THE PORTALCalm Your Mind, Open Your Heart, Transform The WorldNew feature documentary from meditation expert, Tom Cronin, features everyday people overcoming the most challenging obstacles via meditation, makes Cannes World Market Debut and releases First-Look Footage, just in time for Meditation Month (May) & is accompanied by the book of the same name

  LOS ANGELES (May 24, 2019) – Tom Cronin and Superhuman International are pleased to announce the Cannes World Market Debut of THE PORTAL and the exclusive first-look at the film’s trailer. The film was produced by international meditation expert, Tom Cronin and directed and produced by Jacqui Fifer. Lon Haber presented the film in Cannes to standing room only crowds.  THE PORTAL ASKSWhat would happen if 7 billion people all meditated? Could it shift the trajectory of our planet? THE PORTAL is an immersive, cinematic experience that answers the question: How can we really change the world?  Through heart-opening contemplation and shared experiences of transformation on a personal scale, with global implications, six ordinary people (and a robot) show how stillness and mindfulness can unlock personal change and ignite a planetary shift, providing hope to humankind. “We are thrilled to give audiences around the world a first-look at THE PORTAL, a film that resonates strongly within the global marketplace, the entertainment industry, and our global community as a whole,” said Cronin. “THE PORTAL is commercially viable film that raises the genre bar while remaining true to its core message.” Filmed in the US, Canada, Australia and a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, THE PORTAL is richly visual and sonically powerful. Stunning cinematography and the raw intimate stories draw the audience in, while the immersive soundscape breaks ground in film history with its use of binaural beats in an already evocative score. “The result is like the casting of a gentle spell, an invitation to slip into a meditation and experience your own metamorphosis,” said Fifer. “Superhuman International is pushing the boundaries with this unique and transformational hybrid feature film experience.”  Tom Cronin is founder of The Stillness Project, a global movement to inspire one billion people to sit in stillness, daily. Tom is passionate about reducing stress and chaos in people’s lives. His ongoing work in transformational leadership and cultivating inner peace through meditation takes him around the world presenting keynote talks in Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Mexico and the USA, hosting retreats, mentoring clients across the globe, teaching in schools, writing books, hosting mindfulness courses in the corporate sector and creating The Portal film-book experience, all as part of his commitment to the current planetary shift. Click here for more on Tom CroninJacqui Fifer has had an extensive career in the film industry as Producer, Director and Line Producer of such films as Better Watch Out (2016), The Osiris Child (2016), Infini (2015) and the multi-award winning dramatic feature Concealed (2017) that she produced. She also co-directed the 2012 and 2013 “Dones en Art” (Women and Film) festivals in Spain. THE PORTAL is her directorial debut. Enter THE PORTALSupported by insights from three of the world’s foremost futurists and philosophers, THE PORTAL opens hearts and minds to an exciting vision for humanity transformed.  THE PORTAL weaves a captivating and vibrant tapestry of technology, love, existentialism, human potential, brain-hacking, stillness and inner peace. It is an experiential and genre-defining approach to personal change as we embark on the next phase of human evolution. The film is a powerful showcase of the unique potential our species has if we take time for stillness, and gives the audiences a powerful toolkit for positive transformation—proving we can change our world from the inside out. “No, this is not sci-fi—this is real life. Humankind is staring into an abyss, yet within us all we have the capability to bring ourselves (and our species) back from the brink.” Said Cronin. “The film is richly visual and sonically powerful to appeal to audiences of all ages.”   Is an enlightened planet possible? Enter THE PORTAL and see.  For more information please visit www.entertheportal.com

Beer Store Bottle Drive in fourteenth year of supporting blood cancer cures

The Returns for Leukemia Bottle Drive invites Ontario communities to participate in the fight to end blood cancers.

TORONTO, May 24, 2019 /CNW/ - On Saturday, May 25th, The Beer Store and its affiliated union – United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 12R24 – are inviting Ontarians to join in the fight against blood cancers by donating their empty beer, wine and liquor containers to any Beer Store location during the 14th annual Returns for Leukemia Bottle Drive. All proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) in their mission to end blood cancers.

