Author: Sophie Mitchell

Ontario Coroner’s Inquest Scheduled to Begin May 25 in London The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that an inquest into the death of Drew Pearson will begin later this month, with proceedings set to examine the circumstances surrounding his death following his transfer from a correctional facility in London, Ont. Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, Regional Supervising Coroner for the West Region based in London, confirmed that the inquest is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026. The proceedings will be conducted by video conference and are expected to continue for eight days. Mr. Pearson,…

Royal Columbian Hospital Introduces Publicly Funded TMS Therapy for Depression About one in five Canadians will experience clinical depression during their lifetime, creating growing demand for specialized mental health services across the country. While antidepressant medication and psychotherapy remain common forms of treatment, some patients continue to struggle with symptoms despite multiple interventions. In response to that need, the Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre at Royal Columbian Hospital has introduced transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive treatment designed for people living with treatment-resistant depression. The program was made possible through funding from the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation and…

Ontario leaders unite behind Toronto as preferred home for new multilateral defence financing institution TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford has intensified efforts to secure Toronto as the headquarters for the newly created Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB), positioning the city as Canada’s strongest candidate to host the international institution focused on defence financing, supply chain resilience and security-related investments. Ford was joined Tuesday by representatives from the finance, defence, manufacturing, research and academic sectors, alongside municipal, provincial and federal political leaders, to promote Toronto’s bid following Canada’s selection as the host country for the DSRB. The province argues…

Province backs $191 million upgrade project aimed at protecting jobs and expanding wood-product manufacturing ENGLEHART, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $10 million to support a major modernization project at Georgia-Pacific North Woods’ oriented strand board (OSB) facility in Englehart, a move the province says will help strengthen Ontario’s forestry sector, protect regional jobs and increase production of Ontario-made wood products. The funding will support a broader $191 million expansion and upgrade initiative at the plant, which employs more than 220 workers and supports hundreds of indirect jobs across northeastern Ontario’s forestry supply chain. The investment comes as the…

Coroner’s inquest to examine circumstances surrounding 27-year-old’s death following transfer from Kenora Jail The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that an inquest into the death of Percy Adam Henry will begin on June 10, 2026, with proceedings scheduled to take place by video conference. Dr. Kevin Miller, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Northwest Region based in Thunder Bay, confirmed the date for the inquest on May 11. The hearing is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding Henry’s death and may result in recommendations intended to prevent similar deaths in the future. Percy Adam Henry, 27, died on…

Province Expands Support for Homegrown Medical Technology Companies TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $5 million through the fourth round of its Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF) to support 10 companies developing made-in-Ontario medical technologies, as the province looks to strengthen its position as a global leader in life sciences and biomanufacturing. The funding will help businesses commercialize emerging health technologies, expand operations and create high-skilled jobs across Ontario. The investment forms part of the province’s broader strategy to build a more competitive and self-reliant economy while accelerating the commercialization of innovations ranging from artificial intelligence-powered diagnostics to advanced…

New data highlights workforce retention, permanent employment and above-average earnings among graduates WINNIPEG — Graduates from the University of Winnipeg’s Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE) division are entering the workforce at high rates, earning salaries above the provincial average and remaining in Manitoba in significant numbers, according to newly released survey data. The findings, published Monday in the PACE Graduate Survey, offer a snapshot of employment and retention outcomes for graduates between 2020 and 2024. Conducted by Prairie Research Associates, the survey points to strong labour market performance among alumni at a time when Manitoba employers continue to face…

Deniz Başar’s acclaimed play explores immigration, identity and unlikely friendship through comedy and narrative theatre MONTREAL — After a sold-out run, the critically discussed stage production Wine & Halva is returning to Montreal this month, bringing audiences back into a world of humour, cultural tension and emotional vulnerability through a story that examines immigration, identity and friendship. Presented by Sort Of Productions and director Art Babayants in association with Postmarginal, and in partnership with Teesri Duniya Theatre, the production runs from May 9 to May 23 at Rangshala in Cité-des-Hospitalières. The play features French subtitles and selected post-show talkbacks. Written…

Province to Allow Additional Vaccinations and Treatment for More Common Ailments Starting July 2026 TORONTO — Ontario is broadening the scope of practice for pharmacists and several other regulated health professionals in a move the provincial government says will improve access to care, reduce wait times and relieve pressure on the health-care system. The expansion, announced Sunday by the Ministry of Health, will allow pharmacists to administer six additional publicly funded vaccines and assess and prescribe treatment for nine more common ailments beginning in July 2026. The changes form part of the province’s broader health-care strategy aimed at delivering more…

Canada Secures Podium Finish in Chengdu Mixed Relay Event CHENGDU, China — Canada’s mixed relay triathlon team delivered a determined performance to capture bronze at the World Triathlon Cup in Chengdu, China, on Sunday, as four athletes from across the country combined for a dramatic podium finish in one of the sport’s fastest-growing formats. The Canadian quartet of Isla Britton of Montreal, Tyler Mislawchuk of Oak Bluff, Man., Sophia Howell of Airdrie, Alta., and Martin Sobey of Charlottetown, P.E.I., completed the four-leg race in one hour, 22 minutes and 53 seconds, edging the United States in the closing moments to…