Perez said “four from each place” could qualify but did not explain more fully. However, he was adamant the Super League project was not dead and that he was still talking with the four remaining clubs, Real, Barcelona, Juventus and AC Milan. “The project is on stand-by,” Perez told Spanish radio program El Larguero.
CANBERRA, Australia — Australia has cancelled two Chinese “Belt and Road” infrastructure building initiative deals with a state government, provoking an angry response from Beijing. The bilateral deals with Victoria state were among four vetoed under new laws that give the federal government power to overrule international agreements by lower-level administrations that violate the national interest, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said late Wednesday. The “Belt and Road” deals struck with Beijing in 2018 and 2019 triggered the legislative response. Victoria Education Department pacts signed with Syria in 1999 and Iran in 2004 were also cancelled. “I consider these four arrangements to be inconsistent with Australia’s foreign policy or adverse to our foreign relations,” Payne said. The Chinese Embassy in Australia said in a statement the decision “further shows that the Australian government has no sincerity in improving China-Australia relations.” “It is bound to bring further damage to bilateral relations, and will only end up hurting itself,” the embassy said on Thursday, referring to the Australian government. Global Times, the Chinese Communist Party’s English-language mouthpiece, said in a headline: “Australia faces serious consequences for unreasonable provocation against China.” The move “marks a significant escalation that could push icy bilateral relations into an abyss,” the newspaper added. Australia’s bilateral relations with its most important trading partner are at their lowest point in decades. Chinese government ministers refuse to take phone calls from their Australian counterparts, and trade disruptions are widely seen as China imposing economic punishment. But Payne said Thursday she did not expect China would retaliate. “Australia is operating in our national interests. We are very careful and very considered in that approach.” Payne told Australian Broadcasting Corp. “It’s about ensuring that we have a consistent approach to foreign policy across all levels of government, and it isn’t about any one country,” she said. “It is most certainly not intended to harm Australia’s relationships with any countries.” Rod McGuirk, The Associated Press
Former "Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X" contestant, Sunday Burquest, died Sunday after a battle with cancer. The late youth pastor was 50.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Osmotica Pharmaceuticals plc ("Osmotica" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: OSMT). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.The investigation concerns whether Osmotica and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about ...
The Bank of England is closing its cash distribution centre in Leeds while planning to establish a new northern hub in the city as part of a move to bolster its regional presence around the UK. - The number of British companies in significant financial distress has risen at the fastest rate in more than seven years, sparking warnings that "the dam of zombie businesses could be about to break" when government COVID-19 support comes to an end in the summer. - Plans to create a breakaway European Super League have collapsed after most of the football clubs involved said they would quit the controversial project.
TORONTO — "Mortal Kombat" may be based on a hit video-game franchise, but Vancouver-raised star Ludi Lin says it serves as an "apt metaphor" for divisions in the world. The action film about an ancient battle between two realms arrives Friday in available theatres and premium video on demand platforms, providing blockbuster Asian onscreen representation at a time of rising anti-Asian racism. "If you compare different nations now, compared to 100 years ago, of course each nation is doing better: higher quality of life, more economic success, and everyone's making progress and getting stronger. But I feel like we're getting stronger individually as nations and behind walls just to fight each other," Lin said from Vancouver, where he's shooting the new CW series "Kung Fu." "And the only result that's going to come from that is the apocalypse, like in 'Mortal Kombat' where this unknown shadowy force is going to invade unless humans realize that we're all champions of humanity and we need to band together so we don't get destroyed eventually." The alum of the University of British Columbia's theatre program plays martial arts master Liu Kang in "Mortal Kombat," alongside Lewis Tan as protagonist Cole Young. Cole is a gifted mixed martial arts fighter who has a mysterious dragon birthmark and lineage and joins Liu Kang and other warriors in fighting the Outworld enemies for control of the universe. Simon McQuoid directed the screenplay by Greg Russo and Dave Callaham. Filmmakers tried to be as authentic as possible and show an array of