Author: Sophie Mitchell

Prime Video has released the first images from Bloodaxe, a new historical action drama from Vikings creator Michael Hirst and Horatio Hirst, offering an early look at a series centred on the rise of Norse ruler Erik Bloodaxe and the struggle for control of Norway. The eight-episode first season will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories. A premiere date has not yet been announced. The streaming service has already renewed the series for a second season, which is currently in production in Ireland. Bloodaxe Explores the Rise of Erik Bloodaxe Set against a period…

TORONTO — Ontario has paused all Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) payments linked to private postsecondary institutions while an independent audit examines concerns about the integrity of applications in the sector. The province said on Tuesday that preliminary findings from an ongoing review by KPMG have raised concerns involving student validation, enrolment verification, institutional ownership structures and the geographic concentration of OSAP applications. The matter has also been referred to the Ontario Provincial Police, while the Auditor General has been notified. Province Expands Review of Private Postsecondary Institutions The announcement was made in a statement by Ontario’s Minister of Colleges,…

MONTREAL — The Cole Foundation is awarding $295,000 to 16 theatre companies and projects across Greater Montreal through its Intercultural Conversations–Conversations Interculturelles grant program, supporting productions that explore cultural identity, Indigenous perspectives and dialogue between communities. The latest funding round will support theatrical work during the 2026-27 season, including money for post-show audience discussions designed to extend conversations raised on stage. The program provides grants for the commissioning, production and translation of eligible professional theatre projects. Now in its 18th year, the initiative was created to encourage professional theatre that introduces Montreal audiences to different cultural heritages while creating opportunities…

Ontario is expanding its emergency preparedness network by adding Waste to Resource Ontario (W2RO) as the latest partner in Ontario Corps, bringing specialized waste management and resource recovery expertise to the province’s disaster response capabilities. The Ontario government announced the partnership on Oct. 6, saying W2RO will provide technical knowledge and industry coordination before, during and after emergencies ranging from floods and fires to hazardous material spills. The move is intended to improve how communities manage debris and waste following major incidents. Waste Management Expertise Added to Ontario Corps Emergency events can generate large volumes of damaged materials, organic debris…

The governments of Ontario and Canada are investing more than $203,000 to help steel and manufacturing workers in Hamilton develop new skills and move into in-demand careers as the sector faces pressure from U.S. tariffs and broader global trade uncertainty. The $203,735 investment, announced Oct. 6, will support 75 workers and jobseekers through the Skill Pathways for Work project, delivered by Learning Connections Hamilton. Funding is being provided through Skills Advance Ontario as part of the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response. Training Targets Workers Affected by Steel Sector Disruptions The program will provide participants with skills assessments, individualized training plans, digital…

Ontario’s nuclear supply chain is set to play a central role in a new energy project in New Brunswick, with BWXT Canada selected to fabricate and deploy advanced reactor technology for what is planned to become Canada’s first Transportable Nuclear Power Plant. The 50-megawatt Indigenous-led pilot project in Belledune, New Brunswick, is expected to create more than 150 jobs during development and approximately 40 permanent positions once operational. The facility is designed to provide reliable baseload electricity for as many as 40,000 homes. Ontario Nuclear Expertise to Support New Brunswick Energy Project Ontario Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce and…

The Ontario government is investing $38 million to create 1,504 additional student seats at Trent University, expanding capacity in programs tied to some of the province’s most pressing labour-market needs. The Peterborough university will add places primarily in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, along with health, education and other employment-focused programs. The funding forms part of Ontario’s broader $1.7-billion plan to support more than 70,000 additional postsecondary seats across publicly assisted colleges and universities. Trent University Expansion Targets In-Demand Careers The new seats are expected to become available beginning with the fall 2026 academic year. Of the 1,504 positions funded…

Ontario is committing $100 million through the Building Ontario Fund to support a major expansion at Trent University in Peterborough, including two new student residences, additional classrooms and lecture halls. The project is expected to add housing for 1,400 students while expanding the university’s academic capacity. The provincial financing is part of a broader $384 million package involving Trent University, the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) and developer Knightstone Capital Management. New Residences to Add 1,400 Student Beds in Peterborough The project will deliver Gidigaa Migizi College and Otonabee College on the East Bank of Trent University’s Symons Campus.…

Ontario is moving ahead with another major expansion of Highway 400, awarding a detailed design contract for an 11-kilometre stretch that will widen the highway from six to 10 lanes between Highway 9 and the future Bradford Bypass, also known as Highway 425. The project is intended to increase capacity along one of the province’s busiest transportation and commercial corridors, while improving traffic flow for commuters and the movement of goods through the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. AECOM Awarded Highway 400 Design Contract AECOM has been awarded the detailed design contract for the expansion. Plans call for one additional…

Prince Albert Transit is operating all available bus routes on an hourly schedule Monday, October 5, with departure times divided between two groups of routes from the city’s downtown transfer station. The temporary operating schedule affects the West Flat, Rush Hour, All Day, East Flat, West Hill and East Hill services. The Core Express route will not operate during the day, according to the latest transit schedule issued by the City of Prince Albert. Passengers are being encouraged to check current transit information before travelling, as the schedule could be revised if operating conditions change. West Flat, Rush Hour and…