Author: Sam Allcock

Sam Allcock is a business correspondent for Wire Service Canada, reporting on corporate developments, market trends, and economic news with clarity and accuracy. With over a decade of experience in journalism, he has covered stories ranging from financial results and trade agreements to emerging innovations, offering readers both local insight and global context. Known for his balanced and engaging reporting style, Sam is committed to delivering reliable, relevant, and timely business news that helps audiences make informed decisions.

Rollme has unveiled its first blood pressure–monitoring smartwatch, marking a strategic expansion into the fast-growing digital health and wearable technology market. The new device, called the Kore D1, combines blood pressure measurement capabilities with a broad set of health tracking and smart features aimed at everyday users and families. The launch comes as consumer demand for health-focused wearables continues to rise in North America and globally, driven by aging populations, increased awareness of chronic conditions, and a growing preference for at-home monitoring tools. Rollme positions the Kore D1 as a multi-purpose health device designed to offer medical-grade accuracy while remaining…

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SIAYAN, Zamboanga del Norte — A coalition of local government leaders, indigenous representatives, security forces and civil society organizations in Siayan has formally come together to support a new anti-poverty initiative aimed at strengthening incomes and access to essential services in one of Zamboanga del Norte’s most underserved municipalities. Friends of Saint Mary MacKillop, Inc. (FSMMI), a Philippines-based nonprofit focused on empowering marginalized children and youth, has launched Phase 1 of its Zero Poverty PH 2030 program in Siayan. The rollout marks an early step in a nationwide effort to lift 100,000 Filipino families out of poverty by the end…

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Vancouver musician Mike Van Eyes is preparing to release Ain’t That Loving You, Baby on Feb. 11, 2026, a soul-blues rock album that brings decades of quiet influence into sharper focus. The record marks a significant chapter for one of the city’s longest-running underground musical voices, combining brass-led soul, late-night rock grit and widescreen arrangements shaped for both intimate rooms and festival stages. Crafted at Mushroom Studios and Afterlife Studios, Ain’t That Loving You, Baby was arranged by saxophonist Bill Runge and engineered by Juno Award–winning producer Erik P.H. Nielsen. The production emphasizes space, warmth and punch, creating a sound…

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Prime Video has released the first official trailer and key art for Scarpetta, a new crime thriller series adapted from the bestselling novels by author Patricia Cornwell, marking a major addition to the streaming service’s 2026 scripted slate. The series will premiere globally on March 11, 2026, streaming exclusively on Prime Video across more than 240 countries and territories. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Blumhouse Television, Scarpetta brings to the screen a literary franchise that has sold more than 120 million copies worldwide since its debut in 1990. The adaptation has been developed and written for television by Liz…

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Prime Video has released the first-look images for Spider-Noir, a high-profile new live-action series that underscores the streaming platform’s continued investment in premium franchise-driven originals. The series, starring Nicolas Cage in his first leading role on television, is scheduled to premiere worldwide in Spring 2026. Produced by Sony Pictures Television exclusively for MGM+ and Prime Video, the series will follow a staggered release strategy. It is set to debut domestically on MGM+’s linear broadcast channel before rolling out globally on Prime Video across more than 240 countries and territories. The approach reflects a broader trend among media companies to maximize…

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HALIFAX — Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is raising fresh concerns about the province’s electricity system as Nova Scotia Power prepares for a leadership transition amid a pivotal rate-setting decision. Nova Scotia Power has announced that a new chief executive officer will take over shortly, a move that comes as the utility seeks approval for a rate increase currently under review by the Nova Scotia Energy Board. In a strongly worded statement, Houston questioned whether the CEO change represents meaningful reform or a continuation of what he described as systemic problems at the monopoly utility. “While I wish the new…

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TORONTO — Ontario’s minister responsible for colleges and universities will hold a press conference Thursday morning alongside the province’s finance minister, a joint appearance that signals the Ford government’s continued focus on post-secondary education policy amid broader fiscal and economic planning. Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, is scheduled to deliver remarks beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, followed by a media availability. He will be joined by Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario’s Minister of Finance. The event will take place at the Communications Centre in Whitney Block, located on the concourse level at Queen’s Park…

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CORTINA, Italy — Canada’s luge program reached a milestone moment on the Olympic stage on Tuesday, as both its men’s and women’s doubles sleds posted identical 10th-place finishes at the Olympic Winter Games in Cortina, marking a historic day for the sport and the national team. The men’s pairing of Devin Wardrope and Cole Zajanski delivered one of their strongest performances in four years, finishing 10th in a highly competitive men’s doubles field. Moments later, fellow Calgarians Beattie Podulsky and Kailey Allan matched that result in the Olympic debut of women’s doubles luge, becoming the first Canadian team to compete…

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LONDON, Ont. — As London approaches a milestone year, the city’s heritage community is preparing to showcase two centuries of local history, culture, and civic evolution through one of its signature annual events. The London Heritage Council will host the 14th Annual Heritage Fair on Feb. 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Central Branch of the London Public Library, located at 251 Dundas St. The event is presented in partnership with the library and the City of London – Cultural Services. Held annually during Heritage Week, the Heritage Fair has become a key platform for celebrating…

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Calgary biathlete Pascale Paradis delivered a breakthrough performance on the Olympic stage Wednesday, combining disciplined shooting with strong skiing to record a personal best finish in her first Olympic race. The 23-year-old placed 24th in the women’s 15-kilometre individual at the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, marking Canada’s strongest result of the competition to date and signaling a promising start to her Olympic campaign. Competing under bright lights at one of the sport’s most demanding venues, Paradis navigated the pressure of her Olympic debut with composure well beyond her years. The result eclipsed her previous World Cup best by seven positions and…

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