Asian ethnic groups, said Lin, who spoke at a rally denouncing Asian hate in Vancouver last month. "It's very important to let people know that 'Asian' isn't just one big-box category — for them to become familiar with different aspects of Asian culture and how meaningful that is, and how interesting, and what that can bring to a culture as diverse as Canada where there's literally Asians from probably hundreds of countries around the world," said Lin, whose other credits include the 2017 "Power Rangers" film. "People don't really realize that the world is 60 per cent Asian. And 'minority' is defined in a very small and specific context. So in this case, in 'Mortal Kombat,' we get to show Asians from China, from Japan, from all areas of the world." Lin was a natural fit for "Mortal Kombat," having trained in martial arts since he finished high school. He also previously worked with one of its producers, James Wan, on 2018's "Aquaman." An accident on the way to his audition for the film may have also inadvertently helped his chances of getting the part. "On the way there I got rammed off my skateboard by a car, so I was limping, could hardly walk," Lin said, noting he prefers to skateboard around Los Angeles to get around traffic. "Maybe that helped with the character, because there's a lot of fighting, a lot of getting beaten up and also beating up people. So then (Wan) told me I nailed it." The actor's affinity for "Mortal Kombat" started as a child, when he looked to video games for companionship while his family moved around to different countries. Born in Fuzhou, China, he moved to Hong Kong with his family as a toddler and later lived in Vancouver, Australia and the United States before returning to China. "I think Canada provided the foundation for, first of all, my acting training, and then second of all, my perspective into a whole different world of pop culture," said Lin. "Also it grounded me in the Canadian dream, which is a multicultural tapestry where everyone fits in. And not just fit in — everyone belongs. That's still a dream that is going to be a lifelong journey to realize, but it's there as a goal. It's a worthy goal to aim at." Video games, and "Mortal Kombat" in particular, provided diverse characters he could identify with while living in regions where he didn't speak the language. "I saw people that looked like me," he said. "Liu Kang and Sub-Zero were favourite characters and they were both Asian." Lin was further inspired when he saw how Robin Shou, who was also born in China and grew up overseas, portrayed Kang "in such a heroic and charismatic way" in the 1995 "Mortal Kombat" film. "It really left an indelible mark on my childhood memory," Lin said, noting he even consulted with Shou about how to portray Kang before filming "Mortal Kombat." "So to be able to do this, it's like an homage to my inner child that, 'This is for you. Time wasn't wasted, and it meant something.' And I hope for people who grew up with it, they feel the same thing." This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2021. Victoria Ahearn, The Canadian Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Standing in the dry, cracked bottom of Lake Mendocino, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a drought emergency Wednesday in two Northern California counties where grape growers and wineries are major users, an order that came in response to arid conditions affecting much of the state and the U.S. West. The declaration is targeted to Mendocino and Sonoma counties, where drought conditions are especially bad, rather than statewide, as some officials and farmers in the agricultural-rich Central Valley had hoped. But the Democratic governor said a broader drought declaration could come as conditions change. California, which is now in its second year of drought, is bracing for another devastating wildfire season after a winter with little precipitation. “Oftentimes we overstate the word historic, but this is indeed an historic moment, certainly historic for this particular lake, Mendocino,” Newsom said, standing where 40 feet (12 metres) of lake water was supposed to be. The lake is at about 40% of normal capacity. About three-quarters of the American West is in what is called a megadrought, with critical waterways like the Colorado River and Rio Grande that supply millions of people and farms expected to have dismally low flows this year. Last week, hundreds of farmers who rely on a massive irrigation project spanning the Oregon-California border were told they’ll get a fraction of the water they need as federal regulators attempt to balance agriculture with threatened and endangered fish species central to the heritage of several tribes. In California, the two counties spotlighted by Newsom are part of the Russian River watershed, which is about 110 miles (177 kilometres) long. Lakes Mendocino and Sonoma are the primary sources of water for residents and commercial users like wineries, and together they provide water for about 600,000 people, said Grant Davis, general manager for Sonoma Water. Beyond the drought declaration in the two counties, Newsom’s executive order