Over the past 13 years, over $15 million has been raised for the LLSC through the bottle drive. The money donated goes towards research, patient support services and public education.

"We applaud the commitment of Beer Store employees, customers, volunteers and the public across the province who take part in this campaign every year," says Alicia Talarico, LLSC president. "We are very grateful to be the recipient of these funds, which allow us to continue to invest in the best research and treatment advances in Canada."

The bottle drive has become a major event for The Beer Store's 7,000 employees and its union, as they are able to make a difference in the lives of those affected by blood cancers in their communities.

"I am so proud of our hardworking employees," says Beer Store president, Ted Moroz. "We are grateful to serve Ontarians and we are very proud that we can give back to our communities."

"Nationally, UFCW Canada has surpassed the $30 million dollar mark and I am very proud to lead Local 12R24, as well represent and be associated with such socially-conscious and caring members as well as our generous customers," explains UFCW Local 12R24 president, John Nock. 

All 450 Beer Stores across Ontario will be accepting donations. Visit bottledrive.ca for more information on the bottle drive and other local events.

About Returns for Leukemia Bottle Drive 

The Returns for Leukemia Bottle Drive is a fundraiser held each May at all Beer Store locations across Ontario by the United Food & Commercial Workers Local 12R24 in partnership with The Beer Store to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. To learn more about this event please visit bottledrive.ca.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada is the single largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers in Canada. LLSC funds life-saving blood cancer research across the country, and provides free information and support services to patients and caregivers. Our mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. To find out more visit llscanada.org.

For personalized disease, treatment or support information, patients can contact our local support staff at 1-833-222-4884. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada

BC Government Announces $2 Million for Arthritis Research at ARThritis Soirée

VANCOUVER, May 24, 2019 /CNW/ - Arthritis Research Canada received exciting news at Wednesday night's annual ARThritis Soirée – a $2 million funding announcement by Health Minister Adrian Dix. This boosted the event's fundraising total to an amazing $2,355,000 in support of life-saving arthritis research.   

More than 6 million Canadians, including 800,000 British Columbians, live with the pain and disability of arthritis. It is the #1 cause of work disability and costs the Canadian economy an estimated $33 billion per year in cost of treatment and lost productivity. 

"By providing this funding, my ministry aims to help Arthritis Research Canada continue to improve the lives of British Columbians living with arthritis, and reduce the burden this disease places on our health-care system," Dix said.

The Soirée is the signature event of Arthritis Research Canada, the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America, and is a success year-over-year thanks to the collective and generous efforts of many sponsors, guests, donors, volunteers, and dynamic hosts – Fred Lee, regular contributor to the CBC, Province, and Vancouver Magazine, and Coleen Christie, Global BC news anchor and host. 

The event brings together the city's business, community and government leaders, as well as philanthropists, doctors, scientists, healthcare professionals, and many others who share an appreciation of art and a desire to support arthritis research. This year's music theme treated guests to a performance by Mike Reno, lead singer of Loverboy, who along with an all-star band sang some of Loverboy's greatest hits.

"For such a prevalent disease, people are consistently surprised that arthritis represents the leading cause of disability among adults," said Dan Scarrow, President of Macdonald Realty, the event's Presenting Sponsor. "It is important to let people know that arthritis is a serious condition that can have a very damaging effect on people's lives. We are proud to support the Soirée, which brings like-minded individuals together to fight against arthritis." 

Dr. John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada's Scientific Director, added that the annual event plays an important role in creating awareness about the more than 100 forms of arthritis and how ONLY through arthritis research can we tackle the pain and disability experienced by millions, young and old, who suffer with this disease.  

"Our research is focused on arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, and better treatment. Thanks to the generous support of everyone who attended the ARThritis Soirée, and because of the funding provided by British Columbia's government, we can continue to change lives."

About ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA: 

Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research centre in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Led by world-renowned rheumatologist, Dr. John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada's scientific team of over 100 are creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Within British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec, Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, and quality of life issues.

SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada

Federal Government Awards $49M to Terry Fox Research Institute and Imagia led Consortium to Accelerate Medical Breakthroughs

Joint project aims to unlock data-driven discoveries in cancer and other diseases to unleash the full potential of personalized healthcare

MONTRÉAL, May 24, 2019 /CNW/ - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced an investment of up to $49M from the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) as part of the Stream 4 - Health and Biosciences competition. This award, together with $108M in-cash and $165M in-kind contributions from 97 consortium partners, supports a Digital Health and Discovery Platform (DHDP) that will combine Canadian expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and precision medicine to improve healthcare for Canadians. The joint endeavour will catalyze collaborations with industry to stimulate commercialization of home-grown research discoveries.

Announced at Imagia headquarters yesterday in Montreal, Minister Bains said the recipients of the innovation grant will establish a cutting-edge, national digital health data initiative.  According to the Office of Innovation, Science and Economic Development in Canada, "Through this new platform, researchers and doctors will work to accelerate the development of new and personalized treatments to help to find cures for diseases that affect Canadians. While the platform will initially focus on cancer, the plan is to expand to other areas of medicine in the future."  The full government release can be found here.

The hope for conquering complex diseases such as cancer is in the intelligent use of digital information. The new Digital Health and Discover Platform will greatly empower the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres network, launched by the Terry Fox Research Institute on April 12 in St John's, Newfoundland on the 39^th anniversary of Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope to cure cancer. For the first time, cancer centres and research institutes across the country are joining forces from coast to coast to coast to advance a world-leading, precision medicine cancer plan, a roadmap to cure cancer, to benefit all Canadians. The platform will provide world-leading infrastructure and an innovation framework that will enable collaborations and the sharing of data insights, knowledge and resources with partners across the country to accelerate precision medicine.  

The four-year project will leverage Imagia's EVIDENS AI discovery platform and clinical collaboration ecosystem. EVIDENS enables federated learning on patient data across multiple hospitals and unites creative minds in both AI and healthcare to power discovery at scale. The platform empowers clinical researchers from different pan-Canadian institutions to derive outcome-based insights from real-world evidence (RWE) and collaborate on AI biomarkers and clinical decision support systems.  Imagia's unique healthcare AI ecosystem gives hospitals, medical device makers, pharmaceutical companies, and diagnostics manufacturers the opportunity to benefit from a vast AI clinical solutions innovation pipeline to develop breakthrough advances in personalized healthcare.

Quote from the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development: 
"This investment promises not only to improve the future of Canadians' health but also to do it with made-in-Canada solutions. By harnessing Canada's strengths in health research and AI, we're helping to usher in a new era of more personalized care that will mean better health outcomes. We're excited to see all the new health and biosciences innovations that will result from this collaboration."

Quote from Alexandre Le Bouthillier, Imagia Co-founder & Chief Corporate Officer:
"The time to harness the power of AI is now so that we continue to augment Canada's position on the global AI stage. By combining the experience of its clinical collaborators, industry, AI institute partners and the Terry Fox Research Institute, Imagia will fulfill its mission to make accessible personalized health care a clinical reality. The Canadian government's strategic grant will fuel a significant next step in the life-changing work of Imagia and the Terry Fox Research Institute. Our complementary strengths in research and AI is a fierce combination that will spark the critical change needed for scientific discoveries, improved diagnostics, and more effective treatments resulting from new, scaled technologies."

Quote from Dr. Victor Ling, O.C., O.B.C., TFRI President and Scientific Director:
"We thank the Honourable Minister Bains and the Government of Canada for their vote of confidence in this pan-Canadian, multi-partner collaborative partnership that brings together the nation's best minds in precision medicine and artificial intelligence. The new Digital Health and Discovery Platform will help us to transform cancer research and care in Canada by enabling the new Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres network to analyze enormous amounts of genomic and clinical data to find new and better ways to treat cancer patients, no matter where they live in Canada." 

