided to Hospital de Pediatria Garrahan (“Hospital Garrahan” or the “Hospital“), a leading pediatric hospital located in Buenos Aires, for use in a clinical study focused on treating refractory epilepsy in children.

Aphria acquired ABP last month when the Company closed its acquisition of LATAM Holdings Inc. (“LATAM Holdings“), expanding the Company’s global footprint to include a leading presence in Latin America and the Caribbean. “Argentina will play a foundational role as Aphria cements its leadership in medical cannabis throughout the region,” said Vic Neufeld, Chief Executive Officer of Aphria. “Aphria and ABP, in close partnership with the Argentinean government, continue to advance opportunities for medical cannabis in the country, including the potential for in-country cultivation. We are also proud to support the critical and necessary research being undertaken by Hospital Garrahan on the treatment of refractory epilepsy in children with our Rideau CBD oil.”

As a well-established and successful pharmaceutical import and distribution company, ABP was granted the first permit issued by the Argentina Ministry of Health for the import of pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis. The Argentinean Company has been forging a reputation as a champion for the research and clinical study of medical cannabis, including through its partnership with the Hospital, one of the most recognized and credible medical institutions in South America.

The clinical study, which involves 100 patients and will be conducted over 2.5 years, will be one of the foundational global scientific and medical studies of its kind focused on treating refractory epilepsy in children. Medical researchers will conduct a pharmacokinetics study of the Rideau product, which will help optimize the ideal dosage in future patients. Top neurologists and pediatric specialists from around the country will participate and, with the support of ABP and Aphria, will receive training and support to be able to train and educate a network of doctors throughout Argentina.

Aphria completes the first shipment of medical cannabis to ASG Pharma

The Company also announced it has completed its first shipment of cannabis oil to its Malta-based subsidiary ASG Pharma Ltd. (“ASG“). The majority-owned subsidiary received the first import certificate for medical cannabis issued by the Government of Malta’s Ministry of Health and will use this first delivery of Aphria’s renowned Rideau CBD oil to perform analytical testing and research.

“This marks another important milestone as we continue to execute on our strategic expansion plans in Europe and around the world,” added Neufeld. “Our EU-GMP certified lab in Malta will play an important role for the Company in accessing cannabis markets across the continent, and it will stand as a leading European centre for the research and testing of medical cannabis and derivative products.”

ASG’s facilities, which are undergoing a multi-million-euro upgrade of its processing and manufacturing capabilities, will serve as Aphria’s hub for importing cannabis resin and dried flower for processing, packaging and distribution of EU-GMP certified cannabis products throughout large parts of Europe

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