Category: 3. Business

The City of Leduc is inviting all residents to participate in the exploring possibilities phase of the Land Use Bylaw Renewal project. This important update will guide how neighbourhoods grow and evolve, including the types of housing, businesses, and development allowed in our community.

We encourage residents who missed the drop-in session to take the online survey and share their perspectives on what they value most in their neighbourhoods, what types of housing and design they support, and how Leduc should plan for the future.

Your input is essential.

Feedback collected will help shape the draft Land Use Bylaw and ensure it reflects the needs, priorities, and character of our community.

Survey Deadline: Jan. 16, 2026

For more information about the project, visit www.leduc.ca/LUB

TORONTO, Dec. 16, 2025 /CNW/ – Raymond Chun, Group President and Chief Executive Officer, TD Bank Group, will present at the RBC Capital Markets 2026 Canadian Bank CEO Conference in Toronto on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. His presentation will begin at 1:20 p.m. ET. A live audio webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of TD’s website at Investor Relations. The webcast will also be archived at the same location.

About TD Bank Group

The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group (“TD” or the “Bank”). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by assets and serves over 28.1 million clients in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Auto Finance Canada; U.S. Retail, including TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, TD Auto Finance U.S., and TD Wealth (U.S.); Wealth Management and Insurance, including TD Wealth (Canada), TD Direct Investing, and TD Insurance; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities and TD Cowen. TD also ranks among North America’s leading digital banks, with more than 13 million active mobile users in Canada and the U.S. TD had $2.1 trillion in assets on October 31, 2025. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol “TD” on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange.

SOURCE TD Bank Group

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) has hired Jessica Barnes as the new National Sales Manager. In this role, she focuses on attracting new organizations and businesses to the Convention Center and New Orleans. Her efforts will benefit the entire city by boosting tourism, driving economic development and supporting small businesses.

 

She is responsible for promoting the Convention Center and securing new events from various markets, while working closely with New Orleans & Company and the local hospitality community. Barnes will also lead site visits for prospective clients, negotiate facility use contracts, and collaborate across departments to ensure events are efficiently planned and executed.

 

“Jessica is the ideal addition to our sales team, bringing both exceptional expertise in meetings and events and a passion for New Orleans culture,” said Elaine Williams, Chief Commercial Officer of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. “She is already drawing on her years of experience to introduce fresh ideas and strong leadership. She is a standout in our field, and we are excited to see the impact she will make for New Orleans.”

 

Barnes’ professional background spans hospitality, corporate sales and nonprofit program management, equipping her to manage complex event logistics with clients and stakeholders across sectors. With more than 13 years of experience, she has led national programs, improved event systems and amplified engagement across multiple organizations. A native New Orleanian, Barnes earned her master’s degree in leadership and administration from Boston College and a bachelor’s in hospitality and tourism from Delaware State University.

 

While contributing an average of $2.4 billion annually and $4 million in direct spending with small business partners with capital projects, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center remains a valuable resource to the Greater New Orleans region. For more information, visit mccno.com.

 

 

About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

New Orleans is Built to Host! With 1.1 million square feet of prime exhibit space on one level, all under one roof, NOENMCC is tied for the sixth-largest convention center in the United States. NOENMCC is a 2025 Exhibitor Magazine Centers of Excellence recipient and is consistently named a regional top workplace by The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. A recent LEED Gold certification makes NOENMCC the largest LEED-certified project in Louisiana and the largest convention center project in the U.S. certified under LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance, as well as the first convention center in the world to be awarded initial certification under LEED Gold v4.1 O+M. A leading contributor to the city’s robust tourism economy, NOENMCC event activity has produced $90.1 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening. 

 

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As part of its community and sustainability initiatives, Hawaiian is expanding a partnership with business accelerator Mana Up through an investment in its Mana Up Capital II fund to help more local companies scale for the global market. Hawaiian has featured more than a dozen local retailers in the food, fashion, beauty and home and art sectors in its onboard service since becoming Mana Up’s official airline sponsor in 2017.  