allows California to prepare for expected effects of the water shortage statewide more quickly. Though he did not declare a statewide drought emergency, the State Water Resources Control Board in March sent early warnings to 40,000 water rights holders urging them to start conserving. The board suggested that agricultural users reduce irrigation and seek other water sources and that people in cities and towns put in drought-resistant landscaping and replace household appliances with water-saving ones. “If you’re in a different part of the state, you probably need to know that this will one day happen to you,” Karla Nemeth, director of the California Department of Water Resources, said of the drought declaration. The department says this is California's fourth-driest year on record, especially in the northern two-thirds of the state. But Newsom said people in cities also are using 16% less water than they were at the start of the last major drought, which lasted from 2012 to 2016. That drought prompted then-Gov. Jerry Brown to impose broad restrictions on water use that affected nearly everyone in the nation's most populated state. “We’ve barely been out of those drought conditions, and here we are entering back into these drought conditions,” Newsom said. Farmers and leaders in the agricultural Central Valley are still hoping for a statewide declaration. Consumers could see fewer annual crops at the supermarket — including garlic, onions, melons and tomatoes — if Central Valley farmers don’t get more water, said Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. That's because farmers would divert water to keep permanent nut and citrus orchards alive. “Most folks, they just try to patchwork their operations and make it through, but having another significant drought so soon is definitely something that hurts those operations,” he said. Nemeth, of the Department of Water Resources, said an emergency declaration isn’t yet necessary in the valley because users have access to multiple sources and streams of water, unlike in the Russian River watershed. The executive order will not increase the allocation for valley farmers, but it will make it easier to transfer water, she said. “We’re managing the system just very, very tightly, but there aren’t emergency powers that we need to do the things that would help the valley,” she said. Under Wednesday's order, the state Water Resources Control Board power can curtail water rights in those counties if major users do not voluntarily begin to conserve. Some of the largest commercial water users in the region are grape growers and wineries. Local governments could place restrictions on residential water users as part of the conservation effort. The Russian River watershed is unique in that it relies much more on snow and rain as it is “geographically isolated” from larger water systems, said Wade Crowfoot, the state’s natural resources secretary. Without aggressive conservation, the lake is likely to be extremely low by October. Elsewhere, local water districts are already taking action to address dry conditions. In Marin County, which neighbours Sonoma, water officials voted Tuesday to require residents to reduce water use through measures such as not washing vehicles at home or filling backyard pools. People could face fines for violations. Newsom said he's not anticipating issuing mandates but said he's planning for everything. ___ Antczak reported from Los Angeles. Associate Press writer Janie Har contributed from San Francisco. Kathleen Ronayne And John Antczak, The Associated Press
Investigators have found human remains in a rural Pennsylvania area during the search for an Amish teenager who has been missing for 10 months, authorities said. Linda Stoltzfoos, 18, was reported missing on June 21 when she did not return from a youth group she was supposed to attend. Investigators believe she was abducted while walking home from church, police said.
United were among the six Premier League clubs who had signed up for the venture before withdrawing on Tuesday amid a storm of protests from fans, players and the British government. "We continue to believe that European football needs to become more sustainable throughout the pyramid for the long-term," Glazer said in an open letter https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/joel-glazer-writes-open-letter-to-man-utd-supporters-april-2021?utm_campaign=ManUtd&utm_medium=post&utm_source=twitter to the supporters on Wednesday.
‘This is the country we serve and defend. These are the people we fight for’
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of BlackBerry Limited ("BlackBerry" or the "Company") (NYSE: BB). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.The investigation concerns whether BlackBerry and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the ...
The Met Office will work with Microsoft on a supercomputer which will help model climate change.
Barnes & Noble book buyers and sellers celebrate books published over the past year by new authors and authors early in their careers.
“We had no indication whatsoever of any impending problems, so it was crazy to hear that.”
