Author: Sophie Mitchell

Province aims to prepare more than 7,300 workers for careers in mining, construction and skilled trades The Ontario government is investing nearly $8 million in workforce development and training initiatives across Northern Ontario as part of the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, with the goal of preparing more than 7,300 workers and jobseekers for in-demand careers in mining, construction and other skilled sectors. Announced in Sudbury by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the funding will support three workforce training projects and one major capital investment designed to address labour shortages while…

Ottawa Tourism Highlights Visitor Experience and Destination Stewardship During Citywide Event Ottawa’s heritage, architecture and tourism sector will take centre stage this weekend as Ottawa Tourism and the City of Ottawa prepare to host the 24th edition of Doors Open Ottawa, a long-running public event designed to provide residents and visitors with behind-the-scenes access to some of the capital’s most notable sites. The free event, scheduled for Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2026, will feature 65 participating locations across the city, offering visitors an opportunity to explore Ottawa’s cultural institutions, historic landmarks and architectural spaces. Organizers say the…

Restrictions Removed for Areas North of the North Saskatchewan River The City of Prince Albert has lifted the fire ban that had been in place for areas north of the North Saskatchewan River, including Little Red River Park, following recent precipitation that reduced fire risk conditions across the region. The ban, originally issued on May 26, 2026, officially ended at 12 p.m. on June 4, according to a notice from local officials. City authorities said the decision was made after improved weather conditions lowered concerns about wildfire hazards and outdoor fire safety in affected areas. The lifting of the restriction…

Province Commits Up to $353 Million to Support Transition from City of Toronto Move forms part of Ontario’s broader New Deal for Toronto aimed at reducing congestion and supporting municipal infrastructure TORONTO — The Ontario government will officially assume ownership and maintenance responsibility for Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway (DVP) in fall 2027, marking a significant milestone in the province’s broader infrastructure and transportation strategy under the New Deal for Toronto. The provincial government announced June 4 that it will provide up to $353 million to the City of Toronto to support the continued operation and maintenance of…

Environmental Group Says Federal Delays Threaten Pollinator’s Survival Amid Industrial Agriculture Pressures SAN FRANCISCO — The Center for Food Safety has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), alleging the federal agency violated the Endangered Species Act by failing to make a timely determination on whether the imperiled Iowa skipper butterfly should receive federal protection. The legal complaint, filed Wednesday, accuses the agency of missing statutory deadlines by more than two years, despite earlier findings that the species may warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The environmental advocacy organization argues that the continued delay…

Province Introduces Tougher Enforcement Measures Under Ticket Sales Act TORONTO — The Ontario government is moving to strengthen enforcement against illegal ticket resellers by increasing administrative financial penalties and expanding public disclosure measures aimed at businesses and individuals accused of violating provincial ticket resale laws. The Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement announced Thursday that new enforcement measures under the Ticket Sales Act, 2017, will come into effect on June 10, 2026. The changes are part of the province’s broader consumer protection agenda and are intended to curb inflated resale prices for tickets to concerts, sporting events…

New Brunswick commission emphasizes compassion and trauma-informed responses as financial exploitation cases rise SAINT JOHN — Financial fraud and abuse targeting older adults often leave behind more than monetary losses, according to the Financial and Consumer Services Commission (FCNB) of New Brunswick, which is using this year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) campaign to highlight the emotional and psychological damage caused by financial exploitation. The commission announced a series of awareness initiatives this month centred around the theme “Hidden Harms of Fraud,” aimed at encouraging more compassionate conversations around fraud victims and reducing the stigma often associated with financial…

City says it will assess long-term financial impacts before deciding on participation CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — The City of Cambridge says it is taking a cautious approach to a newly announced housing infrastructure funding proposal from the federal and provincial governments, emphasizing the need to protect local taxpayers while supporting future growth and housing affordability. The announcement, made jointly by the Governments of Canada and Ontario, outlines proposed investments connected to municipal development charge reductions aimed at accelerating housing construction and improving affordability across the province. Municipal development charges are fees collected from developers to help fund infrastructure required to support…

Dairy Producers Call for Science-Based Measures and Adequate Resources Industry says food safety remains unaffected as livestock sector prepares for response ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is calling for close coordination between livestock producers and government agencies after the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the return of the New World screwworm to the United States, marking the pest’s reappearance decades after it was eradicated from the country. The dairy industry organization said producers have spent more than a year preparing for the possibility of the parasite’s return through collaboration with federal agencies and broader agricultural stakeholders.…

Proceedings to Examine Circumstances Surrounding Deaths at Four Ontario Correctional Facilities Inquest Expected to Hear From 18 Witnesses Over 10 Days TORONTO — Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner has scheduled a joint inquest into the deaths of four men who died while in custody at correctional facilities across the province between 2019 and 2022. Dr. Kenneth Peckham, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Central West Region; Dr. Karen Schiff, Regional Supervising Coroner for the West Region, Hamilton Office; Dr. Jennifer M. Dmetrichuk, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Toronto East Region; and Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, Regional Supervising Coroner for the West…