Author: Sophie Mitchell

TORONTO, Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner has announced that an inquest into the death of Jamal Francique, a 28-year-old man who died following an interaction with Peel Regional Police officers in January 2020, will begin on November 12, 2026. The proceedings will examine the circumstances surrounding Francique’s death and provide an opportunity for a coroner’s jury to consider recommendations intended to prevent similar deaths in the future. Dr. Jennifer M. Dmetrichuk, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Central Region’s Central West Office, confirmed the hearing date in an announcement issued by Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General on October 23.…

TORONTO, The Ontario government has announced a $73-million investment to create 2,776 additional student seats at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), expanding access to postsecondary education in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), health care and education. The funding forms part of a broader $1.7-billion provincial initiative to support more than 70,000 additional seats at publicly assisted colleges and universities. The government says the expansion will help address labour shortages and prepare graduates for careers in sectors considered essential to Ontario’s economic growth. Students could begin enrolling in the newly funded TMU seats as early as the fall 2026 academic year. Toronto…

SUDBURY, Ontario — The governments of Ontario and Canada have announced up to $45.3 million in infrastructure funding for the City of Greater Sudbury, tied to the municipality’s commitment to eliminate residential development charges for three years. The investment, delivered through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP), is intended to reduce housing construction costs, expand municipal infrastructure and help unlock an estimated 3,320 new homes. Development Charge Elimination Expected to Lower Housing Costs Greater Sudbury has committed to eliminating development charges for all housing types from March 30, 2026, through March 31, 2029. The province estimates the measure could reduce…

NORTH BAY, Ontario — The Ontario government has completed a $5.3 million security modernization project at the North Bay courthouse, introducing new screening technology and controlled entry measures as part of a broader provincial initiative to improve safety across the justice system. The improvements include a single public entrance, a dedicated security screening area, a baggage scanner, a magnetometer designed to detect concealed metal weapons, and an optical portal. The investment forms part of Ontario’s ongoing courthouse security program, which has received approximately $250 million in provincial funding since 2018. Ontario Expands Courthouse Security Infrastructure The North Bay project is…

TORONTO, The Ontario government is proposing legislative and regulatory changes to its provincewide Blue Box recycling program aimed at improving financial transparency, strengthening accountability and making recycling costs more predictable for businesses responsible for packaging and paper products. The proposed measures would introduce greater oversight of producer responsibility organizations (PROs), establish clearer reporting requirements and address rising operating costs while maintaining recycling services for more than five million households across Ontario. The announcement comes as businesses face continued economic uncertainty, including pressure associated with U.S. tariffs, prompting the provincial government to pursue measures intended to reduce regulatory burdens and support…

LASALLE, Ontario,  The governments of Ontario and Canada have announced up to $105.8 million in infrastructure funding for Essex County municipalities as part of a joint initiative to reduce housing construction costs, encourage residential development and improve housing affordability across southwestern Ontario. The funding, delivered through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP), will support municipalities that reduce or eliminate development charges on new residential construction. Depending on the municipality, the reductions will apply during periods between March 30, 2026, and December 31, 2030. Provincial officials estimate the initiative could reduce construction costs by as much as $40,862 per new home…

WINDSOR, Ontario,  The governments of Ontario and Canada have announced up to $84.4 million in infrastructure funding for Windsor and Tecumseh in exchange for reducing municipal development charges over three years, a move intended to lower homebuilding costs and support residential construction across the region. The funding, provided through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP), will support roads, stormwater systems and sanitary sewer infrastructure. Both municipalities have committed to reducing development charges for all housing types from March 30, 2026, through March 31, 2029. Windsor to Receive $77.6 Million for Infrastructure Improvements Windsor will receive up to $77.6 million after…

TORONTO,  The Ontario government has announced plans to introduce optional digital identification credentials, beginning with the Ontario Photo Card, as part of a phased modernization of provincial services. The initiative aims to improve convenience, strengthen identity security and reduce administrative costs while preserving residents’ access to physical identification. The province also intends to introduce legislation in late 2027 that would permanently protect Ontarians’ right to obtain and use physical identification without being required to adopt digital alternatives. The announcement forms part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize public services, improve operational efficiency and support businesses across Ontario. Ontario to…

TORONTO,  The Ontario government has announced new partnerships with the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO), expanding Ontario Corps’ emergency response network to provide insurance expertise and assistance to communities affected by natural disasters and other emergencies. The partnerships will strengthen the province’s ability to coordinate emergency services, distribute critical resources and help residents and businesses navigate insurance-related challenges following severe weather events. The announcement was made by Jill Dunlop, Ontario’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, during IBAOcon, the association’s annual gathering of more than 3,000 insurance brokers, insurers and industry professionals.…

CRANBERRY, Ontario, The Ontario government is proposing legislation to accelerate the expansion of Highway 69 between Parry Sound and Sudbury by up to five years, aiming to improve road safety, strengthen northern supply chains and support regional economic development. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria and Northern Economic Development and Growth Minister George Pirie announced the proposed Building Highway 69 Faster Act, which would streamline environmental assessments and allow construction to proceed sooner. The province has completed 84 kilometres of highway widening, with another 68 kilometres remaining. Under the government’s proposed schedule, construction could begin on additional sections as early as 2027.…