Hawaiian last month announced it is investing in locally produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce flight emissions and support agriculture in partnership with Pono Pacific and Par Hawaii, and that it would be the first airline to take deliveries of Hawai‘i-made SAF later this year. The airline is also working to advance innovative lower-emission options for short-haul air service with an investment in hybrid-electric propulsion developer Ampaire and increasing use of electric ground service vehicles at Honolulu airport. 

Finally, the airline will be providing grants to nonprofit organizations promoting cultural programs, environmental preservation and perpetuation of native Hawaiian art and language through the Alaska Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines Foundation, a newly integrated 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to these efforts in their two namesake states. 

The Hawaiian Airlines’ Kahuʻewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan is part of Alaska Air Group’s Alaska Accelerate strategic plan to deliver on the combined airline’s vision of connecting guests to the world with a remarkable travel experience rooted in safety, care and performance. 

Claire’s has 154 stores and 1,355 staff, while The Original Factory shop has 140 stores and 1,220 staff.

Modella purchased Claire’s in September, six weeks after its previous collapse into administration, in a deal which saw around 1,000 job losses at the retailer, while 145 stores closed.

The investment firm has owned The Original Factory Shop since early last year.

“This has been a very tough decision,” said Modella. “We have worked intensively in an effort to save both businesses, having made last-ditch attempts to rescue them, but neither has a realistic possibility of trading profitably again.”

Modella said that the chains were “highly vulnerable” even before it bought them. It also blamed challenges including the climate on the high street, which it said “remains extremely challenging”, and government policy.

The two shops are the latest casualties of a tough trading environment which has seen high street sales fall as shoppers move online, ditching old favourites facing the high cost of maintaining brick-and-mortar stores.

“A combination of very weak consumer confidence, highly adverse government fiscal policies and continued cost inflation is causing many established and much-loved businesses to suffer badly,” Modella said.

The investment firm has become increasingly prominent on Britain’s high streets, having bought WH Smith’s high street chain last year and taken over arts and crafts retailer Hobbycraft a year earlier.

In line with established practice, Slovenia has once again issued a bond at the beginning of the year to finance the state budget needs for 2026.

On Friday, 2 January 2026 at circa 11:25 CET, the Republic of Slovenia announced the mandate for its return to the debt capital markets with a EUR 10-year benchmark issuance.

After gathering supportive investor feedback, books were opened on Monday, 5 January 2026 at circa 09:05 CET. Initial price guidance was released at MS+45bps area for a new EUR 10-year benchmark due March 2036.

The orderbook momentum was strong from the outset and demand exceeded already EUR 6.4bn (incl. 700mn JLM interest) at the first updated shared at 11.35 CET. On the back of that the price guidance was revised significantly lower to MS+40bps area.

Books continued to grow, reaching above EUR 7.2bn (incl. EUR 700mn JLM interest), allowing the Republic to set the spread another 3bps tighter at MS+37bps at circa 13:20 CET. The transaction was launched at circa 14:30 CET with the final issue size set at EUR 1.75bn and orderbooks in excess of EUR 10bn (incl. EUR 912mn JLM interest).

The offering ultimately priced at 17:22 CET with the following transaction parameters: EUR 1.75bn RegS notes with a coupon of 3.275 percent / reoffer spread of MS+37bps / reoffer yield of 3.312 percent / reoffer price of 99.675 percent. All-in-all, a very successful transaction for the Republic of Slovenia, as demonstrated by the sizable investor demand and low reoffer spread achieved.

Under the 2026 Financing Program, the Republic of Slovenia may borrow up to EUR 5.251 billion this year to cover budgetary requirements. The primary instrument for financing most of these needs is the issuance of government bonds, complemented by the issuance of treasury bills and, if necessary, other instruments specified in the financing program. The choice of instrument and the amount raised will depend on market conditions at the time of the respective issuance.

