IT News Atlantic Canada

Jevon MacDonald’s tremendous speech to the Halifax Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday night was a reminder that Atlantic Canada needs to develop the technology community. MacDonald, the chief executive officer and co-founder of GoInstant and a Salesforce vice-president, delivered a keynote speech that outlined his own career, the development of the Halifax tech community and the need to develop that community.

Halifax-based ABK Biomedical Inc. is developing technology to improve the treatment of uterine fibroids, a medical condition affecting 40 per cent of women over the age of 35. With investment from the province, the company plans to further develop and market its products worldwide.

Cellphone users in Nova Scotia who sign new contracts as of Wednesday are now able to cancel their contracts for a fraction of current rates. The province’s changes to the Consumer Protection Act are now in effect.

International software development firm, Noviden Technologies Inc based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, is making waves in the online delivery of customized meal planning solutions.

Residents of about 90,000 houses and apartments in Nova Scotia will receive invitations to sneak a peek at their neighbours’ energy bills this week. It’s part of a three-year Home Energy Report project that Efficiency Nova Scotia launched Monday to allow people to compare their home energy use with that in about 100 similar homes in their area.

The Nova Scotia Community Access program is partnering with Pictou-Antigonish Regional Libraries to bring 3D printers to the public. Patrons of the New Glasgow Public Library can try out the Makerbot Replicator 2 printer for free starting Tuesday, said Greg Hayward, New Glasgow branch manager.

Research scientists at the Middleton campus of the Nova Scotia Community College will soon be peering into uncharted waters. They will be mapping the shallow water along the coastlines of Nova Scotia, thanks to a $2-million project headed up by research scientist Tim Webster. The campus will be the only place in Canada with a unique scientific device that can unlock the mysteries of the waters just beyond the low-tide mark called the white ribbon gap.

A delegation of 19 companies and organizations from Atlantic Canada’s biotechnology industry is back home after showcasing their world class capabilities at the 2013 BIO International Convention in Chicago, Illinois. More than 16,500 industry decision-makers were present for the event, which was held April 22 to 25.

A North American leader in business software solutions for small to mid-sized enterprises is expanding its operation to Prince Edward Island, says Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning Allen Roach. As part of the labour rebate program delivered by Innovation PEI, CONTAX will be adding 37 jobs into the Prince Edward Island job market. Funding will be granted to the company based on the number of jobs created over five years, a projected total contribution of $675,000.

Nova Scotia is tapping one of its greatest resources – the highly skilled labour force coming out of its 10 universities and 13 community college campuses every year. In fact, it's estimated that one out of every four individuals above the age of 15 in Nova Scotia have a university degree. To ensure students attain the education they will need for in-demand jobs and hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields, schools in the province are receiving funding for technology-based programs.