Author: Sophie Mitchell

TORONTO, The Ontario government is highlighting tax reductions and new funding for business advisory services as it marks Small Business Week, emphasizing the role of more than 500,000 small businesses in supporting employment and economic activity across the province. In a statement released Monday, Associate Minister Nina Tangri said small businesses employ nearly 2.5 million people in Ontario and remain essential to local economies, particularly as companies face rising costs and uncertainty surrounding trade relations with the United States. The province is pointing to a reduction in the small business corporate income tax rate, alongside a three-year investment in advisory…

Prince Albert Transit has confirmed its bus operating schedule for Saturday, October 17, 2026, with hourly departures scheduled for several key routes serving the Saskatchewan city. The updated service information outlines departure times for the All Day Express, Rush Hour, East Hill and East Flat routes, while all other buses are expected to operate according to their regular schedules. The announcement provides passengers with information to help plan their journeys, particularly those travelling through the downtown transfer station, which serves as a central connection point for the city’s public transportation network. Prince Albert Transit Confirms Hourly Departures on Four Routes…

THUNDER BAY, Ontario — October 16, 2026 — The Ontario government is investing $15 million to create 1,312 additional student seats at Lakehead University and Confederation College, expanding access to postsecondary education in fields facing growing workforce demand across Northwestern Ontario. The funding forms part of a provincewide $1.7 billion initiative supporting more than 70,000 additional seats in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), health care, education and skilled trades. Students could begin accessing the newly funded spaces as early as the fall 2026 academic year. Lakehead University and Confederation College Receive New Funding Lakehead University will receive funding for…

Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner has scheduled an inquest into the death of Gregory Wilkinson, a 54-year-old man who died at Brockville General Hospital in February 2022 after being transferred from Brockville Jail. The proceedings will begin on November 23, 2026, and will examine the circumstances surrounding his death, with a jury potentially recommending measures to prevent similar incidents. The announcement was made on October 16, 2026, by Dr. Armita Rahmani, Regional Supervising Coroner for Ontario’s East Region, Kingston Office. Inquest into Gregory Wilkinson’s Death to Begin November 23 The inquest is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on…

Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner has scheduled an inquest into the death of Remi Desjardins, a 48-year-old worker who died at a surface mine site near Matheson, Ontario, in February 2022. The proceedings will begin on October 26, 2026, and examine the circumstances surrounding his death, with a focus on identifying measures that could help prevent similar workplace fatalities. The announcement was made on October 16 by Dr. Laura Piccinin, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Sudbury Region, Sudbury Office, through Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General. The inquest is mandatory under Ontario’s Coroners Act and will provide an opportunity…

GUELPH, Ontario — October 16, 2026 — The governments of Ontario and Canada have announced up to $48.3 million in infrastructure funding for Guelph as part of an agreement aimed at reducing residential development costs, supporting new housing construction and improving affordability. The funding, provided through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP), follows Guelph’s commitment to reduce development charges by 30 per cent across all residential housing types from March 30, 2026, to March 31, 2029. Development Charge Reductions Could Save Homebuyers Up to $151,623 The three-year reduction in development charges is expected to lower new-home construction costs in Guelph…

ORILLIA, Ontario — October 16, 2026 — The governments of Ontario and Canada have announced up to $11.3 million in infrastructure funding for the City of Orillia, tied to a three-year reduction in residential development charges aimed at lowering construction costs and encouraging new housing development. The funding, provided through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP), will support improvements to municipal wastewater infrastructure while helping the city accommodate an estimated 2,025 new homes. Orillia to Reduce Development Charges by 50 Per Cent Under the agreement, Orillia has committed to reducing development charges by 50 per cent across all residential housing…

Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn has released his 39th album, The Blood of Others, through Sunset Boulevard Records, revisiting the gospel, blues, jazz and folk songs that influenced his musical development over more than five decades. The new recording marks a departure from Cockburn’s established catalogue of original compositions. Instead, it features interpretations of songs written by other artists, reflecting his early experiences growing up in Ottawa and discovering music that would eventually shape his career. A Collection Rooted in Decades of Musical Inspiration Cockburn said the idea for the project developed gradually, beginning several decades before the album’s release. “What…

Canadian folk singer, songwriter and author Tia McGraff has released In Your Dreams, Jake: The Trail Goes On, a 233-page children’s novel inspired by her rescued Siberian Husky. The second instalment in her middle-grade book series combines animal adventures with lessons about friendship, responsibility, courage and personal growth. The new release extends McGraff’s creative work beyond music into children’s publishing, while supporting her ongoing involvement with literacy initiatives and animal welfare organizations across Canada. Tia McGraff’s New Book Follows Rescue Dog’s Adventures From Nashville Animal Shelter to Children’s Literature The story draws inspiration from Jake, a Husky who was once…

Prime Video celebrated the premiere of its new Canadian Original docuseries, Hometown Giants, at the Langley Events Centre in British Columbia on October 15, 2026. The six-part series follows Canadian entertainer Michael Bublé and television personality and entrepreneur Drew Scott as they navigate the challenges of owning and rebuilding the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants. The premiere brought together both part-owners for a red-carpet appearance and a post-screening discussion, highlighting the intersection of professional sports, entertainment and business management in Canadian junior hockey. All six episodes are now available to stream globally, exclusively on Prime Video. Michael Bublé and Drew…