Imagia
Imagia is a leading Canadian healthcare AI company on a mission to leverage advances in AI and accelerate the advent of accessible personalized medicine. Imagia developed EVIDENS, an AI-first platform for clinician driven end-to-end discoveries of AI biomarkers with the greatest chance of clinical benefit for patients. The company is engaged with clinicians from world-class research institutes as well as category-leading pharma, medical device, and diagnostic companies to co-develop healthcare AI solutions and drive the future of personalized medicine around the world. Imagia.com

The Terry Fox Research Institute
The Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI), established in 2007, invests in world-class, collaborative cancer research teams and partnerships. Together with its research and funding partners, TFRI is working to inspire the transformation of cancer research in this country by bringing together leading cancer research and treatment organizations in Canada and empowering them under the framework of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network. www.tfri.ca

SOURCE Terry Fox Research Institute

More than Meets the Eye: 4 Benefits of Exercise Aside from Weight Loss

According to health professionals, you need at least 2 sessions of strength training per week and 2 and half hours of aerobic exercises. That way, you can gain from your workout routine. Apart from weight loss, working out has got many other benefits. In this article, we are going to talk about 4 of those benefits.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Something that most people forget is that the heart is a muscle like any other. In fact, it may be the second most crucial organ after the brain. Exercise gets the heart pumping, leading to the production of more oxygen. This helps boost your energy levels and make you more productive throughout the day.

Puts You at a Lesser Risk of Getting Diabetes

Working out helps can help you strengthen your immune system. This is because when you exercise you get rid of unwanted fat and allow insulin to properly move the glucose through the blood stream. This puts you at a lesser risk of getting diabetes. The proper breakdown of glucose also gives you more energy.

Helps to Build Intimacy and Strengthen Relationships

If you really want to enjoy your workouts, encourage a friend or lover to tag along with you as you go to the gym. We live in a highly digitized world where everybody is always on their phones. Exercise can provide you with the perfect opportunity to bond with your loved ones. Alternatively, you can just go on morning runs or evening walks with the rest of your family members.

Improves Your Moods

When you exercise, your body releases norepinephrine, which is a hormone that can help to keep you relaxed and get rid of stress and anxiety. Releasing that extra stress in your body can be a great way to supplement any chronic pain services. Working out also helps your body release endorphins, which can help get rid of depression. Did you know that the lack of Vitamin D can lead to mood swings? This is why exercising outdoors during the morning hours can help to improve your moods. This is because you are getting sufficient vitamin D.

Even though some people think that exercise is only for those people that want to reduce weight, there’s more than meets the eye. When you work out, you strengthen your cardiovascular health and maintain your blood sugar levels. Exercise also helps you to improve your moods and make you more relaxed.

Trait Biosciences Names International 

Marketing Leader As CEO

New COO, a proven leader in agricultural science, also joins executive team

VANCOUVER – May 23, 2019 – Trait Biosciences Inc., a rapidly growing leader in  bio-technology focused on advancing the science of cannabinoid production within the Hemp & Cannabis industry, has appointed Peter J. McDonough, a proven global marketing leader, as its Chief Executive Officer. 

McDonough, who previously served on Trait’s Board of Directors, takes the reins from Joseph del Moral, a cannabis industry veteran who successfully led the early formation of Trait. The Board’s decision to change the company’s leadership reflects Trait’s expanding technology platforms and interest in leveraging McDonough’s expertise in directing the science to support innovative CBD products within the rapidly evolving Hemp & Cannabis industry.

Following McDonough’s CEO appointment Mr. del Moral will remain active and vital to Trait — serving on its Board of Directors and working closely with the executive team.

“We thank Joseph for his invaluable leadership in moving Trait forward and we welcome Peter as Trait enters its next phase of growth and evolution,” said Michael Harrison, Trait Chairman.  “We will tap heavily into Peter’s expertise and experience as Trait expands its focus on the North American market and builds its stature in the worldwide CBD infused beverage and Health & Wellness industry.”

