Author: Sophie Mitchell

Piano-driven single signals a sharper, outward-looking direction for Canadian songwriter Canadian indie musician Spencer Krug is offering a new glimpse into his forthcoming album Same Fangs with the release of “Berserker Mode,” a piano-led track that explores instability, momentum and personal consequence. The single, which became publicly available on April 21, precedes the album’s scheduled release on May 15, 2026. Known for his work with Wolf Parade and a range of solo and collaborative projects, Krug continues to refine a minimalist approach centred on piano and voice. “Berserker Mode” marks the second single from Same Fangs and contrasts with the…

Federal funding boost aims to strengthen national sport system and community participation OTTAWA — A major new federal investment in sport is being welcomed by Canada’s high-performance sport community, with Own the Podium calling the funding a transformative step toward rebuilding and modernizing the country’s sport system. The Government of Canada announced a $775 million investment over five years, alongside $118 million in ongoing annual funding starting in 2026–27, as part of its Spring Economic Update. The funding is intended to support sport at all levels, from grassroots participation to elite international competition. According to Own the Podium, the investment…

Canada’s top underground metal acts set for Montreal showdown MONTREAL — Canada’s underground metal scene is set to converge in Montreal next month as Wacken Metal Battle Canada names its four national finalists for 2026, setting the stage for a high-stakes live competition with international implications. After a series of regional battles across the country, four bands — BornBroken (Quebec), Gravearth (Ontario), Ashes of Yggdrasil (Alberta), and Empalement (British Columbia) — will compete May 9 at Piranha Bar for the national title. The winner will earn a coveted spot performing at the 35th anniversary of Wacken Open Air, one of…

Province aims to reduce wait times and increase publicly funded IVF services New clinics and expanded funding expected to support thousands of families BRAMPTON — The Ontario government is moving forward with a major expansion of fertility services, committing $100 million in 2026/27 to improve access to publicly funded care and reduce wait times for thousands of families seeking treatment. The funding, part of a broader $250 million plan, will support 27 fertility clinics across the province, including the addition of two new in vitro fertilization (IVF) facilities. The initiative is designed to increase capacity in both hospital and community…

New monument aims to honour fallen workers and reinforce workplace safety commitment TORONTO — The Ontario government has revealed the design concept for a new construction workers’ memorial at Queen’s Park, marking a significant step in commemorating workers who have lost their lives or been injured on the job while building the province’s infrastructure. The announcement, made on April 28 to coincide with the National Day of Mourning, underscores the province’s broader focus on workplace safety and recognition of labour contributions. The memorial will be situated near the intersection of College Street and University Avenue, creating a permanent space for…

Province targets 29,000 new student spaces amid rapid community expansion KILWORTH, Ont. — The Ontario government is committing $1.6 billion toward the construction and expansion of 79 schools across the province, a move aimed at addressing rising enrolment and modernizing aging infrastructure in fast-growing communities. The investment, announced Tuesday by Paul Calandra, will create more than 29,000 new student spaces and approximately 1,900 licensed child-care spots. The funding forms part of a broader provincial strategy to align education infrastructure with labour market demands and population growth. “Student success starts with having the right environment to learn,” said Calandra. “We’re building…

Province aims to strengthen competitiveness, protect jobs, and expand global market access TORONTO — Ontario has introduced a sweeping 10-year strategy to protect its forestry sector from escalating U.S. trade barriers while positioning the industry for long-term growth and resilience. The provincial government announced the Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector on Tuesday, outlining measures to defend jobs, modernize operations and expand demand for wood products amid rising tariffs and duties on exports to the United States. “Our roadmap will connect Ontario’s strong forest product supply chains to new sectors here at home and emerging markets around the world,” said…

Critically noted play explores immigration, identity and unlikely friendship Production highlights growing demand for socially driven, independent theatre in Canada MONTREAL — Independent theatre producers in Montreal are capitalizing on strong audience demand as Wine & Halva, a socially driven stage production, returns for a second run following a sold-out debut. The play, written by Deniz Başar and directed by Art Babayants, will run from May 9 to May 23 at Rangshala in Cité-des-Hospitalières. The production is presented by Sort Of Productions and Art Babayants in association with Postmarginal, in collaboration with Teesri Duniya Theatre. Blending humour with social critique,…

Province explores regulatory changes to improve convenience and patient choice Toronto moves to modernize hearing care through Health Innovation Pathway The Ontario government has launched a public consultation on allowing the sale and use of over-the-counter hearing aids, a move aimed at expanding access to hearing support and modernizing care delivery across the province. Announced on April 28, the initiative is part of Ontario’s broader effort to accelerate the adoption of innovative health technologies through its Health Innovation Pathway. If approved, the regulatory changes would permit certain consumer audio devices—such as earbuds with built-in hearing aid capabilities—to activate those features…

Faculty and support workers warn of declining conditions amid staffing reductions Union locals call for transparency and reinvestment as pressures mount Members of OPSEU/SEFPO Locals 124 and 125 are sounding the alarm over what they describe as worsening working and learning conditions at Lambton College, citing staffing cuts, reduced programming and a lack of visible leadership. In a press release issued from Sarnia, union representatives said faculty and support staff raised “urgent concerns” during a recent joint meeting, pointing to disruptions affecting both employees and students. Participants characterized the situation as “demoralizing,” “unstable,” and “deeply concerning.” The concerns come as…