The latest news on COVID-19 developments in Canada (all times Eastern): 8:11 p.m. Alberta is reporting 1,699 new COVID-19 cases and a test positivity rate of 9.5 per cent. Health officials have confirmed another 1,332 variant cases and variants now make up about 59 per cent of the province's 18,873 active cases. Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health, says she remains concerned about the high spread of COVID-19 in Alberta. --- 6:40 p.m. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh received the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine today. The leader got his first dose of the vaccine at the Common Ground family medicine practice in Ottawa. Before getting the vaccine, he voted electronically on a Bloc Quebecois sub-amendment to the federal budget. --- 6:35 p.m. British Columbia is reporting 862 new COVID-19 cases, for a total of 121,751 infections in the province. The government says there were seven COVID-19-related deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to 1,546. It says there is no new update on the variants of concern. It also says more than 1.4 million doses of vaccines have been given, of which 88,335 are second shots. --- 4 p.m. Quebec's Health Department says a case of a coronavirus variant first detected in India has been found in the province. It's the first known case of the B.1.617 variant identified in Quebec. Health officials say the case was detected in the central region of the province known as Mauricie-Centre-du-Quebec. --- 4 p.m. Saskatchewan is reporting 231 new cases of COVID-19. It also says there have been four additional deaths due to the virus – all in the Regina health zone. There are 185 people in hospital because of COVID-19, and 49 of them are in intensive care. The province says 52 per cent of residents 40 and older have received a first dose of vaccine. --- 3:45 p.m. Nova Scotia is reporting 25 new cases of COVID-19 today and now has a total of 79 active infections. Nineteen have been identified in the Halifax area, with four related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada, nine close contacts of previously reported cases and six under investigation. One of the cases under investigation is a staff member at the Ocean View Continuing Care Centre in Eastern Passage, where all residents are being isolated and cared for in their rooms as a precaution and the facility is closed to visitors and designated caregivers. Officials say three of the other cases are in the northern zone while the remaining three are in the eastern zone, with one of the remaining cases related to international travel and three related to domestic travel from outside Atlantic Canada. --- 2:55 p.m. Students and seasonal workers travelling to Yukon will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination while they self-isolate, as the territory pushes ahead with its efforts for a less restrictive summer. Chief medical officer of health Dr. Brendan Hanley says people who fall under those categories must take a rapid test before their vaccination appointment and show they do not have COVID-19. Hanley says if younger age groups start increasing their vaccination rates, the territory could have fewer restrictions in place for the summer. --- 2:15 p.m. Newfoundland and Labrador is reporting one new case of COVID-19. Officials say the case involves a man in his 50s and is related to travel within Canada. As of Wednesday afternoon, 28 per cent of those in the province who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine have received at least one dose. Premier Andrew Furey says many of the province’s health-care workers have volunteered to help Ontario, and his government will have details soon about how many will go and when. --- 1:55 p.m. A vaccination clinic for thousands of workers at a southern Alberta beef-packing plant has been postponed due to a delay in a shipment of the Moderna vaccine. Cargill spokesman Daniel Sullivan says the company is disappointed, but remains ready to help vaccinate its employees. Alberta Health says it was counting on the Moderna shipment for the clinic, which will open as soon as possible. Nearly half the 2,200 workers at Cargill's facility at High River, south of Calgary, contracted the novel coronavirus and two employees died. --- 1:35 p.m. Manitoba is reporting 164 new cases of COVID-19. Two earlier cases have been removed due to data correction, for a net increase of 162. The province is also reporting one death -- that of a man in his 50s in the northern health region. --- 1:30 p.m. New Brunswick says a person in their 60s in the Saint John area has died of COVID-19, marking the 34th death in the province attributed to the novel coronavirus. Health officials are also reporting seven new cases of COVID-19 today: three are in the Edmundston area, two are in the Saint John area and the Moncton and Miramichi regions each have one new case. Officials have declared outbreaks at two special-care homes -- Pavillon Beau-Lieu in Grand Falls and Murray Street Lodge in Grand Bay-Westfield. New Brunswick says pregnant women in the province are now able to book appointments for COVID-19 vaccines. --- 12:30 p.m. Nunavut is reporting one new case of COVID-19 today and one recovery. The new case is in Iqaluit, where an outbreak is ongoing in the city of about 8,000 people. There are 31 active cases in Iqaluit. There are also two active cases in Kinngait, a hamlet of 1,500 people about an hour flight from Iqaluit. Chief public health officer Dr. Michael Patterson says case numbers will continue to fluctuate as contacts are identified. --- 11:45 a.m. The Manitoba government is expanding its COVID-19 vaccine program to prioritize first responders, teachers and other front-line workers. Front-line police officers and firefighters of all ages are now eligible to book a shot. On Friday, the province will reveal a list of high-risk geographic areas and anyone aged 18 and up who lives in those areas — as well as workers in the areas such as teachers, restaurant workers and grocery store clerks — will be eligible as well. --- 11:15 a.m. Quebec is reporting 1,217 new cases of COVID-19 today and a 22-patient jump in hospitalizations. Health officials say 716 people are in hospital with the disease, including 178 people in intensive care, a rise of one from the day prior. They are also reporting six more deaths attributed to the novel coronavirus. The province says it administered over 54,000 doses of vaccine Tuesday, for a total of 2,503,910. --- 10:45 a.m. Ontario reports 4,212 new cases of COVID-19 and 32 more deaths linked to the virus. Health Minister Christine Elliott says there are 1,249 new cases in Toronto, 771 in Peel Region, and 386 in York Region. The Ministry of Health says 2,335 people are in hospital with the novel coronavirus, 790 people are in intensive care and 566 are on a ventilator. Ontario reports that over 136,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine were administered since Tuesday's daily update. --- This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2021. The Canadian Press Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said the Quebec case of the variant first detected in India was in the province's Haute-Mauricie region.