The Ministry of Finance estimates public debt at the end of 2025 at 66.1 percent of GDP, compared to 66.6 percent of GDP at the end of 2024. For 2026, a further reduction in public debt as a percentage of GDP is envisaged, in line with fiscal rules at the EU level. These rules, among other things, require countries with public debt between 60 percent and 90 percent of GDP to reduce it by an average of at least 0.5 percentage points of GDP per year during the fiscal adjustment period, which is duly taken into account in budget financing.

The joint bookrunners for this transaction were Barclays (B&D), DZ BANK, HSBC, J.P. Morgan, OTP Banka Slovenia and Raiffeisen Bank International.

Geographical distribution:

27 percent        Germany, Austria, Switzerland

25 percent        United Kingdom, Ireland

15 percent        France, Benelux

11 percent        Southern Europe

8 percent          Nordics

7 percent          Slovenia

5 percent          CEE

2 percent          Other Countries

Institutional investor distribution:

43 percent        Banks

28 percent        Asset Managers

13 percent        Central Banks / Official Institutions

10 percent        Insurance / Pension Fund

6 percent          Hedge Funds

Not to be released, published or distributed directly or indirectly in whole or in part in or into or to any person located in or resident in the United States or into any other jurisdiction where it would be unlawful to do so. 

The Notes are being offered and sold pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act, outside the United States in offshore transactions, in reliance on, and in compliance with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. This announcement has been prepared for use in connection with the offer and sale of the Notes and does not constitute an offer to any person in the United States. Distribution of this announcement to any person within the United States is unauthorised. In member states of the EEA, this announcement is directed only at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “EU Prospectus Regulation”). In the UK, this announcement is directed only at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law of the UK by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the “UK Prospectus Regulation”). This communication is being distributed to, and is directed only at, persons in the United Kingdom in circumstances where section 21(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended, does not apply.

A rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision, suspension or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organisation.

Manufacturer target markets (MIFID II product governance) as assessed by the lead managers are eligible counterparties, professional and retail (all distribution channels).

This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes or any other securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of the Notes or any other securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. 

The Department of Accounting and Finance recently welcomed Nadia Matthie, partner at Withum, one of the nation’s top 20 accounting firms, along with Jesse Shearer, Withum’s campus recruiter, for a day of professional development and networking with York College students.

During their visit, Matthie and Shearer conducted one-on-one interviews, presentations, and networking sessions, giving students a firsthand look at career opportunities beyond the Big Four accounting firms. The event underscored Withum’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, demonstrating that success in accounting can be achieved across a variety of professional settings.

Students left the November 2025 sessions feeling inspired and encouraged, gaining not only practical career insights but also a clearer sense of the professional culture they aspire to join. The interactive presentations and mock interviews offered valuable preparation for future careers in accounting and finance.

Dr. Chris Hsu, Chair of the Department of Accounting and Finance, expressed gratitude for Withum’s time and dedication.

“The firm’s engagement reflected a genuine investment in students’ potential and future,” said Dr. Hsu. “Plans are already underway for Withum 2.0 events next year, promising continued opportunities for students to connect with industry leaders.”

Students also expressed confidence and gratitude for Withum’s generosity of time and expertise.

“This event was intentionally designed to inspire growth and confidence,” said Felicia Emina. “It reminded us that we belong in every conversation and any boardroom, while remaining our authentic selves. Regardless of major, students can thrive at a firm like Withum and continue to elevate.”

And Roopa Narine expressed a similar sentiment. “My experience at Deloitte has been truly inspiring. The mentorship and the opportunity to engage with professionals who generously shared their journeys and insights have strengthened my motivation and determination to one day become part of the company. The collaborative environment and exposure to real-world challenges have further fueled my passion for continuous growth, both academically and professionally.

-Roopa Narine      Sophomore   

Jan 5, 2026 12:22 PM

Photo (LTR): Dr. Christian Spies, Dr. David Daniels, Dr. Mark Lebehn, Dr. Bob Bellerose

Clinical research at Sutter is advancing real-world care for mitral valve disease.

When a multidisciplinary heart care team at Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) gathered early one morning last month, they were preparing to deliver a new option for patients living with severe mitral valve disease.