“I look forward to continuing to work with Joseph, who has been a great leader,” said McDonough. “He’ll continue to play a key role with our world class science team as we introduce breakthrough technology enabling the scaled production of water-soluble CBDs and highly valued minor cannabinoids to stimulate new product development. We’re excited to bring these technologies to market and advance our patent pending plant transformation technology delivering increased crop yields, protection without pesticides and amplified plant production of natural high-quality cannabinoids.”

As CEO, McDonough will lead Trait’s globally renowned team of research scientists headed by Dr. Richard Sayre, recognized by Nature as one of the “top five crop researchers who could change the world.” Trait’s proprietary technologies feature patent pending IP in the development of enhanced cannabinoids delivering rapid onset, improved efficacy, bioavailability, stability and taste. Its advanced IP for creating water-soluble cannabinoids does not rely on the use of emulsion or nanotechnology, which are processes of increasing concern by health authorities.

Rebecca White tapped as COO

Trait also has recruited Dr. Rebecca White to the executive team, joining as Chief Operating Officer.  White joins from Qualitas Health, where she oversaw a staff of 30 and was responsible for product production as Vice President, Operations.  Prior to Qualitas, White was Director of Cultivation at Sapphire Energy, Inc.  Dr. White possesses a PhD in microbiology from Texas A&M University and is a proven business leader in transferring innovative science and technology to provide new commercial processes delivering improved production. 

“I’m delighted to have Rebecca’s proven leadership and experience as we bring Trait’s unique technologies to the marketplace,” said McDonough. “As an accomplished leader in agricultural science and research, Rebecca will play a key role in Trait’s mission to become the most productive originator of technology providing a competitive edge in CBD product development.” 

McDonough Background

In appointing McDonough Trait has selected a proven leader in business development and brand building with 30 years’ experience across multiple consumer product industries.  He served as a senior executive at Diageo North America (NYSE: DEO) for nearly a decade as its President, Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer from 2009-2015.  Prior to Diageo, McDonough was Procter & Gamble’s Vice President of European Marketing overseeing Duracell Batteries and Braun Appliances.  Earlier he served on the MBA faculty teaching marketing strategy at the University of Canterbury’s Graduate School of Commerce in New Zealand.

Prior to his overseas work, McDonough was Gillette’s head of North American marketing for the company’s flagship blade/razor business and introduced market-leading brands such as Mach3 Turbo and Venus Razors.  Earlier in his career he was Director of North American marketing at Black & Decker where he was involved in launching the DeWalt Power Tool Company.  McDonough currently serves on several Corporate Boards, including the Advisory Board of Viridian Capital Advisors, a leading financial advisory firm dedicated to the Hemp & Cannabis industry. McDonough is an alumnus of Cornell University and holds a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business.  

About Trait

With a team of internationally recognized scientists who are applying best-in-class technology and agricultural science, Trait Biosciences is an emerging biotechnology leader in the Hemp & Cannabis industry. Its consumer technology platforms provide breakthrough IP and science which produce enhanced cannabinoids featuring predictable onset timing, superior bioavailability, extended stability and improved taste.  Trait’s patent pending technology includes a process for generating water-soluble cannabinoids that does not rely on emulsion or nanotechnology.  The company’s agricultural technologies increase crop yields and plant safety, including ultrahigh yield “Super Producer” plants which dramatically increase a plant’s natural cannabinoid productivity, and its RNAi crop protection technology, which eliminates the need for pesticides or fungicides, providing higher quality safer CBD infused nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information 

Certain information contained in this press release, including any information as to Trait Bioscience Inc.'s (the "Corporation") strategy, projects, plans or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words "will", "expect", "continue", "assess", "anticipate" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions; including material estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Corporation as at the date of this press release in light of each of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. 

Any forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although management of the Corporation believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. 

What to Do When Your Regular Exercise Routine Turns Painful

Routine exercise sessions are supposed to make your body feel better. They’re supposed to give you more energy, too. That’s why it can be so stressful to realize that your physical fitness moves are in reality doing the exact opposite. If you’re dealing with pain that’s the result of your workout practices, then you need to take immediate action, no exceptions.

