Author: Sophie Mitchell

TORONTO — Ontario is investing $3 million in 75 projects aimed at strengthening Francophone communities across the province, with funding directed toward cultural initiatives, French-language services, workforce development and new economic opportunities. The investment, delivered through the province’s 2026-27 Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP), will support organizations working to expand community services, train employees, improve outreach and create employment opportunities. The provincial government said the projects are intended to reinforce the social, cultural and economic vitality of Ontario’s Francophone population while improving access to services in French. “Our government is investing in the people, businesses and organizations that are driving…

Edmonton-area heavy rock band Famous Strangers has released its debut self-titled album, marking a major milestone for the Alberta group after three years of writing, experimentation and musical development. The seven-track record combines elements of grunge, punk, blues, classic metal and contemporary heavy rock, while exploring themes including self-worth, personal growth, vulnerability and resilience. The release is accompanied by a new rehearsal video for “Fire Inside,” one of the album’s key tracks. Famous Strangers Builds Debut Around Growth and Self-Worth The album represents the culmination of material developed across different stages of the musicians’ careers. Some guitar riffs had remained…

Ontario is committing nearly $75 million to training and workforce development programs aimed at strengthening staffing across the province’s long-term care sector, as demand for skilled health-care professionals continues to rise alongside an aging population. The funding, announced in Ottawa on August 21, will support thousands of students and existing workers over the next three years, with investments targeting personal support workers, registered practical nurses and registered nurses. “Our government is protecting our long-term care system by adding skilled, qualified care providers to the workforce,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Ontario’s investments in training will prepare thousands of…

Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner has scheduled a mandatory inquest into the deaths of four men who died while in custody or following transfers to hospital from the Toronto South Detention Centre. The proceedings examining the deaths of Anton Chadide-Yamine, Anthony Chatzimanolakis, Darrell Harper and Robert Quinn will begin at 9:30 a.m. on September 14, 2026. The inquest is expected to run for approximately 10 days and hear evidence from about 16 witnesses. The Ministry of the Solicitor General announced the date on August 20 through Dr. Richard Wells, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Toronto West Region. Inquest to…

NORTH GRENVILLE, Ont. — August 20, 2026 — Ontario is investing $865,000 in the Ontario Woodlot Association (OWA) to expand markets for forest biomass, improve management of privately owned forests and create new supply chains for underused wood and mill by-products. The provincial government says the investment is designed to strengthen Ontario’s forest sector while creating new revenue opportunities for private landowners. The initiative will test a business model that could double sustainable harvesting from private forests over the next 10 to 15 years. “Ontario is a G7 forestry leader, with forest products backed by world-class sustainable forest management,” said…

The Ontario government is investing $9.8 million to establish a new millwright training centre in Port Hope, a project expected to train 2,550 apprentices, journeypersons and new entrants over the next five years as the province works to address growing demand for skilled trades workers. Announced on August 20, the investment is being provided through Ontario’s Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream. The nearly 45,000-square-foot facility will focus on preparing workers for jobs across the energy, manufacturing, construction and industrial sectors, where millwrights play a key role in installing, maintaining and repairing machinery. New Port Hope Training Centre to Expand…

The City of Cambridge is pressing the Ontario government for greater support on mental health and addictions treatment, critical flood infrastructure and new municipal privacy requirements following a series of meetings with provincial officials at the 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario Annual Conference. Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett and senior municipal officials used the Ottawa conference to advocate for provincial action on issues the city says carry significant implications for public safety, municipal finances and economic development. The city’s priorities included sustained addictions and mental health care, cost-sharing for the Riverside Dam and efficient implementation of privacy requirements under Bill…

Two prominent figures in contemporary literature will share the stage in Toronto this September as bestselling author Jodi Picoult joins Canadian writer Margaret Atwood for a special conversation at TD Music Hall. Presented by Massey Hall, the event will take place on September 9, 2026, at 7 p.m. at TD Music Hall, 178 Victoria Street in downtown Toronto. Award-winning author and veteran broadcast journalist Carol Off will moderate the discussion, which coincides with Picoult’s promotion of her new novel, Hollow Bones. Tickets go on sale August 21 at 10 a.m. ET, with every ticket purchase including a copy of the…

Halifax singer-songwriter Linda MacLeod is opening a new chapter in a music career spanning six decades with the release of “I Tried to Get Through,” the first single from her forthcoming album, The Well Known Unknown. The 75-year-old Cape Breton-born artist has continued writing and performing through decades of changes in both her personal life and the Canadian music industry. Her latest recording puts renewed focus on a career that began during childhood and has included radio, television, live performance and recording work across Nova Scotia. Linda MacLeod Builds on Six Decades in Canadian Music MacLeod grew up on Cape…

Prime Video has unveiled the first official teaser trailer and key art for the second season of The Terminal List, confirming that the action-thriller starring Chris Pratt will return globally on October 21, 2026. All eight episodes of the new season will become available on the same day in more than 240 countries and territories. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, MRC and Civic Center Media, the series expands the story of Navy SEAL Commander James Reece into a broader international espionage thriller. The return follows the global performance of the franchise, which Prime Video says has accumulated more than 100…