Microsoft

11 speeches that got the internet fired up in 2018

It’s one of the oldest forms of communication in the book, but a powerful speech can seriously light a fire under the internet. Some speeches may be interrupted, like that of Prince Harry who had a stand-off with a bumblebee during a speech about his dad. But most made their mark. They moved, infuriated, devastated,…


It’s one of the oldest forms of communication in the book, but a powerful speech can seriously light a fire under the internet.

Some speeches may be interrupted, like that of Prince Harry who had a stand-off with a bumblebee during a speech about his dad. But most made their mark. They moved, infuriated, devastated, shocked, and inspired folks on social media, making us cry or air-punch right at our desks.

Here’s some of the unforgettable speeches that got the internet fired up this year. If you missed one, now’s the time to catch up.

Emma Gonzalez’s March For Our Lives speech 

Parkland activist Emma Gonzalez delivered an unforgettable and devastating address during the March For Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C. in March. Most memorably, she stood in silent remembrance for six minutes and 20 seconds — the time it took a gunman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to claim the lives of 17 of her fellow students.

Memorable quote:“In a little over six minutes, 17 of our friends were taken from us, 15 were injured, and everyone, absolutely everyone, was forever altered. Everyone who was there understands. Everyone who has been touched by the cold grip of gun violence understands.”

Natalie Portman’s stirring ‘Power of Women’ speech

There have been many empowering, applause-worthy speeches since the inception of Time’s Up, but Natalie Portman’s is worth noting. The Oscar-winning actress delivered one heck of a speech atVariety‘s “Power of Women” event in October, pulverising Harvey Weinstein before unpacking gender parity and diversity in the entertainment industry and other workforces.

Memorable quote: “Be embarrassed if everyone in your workplace looks like you.”

Donald Trump’s UN speech, which the world literally laughed at 

There was a day in September, when the world literally laughed out loud at Donald Trump. During the president’s address to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump boasted that “my administration has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country.” Crowd guffawing ensued. But guys, Trump claimed hewantedeveryone to laugh. Nice try.

Memorable quote:I didn’t expect that reaction but it’s okay.”

Oprah’s powerful speech at the Golden Globes 

An early speech for 2018, but one that would prove hard to beat. Oprah’s acceptance speech for the esteemed Cecil B. DeMille award at the Golden Globes in January made us cry — and inspired us to take action. Her powerful speech is a moving moment for Oprah herself, who changed the Hollywood landscape for women and people of color, but it became a larger rallying cry for the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements. Plus, it made folks champion a 2020 presidential run like crazy.

Memorable quote:“For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up.”

Mindy Kaling’s burn-after-burn commencement speech

Mindy Kaling delivered multiple burns to Donald Trump during her Dartmouth commencement speech in June, along with some sage advice to deal with “graduating into a world where it s

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Microsoft

Microsoft Canada president vows ‘community-first approach’ to AI investment

Share this Story : Toronto Sun Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Breadcrumb Trail Links Money News Ontario Technology Microsoft Canada president vows ‘community-first approach’ to AI investment Tech giant announced $19-billion investment to expand AI and cloud infrastructure in Ontario and Quebec Author of the article: Ling Hui Published Apr 08, 2026

Microsoft Canada president vows ‘community-first approach’ to AI investment

Tech giant announced $19-billion investment to expand AI and cloud infrastructure in Ontario and Quebec

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Microsoft said its billion-dollar investment to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure at Ontario and Quebec data centres will include a “community-first approach,” taking into account concerns from the local communities.

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In December, the tech giant had announced a $19-billion investment — the largest in Canadian history — to expand its AI and cloud infrastructure in the two provinces.

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In a blog post Tuesday, Microsoft Canada president Matt Milton said the company is aware that Canadians have “real questions” about affordability, energy and water use, jobs and the impact on communities regarding its AI investment.

“At Microsoft, we believe communities should share in the benefits of AI infrastructure and they should not bear the costs,” Milton said.

Electricity costs, water usage among concerns

He said the company’s five “community-first” principles will shape how it will build and operate its data centres in Ontario and Quebec.

Among those principles he outlined was the company’s commitment to “paying our way on electricity” to ensure that its data centres don’t increase electricity prices for Canadians and put added strain on the grid.

Milton said the company will work with provinces, utilities, system operators and regulators to plan new supply in advance. He also said the company will pay the full cost of the electricity it uses, including the cost of new generation, transmission and grid upgrades.

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Milton also said that Canada’s cooler climate means the company can cool its data centres mostly using outside air, “using water for cooling less than 5% of the year.”

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Thousands employed in construction process

He also said the company will work with local governments, conservation partners and research institutions on water projects.

Milton said Microsoft’s data centre investment in Canada will employ about 2,000 workers across all sites during construction with 400 Canadian businesses involved during the construction phase.

He said once its data centres are built and operational, the company will create 250 full-time jobs and hire about 400 contractors to maintain and operate its sites.

