Author: Sophie Mitchell

Ontario strengthens business communication during crises through Ontario Corps New agreement aims to improve rapid response and information flow during emergencies The Ontario government is expanding its emergency preparedness network by partnering with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, positioning the organization as a key communications link between the province and the business community during crises. The announcement, made April 20 by the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response, marks the latest step in building out Ontario Corps, a provincewide initiative designed to mobilize skilled professionals, volunteers and institutional partners in response to natural disasters and other emergencies. Through the agreement,…

Core Express Suspended as City Adjusts Transit Operations Prince Albert, Sask. — Commuters in Prince Albert Transit are facing temporary service adjustments as the city modifies bus schedules effective April 20, 2026. According to a transit update released Monday, two key routes — the All Day bus and the East Hill bus — are now operating on reduced, hourly service. The changes are part of a temporary adjustment, though officials have not specified how long the revised schedule will remain in place. Hourly Service Introduced for Key Routes Under the updated timetable, the All Day bus now departs from the…

Supply Shock Ripples Through Global Economy A sharp escalation in the Middle East conflict is sending shockwaves through global oil markets, cutting supply, dampening demand and complicating the outlook for the world economy, according to the latest monthly Oil Market Report from the International Energy Agency. The report finds that global oil supply fell by 10% in March to 97 million barrels per day, driven by attacks on energy infrastructure and a steep decline in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. Demand Weakens as Supply Constraints Bite The sudden drop in…

Limited-edition release uses bone-conduction technology as band previews Second To None Toronto indie rock outfit The Get Alongs is re-emerging with an unconventional rollout strategy for its latest single, “Come On,” offering both a sonic and experiential preview of its upcoming album Second To None, due June 19, 2026. The track, which became publicly available on April 17, marks the band’s first release since its debut LP and signals a more refined approach to songwriting and production. It also arrives packaged in a limited-edition format that stands out even in an industry known for experimentation: a lollipop that plays the…

Ontario coroner to examine circumstances surrounding 2020 custodial death Jury may issue recommendations to prevent similar incidents The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that an inquest will be held into the death of Kevin Mulholland, a 51-year-old man who died while in custody at the Hamilton Wentworth Detention Centre in 2020. The proceeding is expected to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding his death and may result in recommendations aimed at improving safety and oversight within correctional facilities. Dr. Karen Schiff, Regional Supervising Coroner for the West Region based in Hamilton, formally confirmed the inquest on April 17. In…

Ontario coroner to examine circumstances of 2022 in-custody death The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that an inquest will be held into the death of Jamie Briggs, a 44-year-old man who died while in custody at a correctional facility in London, Ont., in late 2022. The inquest, confirmed Friday, will focus on the events and conditions surrounding Briggs’ death at the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre, a provincially operated facility that houses individuals awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences. Coroner confirms formal review process In a statement, Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, Regional Supervising Coroner for the West Region based…

The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that an inquest into the death of Gedi Ali Gedi will begin on May 11, 2026, marking a significant step in examining the circumstances surrounding the 2021 incident involving Toronto police. Dr. Jennifer M. Dmetrichuk, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Toronto Region, confirmed the schedule in a statement released April 17. The proceedings will start at 9:30 a.m. and will be conducted virtually. Details of the Case and Inquest Structure Mr. Gedi, 45, died on February 23, 2021, following an interaction with officers from the Toronto Police Service earlier that same…

New agreement includes up to $52 million investment and wage increases TORONTO, April 17, 2026 — The Government of Ontario and the Association of Ontario Midwives have ratified a new three-year funding agreement that will increase compensation for midwives and expand access to services across the province. The agreement, announced Friday by the Ontario Ministry of Health, runs from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028 and includes a total investment of up to $52 million. The funding is aimed at strengthening Ontario’s midwifery workforce and improving patient access, particularly in underserved and Indigenous communities. Wage increases and operational funding…

Province invests over $560 million in integrated care model to address homelessness and substance use challenges Brampton facility part of broader strategy to enhance community safety and access to treatment The Ontario government has opened a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Brampton, marking a significant step in its ongoing effort to expand access to mental health and addiction services while addressing housing instability across the province. Announced by the Ministry of Health on April 17, 2026, the new hub is part of a broader $560 million investment to establish 29 HART Hubs across Ontario. The initiative…

Proposed legislation aims to retain more doctors and strengthen provincial health-care workforce The Ontario government is preparing to introduce legislation that would give priority access to medical residency positions to internationally trained doctors with strong ties to the province, a move aimed at addressing ongoing physician shortages and retaining more talent within its health-care system. Announced April 17 by the Ministry of Health, the proposal would create a dedicated pathway within the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) for international medical graduates (IMGs) who are from Ontario but studied medicine abroad. The change is intended to make it easier for these…