The team was set to perform one of the first commercial transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) procedures in the United States using Edwards Lifesciences’ SAPIEN M3™ system, a new therapy approved by the U.S. FDA Dec. 23 for real-world care.

Led by cardiologist Dr. David Daniels, structural heart section chief for Sutter Health’s Advanced Heart & Vascular Service Line and national principal investigator of the pivotal ENCIRCLE trial, the team successfully completed two TMVR procedures in a single morning. They also marked another milestone – together, the cases represented some of the most streamlined SAPIEN M3™ TMVR procedures performed to date.

“It’s incredibly gratifying to see this innovative therapy move from research into real-world care,” says Dr. David Daniels. “The fact that our first commercial cases at Sutter were also among the most efficient performed to date speaks to the expertise and precision of our team. More importantly, it illustrates what’s now possible for patients who once had very limited treatment options. It truly feels like science fiction that both of these patients were successfully treated in 30 minutes each from start to finish with a fully percutaneous mitral valve replacement.”

Dr. Daniels notes he has been involved with this technology since its earliest days, when procedures could take hours. “To witness the evolution of this therapy and to help bring forward what’s possible in cardiac care is an immense honor,” he says. “I’m truly grateful to be part of this work.”

Expanding Options for Complex Mitral Valve Disease

The SAPIEN M3™ system is the first transcatheter mitral valve replacement therapy in the United States to use a transseptal approach. It is approved for patients with significant mitral regurgitation or mitral valve dysfunction who are not candidates for surgery or transcatheter edge-to-edge repair.

For decades, many of these patients had few or no viable options. Now, TMVR allows physicians to replace the mitral valve through a small catheter inserted through the femoral vein, avoiding open-heart surgery and often shortening recovery

“This technology represents a major step forward for a group of very sick patients with no other option,” says Dr. Matthew Solomon, vice president and chief scientific officer at Sutter Health. “Our physician-researchers and cardiovascular care teams have worked side-by-side to bring this therapy from clinical trials to everyday practice. That collaboration and relentless commitment to clinical excellence are exactly what accelerate innovation across Sutter.”

The CPMC team included Dr. Daniels, Dr. Christian Spies, Dr. Mark Lebehn and anesthesiologist Dr. Bob Bellerose, along with a highly skilled nursing, imaging and cardiac catheterization lab team supporting the effort.

“Our structural heart teams are committed to delivering complex care with the highest level of safety, coordination and compassion,” says Dr. Michael Pham, chair of Sutter’s Advanced Heart & Vascular Service Line. “Moments like this highlight the training, trust and teamwork – including close collaboration with industry partners like Edwards Lifesciences – it takes to bring groundbreaking therapies to patients who need them most.”

Read Sutter patient’s Karine Gasparyan’s story here.

Clinical Research Driving Real-World Impact

The one-year ENCIRCLE pivotal trial, published in The Lancet, demonstrated that 95.7% of patients treated with the SAPIEN M3™ transcatheter mitral valve replacement system achieved near-complete elimination of mitral regurgitation with meaningful improvement in symptoms and quality-of-life.

Sutter’s Dr. Daniels played a key role in the research that helped make FDA approval possible, and now its clinicians are among the first to bring this therapy into clinical care.

“For our patients, it’s all about access to having the latest therapies. This progress in care will directly impact how they feel and function. It will mean greater energy, less limitation and more freedom in their daily life, and that’s huge,” says Dr. Daniels.

Looking Ahead

As adoption of TMVR grows, Sutter’s structural heart teams will continue advancing minimally invasive therapies for complex valve disease, grounded in research, collaboration and patient-centered care.

Find heart and vascular care close to home and join clinical trials at Sutter for those eligible. 

About Amtrak®

Amtrak is seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform rail and Retrain Travel. By modernizing, enhancing, and expanding trains, stations, and infrastructure, Amtrak is meeting the rising demand for train travel. Amtrak offers unforgettable experiences to more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada. Learn more at Amtrak.com, download the Amtrak app, connect with us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and join Amtrak Guest Rewards for free to start earning points toward Amtrak reward travel, upgrades, lounge access and more.