Author: Sophie Mitchell

Ontario Backs Life Sciences Expansion With $61 Million Investment to Support Jobs and Innovation First round of Life Sciences Scale-Up Fund leverages nearly $75 million in investment and supports more than 660 jobs across Ontario MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing in the continued growth of the province’s life sciences sector, supporting $61 million in investments by 11 health technology companies through the Life Sciences Scale-Up Fund (LSSUF) as part of a broader effort to strengthen domestic manufacturing, commercialize innovative health technologies and create high-quality jobs. The announcement marks the completion of the first round of the provincial…

New education technology initiative aims to improve student outcomes and provide teachers with real-time learning insights TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $60 million in a new provincewide digital learning platform designed to modernize classroom resources, improve student achievement and provide educators with enhanced tools to monitor academic progress. The initiative will provide teachers across Ontario’s 72 school boards with access to curriculum-aligned educational materials while giving students interactive learning tools intended to support engagement and achievement. The investment forms part of the province’s broader strategy to modernize education and strengthen consistency in learning experiences regardless of where students…

Agreement targets growth in energy, manufacturing, critical minerals and advanced technologies GREENVILLE, S.C. — Ontario Premier Doug Ford and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at deepening trade and economic cooperation between the two jurisdictions, marking the latest step in Ontario’s strategy to strengthen cross-border partnerships and advance its “Building Fortress North America” economic agenda. The agreement, signed Saturday in Greenville, South Carolina, focuses on expanding collaboration across a range of strategic industries, including energy, nuclear technology, critical minerals, automotive and electric-vehicle manufacturing, aerospace, agri-food and life sciences. The pact comes shortly…

Veteran Canadian performer headlines opening night of waterfront festival PETERBOROUGH, Ont. — Peterborough Musicfest is set to begin its 39th season this week, welcoming Canadian rock icon Gowan back to the Fred Anderson Stage as the long-running festival launches another summer of free live music in the city. The season opener takes place on Saturday, June 27, at Del Crary Park, where Gowan will headline the opening-night concert beginning at 8 p.m. The performance marks the singer-songwriter’s fourth appearance at the festival, reinforcing his status as one of the event’s most popular returning artists. Organizers say the opening concert will…

Regional housing initiative aims to attract and retain healthcare workers across North Island communities CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. — The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) has opened the waitlist for its new Health Professionals Housing (HPH) facility in Campbell River, marking a significant step in efforts to strengthen healthcare recruitment and retention across northern Vancouver Island. The housing project, located near Campbell River Hospital, is scheduled to welcome its first residents in September and is designed to provide flexible accommodation options for healthcare professionals at various stages of their careers. The facility is intended to support a broad range of healthcare workers,…

Fraser Health Announces Planned Emergency Department Interruptions Through Early July SURREY, B.C. — Fraser Health has announced a series of temporary service interruptions at the Emergency Department of Mission Memorial Hospital, citing ongoing physician staffing challenges that have left several emergency physician shifts unfilled over the coming weeks. The planned disruptions will affect emergency department operations during specific evening and overnight periods between June 20 and July 5. Health officials said the temporary closures are necessary to ensure patient safety while the health authority continues efforts to recruit and retain emergency physicians. The scheduled service interruptions are as follows: June…

Health officials encourage precautions as outdoor activity increases during summer TORONTO — As Ontarians spend more time outdoors during the summer months, the provincial government is reminding residents to take preventive measures against tick bites amid ongoing concerns about Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. The Ministry of Health issued its annual summer advisory on Thursday, urging people to remain vigilant while enjoying parks, trails and other outdoor spaces. Health officials say infected blacklegged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks, can be found across much of Ontario, increasing the risk of exposure to Lyme disease and other illnesses transmitted through…

Building Faster Fund Supports New Homes and Infrastructure Growth BRANTFORD, Ont. — The Ontario government has awarded the City of Brantford $4 million through the third round of the Building Faster Fund after the municipality significantly exceeded its provincially assigned housing target in 2025. The funding is being provided to municipalities that achieve at least 80 per cent of their annual housing-start targets. Brantford surpassed its goal by a substantial margin, breaking ground on 1,612 new homes during 2025 — 161 per cent of its target. Provincial officials say the investment will help support additional housing development and critical infrastructure…

Strathcona Regional District Seeks Election Officials Ahead of 2026 Local Elections Community members invited to support voting and ballot counting processes for October election CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. — The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is calling on residents to take an active role in the democratic process by applying to serve as election officials for the 2026 General Local Elections and General School Elections. With General Local Election Day scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026, the regional district has begun recruiting individuals to help administer voting and ballot-counting activities across the region. The recruitment effort comes as election preparations continue in…

SARNIA, Ont. — The Ontario government has awarded the City of Sarnia $400,000 through the third round of the Building Faster Fund after the municipality dramatically exceeded its provincially assigned housing target in 2025, highlighting the city’s role in supporting housing development and economic growth across the province. The funding is part of Ontario’s Building Faster Fund, a program designed to encourage municipalities to accelerate residential construction by rewarding those that achieve at least 80 per cent of their annual housing targets. According to the province, Sarnia broke ground on 654 new homes in 2025, achieving 654 per cent of…