Author: Sophie Mitchell

Province expands support for communities hosting national and international amateur sporting events Funding program aims to strengthen tourism, job creation and athlete development across Ontario The Ontario government has opened applications for the second intake of its 2026–27 Sport Hosting Program, a provincial initiative designed to help communities and sport organizations host national and international amateur sporting competitions across the province. The program, administered through Ontario’s Ministry of Sport, provides $3 million annually in funding support to assist organizers with operational and event-related costs. Provincial officials say the initiative is intended to stimulate local economies, increase tourism activity and create…

Labour Groups Mobilize Around Nakba Anniversary Amid Calls to End Complicity in Gaza Conflict Three major trade union federations representing more than 80 affiliated unions across Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales have announced support for coordinated workplace actions in solidarity with Palestine on May 14, responding to calls from Palestinian trade unions to intensify pressure against what organizers describe as Israel’s genocide and apartheid policies. The coordinated action, taking place under the banner “Workplace Day of Action for Palestine,” coincides with the 78th anniversary of the Nakba, commemorated annually by Palestinians as the mass displacement and dispossession that accompanied the…

Montreal Band Earns Spot at Wacken Open Air’s International Metal Showcase Canada’s underground metal scene has selected its latest national representative for one of the world’s most recognized heavy metal festivals, with Montreal-based band BornBroken taking top honours at the 2026 Wacken Metal Battle Canada national final. Held on May 9 at Piranha Bar in Montreal, the competition brought together four regional finalists from across the country following months of qualifying battles. The winning band will now represent Canada at the international Wacken Metal Battle during the 35th anniversary edition of Wacken Open Air in Germany later this summer. The…

Canadian roots-rock band unveils latest single ahead of extensive international tour and July album release Canadian roots, rock and soul band Bywater Call has released its latest single, “No One Else,” while also confirming the July 29 launch of its forthcoming studio album Broken Souvenirs. The Toronto-based seven-piece unveiled the new track on May 13 as part of a broader rollout that includes a North American and European tour stretching into 2027. The single marks the third studio release from the band in 2026 and is now available across streaming platforms alongside an accompanying music video. Broken Souvenirs, the group’s…

Agnico Eagle plans major expansion projects in Northern Ontario through 2030 TORONTO — The Ontario government and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited have announced plans for approximately $14 billion in mining-related spending and investment across the province by the end of 2030, marking one of the largest private-sector commitments in Ontario’s mining sector in recent years. The announcement comes as the province pushes ahead with regulatory reforms aimed at accelerating mine approvals and reducing permitting timelines. Ontario officials said the investment reflects growing international confidence in the province’s mining sector and its strategy to position itself as a global supplier of…

NMPF and USDEC Say CORCA Will Help Protect Dairy Shipments and Strengthen Supply Chains ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) are welcoming the passage of the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) in the U.S. House of Representatives, saying the legislation could help reduce cargo theft and improve supply chain reliability for dairy producers and exporters. Industry leaders say organized retail crime and cargo break-ins have increasingly disrupted shipments of dairy products across the United States, creating delays and financial losses for producers and exporters alike. The proposed legislation is…

Swedish Alternative Metal Band Expands Narrative Ahead of Upcoming Album Truthsayer Swedish dark alternative metal band Outshine has released its latest single and music video, “You Are Not Alone,” continuing the group’s evolving narrative-driven approach to music and visual storytelling ahead of its upcoming full-length album Truthsayer. The new single arrives alongside a cinematic music video directed by filmmaker Kenny Boufadene, known for previous collaborations with bands including Ice Age and Manimal. Filmed in Uddebo, Sweden, the production forms the second chapter in a planned four-part video series tied to the themes and concepts explored throughout Truthsayer, which is scheduled…

Ontario Coroner’s Inquest Scheduled to Begin May 25 in London The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that an inquest into the death of Drew Pearson will begin later this month, with proceedings set to examine the circumstances surrounding his death following his transfer from a correctional facility in London, Ont. Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, Regional Supervising Coroner for the West Region based in London, confirmed that the inquest is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026. The proceedings will be conducted by video conference and are expected to continue for eight days. Mr. Pearson,…

Royal Columbian Hospital Introduces Publicly Funded TMS Therapy for Depression About one in five Canadians will experience clinical depression during their lifetime, creating growing demand for specialized mental health services across the country. While antidepressant medication and psychotherapy remain common forms of treatment, some patients continue to struggle with symptoms despite multiple interventions. In response to that need, the Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre at Royal Columbian Hospital has introduced transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive treatment designed for people living with treatment-resistant depression. The program was made possible through funding from the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation and…

Ontario leaders unite behind Toronto as preferred home for new multilateral defence financing institution TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford has intensified efforts to secure Toronto as the headquarters for the newly created Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB), positioning the city as Canada’s strongest candidate to host the international institution focused on defence financing, supply chain resilience and security-related investments. Ford was joined Tuesday by representatives from the finance, defence, manufacturing, research and academic sectors, alongside municipal, provincial and federal political leaders, to promote Toronto’s bid following Canada’s selection as the host country for the DSRB. The province argues…