Give Your Tired Body a Break

Pain that’s the result of exercise may be a hint that you’re overexerting your body. That’s why it can help immensely to give yourself a temporary workout “timeout.” a break can give your body the chance to recharge and get back on track. Remember, breaks between workout sessions can promote muscle recovery and healing in general.

Go to a General Practitioner

Schedule an appointment with a general practitioner to figure out what may be wrong. Your doctor can figure out if there’s some kind of medical issue affecting your body. Sciatica may be an issue. He or she can determine whether any specific moves are detrimental to your physique and wellness as well. A doctor can even talk to you about treatment and management plans that may be effective.

Head to a Chiropractor

Chiropractors can often be game-changers for people who suffer from persistent and mysterious aches and pains. You can talk to your general practitioner to get recommendations for a talented chiropractorin your area. An impressive chiropractor may be able to give you an adjustment that can get your body feeling as good as new again. Chiropractors can aid patients with low back pain, leg pain, and even digestive health concerns.

Treat Yourself Kindly

Don’t ever beat up on yourself about your workouts. If your body feels pain, then that’s a sign that something is amiss. You can get your body moving in the right direction by seeking prompt medical care and being kind to yourself. Take a warm and soothing bath. Maybe even try a few gentle stretching poses. If you’re good to your body, it will reward you in a big way. Don’t forget that your body is 100 percent irreplaceable.

Routine exercise can make you feel as good as gold. If you start developing pain, however, it may be an indication that you’re doing something incorrectly. It may even be an indication that you have some kind of injury of health problem. That’s why you need to set up an appointment with your doctor immediately.

The Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Celebrates its 55th Anniversary

Participants lace-up in support of 78 local charities, through the 
Scotiabank Charity Challenge

CALGARY, May 23, 2019 /CNW/ - The 55^th edition of the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon takes place this weekend with participants raising money for 78 local charities, as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.

Canada's longest running marathon, The Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, features the: 50km Ultra, Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, Centaur Subaru 21.1km, Jugo Juice 10km, GoodLife Fitness 5km Walk & Run and the Scotiabank Kids Marathon, for those 12 years of age and under. The race weekend will welcome 10,000 participants across all distances

"Canada's longest running marathon is about much more than running, it brings people in our community together through a shared value of active healthy living and it celebrates excellence, in achievement and in fundraising," says Kirsten Fleming, Executive Director of Run Calgary.

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a turnkey fundraising program that provides a simple way for racers to support the charity of their choice and make a significant impact locally. Participating charities keep 100 per cent of the proceeds raised, as Scotiabank pays for all transactions and credit card fees. Since 2010, $7,395,111 has been raised in Calgary through the Challenge.

"We are proud to continue our involvement with the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon again this year," says Rod Wendt, District Vice President, Calgary Central, Scotiabank. "We know what is possible when people come together in support of their communities. At Scotiabank, investing in our communities has been a focus for over 185 years and that is not changing. Together with our employees, we are focused on enriching the lives of young people and helping them reach their infinite potential. Our goal has always been to help create a better life for people in the communities we serve and that will continue at the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon on May 26. We look forward to cheering all the racers across the finish line and thank them for fundraising for their charity of choice through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge."

Scotiabank offers the Scotiabank Charity Challenge at six sponsored marathon events across Canada including Montreal, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto. Since 2003, over $70 million has been raised as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge across Canada. Scotiabank aims to help young people reach their infinite potential by investing in the complete picture of their development. Many of the organizations who take part in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge have a direct impact in our local youth. Through the Bank's philanthropic efforts, we hope young people gain lifelong skills and values that help them grow into healthy, contributing adults.

For a complete list of 2019 charities participating in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, please visit the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon's website.

How can you get involved?

