Author: Sophie Mitchell

Cross-party backing highlights growing political focus on foreign policy and ethical investment LONDON — More than 100 candidates contesting next week’s election to the Senedd Cymru have signed a “Pledge for Palestine,” signalling increasing political engagement in Wales around international human rights and ethical investment policies. A total of 115 candidates have endorsed the initiative led by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC). The signatories span multiple political parties, including 46 candidates from the Green Party, 37 from Plaid Cymru, eight from the Liberal Democrats, six from the Labour Party, and five independents. Pledge centres on rights and economic pressure measures…

Independent star’s growing momentum to headline free summer concert series PETERBOROUGH, ON — Rising Canadian country artist Tyler Joe Miller is set to make his debut at Peterborough Musicfest on Wednesday, July 15, marking a key milestone in his steady ascent within Canada’s country music scene. The performance will take place at Del Crary Park, with the show scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. Admission is free, consistent with the long-running festival’s mandate to provide accessible live music experiences to the public. A career built on consistency and craft “There’s a certain kind of country artist who doesn’t need to…

Demonstrators raise concerns over housing, labour, and human rights amid World Cup preparations Rally coincides with FIFA Congress at Vancouver Convention Centre Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Canada Place in Vancouver on Wednesday, voicing opposition to the social and economic impacts of FIFA’s upcoming World Cup events as delegates convened privately at the nearby Vancouver Convention Centre for the 76th FIFA Congress. The protest, organized by an Anti-FIFA coalition, took place on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Participants criticized the international governing body for its alleged role in exacerbating housing instability, labour concerns, and human…

U.S. Dairy Groups Applaud Efforts to Counter EU Geographical Indication Policies ARLINGTON, VA — A newly released U.S. government report is drawing praise from major American dairy and food industry organizations, which say it marks meaningful progress in protecting the use of widely recognized food names in international markets. The 2026 Special 301 Report from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) outlines key intellectual property challenges facing U.S. exporters and highlights efforts over the past year to secure commitments from trading partners to preserve the use of generic food and beverage terms. Industry groups including the National…

Province reports surge in non-U.S. exports as it strengthens international partnerships Ontario is accelerating efforts to expand and diversify its international trade relationships as it navigates ongoing U.S. tariffs and broader economic uncertainty, positioning the province for greater resilience and long-term growth. Government hosts global roundtable to deepen trade ties Premier Doug Ford, alongside Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Will Bouma, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier, convened a roundtable in Toronto with 16 senior diplomatic representatives from Europe, Asia and South America. The meeting forms part of Ontario’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on…

Basemat installation at Darlington signals major step in Canada’s nuclear expansion CLARINGTON, Ont. — Ontario has completed a critical construction milestone on what is set to become the first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in the G7, underscoring the province’s push to strengthen energy security and economic resilience through nuclear power. At the CNA2026 Conference, Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce announced that a 2.1-million-pound basemat module for Unit 1 at the Darlington New Nuclear Project has been successfully installed. The operation marks the first foundation laid for a new nuclear reactor in Ontario in more than three decades. The precision…

Province moves forward with infrastructure work as part of broader transit expansion strategy The Ontario government has taken a significant step toward delivering the long-planned Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, awarding the first major civil and utilities contract for the project. The move signals a transition from planning to early construction activity, reinforcing the province’s broader strategy to expand transit infrastructure across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Announced on April 30, 2026, the contract covers preparatory work along the 14-kilometre LRT corridor and is expected to generate substantial economic activity. Provincial officials estimate the project will support…

Canadian Blues Talent Takes Centre Stage at May 26 Celebration The Escarpment Blues Society (EBS) will mark its third anniversary with a high-profile gala concert on May 26, bringing together some of Canada’s most respected blues performers for an evening aimed at celebrating the genre’s continued growth and community impact. Billed as the “3rd Degree Gala,” the event will take place at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre in Ancaster, Ontario, and feature a lineup that includes Morgan Davis, Miss Angel Brown, Shawn Kellerman, Kim Doolittle, Lily Sazz, Steve Strongman, Chris Ayries, and Roly Platt. A Growing Platform for Blues and…

Advocacy Group Warns of Shift Toward Private Sector Incentives and Spending Cuts OTTAWA — The federal government’s latest Spring Economic Statement is facing criticism from science policy advocates who say it signals a shift away from treating research and science as public goods, raising concerns about Canada’s long-term innovation capacity and democratic resilience. Released today, the statement outlines the government’s fiscal and economic priorities, emphasizing deficit reduction, affordability measures, and private sector investment. However, according to Evidence for Democracy (E4D), the document falls short in its support for publicly funded research and civic infrastructure. “This Spring Economic Statement does not…

New Funding Aims to Protect Homegrown Innovation and Drive Economic Growth TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing up to $8 million to expand intellectual property (IP) supports across the province’s postsecondary and research institutions, a move aimed at accelerating commercialization and ensuring locally developed innovations contribute to economic growth. The funding, delivered through Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), is designed to help colleges, universities and research institutions better protect and scale their discoveries. Provincial officials say the initiative will help secure Ontario’s position as a leader in innovation while fostering job creation and attracting investment. “Developing made-in-Ontario technologies and bringing…