Author: Sophie Mitchell

KITCHENER, Ont. — The Ontario government is supporting $5.8 million in investments by two Kitchener-based medical technology companies, marking the first round of funding under its new Life Sciences Scale-Up Fund and aiming to strengthen the province’s competitiveness in the fast-growing global health sciences sector. The provincial funding will help Intellijoint Surgical Inc. and Vena Medical expand manufacturing, adopt advanced technologies and scale their products for domestic and international markets. The projects are expected to support 59 jobs, including new high-skilled positions, while reinforcing Ontario’s position as a hub for life sciences innovation. “Ontario has a long and proud history…

OTTAWA — Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner has scheduled a new date for the long-anticipated inquest into the death of Raymond Alliman, with proceedings set to begin March 23, 2026, nearly nine years after his death following an interaction with police. Dr. Louise McNaughton-Filion, regional supervising coroner for the East Region in Ottawa, announced that the inquest will open at 9:30 a.m. and is expected to run for six days. The hearing will be conducted virtually, allowing members of the public to observe the proceedings online. The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding the death of Alliman, who was…

Construction milestones at hospitals in British Columbia and Ontario are advancing major health-care infrastructure investments aimed at expanding capacity, modernizing facilities and supporting growing populations, as provincial governments collectively commit billions to upgrades and new builds. In Mission, B.C., construction has begun on an $18-million expansion of the emergency department at Fraser Health’s Mission Memorial Hospital, a project that will increase treatment space and replace facilities damaged by flooding in early 2024. “We’re thrilled to announce that construction has started for the Mission Memorial Hospital Emergency Department,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “This expansion represents a significant investment in…

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. — Ontario has reached a key milestone in the construction of the new South Niagara Hospital, as the province continues a multibillion-dollar push to expand health infrastructure and add capacity to its strained hospital system. The provincial government announced Wednesday that the final structural beam has been raised on the $3.2-billion hospital project in Niagara Falls, marking a major step toward completion of the 12-storey, 1.3-million-square-foot facility. The hospital is scheduled to open in summer 2028 and will add 156 beds to the region’s existing capacity, part of a broader provincial plan to invest nearly $60 billion…

TORONTO — The Ontario government is overhauling a long-standing veterinary subsidy program to expand access, increase compensation and reduce administrative barriers, as part of a broader effort to support livestock producers and strengthen the province’s $51.4-billion agri-food industry. The changes to the Veterinary Assistance Program (VAP), announced Feb. 25 by the Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth, will take effect April 1, 2026. The updates are designed to help veterinarians continue serving remote and underserved communities while ensuring farmers have reliable access to animal care. “In the face of economic uncertainty, our government is protecting Northern and rural Ontario’s…

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. — The Ontario government has reached a key construction milestone on the new South Niagara Hospital, raising the final structural beam on a project aimed at expanding acute care capacity and modernizing health infrastructure in one of the province’s fastest-growing regions. The 12-storey, 1.3-million-square-foot facility, backed by a provincial investment of $3.2 billion, is expected to open in summer 2028 and will add 156 more beds than the combined capacity of three existing local hospital sites it will replace or consolidate. Premier Doug Ford said the new hospital is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to expand health…

CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — The City of Cambridge is investing $1.5 million to support the Cambridge Food Bank’s planned move to a larger facility, as rising food insecurity drives increased demand for its services. City officials announced the funding Wednesday, describing the contribution as a strategic investment to help the organization relocate to 384 Franklin Boulevard and expand its capacity to serve residents across Cambridge and nearby North Dumfries. “With the current location having reached its limits, the City is proud to support the Cambridge Food Bank’s move and help ensure all those living in Cambridge have access to the food…

Regular public transit service has resumed in Prince Albert, Sask., after severe winter weather forced disruptions last week, restoring a key service relied upon by residents and local businesses for commuting and daily travel. Prince Albert Transit confirmed in its latest service update that “regular service” is now back in operation following last week’s snowfall, with all routes and stops open to passengers. The restoration of service marks a return to normal operations for the city’s transit network, which plays an essential role in supporting workforce mobility, access to retail centres, and connectivity across the northern Saskatchewan community. According to…

TORONTO — Canadian jazz pianist and composer Steve Holt has secured a 2026 nomination from the JUNO Awards for Jazz Album of the Year, a recognition that marks a significant career milestone and underscores renewed attention on his latest recording, IMPACT. The nomination highlights Holt’s leadership of the Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet and positions the 2025 release among the country’s top jazz recordings. Holt said the recognition came as a surprise. “IMPACT was made with intention, honesty, and letting great musicians bring the music fully to life. Being nominated for a JUNO is an honour I truly didn’t expect.”…

TORONTO — The Ontario government is rolling out a new dementia care program in long-term care homes and expanding specialized behavioural units as part of a multi-million-dollar effort to improve care for some of the province’s most vulnerable residents. The province announced Tuesday it will invest $9 million over three years in its Improving Dementia Care Program (IDCP), which has selected its first 17 participating long-term care homes. The initiative aims to introduce emotion-based care models and provide staff with specialized training to better support residents living with dementia. “Our government is investing in dementia care and supports to improve…