• Register for an event: Register for Scotiabank Calgary Marathon on the event website until May 25, 2 p.m. or beginning at 11 a.m. in person at the Health and Wellness Expo on Friday May 24, at: Big Four Building in Stampede Park (1801 Big Four Trail S.E.) 
• Fundraise: Once registered, sign up for the Scotiabank Charity Challenge and raise funds for a participating official charity. 
• Share! Share your story behind why you support your charity, using #runScotia, #runCalgary and #InfinitePotential 
• Donate: Visit theScotiabank Charity Challenge to select an official charity and make a one-time donation. 
• Cheer: Support friends and family along the race route and as they cross the finish line. 

Everything you need to know in advance of Race Weekend, for Race Day and following the race, can be found on the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon website.

About the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon
A race for every age and ability, Alberta's Best Road Race in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2017 the 50K Ultra, Scotiabank 42.2K, Centaur Subaru 21.1K, the Jugo Juice 10K, the Goodlife Fitness 5K Family Walk & Run and the Scotiabank Kids Marathon. The largest race on the prairies attracts elite athletes from coast to coast as well as internationally. The event brings in $7 million annually to the local economy and gives back through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, scholarship programming and the Neighbourhood Spirit Challenge.

About Scotiabank
At Scotiabank, we aim to support organizations that are committed to helping young people reach their infinite potential. Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank's goal is to help ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources they need to support their success. Together with our employees, the Bank supports causes at a grassroots level. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2018, Scotiabank contributed more than $80 million to help our communities around the world. 

Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in the Americas. We are dedicated to helping our more than 25 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 98,000 employees and assets of over $1 trillion (as at January 31, 2019), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit http://www.scotiabank.com/ and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.

SOURCE Scotiabank

Options and Flexibility Key to Unlocking Retirement Security for American Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

As the U.S. House Passes SECURE Act, Small Biz Advocate Encourages Retirement Savings for All Americans Saying: 

“Americans Just Have to Do It!”

DALLAS, TX – As the U.S. House passes the SECURE Act, also known as the “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019,” Keith Hall, President and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today warned of a “looming crisis” of retirement security and encouraged the federal government to “streamline and expand retirement savings opportunities”regardless of employment structure. 

“Retirement security is a looming crisis for American families, including family owned small businesses,” said Hall.  “A combination of mounting debt and break-even bottom lines has created an environment where saving for retirement too often takes a backseat in operating budgets of many Americans, including the small business community. To help make retirement savings a priority, we continue to support ways that both streamline and expand retirement savings opportunities for Americans at every income level and employment structure.” 

The Trump Administration’s 2018 executive order opened multiple employer plans (MEPs) to small businesses and “expand(ed) access to workplace retirement savings plans for American workers.” The executive order would no longer require small businesses to have formal business ties and instead would allow small, independent employers to join together through MEPs to offer workers access to 401k retirement savings plans. Click here to read NASE’s statement on the 2018 executive order.

“While last year’s executive order was a good start, there is no one, right way to save in America. We support all paths that make it easier for Americans, including small business owners, to save for retirement. The major challenge for retirement savings is simply encouraging Americans to start saving.  Every effort making starting a retirement savings account simpler, incentivized and accessible, regardless of employment structure, is a positive step in the right direction.

“There are now many options and vehicles available to Americans who operate in various employment structures and income levels allowing them to save. With a changing workforce, the key to retirement savings is offering different options, more flexibility and innovative plans for millions of Americans – including the small business community. We must continue to make it easier to save by removing barriers and reducing operating costs and requirements while incentivizing opportunities to save for retirement.”  

AbbVie reaches an agreement with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) for VENCLEXTA®, a treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

• Following the signing of an agreement between AbbVie and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA), Ontario is the first province to reimburse VENCLEXTA. 
• VENCLEXTA is the first and only BCL-2 inhibitor to be approved in Canada. 
• A need exists for CLL patients who have failed novel oral therapies.ⁱ

MONTREAL, May 23, 2019 /CNW/ - AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global, research and development-driven biopharmaceutical company, announced today that Ontario is the first province to reimburse VENCLEXTA® (venetoclax) monotherapy under its Drugs and Devices Division's (DDD) Exceptional Access Program effective May 13, 2019.ⁱⁱ VENCLEXTA is indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have received at least one prior therapy and who have no other treatment options. VENCLEXTA is an oral, once-daily medicine. 