Software as a Service (“SaaS”) revenue of $22.1 million Business Development Centre (“BDC”) revenue of $7.5 millionAdjusted EBITDA1 of $4.9 million CALGARY, Alberta, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quorum Information Technologies Inc. (TSX Venture: QIS) ("Quorum"), a leading provider of innovative and robust technology solutions and services to traditional and electric vehicle dealerships and Original Equipment Manufacturers ("OEM") across North America, released its results for 2020 today. “COVID-19 presented a number of challenges in 2020 for the automotive industry. Despite the challenges, Quorum had a strong year posting a record Adjusted EBITDA1,” stated Maury Marks, President and CEO. “One-time, COVID-19 related Q2 customer discounts of $1.5 and $0.2 million for SaaS and BDC respectively resulted in a SaaS revenue decrease of 1% and BDC revenue increase of only 9% in 2020 compared to 2019. In Q4, Quorum reported a record SaaS revenue quarter as both SaaS and BDC revenue increased in Q4 over Q3 by 2% and 5% respectively, which equates to 8% and 20% when annualized.” “With the Q3 addition of MyDeal and PowerLane solutions to our product suite, Quorum continues to be a leader in transforming automotive digital operations,” continued Marks. “These new solutions allow dealership consumers to buy a vehicle online and to have a touchless service experience. We expect these solutions to help increase our ‘share of wallet’ going forward.” “I would especially like to acknowledge our employees and customers who helped Quorum to navigate the challenges in these unprecedented times,” added Marks. “Our employees are the driving force behind our strong 2020 results and their continued innovation ensures Quorum has a product suite prepared for the future of automotive.” _______________1 Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) – Net income (loss) before interest and financing costs, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, foreign exchange gains and losses, one-time acquisition-related expenses and restructuring fees. Fourth Quarter Results SaaS revenue was $6.0 million, an increase of 4% compared to Q4 2019 and an increase of 2% compared to Q3 2020.BDC revenue was $1.9 million, an increase of 11% compared to Q4 2019 and an increase of 5% compared to Q3 2020.Services and one-time revenue were $0.3 million, a decrease of 71% compared to Q4 2019.Total revenue was $8.3 million, a decrease of 4% compared to Q4 2019.Gross margin was $3.7 million, a decrease of 2% compared to Q4 2019.Adjusted EBITDA1 was $1.5 million, an increase of 44% compared to Q4 2019.Net loss was $0.5 million, a decrease of 68% compared to Q4 2019. Fiscal Year 2020 Results SaaS revenue was $22.1 million, a decrease of 1% compared to 2019.BDC revenue was $7.5 million, an increase of 9% compared to 2019.Services and one-time revenue were $1.2 million, a decrease of 67% compared to 2019.Total revenue was $30.9 million, a decrease of 6% compared to 2019.Gross margin was $13.7 million, a decrease of 10% compared to 2019.Adjusted EBITDA1 was $4.9 million, an increase of 7% compared to 2019.Net loss was $1.9 million, an increase of 68% compared to 2019.Cash balance was $9.3 million as of December 31, 2020 compared to $8.6 million as of December 31, 2019. Financial Summary ($000’s)Year EndedDecember 31, 2020Year EndedDecember 31, 2019Q4 EndedDecember 31, 2020Q4 EndedDecember 31, 2019SaaS revenue$22,136 $22,303 $6,038 $5,832 BDC revenue 7,487 6,849 1,953 1,752 Services and one-time revenue 1,234 3,690 326 1,119 Total revenue 30,856 32,841 8,317 8,703 Cost of revenue 17,202 17,618 4,637 4,944 Margin after direct costs 13,654 15,223 3,680 3,759 Gross margin percentage 44% 46% 44% 43% Adjusted EBITDA1 4,904 4,568 1,493 1,035 Adjusted cash income2 2,477 1,754 815 294 Net loss$(1,859)$(1,106)$(476)$(1,479) _______________2 Adjusted Cash Income (“ACI”) (non-GAAP) – Adjusted EBITDA less capitalized salaries and overhead. 2020 Business Highlights In February 2020, Autovance released its next generation Finance and Insurance (“F&I”) Menu functionality.In February 2020, XSellerator released its enhanced automotive dealerships service lane technology, PowerLane.In February 2020, Quorum released its new advanced reporting and analysis tool for dealership customers called Q Analytics. Strategically this tool integrates the complete product suite under one enterprise reporting tool for dealerships.In April 2020, Autovance announced its MyDeal Digital Retailing System to allow dealers and customers to interact online for vehicle sales.In September 2020, Mr. Mike Herenberg joined the Corporation as Chief Operating Officer.In September 2020, DealerMine expanded its BDC to a second location utilizing Quorum’s existing leased space in St. John’s, NL to allow for accelerated growth and improved customer satisfaction.In Q3 2020, Quorum launched the process of providing remote installation and training services for most of