Author: Sophie Mitchell

TORONTO — The Ontario government is moving to modernize its Critical Minerals Strategy, positioning the province as a secure global supplier of responsibly sourced materials while seeking to shield its economy from geopolitical volatility and trade disruptions. At the annual Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention in Toronto, Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce announced the release of a new vision paper titled Fortifying Ontario’s Economy: A Plan to Accelerate Responsible Resource Development. The document launches consultations aimed at updating the province’s five-year Critical Minerals Strategy, first introduced in 2022. The government says the renewed strategy will focus…

TORONTO — Premier Doug Ford has appointed Travis Kann as his new chief of staff, effective March 6, 2026, marking a senior leadership transition at Queen’s Park as Ontario navigates ongoing economic uncertainty and heightened trade tensions with the United States. The appointment, announced Monday by the Premier’s Office, positions Kann — currently serving in dual roles as principal secretary and head of Ontario-U.S. engagement — at the centre of the government’s policy and political operations during a period defined by global economic volatility and tariff pressures from the United States. “During his time in government, Travis has helped steer…

Ontario and Nova Scotia Sign Direct-to-Consumer Alcohol Pact to Boost Interprovincial Trade TORONTO — Ontario and Nova Scotia have signed a landmark agreement allowing alcohol producers in each province to sell directly to consumers in the other, marking a significant step toward reducing internal trade barriers and expanding market access for Canadian businesses. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston formalized the first-of-its-kind direct-to-consumer (DTC) arrangement on Monday, enabling breweries, wineries and distilleries in both provinces to ship products directly to customers across provincial lines. The deal is positioned as part of a broader effort to strengthen…

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — A Prince George RCMP officer convicted of obstructing justice in connection with the 2017 death of Dale Culver has been sentenced to 18 months’ probation, marking the only criminal conviction stemming from the high-profile case. Judge Fortino handed down the sentence to Const. Arthur Dalman on unceded Lheidli T’enneh Territory, ordering that he serve probation, report to a probation officer and complete 150 hours of community work service. The conviction will also result in a criminal record. The ruling closes one chapter in a case that has spanned nearly nine years and drawn scrutiny to police…

The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that a formal inquest will be held into the 2021 death of Justin Bourassa, a 29-year-old man who died following an interaction with officers from the London Police Service. In a news release issued March 2, 2026, the ministry said the inquest is mandatory under the province’s Coroners Act. “Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, Regional Supervising Coroner, West Region, London Office, has announced that an inquest will be held into the death of Justin Bourassa.” Mr. Bourassa died on October 28, 2021, the same day he interacted with officers from the London Police…

TORONTO — Ontario has recognized five of its leading researchers with the 2025 John Charles Polanyi Prizes, underscoring the province’s push to translate homegrown research into economic growth and social impact across key sectors. The annual awards, named after 1986 Nobel laureate John Charles Polanyi, celebrate early-career researchers whose discoveries advance Ontario’s economy, improve quality of life and strengthen the province’s global competitiveness. The prizes were presented at a ceremony at Queen’s Park hosted by Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, alongside Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Polanyi himself. “Ontario researchers are saving lives…

LAS VEGAS — A new entrant to the North American heavy music circuit is staking its claim in 2026, as VEGAS UN ALIVE FESTIVAL prepares to debut with a two-day lineup aimed at re-energizing Las Vegas’ extreme metal community. Billed as rising “from the ashes of Las Vegas Deathfest,” VEGAS UN ALIVE FESTIVAL has announced its inaugural roster featuring DECREPIT BIRTH, THE CONVALESCENCE, CASKET ROBBERY, PESSIMIST, CLAUSTROFOBIA and more than 20 additional acts spanning the global death metal and deathcore scenes. The festival will take place Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, at the Divebar, located at 4110 S.…

The Ontario government says it will fast-track construction of long-promised all-season roads to the Ring of Fire, aiming to complete key segments up to five years ahead of schedule in a bid to unlock billions in mineral development and position the province as a global critical minerals leader. In a plan released Monday, the province confirmed construction will begin as early as June 2026, with the first roads expected to open by November 2030. The accelerated timeline is paired with new economic partnership agreements signed with Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation, as well as streamlined regulatory processes…

Winnipeg — A dispute over a checkstop on a northern Manitoba roadway is escalating into a broader call for provincial intervention, as the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association (MLOA) urges the government to resolve what it describes as an illegal blockade affecting tourism operators. The industry group is asking Premier Wab Kinew, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe, Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to remove a Bloodvein First Nation checkstop located on the East Side Road, also known as Rice River Road, north of Winnipeg. The issue came to a head on Feb.…

TORONTO — Canadian singer, songwriter and producer Paula Letang is strengthening her international profile with the release of her latest single, “Giving You More,” a self-produced track that underscores her evolution as both a creative and business force in the modern soul music market. Released this month, the single blends vintage soul influences with contemporary production, reflecting Letang’s dual role as an independent artist and producer in an increasingly globalized music industry. Co-written with Kwanele Sifunda, also known as Khwezi, the song highlights themes of emotional openness and personal growth while reinforcing Letang’s brand as an artist capable of bridging…