Author: Sophie Mitchell

New 320-bed centre aims to address growing demand for senior care in Ontario MARKHAM, Ont. — The Mon Sheong Foundation has officially opened the waitlist for its new long-term care facility in Markham, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of senior care capacity in Ontario. As of April 21, 2026, applications are being accepted through Ontario Health atHome for placement at the Mon Sheong Markham Long-Term Care Centre, located at 30 Apple Creek Boulevard. The facility is expected to begin welcoming its first residents in fall 2026. The launch of the waitlist comes amid continued pressure on Ontario’s long-term…

Proposed legislation aims to boost domestic control and unlock Clay Belt potential KING CITY, Ont. — The Ontario government is moving to tighten control over who can own the province’s farmland while opening new opportunities for agricultural expansion in the north, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the agri-food sector and economic resilience. In a news release issued April 21, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness outlined plans to introduce legislation that would restrict foreign acquisition of provincial farmland and improve access to agricultural land in northern Ontario’s Clay Belt region. The proposed measures are intended to…

BCCLA Intervenes at Appeal Level Over Dismissed Class Action Civil liberties group argues alternative complaint processes fall short of protecting Charter rights VANCOUVER — The BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) appeared before the BC Court of Appeal on Tuesday to challenge what it describes as significant gaps in police accountability, intervening in a case tied to protests against old-growth logging near Fairy Creek. The case, Dang v. Attorney General of Canada, stems from a proposed class action lawsuit against the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), alleging violations of Charter rights during enforcement actions at the high-profile protest site on Vancouver…

Annual Volunteer Service Awards Highlight Contributions Across the Province Recognition Program Underscores Role of Civic Engagement in Community Resilience TORONTO — The government of Ontario is recognizing nearly 5,000 individuals for their contributions to community service as part of the 2026 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards, one of the province’s largest annual recognition programs. The awards, administered by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, honour both adult and youth volunteers for sustained service across a wide range of sectors, including non-profits, education, health care, and cultural organizations. This year’s recipients include approximately 4,200 adults and 800 youth volunteers contributing to 1,276…

Ontario coroner to examine circumstances surrounding custodial death Jury may issue recommendations to prevent similar incidents An inquest has been announced into the death of 25-year-old Shawn Spaulding, who died in custody at a provincial correctional facility in 2019, Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General said Monday. In a statement dated April 20, 2026, the Ministry of the Solicitor General confirmed that Dr. Kenneth Peckham, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Central Region, Central West Office, has called the inquest as part of the province’s oversight of deaths occurring in custody. “Dr. Kenneth Peckham, Regional Supervising Coroner, Central Region, Central West…

Ontario Coroner to Examine Circumstances Surrounding 2020 Death An inquest has been formally announced into the death of Derek Salonen, a 38-year-old man who died while in custody at a Toronto correctional facility in 2020, the Ministry of the Solicitor General said Monday. Oversight Process Aimed at Preventing Future Deaths The inquest, led by Dr. Jennifer M. Dmetrichuk, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Central Region at the Toronto East Office, will examine the circumstances surrounding Salonen’s death. Officials say the proceeding is part of Ontario’s broader system of independent death investigations designed to improve public safety and institutional accountability. “Dr.…

Proposed legislation aims to accelerate project approvals while strengthening worker protections Government positions bill as next phase in economic competitiveness strategy The government of Ontario has introduced new legislation designed to reduce regulatory burdens, speed up project approvals and strengthen workforce protections, as part of its broader push to enhance economic resilience and competitiveness. Announced in Toronto on April 20, the Protecting Ontario’s Workers and Economic Resilience Act, 2026—referred to as the POWER Act—marks the latest step in the province’s ongoing effort to streamline business processes while supporting workers entering high-demand sectors. Officials say the proposed legislation builds on earlier…

Province says new funding is accelerating patient connections and easing pressure on hospitals Pinecrest-Queensway clinic among 130 teams advancing province-wide care targets OTTAWA — The Ontario government is ramping up efforts to connect residents with primary care providers, highlighting new progress in Ottawa as part of a broader $3.4 billion investment aimed at achieving universal access by 2029. During a visit to the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre on Monday, Premier Doug Ford pointed to early results from the province’s Primary Care Action Plan, which is funding 130 teams across Ontario. The Ottawa-based centre received $1.15 million in the 2025–26 funding…

Nomination period begins May 1 as city prepares for October vote The City of Cambridge has officially launched preparations for its 2026 municipal election, opening candidate registration on May 1 ahead of the October 26 vote. Prospective candidates seeking elected office in the southwestern Ontario city will be required to book an appointment to file their nomination papers, with online scheduling available starting April 27 through the city’s website. The move marks the formal start of the election cycle, which municipal officials say is designed to ensure a structured and transparent process. Key dates and requirements outlined for candidates Nomination…

Public input sought during National Volunteer Week celebrations Residents invited to share experiences and ideas by May 13 The City of Cambridge is calling on residents to help shape the future of local volunteering through a newly launched public engagement survey, unveiled as part of this year’s National Volunteer Week. Announced Monday, the initiative aims to gather feedback on how volunteer programs can better reflect the needs, expectations and diversity of the community. City officials say the input will directly inform how volunteer opportunities are designed and delivered in the coming years. “This is an opportunity for our community to…