the Corporation’s products to both new and existing dealership customers.In October 2020, DealerMine expanded its strategic partnerships with AutoCanada to provide expanded electronic messaging handling through a separate BDC team. Quorum 2020 Results Conference Call Details and Investor Presentation Maury Marks, President and Chief Executive Officer and Marilyn Bown, Chief Financial Officer will present the Year End 2020 Annual Results at a conference call with concurrent audio webcast, scheduled for: Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021 Time: 9:00 am MST Dial-In #: Toll-Free North America: 1 (844) 967-3741 Webcast Link: 2020 Year End Results Webcast The Year End 2020 Results Investor Presentation, a replay of the conference call and transcripts of the conference call will also be available under the Investors section at www.QuorumInformationSystems.com. Forward Looking Information This report contains certain forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements in this report, other than statements of historical fact, which address events or developments concerning Quorum Information Technologies Inc. ("Quorum" or the “Corporation”) that Quorum expects to occur are "forward-looking information and statements". The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "potential", "could", "scheduled", "believe", "plans", "intends", "might" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this document may contain forward-looking information and statements pertaining to the following: business plan of Quorum including its plans for targeting new Original Equipment Manufacturer (“OEM”) integration, new dealership rooftop sales, and increasing Automotive Group Partnerships; the timing for completion and cost of OEM integration; estimates of return on assets and Adjusted EBITDA1; potential merger and acquisition (“M&A”) opportunities; the timing of adoption of new accounting standards and the potential impact of new accounting standards on the Corporation’s financial statements; the effect of acquisitions on the Corporation including the effect of the Autovance, DealerMine and Oasis acquisitions; the effect of the BDC Capital facility; the effect of the Corporation’s private placement financing; the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on industry activity and economic activity in North America as a whole; various industry activity forecasts; growth opportunities including those in the United States; anticipated requirements by OEM manufacturers relating to integrations and certifications; and other expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions, information and statements about possible future events, conditions, results of operations or performance. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the forecasts and projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this report. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this report reflect several material factors, expectations and assumptions including, without limitation: (i) capital expenditures by dealers; (ii) market availability of current and future dealership rooftops; (iii) schedules and timing of certain projects and Quorum's strategy for growth; (iv) Quorum's future operating and financial results; and (v) treatment under governmental regulatory regimes and tax and other laws. The forward-looking information and statements included in this report are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated and described in the forward-looking information and statements. Such information and statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information or statements including, without limitation: (i) volatility in exchange rates for the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar; (ii) liabilities and risks inherent in the software services industry; (iii) competition for, among other things, capital and skilled personnel; (iv) changes in general economic, market and business conditions in Canada and the United States; and (v) actions by governmental or regulatory authorities including changes in income tax laws or changes in tax laws. Quorum cautions that the foregoing list of assumptions, risks and uncertainties is not exhaustive. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this document speak only as of the date of this document, and Quorum assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required pursuant to applicable laws. Any financial outlook or future-oriented financial information in this document, as defined by applicable securities legislation, has been approved by management of Quorum. Such financial outlook or future-oriented financial information is provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. About Quorum Information Technologies Inc. Quorum is a North American company focused on developing, marketing, implementing and supporting its portfolio of software and services for automotive dealerships that includes: XSellerator, a Dealership Management System (DMS) that automates, integrates and streamlines key processes across departments in a dealership, and emphasizes revenue generation and customer satisfaction.DealerMine CRM, a sales and service Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and set of Business Development Centre services that drives revenue into the critical sales and service departments in a dealership.Autovance, a modern retailing platform that helps dealerships attract more business through Digital Retailing, improve in-store profits and closing rates through its desking tool and maximize their efficiency and CSI through Autovance’s F&I menu solution.Advantage, a full showroom system for independent dealerships and a management system that also includes in-house leasing, inventory management, and accounting. Quorum has filed its 2020 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as at and for the year ended December 31, 2020, and accompanying management and discussion and analysis in accordance with National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations adopted by the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Quorum Information Technologies Inc. is traded on the Toronto Venture Exchange (TSX-V) under the symbol QIS. For additional information please go to www.QuorumInformationSystems.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed this release and neither accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contact: Maury Marks 403-777-0036Investors@QuorumInfoTech.com PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/51652937-b0b4-4a23-8ab3-8c60ca221e92
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - April 21, 2021) - Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Romeo Power, Inc. ("Romeo" or the "Company") (NYSE: RMO). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.The investigation concerns whether Romeo and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about ...
A shouting match ensued between Reps. Val Demings and Jim Jordan over support for police during a House committee hearing on a hate crimes bill.
The U.S. economy will grow at its fastest annual pace in decades this year and outperform most of its major peers, with the outlook upgraded sharply, but another COVID-19 surge was the biggest risk over the next three months, a Reuters poll showed. There was a new wave of optimism among economic forecasters predicting a boost to economic activity from the $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package already passed and also from U.S. President Joe Biden's proposed $2 trillion-plus infrastructure plan, according to the April 16-20 poll of over 100 economists. While the International Monetary Fund's latest projection of 6.4% expansion was slightly more optimistic than the poll consensus, about 15% of 105 economists predicted the economy would grow 7% or more this year, with the range of forecasts showing higher highs and higher lows compared with last month.
Vargas Island, BC - The tide was out in the early morning as Genevieve Mack ran towards her grandmother who was carrying a burden basket loaded with wood. While returning home on the east end of Vargas Island, they walked past a row of canoes that neatly lined Yaksis, otherwise known as a white-sandy beach. All of the old growth on the surrounding mountains remained intact and there were no speedboats driving by or airplanes buzzing overhead. “It was so peaceful,” she said. Now, when the 77-year-old travels from her home in Ahousaht past the island she feels “homesick.” As a young girl, it was normal for Mack’s family to move with the changing seasons. Their summers were spent on Vargas, and in the winter, they would canoe to Meares Island to seek protection from the nasty winds and angry waves. They were a whaling people, known for living on the ocean-side of their territory’s islands, said Nate Charlie, Mack’s son and Kelsmaht Nation’s Ha’wilth (chief). “True-blue ocean-going people,” he said. Despite continuing to be recognized as its own nation, Kelsmaht was amalgamated with Ahousaht First Nation in December of 1950. Along with Qwatswiaht, they have been operating as one nation ever since, said Charlie. Today, around one-third of Ahousaht’s members are Kelsmaht. The other Kelsmaht Ha’wiih are recognized as Eugene Atleo, Hohomyiis and Kanupit, according to Charlie. While families still return to the island to camp in August, only one remains living in the traditional summer village on Vargas. Lennie John and Marcie Callewaert relocated from Ahousaht to the quiet island in the fall of 2020, after having spent the previous four years dreaming about making the move. Their off-grid lifestyle on Vargas became a reality when they purchased a tiny wooden cabin in the spring of 2020 that was built by John’s parents in the ‘80s. “My mom and my dad put their blood, sweat and tears into that cabin,” said John. Not only does their new home