Author: Sophie Mitchell

Agreement aims to expand clean power capacity while leveraging Ontario’s nuclear expertise Collaboration seen as key step toward economic growth and energy security in Canada’s North TORONTO — The governments of Ontario and Yukon have signed a new partnership agreement to explore the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the North, marking a significant move to address energy constraints and support long-term economic growth in remote regions. Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, joined Yukon’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, Ted Laking, on April 22 to formalize the collaboration. The agreement sets out a framework for…

Province targets resilience, domestic ownership and reduced red tape amid global uncertainty Proposed law and strategy updates aim to bolster long-term competitiveness The Ontario government has introduced new legislation aimed at reinforcing domestic food production and protecting the province’s agri-food sector, a cornerstone of its economy, as global trade pressures and economic uncertainty persist. The proposed Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, 2026, tabled on April 22, is part of a broader effort to strengthen local supply chains, support farmers and ensure long-term resilience in the province’s food system. The legislation is being introduced alongside updates to Ontario’s Grow Ontario Strategy,…

Provincial funding aims to train 150 additional workers and support Northern Ontario’s economic growth Thunder Bay, Ontario — The Ontario government is expanding its investment in skilled trades training with the upgrade of a major ironworker training facility in Thunder Bay, a move aimed at addressing labour shortages and supporting long-term economic growth in Northern Ontario. Backed by more than $644,000 from the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, the expansion of Ironworkers Local 759’s training centre is expected to train up to 150 additional structural and ornamental ironworkers over the next five years. The initiative focuses on equipping workers…

Service Changes Affect All-Day and East Hill Buses, Core Express Suspended Prince Albert, Saskatchewan — Commuters in Prince Albert are facing temporary changes to local transit service, with two major routes moving to reduced frequency and one route suspended entirely, according to an update from Prince Albert Transit. The notice, dated April 22, 2026, outlines interim scheduling adjustments that will remain in place until further updates are issued. Transit officials say the changes are necessary but did not specify a timeline for a return to regular service. Hourly Departures Introduced on Key Routes Under the revised schedule, the All Day…

Civil liberties group intervenes in challenge over suspended electoral map review OTTAWA — The BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada on Wednesday to argue that governments must uphold voter equality when drawing electoral boundaries, as the court hears a constitutional challenge with potential national implications. At the centre of the case, Attorney General of Quebec v. Lalande, et al., is whether Quebec’s decision to suspend a routine electoral boundary review violates voters’ rights under the Charter. The BCCLA, participating as an intervener, warned that political interference in electoral redistribution risks undermining democratic fairness. Dispute…

Amazon MGM Studios’ Spy Thriller Returns May 6 with Expanded Cast and Higher Stakes Prime Video has announced the global premiere date and released the official trailer for the second season of its high-profile spy series Citadel, signaling a major return for one of the streaming platform’s flagship franchises. All seven episodes of the new season will debut simultaneously on May 6, 2026, reaching audiences in more than 240 countries and territories. The series, produced by Amazon MGM Studios and the Russo Brothers’ AGBO, continues to build on its international espionage narrative, combining large-scale action with a growing ensemble cast.…

Tickets Now Available for Week-Long New York Cultural Event The Chelsea Music Festival has announced its 2026 season, unveiling a week-long program of performances and interdisciplinary events under the theme “Every Story Counts.” The 17th annual festival will run from June 20 to 27 in New York City, with tickets and season passes now on sale. Artistic Directors Melinda Lee Masur and Ken-David Masur confirmed the lineup in a statement on April 21, positioning this year’s program as both a cultural celebration and a reflection on American identity ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary. Called a “gem of a series”…

New York performance highlights global recital tour tied to new duo album The 92nd Street Y, New York (92NY) will present a high-profile vocal recital on May 6, 2026, bringing together two of opera’s leading voices, Erin Morley and Lawrence Brownlee, alongside pianist Malcolm Martineau. The concert, titled Golden Age, will take place at the Geffen Stage in Kaufmann Concert Hall, marking a key stop in a broader international recital tour tied to Morley and Brownlee’s recently released duo album of the same name. Tickets for the performance start at $45 for in-person attendance and $25 for livestream access, reflecting…

Vancouver metal band expands global reach with new label partnership and cross-country tour VANCOUVER — Canadian heavy metal band Iron Kingdom is building momentum ahead of the release of its sixth studio album, Shadows and Dust, with the launch of its second single, “Blood and Steel,” and an extensive national tour slated for summer 2026. The album, due June 6 via Steel Shark Records, marks the band’s first collaboration with the France-based label and signals a strategic push into European markets. The partnership includes a limited EU-exclusive double-CD release capped at 300 copies, alongside a special vinyl pressing available only…

Community invited to engage with health leadership on April 22 Session to focus on local health services and public input SURREY — Fraser Health will hold a public board meeting in Mission on Wednesday, April 22, offering residents an opportunity to learn more about local health services and engage directly with decision-makers. The meeting, scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will take place at the Best Western Plus Mission City Lodge. Members of the public are invited to attend in person. The session is part of Fraser Health’s ongoing efforts to increase transparency and strengthen community engagement across the…