Author: Sophie Mitchell

TORONTO, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced an updated team of parliamentary assistants as his government strengthens its focus on economic competitiveness, workforce protection and industrial resilience amid ongoing trade pressures from the United States. The appointments are intended to support cabinet ministers in advancing provincial policies, including measures addressing U.S. tariffs, infrastructure development, job creation and economic growth. The government said the revised parliamentary assistant assignments will help implement its broader strategy to make Ontario more competitive, resilient and economically self-reliant. “I’m pleased to announce Ontario’s new and returning team of parliamentary assistants, who are working hard to deliver…

PORT ROWAN, Ontario,  A major international study has revealed a substantial decline in Common Loon chick production across much of North America, raising concerns about the long-term future of one of Canada’s most recognizable waterbirds. Published in the scientific journal FACETS, the research found that Common Loon productivity has fallen by approximately 40% on average over several decades across 10 of the 12 regions examined. Researchers identified climate change, human disturbance and habitat loss as potential contributors to the widespread declines. The findings highlight growing environmental pressures on a species closely associated with Canada’s freshwater ecosystems and northern wilderness. Common…

ETOBICOKE, Ontario,  Ontario businesses are expected to save $160 million in 2027 as the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) lowers its average employer premium rate, providing financial relief amid U.S. tariffs, rising operating costs and economic uncertainty. The provincial government announced that the average WSIB premium will decline from $1.23 to $1.18 per $100 of insurable payroll, effective January 1, 2027. More than 80 per cent of premium-paying businesses are expected to benefit from the reduction. The latest adjustment continues a series of premium cuts that have brought Ontario’s average rate nearly 30 per cent below the national average.…

OTTAWA, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney have announced a joint $8.7 billion action plan aimed at protecting Canadian workers from U.S. tariffs, strengthening domestic manufacturing and accelerating investment in the steel, automotive and critical minerals sectors. The federal-provincial agreement introduces new funding commitments, procurement measures and regulatory coordination intended to improve industrial competitiveness while reducing Canada’s exposure to international trade uncertainty. The initiative focuses on supporting tariff-affected businesses, modernizing production facilities and developing infrastructure needed for long-term economic growth. Canada and Ontario Commit Billions to Industrial Development The agreement reflects growing cooperation between Ottawa and Queen’s…

TORONTO, Massey Hall is introducing a new monthly live music and industry networking series in Toronto, with the inaugural IN ROTATION showcase scheduled for November 18, 2026, at TD Music Hall inside Allied Music Centre. The free event series will provide emerging Canadian musicians with opportunities to perform before audiences, music industry professionals and media representatives. Each monthly edition will feature three rising artists performing 30-minute sets, alongside a networking session designed to encourage connections within Canada’s music industry. The opening showcase will feature Oshawa musician 646yf4t, singer-songwriter Nia Nadurata and London, Ontario, rock trio Thunder Queens. IN ROTATION Aims…

PETROLIA, Ontario — The Ontario government has officially launched construction on a major redevelopment project at Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital in Petrolia, backed by more than $17 million in provincial funding to modernize emergency services, diagnostic imaging facilities and critical hospital infrastructure. The project, announced on October 21, 2026, is part of Bluewater Health’s Rural Health Capital Improvement Project and will involve renovating more than 8,200 square feet of existing hospital space. The investment is intended to improve access to health-care services for residents of Petrolia, Central Lambton and surrounding communities while strengthening the hospital’s capacity to deliver care closer…

The DDO Fine Arts and Crafts Market will return to Dollard-des-Ormeaux from November 6 to 8, 2026, bringing together more than 80 local artisans and exhibitors at Galeries des Sources. The annual event, organized by the Dollard Centre for the Arts (DCA), will feature handmade products, food vendors, charitable activities and the Artists’ Association of Dollard’s fall art exhibition. The market, which has operated for more than 40 years, is moving to a new venue following significant flooding that affected the Dollard-des-Ormeaux Civic Centre. The relocation was arranged through cooperation between the DCA, the City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux and Galeries des…

VICTORIA, B.C. — Triathlon Canada has appointed Rachel Macatee as its new chief executive officer, formalizing a leadership transition after she served as interim CEO since February 2026. The appointment provides continuity for the national sport organization as it focuses on financial management, athlete development, participation and strengthening its programs across Canada. Macatee brings 14 years of experience in the sport, including nearly a decade with Triathlon Canada. Her appointment follows a period of organizational changes, revenue growth and the return of the Canadian Triathlon Championships to Victoria. Rachel Macatee Takes Permanent Leadership Role at Triathlon Canada During her tenure…

Prime Video has renewed its horror drama Carrie for a second season following a successful international debut, with showrunner Mike Flanagan and executive producer Stephen King returning to continue the adaptation of King’s landmark novel. The announcement, made on October 22, 2026, comes just two weeks after the series premiered on October 7. According to Prime Video, Carrie reached the number-one position on the streaming platform in more than 105 countries, demonstrating strong international interest in the latest adaptation of the classic horror story. All eight episodes of the first season, starring Summer H. Howell as Carrie White and Samantha…

BritBox has unveiled its November 2026 programming lineup for Canadian and North American subscribers, led by the return of two British crime dramas, Blue Lights and Death Valley. The streaming service will also introduce additional comedy, mystery and documentary programming as it expands its selection of British television content. The BAFTA-winning police drama Blue Lights returns November 12, followed by the second season of Death Valley on November 17. Both productions will premiere exclusively on BritBox in North America, with new episodes released weekly. Blue Lights Season 4 Premieres November 12 on BritBox The fourth season of Blue Lights continues…