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  1. Microsoft Corp. signage in New York City, Oct. 25, 2src24.
    Microsoft touts $500 million AI savings while slashing jobs
  2. Plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits against social media companies hold photos of loved ones outside of the Los Angeles Superior Court on March 25, 2src26 in Los Angeles, Calif. A Los Angeles jury found social media giants Meta and Google liable for designing addictive social media platforms that harmed a young woman’s mental health.
    Plaintiff awarded $6M in landmark social media lawsuit against Google, Meta

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Article content

Microsoft said its billion-dollar investment to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure at Ontario and Quebec data centres will include a “community-first approach,” taking into account concerns from the local communities.

Advertisement 2
Story continues below
Article content

In December, the tech giant had announced a $19-billion investment — the largest in Canadian history — to expand its AI and cloud infrastructure in the two provinces.

Article content
Article content

In a blog post Tuesday, Microsoft Canada president Matt Milton said the company is aware that Canadians have “real questions” about affordability, energy and water use, jobs and the impact on communities regarding its AI investment.

“At Microsoft, we believe communities should share in the benefits of AI infrastructure and they should not bear the costs,” Milton said.

Electricity costs, water usage among concerns

He said the company’s five “community-first” principles will shape how it will build and operate its data centres in Ontario and Quebec.

Among those principles he outlined was the company’s commitment to “paying our way on electricity” to ensure that its data centres don’t increase electricity prices for Canadians and put added strain on the grid.

Milton said the company will work with provinces, utilities, system operators and regulators to plan new supply in advance. He also said the company will pay the full cost of the electricity it uses, including the cost of new generation, transmission and grid upgrades.

Advertisement 3
Story continues below
Article content

Milton also said that Canada’s cooler climate means the company can cool its data centres mostly using outside air, “using water for cooling less than 5% of the year.”

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Thousands employed in construction process

He also said the company will work with local governments, conservation partners and research institutions on water projects.

Milton said Microsoft’s data centre investment in Canada will employ about 2,000 workers across all sites during construction with 400 Canadian businesses involved during the construction phase.

He said once its data centres are built and operational, the company will create 250 full-time jobs and hire about 400 contractors to maintain and operate its sites.

Read More

  1. Microsoft Corp. signage in New York City, Oct. 25, 2src24.
    Microsoft touts $500 million AI savings while slashing jobs
  2. Plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits against social media companies hold photos of loved ones outside of the Los Angeles Superior Court on March 25, 2src26 in Los Angeles, Calif. A Los Angeles jury found social media giants Meta and Google liable for designing addictive social media platforms that harmed a young woman’s mental health.
    Plaintiff awarded $6M in landmark social media lawsuit against Google, Meta

Article content
Comments
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Microsoft

PS5 Reportedly Hands Forza Horizon 5 an Additional 5 Million Sales

Resulting in $300 million of revenue.The PS5 version of Forza Horizon 5 has now sold more than five million units since its April 2025 launch and made over $300 million in revenue for publisher Microsoft, one Alinea Analytics reporter claims.Rhys Elliott of the analytical firm posted to social media that…

Resulting in $300 million of revenue.The PS5 version of Forza Horizon 5 has now sold more than five million units since its April 2025 launch and made over $300 million in revenue for publisher Microsoft, one Alinea Analytics reporter claims.Rhys Elliott of the analytical firm posted to social media that…
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Former Elder Scrolls Online Boss Says Xbox Cancellation Drove Him To Leave Bethesda

Project Blackbird was a new IP at the studio.Back in July, when Microsoft cancelled a bunch of projects amidst a huge shakeup for its Xbox division, The Elder Scrolls Online boss Matt Firor left the company — and now, roughly six months later, the former ZeniMax leader has gone into a bit more detail about

Project Blackbird was a new IP at the studio.Back in July, when Microsoft cancelled a bunch of projects amidst a huge shakeup for its Xbox division, The Elder Scrolls Online boss Matt Firor left the company — and now, roughly six months later, the former ZeniMax leader has gone into a bit more detail about why he chose to leave amidst this shakeup.Taking to social media in the new year…
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Crypto Miners Surge on US$17.4B Microsoft–Nebius AI Chip Deal

Shares of cryptocurrency mining firms rose sharply on Tuesday following news of a major deal between Nebius Group and Microsoft, valued at US$17.4 billion (AU$26.36 billion). The agreement, running through 2031, will see the Netherlands-based Nebius provide dedicated GPU capacity to Microsoft’s artificial intelligence operations, with the option for expansion up to US$19.4 billion (AU$29.37

Shares of cryptocurrency mining firms rose sharply on Tuesday following news of a major deal between Nebius Group and Microsoft, valued at US$17.4 billion (AU$26.36 billion). The agreement, running through 2031, will see the Netherlands-based Nebius provide dedicated GPU capacity to Microsoft’s artificial intelligence operations, with the option for expansion up to US$19.4 billion (AU$29.37 […]
The post Crypto Miners Surge on US$17.4B Microsoft–Nebius AI Chip Deal appeared first on Crypto News Australia…
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