Author: Sophie Mitchell

Noise from deterrent measures expected near Prince Albert facility Initiative aims to reduce aviation risks from bird activity The Prince Albert Glass Field Airport has launched a seasonal wildlife management program designed to enhance aviation safety, with officials warning nearby residents to expect occasional loud noises as part of the effort. The Airport Wildlife Management Plan (AWMP), now in effect, focuses on reducing the risks posed by birds and other wildlife to aircraft operations. Airport authorities say such hazards are most significant during critical phases of flight, including takeoff and landing, when collisions with wildlife can have serious consequences. Under…

Ontario coroner confirms mandatory review of 23-year-old’s death in custody An inquest will be held into the death of Lovepreet Singh, a 23-year-old who died while in custody at a correctional facility in Ontario, the province’s Ministry of the Solicitor General announced Thursday. Dr. Kenneth Peckham, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Central Region, confirmed that the inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Singh’s death at the Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton. Mandatory inquest under provincial legislation Mr. Singh died on October 28, 2020, while in custody at the facility. Under Ontario’s Coroners Act, an inquest is mandatory for deaths that…

Move aims to improve access and strengthen connections to care SURREY — A mobile overdose prevention site serving Abbotsford will relocate later this month to the campus of Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, a move health officials say will improve access to critical harm-reduction services and better connect users with care. Operated by Fraser Health and staffed by Lookout Housing and Health Society, the site will move from its current location at 1670 Riverside Road to 32900 Marshall Road on Wednesday, April 22. The relocation is intended to place services in a more central, accessible area for people who…

Provincial coroner says jury may recommend measures to prevent similar deaths Details on timing and venue to be announced An inquest will be held into the death of Regis Paquet, a 29-year-old woman who died following an interaction with police in Toronto in May 2020, Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner has announced. Dr. Richard Wells, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Central Region, Toronto West Office, confirmed the decision in a statement released Thursday by the Ministry of the Solicitor General. “Dr. Richard Wells, Regional Supervising Coroner, Central Region, Toronto West Office, has announced that an inquest will be held…

Muscat-based visual artist reflects on faith, community, and simplicity through ink illustrations As the rhythms of daily life resume following Ramadan and Eid celebrations, a Muscat-based artist is offering a contemplative lens on the Holy Month through a series of monochrome illustrations that capture its quieter, more intimate moments. Rachel Eapen, a visual artist and conceptual photographer, has created a body of work that documents the spiritual and communal essence of Ramadan. Rendered in fine-liner pen, her sketches focus on scenes of devotion, generosity, and familial connection—elements that often recede as the festive period concludes. A visual archive of Ramadan’s…

Proposed “strong chair” powers and council reductions aim to accelerate housing and cut municipal costs TORONTO — Ontario government tables Better Regional Governance Act, 2026 The Ontario government has introduced new legislation aimed at reshaping how regional governments operate across several of the province’s fastest-growing areas, with a focus on speeding up decision-making, reducing costs and supporting housing and infrastructure development. The proposed Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, tabled Thursday, would grant the province expanded authority over upper-tier municipal leadership and restructure council compositions in select regions. The move reflects Queen’s Park’s broader push to align local governance more closely…

Industry Leaders Welcome USTR’s Spotlight on Export Barriers ARLINGTON, Va. — U.S. dairy industry leaders are welcoming renewed attention from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on trade barriers affecting American dairy exports, following the release of the 2026 National Trade Estimate (NTE) report. In a joint statement, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), and the Consortium for Common Food Names commended the administration for identifying ongoing challenges in global dairy markets and pursuing reciprocal trade negotiations to address them. The groups emphasized that exports play a critical role in sustaining…

Nonprofits warn ruling could undermine public health protections and state authority WASHINGTON, D.C. — A coalition of consumer advocacy, public health, and environmental organizations is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reject an effort by pesticide manufacturer Monsanto to limit its liability over cancer-related warnings tied to its flagship herbicide, Roundup. In a legal brief filed this week in the case Monsanto v. Durnell, the groups argue that granting the company immunity would weaken longstanding state-level protections designed to inform the public about potential health risks. The coalition, represented by the Center for Food Safety (CFS), contends that state warning…

Provincial rate reduction aims to ease cost pressures and support reinvestment Measure would lower small business tax rate to 2.2% over three years UXBRIDGE, Ont. — The Ontario government has unveiled plans to cut small business corporate income taxes by $1.1 billion over three years, a move aimed at strengthening competitiveness and helping firms weather ongoing economic uncertainty. The proposal, outlined in the province’s 2026 budget, would reduce the small business corporate income tax rate from 3.2 per cent to 2.2 per cent — a 31.25 per cent decrease. If passed, the measure is expected to benefit more than 375,000…

Staffing pressures prompt temporary service adjustment in Fraser Health region Community urged to use alternative care options during evening hours SURREY, B.C. — Fraser Health has extended temporary reduced operating hours at Mission Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department through April 6, citing ongoing staffing constraints and the need to maintain safe and consistent patient care. The Emergency Department will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. between April 1 and April 6. Health officials say the adjustment is designed to align available staffing resources with patient care demands while minimizing disruptions to essential services. After 5:00 p.m., emergency-trained nurses will…