Author: Sophie Mitchell

ARLINGTON, Va. — A senior U.S. dairy industry representative is calling on lawmakers to strengthen enforcement of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as the pact heads into a mandatory joint review in 2026, warning that unresolved trade barriers threaten export growth critical to American producers. Ted Vander Schaaf, an Idaho dairy farmer and board member of the Northwest Dairy Association, testified before the Senate Finance Committee on the importance of the trilateral agreement and the need for reforms to ensure it delivers on its original commitments. The Northwest Dairy Association owns Darigold and, along with the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, is…

WINNIPEG, Man. — Scientists studying the future of Lake Winnipeg will soon have access to critical new data as a University of Winnipeg researcher embarks on groundbreaking work examining viruses that infect microalgae in the lake. Dr. Emily Chase, a professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Winnipeg, is the first scientist to investigate algal viruses in Lake Winnipeg. Her research aims to fill a significant knowledge gap in understanding the lake’s ecosystem and improve climate change modelling for one of Canada’s largest freshwater bodies. “It’s a new frontier,” said Dr. Emily Chase, “so everything that we…

MONTREAL — Prime Video will premiere its latest Canadian original, Vitrerie Joyal (The Glass House), on May 1, marking another high-profile domestic production for the global streaming platform. The six-part limited series, created by Quebec comedian and producer Martin Matte, will debut internationally as the closing night gala selection at Series Mania in Lille, France, on March 27. The period comedy-drama, directed by Guillaume Lonergan (Empathie, Audrey est revenue), was announced Wednesday as the festival’s official closing title — a marquee slot that signals growing international attention for Canadian French-language productions. “Martin and the team at Encore have created a…

PORT HOPE, Ont. — Ontario has taken a significant step toward what it says will become the world’s largest nuclear generating station, signing a partnership agreement with the Municipality of Port Hope to advance new nuclear development at the Wesleyville site. The agreement between the province, Ontario Power Generation and the municipality sets the framework for collaboration as the proposed project moves into the federal impact assessment process. The development is expected to support 10,500 jobs across the province, including 1,700 in Port Hope, and contribute an estimated $235 billion to Ontario’s GDP over its lifespan. The announcement was made…

WOODBRIDGE, Ont. — The Ontario government is committing $20 million to protect species at risk and restore critical habitats across the province, quadrupling previous funding levels and expanding the scope of community-led conservation work. The investment, delivered through the newly established Species Conservation Program, will fund 46 projects this year, including 15 new initiatives and 31 multi-year efforts. The program replaces the former Species at Risk Stewardship Program and introduces expanded eligibility, including funding for land securement to protect ecologically significant areas. “Under the new Species Conservation Program, Ontario has quadrupled its investment in species conservation, expanding the impact of…

Vancouver Island’s summer live music calendar is getting a heavy boost in 2026, as Mosh the Rock Island MetalFest announced a full-day outdoor event in Sooke, B.C., featuring a mix of international, national and regional metal acts. The all-ages festival will take place Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Fred Milne Park, with organizers positioning it as a family-friendly event that blends live performances with food, vendors and a licensed beer garden in a coastal setting. With gates opening at 11:00 a.m. and the first band set to start at 12:00 p.m., the festival is expected to draw fans from across…

Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton and the Canadian Olympic Committee will unveil the bobsleigh athletes nominated to represent Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games during a school visit in Calgary on Friday, a move designed to build momentum around the national team announcement while engaging the next generation of Canadian sport fans. The nomination event is scheduled for Friday, January 23 at 10:30 a.m. MT at Olympic Heights School in southwest Calgary. The announcement will take place in the school gymnasium, with athletes available for media interviews immediately following the presentation. Organizers said the event will combine the official…

Canada has named its slate of skeleton athletes for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, selecting a trio that blends veteran leadership with emerging talent as the national program targets a return to the Olympic podium. Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton and the Canadian Olympic Committee announced Thursday that three athletes have been nominated to compete in skeleton at the Games in Italy, with qualification based on results posted during the Olympic Qualification window. The nominated athletes are Josip Brusic (Okotoks, Alta.), Jane Channell (North Vancouver, B.C.), and Hallie Clarke (Brighton, Ont.). The support team nominated alongside them includes Joe Cecchini…

Peterborough Musicfest has confirmed the dates for its 39th summer season, marking another year of free live music programming in the city’s downtown waterfront core and reinforcing the festival’s role as a major community and tourism draw in central Ontario. The festival will return to Del Crary Park from June 27 to August 19, 2026, with concerts held at the Fred Anderson Stage overlooking Little Lake. Organizers said performances will take place every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 p.m., continuing the format that has helped establish Musicfest as Canada’s longest-running free admission music festival. While summer is still months away,…

The London Heritage Council is inviting residents and visitors to step into the city’s past this winter as it prepares to stage the 14th Annual Heritage Fair, a community event designed to spotlight local history, cultural milestones and the institutions that help preserve them. The Heritage Fair will take place on February 21, 2026, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the London Public Library – Central Branch, located at 251 Dundas Street in downtown London. The event is being presented by the London Heritage Council in partnership with the London Public Library and the City of London’s Cultural…