Author: Sophie Mitchell

Funding targets Thunder Bay and Marathon marine facilities as province looks to expand east-west trade routes and reduce reliance on U.S. markets THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is investing more than $2.8 million in strategic marine infrastructure projects on Lake Superior, aiming to strengthen domestic supply chains, support industrial exports and position northwestern Ontario as a larger player in Canada’s east-west trade network. The funding, announced Monday through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), will support expansion work at the Port of Thunder Bay and help establish a new marine terminal in Marathon. Provincial officials say the projects…

Crystal Globe winner leaves behind legacy of leadership and program rebuilding CALGARY — Canadian skeleton athlete Jane Channell, one of the country’s most accomplished and respected competitors in the sport, has announced her retirement after a 15-year career that included three Olympic appearances, multiple World Cup podiums and a key leadership role in rebuilding Canada’s national skeleton program. At 37, the North Vancouver native exits the sport as a Crystal Globe winner, four-time World Cup medallist and veteran mentor whose influence extended beyond competition results to shaping the culture and direction of the Canadian program. “To be inside a highly…

Regulator says company failed to deliver solar installations and stopped responding to customers Consumers reported paying deposits and financing costs for systems that never arrived SAINT JOHN, N.B. — New Brunswick’s financial regulator has revoked the direct seller’s licence of a Nova Scotia-based solar company after receiving multiple complaints from consumers who said they paid for solar panel installations that were never completed. The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick (FCNB) announced that Sun Kissed Energy Incorporated was found unsuitable to hold a licence under the province’s Direct Sellers Act following an investigation into the company’s business practices.…

New transatlantic agreement aims to attract investment, reduce reliance on China and strengthen economic security Ontario positions itself as key ally in global race for critical minerals LONDON — Ontario has signed a new agreement with the United Kingdom aimed at strengthening critical mineral supply chains, deepening transatlantic cooperation and attracting investment into the province’s mining sector as Western allies seek to reduce dependence on China for strategic resources. Ontario Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce and U.K. Industry Minister Chris McDonald signed a Statement of Intent on Monday in London that commits both jurisdictions to working together on critical…

Province adds Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario to Ontario Corps initiative aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness Financial expertise seen as key resource during emergencies and recovery efforts The Ontario government is expanding its emergency preparedness strategy by adding Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA Ontario) to the growing Ontario Corps network, a provincial initiative designed to strengthen local emergency response capabilities through partnerships with organizations and trained volunteers. The announcement, made Sunday by the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response, marks the latest effort by the province to broaden Ontario Corps’ pool of specialized expertise and improve community resilience during…

Veteran Canadian musician collaborates with acclaimed jazz performers on new single from Rick Maltese & Friends Vol 2 A message of kindness at a time of social division Toronto pianist, composer, and songwriter Rick Maltese is using music to deliver a timely message of compassion with the release of his new single, “Just Like an Angel,” a melody-driven track that emphasizes the power of small acts of kindness. The song, drawn from Maltese’s latest album Rick Maltese & Friends Vol 2, combines warm piano arrangements, conversational jazz instrumentation, and reflective lyrics to explore how simple human gestures can have a…

Funding to support 112 local projects, create jobs and strengthen biodiversity protection efforts LAKE SIMCOE, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $2 million to support community-led efforts aimed at preventing and controlling invasive species across the province, as part of a broader strategy to protect biodiversity, natural resources and local economies. The funding, announced Sunday by the Ministry of Natural Resources, will support 112 projects involving municipalities, Indigenous communities, conservation authorities and local organizations. The province said the investment is expected to create more than 160 local jobs while engaging over 3,000 volunteers in invasive species management initiatives. The…

Irish author and musician releases latest collection examining purpose, faith, and the human experience DUBLIN — Irish author, poet and musician Patrick Gately has released An Angel’s Sunrise, a new collection of poetry and verse that explores spirituality, personal reflection, and the unseen influences that shape human lives. Published under the imprint of The Manuscript Publisher, the collection examines themes surrounding purpose, mortality, inner growth, and humanity’s search for meaning. The release marks Gately’s latest contribution to contemporary reflective poetry, building on the foundation established through his earlier Moments series. Themes of spirituality and personal growth shape the collection At…

Canadian Hockey Equipment Leader Adds Elite Goalie Mask Technology to Its NHL-Focused Product Line BRANTFORD, Ont. — TRUE Hockey has entered into an exclusive long-term partnership with Pro’s Choice, a move that strengthens the company’s position in the professional goaltending equipment market by adding premium goalie mask technology to its expanding product lineup. The partnership, announced Monday, brings together one of hockey’s fastest-growing equipment brands with a company widely recognized among professional goaltenders for its custom-built masks and safety innovations. TRUE Hockey said the agreement aligns with its broader strategy of becoming the leading supplier of head-to-toe equipment solutions for…

Global supply disruptions prompt countries to accelerate domestic energy strategies The ongoing disruption to energy supplies moving through the Strait of Hormuz is intensifying global concerns over energy security and accelerating interest in electrification as countries seek to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The Paris-based agency said the conflict-driven instability in the Middle East is reinforcing a trend already underway in global energy markets, with governments and industries investing heavily in electric technologies such as heat pumps, electric vehicles and electrified industrial systems. “Electrification – through heat pumps, electric vehicles and electrified…