Author: Sophie Mitchell

Proposed legislation would expand enforcement powers and target drug production networks TORONTO — The Ontario government is preparing new legislative measures aimed at curbing illegal drug use on public transit and disrupting the production of illicit substances, as part of a broader push to enhance community safety across the province. The proposed changes, announced Monday by the Ministry of the Solicitor General, would grant additional enforcement authority to transit special constables while introducing stricter penalties for individuals involved in illegal drug manufacturing and distribution. “Protecting Ontario means making sure people feel safe when they use public transit,” said Michael Kerzner,…

Funding targets training, equipment and rapid deployment through Ontario Corps network TORONTO — The Government of Ontario is investing more than $6.5 million to strengthen emergency preparedness and response capabilities across the province, directing funds to 13 partner organizations within Ontario Corps as part of a broader strategy to improve disaster readiness. The funding, announced Monday by Jill Dunlop, will support the acquisition of equipment, operational supplies and specialized training to ensure faster and more coordinated responses to emergencies ranging from floods to wildfires. “We are delivering on our plan to protect Ontario by bringing together Ontario Corps partners, skilled…

Dispute escalates over protest route allegations in London A coalition of pro-Palestinian advocacy groups has formally called on Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to withdraw remarks they describe as “incomprehensible and defamatory,” intensifying a public dispute over the organisation of recent demonstrations in London. In a letter addressed directly to Rowley, the Palestine Coalition rejected claims that protest organisers intended to route marches near synagogues, arguing the statements misrepresent their actions and risk inflaming tensions during an already sensitive period. Coalition rejects allegations of antisemitic intent The controversy centres on public comments made by the police chief suggesting that…

Late thaw pushes back seasonal road cleaning and lane painting timelines City crews are set to begin full street sweeping operations during the week of May 4, 2026, marking a delayed start to a routine spring maintenance program due to prolonged cold weather conditions. The annual cleanup will commence with high-traffic arterial roads before progressing through the city’s road network in a structured sequence. Officials say the adjusted schedule reflects an unusually slow transition into spring, which has affected ground conditions necessary for effective sweeping. “The late spring and slow thaw have impacted the timing of our street cleaning program,”…

Ontario coroner to examine circumstances of 2022 death in custody Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner will convene a mandatory inquest into the death of Stefan Ryan, a 46-year-old man who died in hospital after being transferred from a provincial correctional facility, authorities confirmed Friday. Dr. Kenneth Peckham, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Central Region, Central West Office, announced that proceedings will be held to review the events leading up to Ryan’s death, which occurred on April 29, 2022. Mandatory review under provincial legislation According to the Ministry of the Solicitor General, Ryan had been in custody at the Maplehurst…

Industry group warns of governance, economic, and land-use implications in northern Manitoba conservation plan Proposed Indigenous Protected Area could reshape provincial policy and tourism economy The Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association (MLOA) is raising concerns over a sweeping proposal to designate the Seal River Watershed (SRW) in northern Manitoba as an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA), warning that the plan could have far-reaching consequences for land management, tourism, and provincial authority. Spanning more than 50,000 square kilometres—roughly eight per cent of Manitoba—the Seal River Watershed is widely regarded as one of the province’s most pristine ecological regions. It is…

Ontario Coroner Confirms Mandatory Review Under Coroners Act TORONTO — An inquest will be held into the death of David Nakoneshny, a 34-year-old man who died in hospital after being transferred from a correctional facility in Milton, the Ministry of the Solicitor General confirmed Friday. Dr. Kenneth Peckham, regional supervising coroner for Central Region, Central West Office, announced the inquest as part of a mandatory process under Ontario’s Coroners Act, which requires a formal review in cases involving individuals who die while in custody or under similar circumstances. Circumstances of Death to Be Examined Mr. Nakoneshny died on April 20,…

Fundraiser Event Aims to Build Momentum Ahead of Revel Music Festival NELSON, B.C. — A family-oriented electronic music event is set to return to Nelson later this month, as BPM COMMUNICATIONS prepares to host the second edition of its Prevel mini-festival. Scheduled for May 30, 2026, the event will serve as a fundraiser for the upcoming Revel Music Festival, reinforcing its role as both a cultural gathering and a community-driven initiative in the Kootenay region. The one-day festival will take place at Eagles Hall in downtown Nelson, running from 4:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. the following morning. Organizers say the…

Funding Targets Workforce Gaps and Indigenous Access to High-Demand Careers TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY — The Ontario government is committing an additional $4.4 million to rebuild and expand aviation training capacity at First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI), aiming to increase Indigenous participation in one of Canada’s most in-demand skilled sectors. The funding, announced May 1 by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, will support reconstruction of FNTI’s Aviation Training Centre, which was destroyed by fire four years ago. The project is part of a broader $6.4-billion provincial investment designed to stabilize Ontario’s postsecondary system and align training with…

Provincial funding targets economic growth, visitor expansion and cultural investment TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $35 million over two years to expand the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), positioning the project as both a cultural initiative and an economic driver within the province’s tourism and creative sectors. Announced as part of the province’s 2026 budget, the funding will support the development of the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery, a major capital expansion expected to significantly increase exhibition capacity and annual attendance. Expansion designed to increase capacity and global reach The project will add at least 13 new…