Author: Sophie Mitchell

Youth-driven workshop transforms advocacy into action amid rising health concerns SORSOGON CITY, Philippines — Adolescents in the province of Sorsogon are stepping into leadership roles to address pressing issues in adolescent sexual reproductive health (ASRH) and gender-based violence (GBV), as concerns over teenage pregnancy and limited access to reliable health information continue to grow. A three-day creative workshop held in Sorsogon City brought together 25 to 30 students aged 10 to 19 from across the province, equipping them with tools to design and disseminate youth-centered communication materials. The initiative reflects a broader shift toward engaging young people not just as…

Province targets governance reforms and consistent classroom standards under proposed legislation TORONTO — April 13, 2026 The Ontario government has introduced sweeping legislation aimed at strengthening oversight of school boards, standardizing classroom resources and ensuring education funding is directed toward student achievement. The proposed Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, tabled by Education Minister Paul Calandra, seeks to address what the province describes as persistent governance failures and financial mismanagement across several school boards. The move signals a shift toward tighter provincial control and a more centralized approach to education delivery. “Ontario’s education system must remain focused on its core…

Ontario Premier emphasizes education and unity amid global tensions Statement highlights remembrance, resilience and responsibility TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford marked Yom HaShoah on April 13 with a call for renewed vigilance against antisemitism, underscoring the importance of education and collective responsibility as global conflicts continue to unfold. In a statement released Sunday evening, Ford joined Jewish communities in Ontario and worldwide in commemorating the victims of the The Holocaust, while also drawing attention to contemporary challenges tied to hate and intolerance. “Tonight at sundown, as Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day begins, we join the Jewish community here…

Proposed reforms would raise income support and extend coverage past age 65 SCARBOROUGH — The Ontario government is proposing sweeping changes to workplace injury benefits, including the first increase in income replacement rates in nearly three decades, as it seeks to strengthen financial protections for workers amid economic uncertainty. The reforms, announced April 13 by David Piccini, would raise Loss-of-Earnings (LOE) benefits provided through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to 90 per cent of a worker’s take-home pay, up from the current 85 per cent. The changes would also allow certain workers to continue receiving benefits beyond age 65…

Second Advance Track Signals Sharper Focus Ahead of May 8 Album Release Montreal-based teenage punk trio General Chaos are doubling down on urgency and control with their latest single, “The Idiots Have Taken Over,” released April 10, 2026, via Stomp Records. The track serves as the second advance offering from their forthcoming album Can’t Please ’Em All, due out May 8, and marks a stylistic shift that underscores the band’s rapid artistic growth. Built around a steady, mid-tempo groove, the song trades the raw speed of earlier material for a more deliberate and weighty approach. Driven by sharp downstrokes and…

Province calls tariffs unjustified as cross-border trade tensions persist Ministers say removal of duties key to affordability, supply chains and economic stability Toronto — The Ontario government is renewing its call for the complete elimination of U.S. duties on Canadian softwood lumber, even as early signals from American regulators suggest a possible reduction in tariff rates later this year. In a joint statement released Thursday, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products Kevin Holland, Minister of Natural Resources Mike Harris, and Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli responded to a preliminary indication from the U.S. Department…

Proposed one-year program aims to address teacher shortages and reduce tuition burden The Ontario government is preparing legislation that would significantly overhaul teacher education, compressing the current two-year program into a single year in an effort to reduce costs for students and accelerate the entry of new teachers into classrooms. Announced April 10 by Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, the proposal would restructure teacher education into a 12-month program delivered over three consecutive semesters. The change is expected to save students up to $3,000 in tuition while helping address ongoing demand for qualified K-12 educators…

Province shifts focus from supervised consumption to treatment-based care KINGSTON, Ont. — The Ontario government will close the province’s last remaining provincially funded drug injection site in Kingston and replace it with a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub, marking a significant shift in its approach to addiction services toward treatment and recovery. The transition, announced by the Ministry of Health on April 10, will see the current site cease operations on Sept. 30, 2026, with the new HART Hub opening the following day to ensure uninterrupted care. The move is part of the province’s broader strategy to…

Core Express Suspended, Reduced Frequency on Key Routes Prince Albert transit riders are facing temporary service disruptions as the city adjusts operations on several bus routes, with officials urging commuters to plan ahead and monitor updates closely. The changes, effective April 10, 2026, include the full suspension of the Core Express service for the day, alongside reduced frequency on both the East Hill and All Day routes. The adjustments appear to be short-term, though no definitive timeline has been provided for a return to normal operations. Hourly Service Introduced for East Hill and All Day Routes Under the temporary schedule,…

All Scheduled Routes to Return to Normal Operations on April 10 Prince Albert Transit will return to its regular operating schedule on Friday, April 10, restoring full service across all scheduled routes after a temporary disruption, according to an update released Thursday by municipal transit officials. The return to standard operations means commuters in Prince Albert can expect all regularly scheduled transit routes to resume service as normal beginning Friday morning, providing relief for residents who may have experienced altered schedules or limited service during the temporary adjustment period. Transit officials said the regular operating schedule will remain in place…