Author: Sophie Mitchell

Province targets 29,000 new student spaces amid rapid community expansion KILWORTH, Ont. — The Ontario government is committing $1.6 billion toward the construction and expansion of 79 schools across the province, a move aimed at addressing rising enrolment and modernizing aging infrastructure in fast-growing communities. The investment, announced Tuesday by Paul Calandra, will create more than 29,000 new student spaces and approximately 1,900 licensed child-care spots. The funding forms part of a broader provincial strategy to align education infrastructure with labour market demands and population growth. “Student success starts with having the right environment to learn,” said Calandra. “We’re building…

Province aims to strengthen competitiveness, protect jobs, and expand global market access TORONTO — Ontario has introduced a sweeping 10-year strategy to protect its forestry sector from escalating U.S. trade barriers while positioning the industry for long-term growth and resilience. The provincial government announced the Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector on Tuesday, outlining measures to defend jobs, modernize operations and expand demand for wood products amid rising tariffs and duties on exports to the United States. “Our roadmap will connect Ontario’s strong forest product supply chains to new sectors here at home and emerging markets around the world,” said…

Critically noted play explores immigration, identity and unlikely friendship Production highlights growing demand for socially driven, independent theatre in Canada MONTREAL — Independent theatre producers in Montreal are capitalizing on strong audience demand as Wine & Halva, a socially driven stage production, returns for a second run following a sold-out debut. The play, written by Deniz Başar and directed by Art Babayants, will run from May 9 to May 23 at Rangshala in Cité-des-Hospitalières. The production is presented by Sort Of Productions and Art Babayants in association with Postmarginal, in collaboration with Teesri Duniya Theatre. Blending humour with social critique,…

Province explores regulatory changes to improve convenience and patient choice Toronto moves to modernize hearing care through Health Innovation Pathway The Ontario government has launched a public consultation on allowing the sale and use of over-the-counter hearing aids, a move aimed at expanding access to hearing support and modernizing care delivery across the province. Announced on April 28, the initiative is part of Ontario’s broader effort to accelerate the adoption of innovative health technologies through its Health Innovation Pathway. If approved, the regulatory changes would permit certain consumer audio devices—such as earbuds with built-in hearing aid capabilities—to activate those features…

Faculty and support workers warn of declining conditions amid staffing reductions Union locals call for transparency and reinvestment as pressures mount Members of OPSEU/SEFPO Locals 124 and 125 are sounding the alarm over what they describe as worsening working and learning conditions at Lambton College, citing staffing cuts, reduced programming and a lack of visible leadership. In a press release issued from Sarnia, union representatives said faculty and support staff raised “urgent concerns” during a recent joint meeting, pointing to disruptions affecting both employees and students. Participants characterized the situation as “demoralizing,” “unstable,” and “deeply concerning.” The concerns come as…

Landmark Monsanto v. Durnell Case Raises Questions on Public Health and Corporate Accountability WASHINGTON — A closely watched U.S. Supreme Court case examining whether pesticide manufacturers can avoid liability for failing to warn consumers about health risks is drawing sharp attention from legal advocates, scientists and industry stakeholders. At the centre of the dispute is Monsanto v. Durnell, a case that could redefine the balance between federal pesticide regulations and the rights of individuals and states to pursue stronger safety standards. The Center for Food Safety (CFS), a U.S.-based nonprofit focused on food and agriculture policy, is directly involved in…

Province invests over $560 million to build integrated recovery-focused care network New Durham Region facility aims to improve access, housing stability and community safety OSHAWA — The Ontario government has opened a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Oshawa, marking a significant step in its broader strategy to expand mental health and addictions care across the province. The Oshawa facility is part of a $560-million provincial initiative to establish 29 HART Hubs aimed at addressing homelessness, substance use and mental health challenges while enhancing public safety. The hubs are designed to provide coordinated, community-based services that support…

Ontario coroner confirms May 2026 proceedings into 2021 death following police interaction Seven-day inquest to examine circumstances and consider recommendations An inquest into the death of Justin Bourassa, a 29-year-old man who died following an interaction with police in 2021, is set to begin in early May, according to Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner. Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, Regional Supervising Coroner for the West Region based in London, announced that proceedings will commence at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026. The inquest will be conducted virtually and is expected to run for approximately seven days. The hearing will be…

Province commits $10 million toward planning for East Gwillimbury facility and Newmarket upgrades Investment aims to serve more than 250,000 residents across northern York Region and southern Simcoe County The Ontario government is moving forward with plans to expand hospital capacity in one of the province’s fastest-growing regions, committing $10 million to support early planning for a new acute care hospital in East Gwillimbury and the redevelopment of Southlake Health’s existing facility in Newmarket. The projects are designed to improve access to hospital services for more than 250,000 residents across northern York Region and southern Simcoe County, where population growth…

Quebec athlete earns historic bronze in tightly contested World Triathlon Championship Series race Strong early-season result signals upward trajectory ahead of Olympic cycle SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan — Canada’s Charles Paquet delivered a milestone performance on Saturday, capturing his first career podium on the World Triathlon Championship Series with a bronze medal finish in Samarkand. The 29-year-old Quebec native crossed the line in 1:43:31 following a dramatic sprint finish in the men’s elite race, marking a significant breakthrough against a deep international field. Portugal’s Vasco Vilaca took gold in 1:43:43, while Germany’s Henry Graf secured silver in 1:43:37, with all three athletes…