Author: Sophie Mitchell

Province underscores role of French-speaking population in growth, trade and investment Statement from Minister outlines ongoing support for businesses and services TORONTO — Ontario is spotlighting the economic and cultural contributions of its Francophone population as the province marks International Francophonie Day, with the government emphasizing continued investment in French-language services and business development. In a statement released Friday, Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs, highlighted the scale and importance of Ontario’s French-speaking community, positioning it as both a domestic asset and an international bridge for trade and collaboration. “Ontario is home to the second-largest Francophone population in Canada, with…

Ontario Premier acknowledges Persian New Year amid global challenges Statement highlights resilience of Iranian communities in Ontario and abroad TORONTO — Doug Ford marked the arrival of Nowruz on March 20 with a message of solidarity, reflection and hope, recognizing both the cultural significance of the Persian New Year and the challenges facing Iranian communities at home and abroad. In a statement released by the Premier’s Office, Ford acknowledged the importance of Nowruz as a time of renewal while also drawing attention to the emotional weight carried by many families in Ontario with ties to Iran. “Today, Iranian communities in…

Funding Targets Community-Level Response Capacity Across Province HALTON HILLS, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $5 million to bolster emergency preparedness at the community level, directing funds toward equipment, training and infrastructure upgrades designed to improve local response capabilities during crises. Announced March 20 by the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response, the funding will be distributed through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG). The program will provide up to $50,000 each to 115 recipients, including municipalities, First Nations communities and Indigenous service organizations. The investment is part of a broader provincial strategy aimed at enhancing resilience against natural…

Proposed legislation would limit resale prices to original cost amid concerns over affordability and market fairness TORONTO — The Ontario government has announced plans to introduce legislation that would cap ticket resale prices at their original purchase cost, marking a significant step aimed at curbing price gouging in the secondary ticket market and improving affordability for consumers. The proposed amendments to the Ticket Sales Act, 2017, unveiled Friday by the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, would make it illegal to resell tickets for concerts, sporting events, and other live entertainment in Ontario at prices exceeding what…

Province aims to protect jobs while maintaining reliable service across regional transit network TORONTO — The Ontario government has signed a five-year, $1.3-billion contract extension with Alstom to continue operating and maintaining GO Transit and UP Express fleets, a move aimed at sustaining transit reliability while supporting more than 1,100 jobs across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The agreement, announced Friday by the Ministry of Transportation, will extend current rail operations through 2031. The province says the investment is part of its broader strategy to ensure transit continuity during ongoing infrastructure upgrades under the GO Expansion program. “Today’s announcement…

Province targets critical infrastructure upgrade in Prince Edward County PICTON, Ont. — The Ontario government has announced a major infrastructure investment to rehabilitate County Road 49 in Prince Edward County, a move aimed at improving road safety, supporting regional economic growth, and sustaining employment across southeastern Ontario. The project will cover 18.4 kilometres between Picton and the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge, addressing a corridor long criticized for its deteriorating condition. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) previously ranked County Road 49 as the third-worst road in Ontario, underscoring the urgency of repairs. The rehabilitation work will include repaving the roadway,…

Florida’s underground metal festival invites applications ahead of April deadline TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Death Fest (TDF), a growing fixture in the global extreme metal circuit, has opened band submissions for its 2026 lineup, as organizers prepare for another year of programming that highlights both emerging and established acts in the genre. The festival, which will mark its eighth year, is scheduled to take place over two nights on September 5 and 6 at the Brass Mug in Tampa Bay, Florida. Known for its focus on uncompromising extreme metal, the event continues to position itself as a platform for diverse…

Montreal literary festival returns with 150+ participants and a focus on connection Montreal will once again host one of North America’s largest multilingual literary gatherings this spring, as the Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival returns for its 28th edition with a timely theme centred on communication and understanding. Running from April 23 to April 26, 2026, with online programming beginning April 13, the festival will bring together more than 150 authors, journalists, translators and cultural figures from Quebec, across Canada and around the world. Organizers say the event will feature 110 sessions spanning nine languages, reinforcing its role as a…

Ontario Premier acknowledges Muslim community contributions and global concerns Statement highlights celebration, compassion and ongoing hardships TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford extended his greetings to Muslims across the province and around the world on Thursday, marking the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with a message that balanced celebration with recognition of global challenges. In a statement released by the Premier’s Office on March 19, Ford underscored the cultural and social significance of the holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. “Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of the Breaking The Fast, is a time of celebration…

Seasonal Freeze-Thaw Cycle Takes Toll on Road Infrastructure As winter loosens its grip and temperatures begin to climb, residents in Prince Albert are encountering a familiar and frustrating sign of spring: a growing number of potholes across city streets. The seasonal transition, marked by melting snow and fluctuating temperatures, is contributing to deteriorating road conditions and prompting increased maintenance efforts by municipal crews. City officials say the issue is not unusual for this time of year, particularly following winters characterized by repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles. These temperature swings play a significant role in weakening pavement integrity, creating hazardous driving conditions for…