Author: Sophie Mitchell

Florida’s underground metal festival invites applications ahead of April deadline TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Death Fest (TDF), a growing fixture in the global extreme metal circuit, has opened band submissions for its 2026 lineup, as organizers prepare for another year of programming that highlights both emerging and established acts in the genre. The festival, which will mark its eighth year, is scheduled to take place over two nights on September 5 and 6 at the Brass Mug in Tampa Bay, Florida. Known for its focus on uncompromising extreme metal, the event continues to position itself as a platform for diverse…

Montreal literary festival returns with 150+ participants and a focus on connection Montreal will once again host one of North America’s largest multilingual literary gatherings this spring, as the Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival returns for its 28th edition with a timely theme centred on communication and understanding. Running from April 23 to April 26, 2026, with online programming beginning April 13, the festival will bring together more than 150 authors, journalists, translators and cultural figures from Quebec, across Canada and around the world. Organizers say the event will feature 110 sessions spanning nine languages, reinforcing its role as a…

Ontario Premier acknowledges Muslim community contributions and global concerns Statement highlights celebration, compassion and ongoing hardships TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford extended his greetings to Muslims across the province and around the world on Thursday, marking the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with a message that balanced celebration with recognition of global challenges. In a statement released by the Premier’s Office on March 19, Ford underscored the cultural and social significance of the holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. “Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of the Breaking The Fast, is a time of celebration…

Seasonal Freeze-Thaw Cycle Takes Toll on Road Infrastructure As winter loosens its grip and temperatures begin to climb, residents in Prince Albert are encountering a familiar and frustrating sign of spring: a growing number of potholes across city streets. The seasonal transition, marked by melting snow and fluctuating temperatures, is contributing to deteriorating road conditions and prompting increased maintenance efforts by municipal crews. City officials say the issue is not unusual for this time of year, particularly following winters characterized by repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles. These temperature swings play a significant role in weakening pavement integrity, creating hazardous driving conditions for…

Mandatory Coroner’s Review to Examine Circumstances Surrounding 2021 Death Jury May Recommend Measures to Prevent Future Deaths An inquest has been formally announced into the death of Dwane Stec, a 49-year-old man who died while in the custody of the Ottawa Police Service in early 2021, according to Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General. Dr. Louise McNaughton-Filion, Regional Supervising Coroner for the East Region based in Ottawa, confirmed that the proceeding will move forward under the province’s Coroners Act, which requires inquests in cases involving deaths occurring in custody. “Dr. Louise McNaughton-Filion, Regional Supervising Coroner, East Region, Ottawa Office, has…

Event expected to generate over $1 million in economic impact for South Central Ontario The Ontario government has committed $325,000 to support the City of Orillia’s successful bid to host the 2028 Ontario 55+ Winter Games, positioning the region to benefit from increased tourism and economic activity tied to one of the province’s premier multi-sport events for older adults. The funding, announced by the Ministry of Sport on March 19, 2026, is part of a broader provincial strategy to strengthen local economies by attracting visitors and expanding domestic sport tourism. The Games are expected to draw up to 1,000 athletes…

Provincial funding targets exploration, job creation and economic growth in northern communities SUDBURY — The Ontario government is investing in 68 early-stage mineral exploration projects as part of a broader push to strengthen domestic supply chains, support job creation and position the province as a global leader in critical minerals development. Announced Thursday, the funding will be delivered through the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP), supporting junior mining companies and licensed prospectors in identifying new mineral deposits. The province estimates the initiative will support 71 jobs across northern and rural communities while generating approximately $18 million in economic output. The…

Vancouver metal band signals next phase with “Defenders” and international distribution deal VANCOUVER — Canadian heavy metal band Iron Kingdom is set to release its sixth studio album, Shadows and Dust, on June 6, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the independent act as it expands its global reach through a new partnership with France-based Steel Shark Records. The Vancouver-based group has unveiled “Defenders,” the first single and accompanying music video from the upcoming album, offering an early glimpse into a project that blends historical themes with personal storytelling. The release also signals the band’s continued evolution in both sound…

Government boosts funding to $3.4 billion as patient attachment targets surpass expectations TORONTO — Ontario is moving ahead with a major expansion of its primary care strategy, announcing plans to implement a provincewide medical record system while increasing total funding for its Primary Care Action Plan to $3.4 billion through 2029. The initiative, unveiled Thursday by the Ministry of Health, is part of a broader effort to ensure every Ontarian is connected to a family doctor or primary care provider by the end of the decade. The new digital system is expected to streamline patient information sharing, reduce administrative burdens…

Civil liberties group intervenes in challenge tied to Quebec’s Bill 21 Case could redefine judicial oversight when governments invoke Charter override Ottawa — The BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) is set to appear before the Supreme Court of Canada later this month in a closely watched constitutional case that could reshape how governments use the notwithstanding clause. The hearing, scheduled for March 23–26, 2025, centres on English School Board of Montreal et al v Attorney General of Quebec, a case widely expected to clarify the scope and limits of the Charter’s override provision. Proceedings will take place at the Supreme…