Author: Sophie Mitchell

Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner has scheduled an inquest into the death of Tyson Demers, a 26-year-old who died in hospital after being transferred from the Niagara Detention Centre. The proceeding will examine the circumstances surrounding Demers’ death and could result in recommendations intended to prevent similar deaths in the future. The inquest is expected to run for six days and hear testimony from approximately five witnesses. Inquest to Examine Circumstances Surrounding Demers’ Death Dr. Karen Schiff, Regional Supervising Coroner for the West Region’s Hamilton Office, announced that the inquest will begin at 9:30 a.m. on September 28. Murray…

Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner has scheduled an inquest into the death of Regis Paquet, a 29-year-old woman who died in Toronto in May 2020 following an interaction with officers from the Toronto Police Service. The proceedings are scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. on October 13, 2026, and are expected to run for 14 days. Approximately 15 witnesses are expected to provide evidence as the inquest examines the circumstances surrounding Paquet’s death. Inquest to Examine Circumstances Surrounding 2020 Death Dr. Richard Wells, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Toronto West Region, announced the date for the inquest. Paquet, a…

TORONTO — Ontario has recognized 14 residents for leadership and contributions spanning racial equity, mental health research, Indigenous creative writing, accessibility and civic education at the province’s annual Lieutenant Governors’ Legacy Awards. The awards, presented at the Art Gallery of Ontario, honour the legacies of five former lieutenant governors: Lincoln M. Alexander, Hilary M. Weston, James Bartleman, David C. Onley and Elizabeth Dowdeswell. Each program recognizes individuals whose work has contributed to communities and public life across Ontario. “So many of today’s recipients are people who are already leading with purpose, in their schools, their communities and their fields of…

Ontario is investing more than $20 million to rebuild and modernize two key wildland firefighting bases in Northwestern Ontario, part of a broader effort to strengthen emergency response capacity as the province faces increasingly demanding fire seasons. The Vedette and Socket Lake Forward Attack Bases will receive upgrades designed to improve the deployment of firefighters, equipment and aircraft. The facilities serve as strategically positioned response hubs, allowing provincial crews to operate closer to active wildland fires and reach affected communities more quickly. Vedette and Socket Lake Bases to Be Modernized Construction is already underway at both forward attack bases, with…

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is positioning the province as a destination for international capital as global business leaders gather for the first Canada Investment Summit, with the provincial government highlighting opportunities across energy, mining, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. Ford said the two-day summit will give Ontario an opportunity to strengthen relationships with international investors and promote major projects that the government says could attract tens of billions of dollars in investment. Ford Targets International Investment at Canada Investment Summit The premier said he plans to meet business leaders from several major international markets during the summit as Ontario seeks…

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a message recognizing Rosh Hashanah, highlighting the contributions of Jewish communities across the province and reaffirming the Ontario government’s commitment to religious freedom and community safety. The statement from the Premier’s Office marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and the start of a period that includes the High Holidays. Ford emphasized themes of reflection, faith and community while extending his wishes for the year ahead. Ford Recognizes Beginning of Jewish New Year In his statement, Ford noted that Jewish families throughout Ontario would observe Rosh Hashanah through gatherings at home,…

The Deathray Davies are continuing their post-hiatus comeback with “Red Lights,” the first single from their forthcoming album LAMPSHADE EARTHQUAKE MICROPHONE, scheduled for release Nov. 6 through Having Fun / We Are Busy Bodies. The 13-track record combines psychedelic pop, garage rock and indie rock with experimental studio techniques, while revisiting material that originated during recording sessions nearly two decades ago. The project follows Time Well Wasted, the band’s 2021 release that marked its return after a 15-year hiatus. New Album Revisits Recordings Started in 2006 While LAMPSHADE EARTHQUAKE MICROPHONE represents the latest chapter for The Deathray Davies, much of…

Amazon MGM Studios celebrated the world premiere of Love Of Your Life at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre on Sept. 13, bringing director Rachel Morrison and members of the film’s cast and creative team to the city for the International Film Festival. The romantic drama, starring Margaret Qualley alongside Aaron Pierre, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Gabriel Basso and Catherine Keener, is scheduled to open in select theatres on Oct. 7 before becoming available globally on Prime Video on Oct. 14. ‘Love Of Your Life’ Makes World Premiere in Toronto The Toronto premiere brought together several of the film’s leading cast members, including Qualley,…

Canadian rumba flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook will release his new album, past the breakwater, on Sept. 18 through Coach House Music, distributed by Believe, as the veteran musician prepares for an extensive North American tour stretching into 2027. The 10-track album follows the singles “forever” and “you were looking north” and finds the Paris-born, Toronto-raised guitarist moving further toward his jazz influences. Cook’s Forever Live Tour begins Sept. 19 in Quebec and includes a major Ontario appearance at Casino Rama in Orillia on Nov. 27. ‘past the breakwater’ Draws on Cook’s Jazz Influences Cook has spent three decades blending flamenco…

West Coast hip-hop artist ALPHA CENTAURI has released his debut album, The Future Right Now, through Rogue Planet, capping a five-year development period that included six advance singles and a growing slate of live performances across Western Canada. The 10-track record combines hip-hop with funk, Afrobeat and jazz influences and was recorded live with an eight-piece band. The album follows singles “Never Be,” “Grow,” “Get Your Money Up,” “I’ll Fly,” “Higher Up” and “We Rise.” From Zimbabwean Law Career to Music ALPHA CENTAURI’s path into professional music began far from Canada’s live music circuit. Trained and licensed as a lawyer…