connect John to his late-parents and ancestors, he said it has been a real turning point in his journey towards healing. As a child, John “served” five years at Christie Residential School on Meares Island, just across the channel from Kelsmaht. To this day, he is triggered by his memories of screaming children. Like many others, John turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism, but after suffering from health-related issues, the 52-year-old became sober two years ago. Callewaert attributes the “little place of peace” as a fundamental anchor for John to continue his healing work. “This place means the world to me,” he said. Remnants of the old village remain scattered throughout the forest behind their home – mostly metal objects, such as a penny from 1914, fishing weights and pots and pans, said Callewaert. Other than the three wolves that frequent their beachfront, no-one else occupies Yaksis. Yet, the presence of John’s ancestors remains. “When you're there alone, you'll hear voices,” said Callewaert. They aren’t spooky or threatening, she reassured. “It’s as if someone is having a conversation nearby,” she said. The constant “chit-chat” from his ancestors has been a surprising source of comfort for John. "It's motivation for me,” he said. “Knowing that we’re not alone here.” Kelsmaht and Ahousaht have always been closely tied, both in proximity and in war. Ahousaht used to occupy the northwest corner of Vargas. Kelsmaht lived nearby, situated on the south end of the island, explained Dave Jacobson, an Ahousaht historian. Their relationship was solidified in the early 1800s, when Kelsmaht and the neighbouring Qwatswiaht Nation joined Ahousaht in waging a war against Otsosaht Nation. The Megin and Atleo Rivers flowed within Otsosaht’s traditional territory and they were unwilling to share their resources, recounted Lewis George, Ahousaht’s Tyee Ha’wilth (head chief). “Every time our people would try and get some fish from the rivers, [Otsosaht] would slaughter them,” he said. The war “marked a real kinship” between Ahousaht and Kelsmaht, who were victorious as Otsosaht is no longer a recognized nation, said George. “Prior to contact, we were a confederacy,” said Jacobson. “Each nation had territory and had harvesting rights …. but the nations worked together. It’s not something that is new. It was something that was always there.” Fast forward to the early 19th century when a crew of Kelsmaht men and women were lost at sea. A sealing schooner capsized while sailing to the Aleutian Islands, and the tragedy left Kelsmaht with very few male citizens. The calamity was cause for the two nations to become even closer, as Ahousaht stepped in to support the widowed Kelsmaht women, many of whom had previously married into the tribe from Ahousaht. The official amalgamation of the two nations in the 50s was in the federal government’s interests, said Jacobson. By combining smaller communities with larger nations, it made it easier for the government to provide services to homes, such as sewage and water, he said. Around that time, families started moving off Vargas Island to Maaqtusiis, an Ahousaht village site on Flores Island. Paired with a limited fresh water supply and without anywhere to keep their motor boats safely anchored on Vargas, families have remained in Maaqtusiis ever since, said George. It’s difficult for Charlie to wrap his head around how different the coastline would have looked just one generation ago. Thinking back to his mother’s life as a young girl, he shook his head in bewilderment. “It’s like a time-machine,” he said. “We’ve been put into these permanent homes where we’re not traveling with the food anymore. There was a lot of teachings and culture tied with that movement." Mack still has vivid memories of at least seven homes that used to stand on Yaksis when she was 5. Instead of a smokehouse, her grandmother used the gathered wood to light a fire on the beach. There, they would spend hours putting clams or herring on sticks and hanging them to dry over the open embers. “I feasted on it for myself and then shared it with the ancestors,” said Mack. “It was awesome.” Just the other week, John and Callewaert shared in a similar tradition. With a view of Opitsaht floating in the distance, the couple cooked a salmon kluup-chus. It’s a traditional style of cooking salmon, where the fish is butterflied open and secured between cedar sticks before being placed in the smoke over the fire. Despite having only lived on Vargas for just over six months, neither can imagine living anywhere else. John said he is grateful to have found Callewaert, who was willing to follow in his parent’s footsteps by living in the same space they once occupied. For them, it was about “getting back to the basics,” said Callewaert. “And getting back to the land.” Melissa Renwick, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ha-Shilth-Sa
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