Author: Sophie Mitchell

Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner has scheduled a long-awaited inquest into the death of Ryan Rawson-Keeley, a 38-year-old man who died while in custody at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre in 2021, the province’s Ministry of the Solicitor General announced Tuesday. Dr. Louise McNaughton-Filion, Regional Supervising Coroner for the East Region in Ottawa, said the inquest will begin at 9:30 a.m. on March 2, 2026, and will be conducted virtually. Dr. Geoffrey Bond will preside over the proceedings, while Robert Kozak has been appointed inquest counsel. Mr. Rawson-Keeley died on March 2, 2021, while in custody at the Ottawa jail.…

The Ontario government is accelerating development of one of Canada’s largest proposed gold mines, fast-tracking Kinross Gold Corporation’s Great Bear Project under its new “One Project, One Process” (1P1P) permitting framework. Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce announced the designation Tuesday in Toronto, marking the first gold mine and third overall project to be accepted into the streamlined approvals process since its launch in October. The $5-billion capital project, located near Red Lake in northwestern Ontario, is expected to create 900 full-time jobs over its 12-year mine life, with peak employment reaching 1,100 workers. Thousands of additional construction and indirect…

TORONTO — Doug Ford marked the start of the Lunar New Year with a message recognizing the cultural and economic contributions of Asian communities across Ontario, highlighting their role in strengthening the province’s economy and social fabric. In a statement released Tuesday from the Premier’s Office, Ford extended greetings to those celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse, emphasizing themes of optimism, action and shared prosperity. “Today marks the beginning of the new year in the Lunar Calendar. Across Ontario and the world, many Asian communities will be welcoming in the Year of the Fire Horse. The Fire Horse symbolizes…

BRAMPTON, Ont. — Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Ltd. will invest $141 million to expand and modernize its flagship manufacturing, distribution and sales facility in Brampton, a move the Ontario government says will boost production capacity, create construction jobs and reinforce the province’s food and beverage manufacturing sector. The investment will fund a new production line capable of producing at least 20 million additional cases of beverages annually. Provincial officials say the project is expected to create up to 500 good-paying construction jobs while strengthening Ontario’s domestic supply chain through the use of Canadian labour and materials. “I’m thrilled to welcome this…

TORONTO — Ontario has named 30 new recipients of its highest civilian honour, recognizing leaders across business, public service, arts and other sectors whose contributions have helped shape the province’s economic and social landscape. The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario, announced the 2025 appointments Monday, highlighting a diverse group that includes prominent business executives, cultural leaders and community builders. “The 2025 Order of Ontario appointees represent the very best of our province,” said Dumont. “Through their exceptional dedication and achievements, they have made profound contributions that have touched lives across Ontario…

OTTAWA — Ottawa hard rock band The Space Between is aiming to accelerate its rise in Canada’s rock sector with the release of its latest single, “Weapon of Choice,” a key milestone ahead of the group’s forthcoming album Dying Sun and a strategic step in expanding its commercial and creative footprint. The female-fronted group, formed in 2022, has positioned the single as both a creative statement and a signal of its long-term ambitions in a competitive domestic and international rock market. The track was recorded at Noble Street Studios in collaboration with producer Brian Moncarz, whose previous credits include established…

TORONTO — Independent Canadian soul artist Paula Letang is aiming to build on her international chart momentum with the release of her latest single, “Giving You More,” a self-produced track that highlights her evolving creative direction and reinforces her position in the modern soul market. Released Friday through Mazouk Music Productions, the single blends classic soul influences with contemporary production, reflecting both Letang’s Caribbean roots and Canadian upbringing. Co-written with Kwanele Sifunda, also known as Khwezi, the song explores emotional vulnerability and personal growth in relationships — themes that resonate with a broad listener base. “Giving You More” captures what…

TORONTO — Canadian blues musician Steve Marriner has earned a 2026 nomination for Blues Album of the Year at the JUNO Awards for his latest solo release, Hear My Heart, capping a year of commercial success and reinforcing his position as one of the country’s most influential blues artists. Released through Cordova Bay Records, the album reached No. 1 on the Roots Music Report Canada Album Chart and ranked among the Top 10 at CKUA radio. It also finished as the most-played album of 2025 on Canada’s Big Blues Chart, underscoring both its audience reach and industry traction. The nomination…

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Canadian bobsleigh pilot Melissa Lotholz delivered a career-best Olympic performance Monday, finishing sixth in the women’s monobob at the Cortina Sliding Centre, a result that underscores both her personal progression and Canada’s continued competitiveness in sliding sports. The 33-year-old Alberta native posted a combined time of 3:59.24 over four runs on the technically demanding 1,445-metre track in the Italian Dolomites. Competing in her first Olympic monobob event during her third Winter Games appearance, Lotholz climbed steadily from 14th after her opening run to secure her strongest Olympic finish in any discipline. Her performance comes amid growing…

The City of Prince Albert says swimming lessons will return this spring at the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre, marking a key step in rebuilding aquatic programming as staffing capacity gradually expands at one of the community’s primary recreation facilities. In a public announcement, the city said a full slate of lessons will be offered beginning this season, with programs designed to serve a wide range of participants, from beginners to more advanced swimmers. “A variety of lesson options will be available to support swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Programs will focus on water safety, skill development, and…