This listing follows the signing of an agreement between AbbVie and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) earlier this year. 

"People living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Ontario finally have access to VENCLEXTA, which is great news considering the nature of this disease. When faced with CLL, which can be recurrent, it is important to offer physicians and their patients highly effective options to tackle this illness," explains Elizabeth Lye, Director of Research & Programs at Lymphoma Canada. "At Lymphoma Canada, we hope that soon all Canadians will have access to this treatment."

VENCLEXTA monotherapy will be available through the Exceptional Access Program for the treatment of relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) in patients who have failed treatment with at least one prior therapy (including B-cell receptor inhibitors) or who have experienced intolerance to ibrutinib. 

"When I meet a patient for the first time, I always explain that CLL is a type of blood cancer that is chronic and that some may relapse after being in remission. In fact, most of the patients I see in my clinic have often already gone through another line of treatment. Therefore, I want to ensure I have the appropriate treatments available for my patients in a timely manner," says Dr. Peter Anglin, MD, FRCPC, MBA, Hematologist and Physician Lead, Stronach Regional Cancer Centre. "I am thrilled that Ontario is the first province to reimburse venetoclax; it's a positive step for people living with CLL who need access to this much needed treatment."

CLL, which is typically a slow-progressing cancer of the bone marrow and bloodⁱⁱⁱ, is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults. In Canada, CLL accounts for approximately 2,465 newly diagnosed cases of leukemia each year and is responsible for more than 600 deaths a year.^iv

"It's been a long time coming for wonderful news like this. I can remember reading about clinical trials for this treatment several years ago and thinking how promising it sounded for people like me who have already been treated with more than one line of therapy and relapsed," states Mark Silverstein of Aurora, Ontario. "Now it's finally here! Another treatment option in the CLL world has been approved and reimbursed in the province of Ontario, and hopefully soon coming to every Canadian province. And thank you AbbVie for your commitment to bringing VENCLEXTA to those who need it."

VENCLEXTA received a Notice of Compliance with Conditions (NOC/c) from Health Canada on September 30, 2016. The therapy was approved as monotherapy for previously treated CLL patients, who have either a genetic mutation known as 17p deletion, or who do not have the mutation but have no other available treatment options, and who have received at least one other therapy. The 17p deletion is a genetic mutation that is found in 3 to 10 percent of people with previously untreated CLL and up to 50 percent of relapsed or refractory cases.^v Under Health Canada's NOC/c policy, AbbVie will provide Health Canada with data from additional studies to assess the clinical benefit of VENCLEXTA in these patient populations.^vi

"This agreement with the pCPA and subsequently the listing in Ontario are positive steps towards patients living with CLL accessing a medication that serves an unmet medical need," stated Stéphane Lassignardie, General Manager of AbbVie Canada. "AbbVie is committed to changing the way blood cancers are treated with innovative new treatment options." 

VENCLEXTA continues to be investigated in CLL and other hematological diseases.

VENCLEXTA is being developed by AbbVie and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. It is jointly commercialized by the companies in the U.S. and by AbbVie outside of the U.S. 

About AbbVie Care
Canadians prescribed VENCLEXTA will have the opportunity to be enrolled in AbbVie Care, AbbVie's signature care program. The program is designed to provide a wide range of customized services including reimbursement and financial support, pharmacy services, lab work reminders and coordination, personalized education and ongoing disease management support throughout the treatment and beyond. 

About AbbVie
AbbVie is a global, research and development-driven biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative advanced therapies for some of the world's most complex and critical conditions. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to markedly improve treatments across four primary therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, virology and neuroscience. In more than 75 countries, AbbVie employees are working every day to advance health solutions for people around the world. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.ca and www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvieCanada and @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.