Author: Sophie Mitchell

Muscat-based visual artist reflects on faith, community, and simplicity through ink illustrations As the rhythms of daily life resume following Ramadan and Eid celebrations, a Muscat-based artist is offering a contemplative lens on the Holy Month through a series of monochrome illustrations that capture its quieter, more intimate moments. Rachel Eapen, a visual artist and conceptual photographer, has created a body of work that documents the spiritual and communal essence of Ramadan. Rendered in fine-liner pen, her sketches focus on scenes of devotion, generosity, and familial connection—elements that often recede as the festive period concludes. A visual archive of Ramadan’s…

Proposed “strong chair” powers and council reductions aim to accelerate housing and cut municipal costs TORONTO — Ontario government tables Better Regional Governance Act, 2026 The Ontario government has introduced new legislation aimed at reshaping how regional governments operate across several of the province’s fastest-growing areas, with a focus on speeding up decision-making, reducing costs and supporting housing and infrastructure development. The proposed Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, tabled Thursday, would grant the province expanded authority over upper-tier municipal leadership and restructure council compositions in select regions. The move reflects Queen’s Park’s broader push to align local governance more closely…

Industry Leaders Welcome USTR’s Spotlight on Export Barriers ARLINGTON, Va. — U.S. dairy industry leaders are welcoming renewed attention from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on trade barriers affecting American dairy exports, following the release of the 2026 National Trade Estimate (NTE) report. In a joint statement, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), and the Consortium for Common Food Names commended the administration for identifying ongoing challenges in global dairy markets and pursuing reciprocal trade negotiations to address them. The groups emphasized that exports play a critical role in sustaining…

Nonprofits warn ruling could undermine public health protections and state authority WASHINGTON, D.C. — A coalition of consumer advocacy, public health, and environmental organizations is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reject an effort by pesticide manufacturer Monsanto to limit its liability over cancer-related warnings tied to its flagship herbicide, Roundup. In a legal brief filed this week in the case Monsanto v. Durnell, the groups argue that granting the company immunity would weaken longstanding state-level protections designed to inform the public about potential health risks. The coalition, represented by the Center for Food Safety (CFS), contends that state warning…

Provincial rate reduction aims to ease cost pressures and support reinvestment Measure would lower small business tax rate to 2.2% over three years UXBRIDGE, Ont. — The Ontario government has unveiled plans to cut small business corporate income taxes by $1.1 billion over three years, a move aimed at strengthening competitiveness and helping firms weather ongoing economic uncertainty. The proposal, outlined in the province’s 2026 budget, would reduce the small business corporate income tax rate from 3.2 per cent to 2.2 per cent — a 31.25 per cent decrease. If passed, the measure is expected to benefit more than 375,000…

Staffing pressures prompt temporary service adjustment in Fraser Health region Community urged to use alternative care options during evening hours SURREY, B.C. — Fraser Health has extended temporary reduced operating hours at Mission Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department through April 6, citing ongoing staffing constraints and the need to maintain safe and consistent patient care. The Emergency Department will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. between April 1 and April 6. Health officials say the adjustment is designed to align available staffing resources with patient care demands while minimizing disruptions to essential services. After 5:00 p.m., emergency-trained nurses will…

Ontario Reaffirms Commitment to Religious Freedom Amid Rising Antisemitism Statement Highlights Cultural Significance of Passover and Government Support for Jewish Communities TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford marked the beginning of Passover with a message বুধবার emphasizing faith, resilience and the province’s commitment to protecting religious freedom, as Jewish communities in Ontario and around the world begin the eight-day observance. In a statement released Tuesday by the Premier’s Office, Ford acknowledged the cultural and spiritual importance of the holiday while also addressing broader concerns about rising antisemitism globally. “As the sun sets this evening, the Jewish community in Ontario and…

Province aims to connect all residents to a family doctor by 2029 New compensation model and incentives target doctor shortages and patient access TORONTO — The Ontario government has launched a new phase of its health-care strategy, implementing a province-wide agreement designed to improve access to primary care and attract more physicians, with the goal of connecting every resident to a family doctor or primary care provider by 2029. The initiative centres on the 2024–28 Physician Services Agreement, which took effect April 1 and introduces enhanced compensation, expanded incentives, and structural changes intended to strengthen the province’s primary care system.…

High Ground Hikes and Emergency Drills Aim to Strengthen Coastal Readiness The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is urging residents across Vancouver Island’s west coast to take part in a series of emergency preparedness exercises scheduled for mid-April, as part of Tsunami Preparedness Week 2026. Running from April 13 to 17, the initiative includes four coordinated exercises designed to test warning systems and improve public readiness in the event of a tsunami. Central to the programme are three “High Ground Hikes,” which encourage residents to practise evacuation routes and understand how to respond during a real emergency. Local officials say the…

$30-Million Investment Aims to Strengthen Economic Growth and Workforce Mobility Expanded Ontario Transit Investment Fund to Support Local Transit Solutions Through 2026 LONDON, ON — The Ontario government is doubling its annual funding for a key transit programme aimed at rural and underserved communities, positioning the move as part of a broader strategy to strengthen economic growth, improve labour mobility, and enhance access to essential services. Under the 2026 provincial budget, the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) will increase from $5 million to $10 million annually over the next three years, bringing the total investment to $30 million. The funding…