Author: Sophie Mitchell

Ottawa is preparing to mark a major milestone in 2026, unveiling a sweeping, year-long program of cultural events and public installations to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Bytown’s founding. The capital will celebrate the bicentennial of September 26, 1826 — the date that marked the establishment of the logging settlement that would eventually become Ottawa — with a calendar of festivals, exhibitions and performances running from March through December 2026. Organizers say the initiative will spotlight both the city’s historical roots and its contemporary creative economy under the theme “Celebrate Together.” The program spans music, visual arts, Indigenous storytelling, culinary…

TORONTO — Ontario families can drop a line without dropping a dime this Family Day weekend, as the provincial government waives fishing licence and Outdoors Card requirements from Feb. 14 to 16. The Ministry of Natural Resources announced the annual free fishing period on Wednesday, positioning the initiative as both a family-friendly winter activity and a boost to the province’s outdoor recreation economy. “Family Day weekend is a perfect time for families to get outdoors and enjoy ice fishing here in Ontario,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “Whether you’re a seasoned angler or it’s your first time ice…

WASHINGTON — Two U.S.-based conservation organizations have launched a lawsuit aimed at compelling federal regulators to finalize long-delayed protections for monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), arguing that further inaction heightens the risk of extinction for one of North America’s most recognized pollinators. The Center for Biological Diversity and the Center for Food Safety filed suit Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The groups are seeking a court order that would set a binding deadline for the agency to complete the monarch’s listing process. The…

TORONTO — The Ontario government will inject $6.4 billion in new funding into the province’s postsecondary sector over four years, alongside sweeping changes to tuition rules and student aid, in what it calls a long-term plan to stabilize colleges and universities facing mounting financial pressure. The investment, announced Thursday by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, will raise annual operating funding to $7 billion — a 30 per cent increase and the highest level in Ontario’s history — beginning in the 2026 fall term. The province says the reforms respond to “unprecedented pressures” on institutions, including reduced…

ARLINGTON, Va. — A senior U.S. dairy industry representative is calling on lawmakers to strengthen enforcement of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as the pact heads into a mandatory joint review in 2026, warning that unresolved trade barriers threaten export growth critical to American producers. Ted Vander Schaaf, an Idaho dairy farmer and board member of the Northwest Dairy Association, testified before the Senate Finance Committee on the importance of the trilateral agreement and the need for reforms to ensure it delivers on its original commitments. The Northwest Dairy Association owns Darigold and, along with the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, is…

WINNIPEG, Man. — Scientists studying the future of Lake Winnipeg will soon have access to critical new data as a University of Winnipeg researcher embarks on groundbreaking work examining viruses that infect microalgae in the lake. Dr. Emily Chase, a professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Winnipeg, is the first scientist to investigate algal viruses in Lake Winnipeg. Her research aims to fill a significant knowledge gap in understanding the lake’s ecosystem and improve climate change modelling for one of Canada’s largest freshwater bodies. “It’s a new frontier,” said Dr. Emily Chase, “so everything that we…

MONTREAL — Prime Video will premiere its latest Canadian original, Vitrerie Joyal (The Glass House), on May 1, marking another high-profile domestic production for the global streaming platform. The six-part limited series, created by Quebec comedian and producer Martin Matte, will debut internationally as the closing night gala selection at Series Mania in Lille, France, on March 27. The period comedy-drama, directed by Guillaume Lonergan (Empathie, Audrey est revenue), was announced Wednesday as the festival’s official closing title — a marquee slot that signals growing international attention for Canadian French-language productions. “Martin and the team at Encore have created a…

PORT HOPE, Ont. — Ontario has taken a significant step toward what it says will become the world’s largest nuclear generating station, signing a partnership agreement with the Municipality of Port Hope to advance new nuclear development at the Wesleyville site. The agreement between the province, Ontario Power Generation and the municipality sets the framework for collaboration as the proposed project moves into the federal impact assessment process. The development is expected to support 10,500 jobs across the province, including 1,700 in Port Hope, and contribute an estimated $235 billion to Ontario’s GDP over its lifespan. The announcement was made…

WOODBRIDGE, Ont. — The Ontario government is committing $20 million to protect species at risk and restore critical habitats across the province, quadrupling previous funding levels and expanding the scope of community-led conservation work. The investment, delivered through the newly established Species Conservation Program, will fund 46 projects this year, including 15 new initiatives and 31 multi-year efforts. The program replaces the former Species at Risk Stewardship Program and introduces expanded eligibility, including funding for land securement to protect ecologically significant areas. “Under the new Species Conservation Program, Ontario has quadrupled its investment in species conservation, expanding the impact of…

Vancouver Island’s summer live music calendar is getting a heavy boost in 2026, as Mosh the Rock Island MetalFest announced a full-day outdoor event in Sooke, B.C., featuring a mix of international, national and regional metal acts. The all-ages festival will take place Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Fred Milne Park, with organizers positioning it as a family-friendly event that blends live performances with food, vendors and a licensed beer garden in a coastal setting. With gates opening at 11:00 a.m. and the first band set to start at 12:00 p.m., the festival is expected to draw fans from across…