Author: Sophie Mitchell

Ontario coroner to examine circumstances surrounding 2020 custodial death Jury may issue recommendations to prevent similar incidents The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that an inquest will be held into the death of Kevin Mulholland, a 51-year-old man who died while in custody at the Hamilton Wentworth Detention Centre in 2020. The proceeding is expected to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding his death and may result in recommendations aimed at improving safety and oversight within correctional facilities. Dr. Karen Schiff, Regional Supervising Coroner for the West Region based in Hamilton, formally confirmed the inquest on April 17. In…

Ontario coroner to examine circumstances of 2022 in-custody death The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that an inquest will be held into the death of Jamie Briggs, a 44-year-old man who died while in custody at a correctional facility in London, Ont., in late 2022. The inquest, confirmed Friday, will focus on the events and conditions surrounding Briggs’ death at the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre, a provincially operated facility that houses individuals awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences. Coroner confirms formal review process In a statement, Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, Regional Supervising Coroner for the West Region based…

The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that an inquest into the death of Gedi Ali Gedi will begin on May 11, 2026, marking a significant step in examining the circumstances surrounding the 2021 incident involving Toronto police. Dr. Jennifer M. Dmetrichuk, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Toronto Region, confirmed the schedule in a statement released April 17. The proceedings will start at 9:30 a.m. and will be conducted virtually. Details of the Case and Inquest Structure Mr. Gedi, 45, died on February 23, 2021, following an interaction with officers from the Toronto Police Service earlier that same…

New agreement includes up to $52 million investment and wage increases TORONTO, April 17, 2026 — The Government of Ontario and the Association of Ontario Midwives have ratified a new three-year funding agreement that will increase compensation for midwives and expand access to services across the province. The agreement, announced Friday by the Ontario Ministry of Health, runs from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028 and includes a total investment of up to $52 million. The funding is aimed at strengthening Ontario’s midwifery workforce and improving patient access, particularly in underserved and Indigenous communities. Wage increases and operational funding…

Province invests over $560 million in integrated care model to address homelessness and substance use challenges Brampton facility part of broader strategy to enhance community safety and access to treatment The Ontario government has opened a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Brampton, marking a significant step in its ongoing effort to expand access to mental health and addiction services while addressing housing instability across the province. Announced by the Ministry of Health on April 17, 2026, the new hub is part of a broader $560 million investment to establish 29 HART Hubs across Ontario. The initiative…

Proposed legislation aims to retain more doctors and strengthen provincial health-care workforce The Ontario government is preparing to introduce legislation that would give priority access to medical residency positions to internationally trained doctors with strong ties to the province, a move aimed at addressing ongoing physician shortages and retaining more talent within its health-care system. Announced April 17 by the Ministry of Health, the proposal would create a dedicated pathway within the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) for international medical graduates (IMGs) who are from Ontario but studied medicine abroad. The change is intended to make it easier for these…

Investment Aims to Boost Public Safety, Support Jobs and Strengthen Water Infrastructure Projects Expected to Extend Dam Lifespans by Up to a Century MALLORYTOWN, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $11.5 million to rehabilitate four aging dams across the province, a move aimed at strengthening public safety, supporting local economies and ensuring long-term reliability of critical water infrastructure. Announced by the Ministry of Natural Resources on April 17, the funding will support upgrades to dams in northern and rural communities, with construction scheduled over the next four years. The province says the work will extend the service life of…

New demand-response initiative targets large buildings to curb electricity use during peak periods STONEY CREEK — The Ontario government has launched a new energy-saving initiative aimed at reducing electricity demand during peak periods, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen grid reliability and lower costs for consumers and businesses. The Peak Performance program, announced Friday by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, will offer financial incentives to commercial and institutional building operators who reduce heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) usage during times of high demand. The province expects the program to deliver up to 100 megawatts of peak-demand…

New rail link aims to boost regional connectivity, tourism and economic growth STRATFORD, Ont. — The Ontario government will extend GO Transit rail service to Stratford beginning July 6, 2026, introducing a daily round trip along the Kitchener line in a move aimed at improving regional connectivity, easing congestion and supporting economic activity across southwestern Ontario. The expansion marks a significant step in the province’s broader transit strategy, which seeks to deliver faster and more reliable transportation options across both urban and rural communities. The new service will connect Stratford directly with Toronto, with stops in key corridors including Kitchener,…

Three-day melodic and power metal showcase to draw fans to The Cobalt and Rickshaw Theatre VANCOUVER — One of British Columbia’s most prominent niche music events is set to take the stage this week as Hyperspace Metalfest returns for its seventh edition, bringing a lineup of international and Canadian metal acts to venues across Vancouver from April 16 to 18. Positioned as a key gathering for fans of melodic and power metal, the festival will span two venues — The Cobalt on April 16 and 17, followed by a final night at the Rickshaw Theatre on April 18. This year’s…