Author: Sophie Mitchell

Province Introduces Legislation to Extend Workplace Insurance Protections Across Residential Care Sector The Ontario government has introduced proposed legislation that would expand mandatory Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage to an estimated 29,000 additional frontline care workers employed in privately operated residential care facilities, retirement homes and group homes, in a move aimed at closing long-standing protection gaps across the sector. If passed, the legislation would require all privately operated residential care facilities in the province to provide WSIB coverage for eligible workers, aligning them with publicly operated facilities where similar protections are already mandatory. The government said the…

Free summer concert series to return to Del Crary Park from June through August Peterborough Musicfest has unveiled the first two performances of its 39th season, with Canadian rock veteran Gowan and party band Dwayne Gretzky set to headline early dates at the long-running free-admission festival in Peterborough, Ontario. The festival said Gowan will return to the Fred Anderson Stage for opening night on Saturday, June 27, marking his fourth appearance at the event. Dwayne Gretzky will follow on Wednesday, July 29, for what will be the group’s sixth performance at the festival. Both concerts will be held at Del…

Core Express Suspended and Other Routes to Start Later Following Severe Weather Conditions Prince Albert Transit will delay the start of bus services on Wednesday morning as a continuing snowstorm disrupts transportation operations across the city, with the municipality confirming that its Core Express route will remain out of service for the day. In an operational update issued Tuesday, transit officials said all remaining routes will begin service at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, as crews continue responding to the impact of the storm. Weather Disruption Forces Service Adjustments The temporary changes come as winter weather continues to affect…

Mission Memorial Hospital to Operate Emergency Department on Limited Schedule During Daytime Hours Mission Memorial Hospital will continue operating its Emergency Department on reduced daytime hours through May 4 as Fraser Health extends temporary service changes tied to staffing constraints and ongoing redevelopment of the facility. From April 7 to May 4, the Emergency Department at Mission Memorial Hospital will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., according to Fraser Health. The health authority said the temporary schedule is intended “to support the community with safe, consistent access to emergency care aligned with available staffing.” After 5:00 p.m., emergency-trained…

Ontario coroner says mandatory proceeding will examine circumstances surrounding 2020 death in Elliot Lake Jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing future deaths SUDBURY, Ontario — An inquest will be held into the death of Robert Shane Rhodes, a 49-year-old man who died following an interaction with Ontario Provincial Police officers in Elliot Lake, the Ministry of the Solicitor General announced Monday. Dr. Harry Voogjarv, regional supervising coroner for Ontario’s North Region based in the Sudbury Office, said the inquest has been formally called under the province’s Coroners Act. “An inquest will be held into the death of Robert Shane…

Microsoft Investment to Boost Ontario’s Cloud Capacity and Create 1,250 Jobs Province Says Expansion Strengthens Ontario’s Position in Canada’s Digital Economy VAUGHAN, Ont. — Microsoft is moving ahead with a major expansion of its cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Ontario as part of its previously announced $19 billion commitment to Canada, a move the provincial government says will strengthen Ontario’s digital economy and create 1,250 jobs. The multi-billion-dollar investment will expand Microsoft’s cloud and AI infrastructure footprint across the province, significantly increasing Ontario’s computing capacity and supporting the growing demand for data processing, AI applications and cloud services. The…

Vancouver metal festival set for April 16–18 will feature Sanctuary, Edge of Paradise, Atavistia and more before planned indefinite hiatus Organizers position 2026 event as potential final opportunity for fans to attend VANCOUVER — Hyperspace Metal Festival has released the official Spotify preview playlist for its 2026 lineup as organizers prepare for what may be the final edition of the Vancouver-based melodic and power metal event before an indefinite hiatus. The three-day festival, branded as HYPERSPACE METALFEST VII, will take place April 16 and 17 at The Cobalt in Vancouver, with the closing night scheduled for April 18 at the…

Laurentis Energy Partners funding to support new gamma camera at Lakeridge Health Oshawa Investment expected to improve early cancer detection for more than 6,000 patients annually OSHAWA, Ont. — The Ontario government says a $250,000 donation from Laurentis Energy Partners will help expand access to advanced cancer diagnostic imaging in Durham Region through the purchase of a new gamma camera for Lakeridge Health Oshawa. The funding, to be provided over five years, will support acquisition of the diagnostic imaging device, which uses medical isotopes to detect and monitor cancer and other serious illnesses. Provincial officials say the equipment will assist…

Province Expands Mental Health and Addictions Network With New Bells Corners Facility The Ontario government has opened a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Bells Corners, expanding mental health and addictions services in west Ottawa as part of a provincewide initiative to increase treatment access and improve community safety. The new facility is one of 28 HART Hubs being rolled out across Ontario under the province’s nearly $550 million investment in homelessness, mental health and addiction recovery supports. The hubs are designed to provide integrated care for individuals experiencing housing instability, mental health concerns and substance use…

Province Funds New 12-Bed Emergency Shelter and Support Hub in Lindsay Ontario Invests $850,000 Through Homelessness Prevention Program The Ontario government has announced the opening of a new emergency shelter and supportive housing facility in Kawartha Lakes, marking the latest investment in provincial efforts to address homelessness and expand housing supports for vulnerable residents. The new Integrated Care Hub, located at 22 Peel Street in Lindsay, officially opened Tuesday with provincial funding of $850,000. The 12-bed emergency shelter is designed to provide temporary accommodation and wraparound support services for people experiencing homelessness in the region. The project is funded through…