Author: Sam Allcock

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Ontario and New York have taken a significant step toward deepening cross-border energy cooperation, signing a new agreement aimed at accelerating the development of nuclear power while supporting economic growth and long-term energy security in both jurisdictions. The agreement, signed Thursday by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, formalizes collaboration on advanced nuclear technologies, including large-scale reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs). At the centre of the deal is a memorandum of understanding between Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA), which will allow the two public utilities to…

The U.S. dairy industry is welcoming the Senate confirmation of Dr. Julie Callahan as Chief Agricultural Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, a role widely viewed as pivotal for advancing American agricultural interests amid intensifying global trade competition. Industry groups representing milk producers, exporters and food manufacturers said Dr. Callahan’s appointment comes at a critical juncture, as the United States seeks to expand market access, resolve long-standing trade disputes and protect the use of common food names in international markets. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the Consortium for Common…

The Ontario government has appointed longtime Niagara Region public servant Bob Gale as the new chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara, a move it says will support economic growth, improve municipal service delivery and help lower costs for local taxpayers. The appointment, effective Dec. 18, 2025, was announced by Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack in a statement released Wednesday. Gale succeeds the late Jim Bradley, who served as regional chair from 2022 until his death earlier this year. “I am pleased to announce Bob Gale as the new Chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara, effective…

Ontario and the federal government have signed what they are calling a historic cooperation agreement aimed at eliminating overlapping environmental assessments and accelerating major infrastructure and resource projects, including development tied to the Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario . Announced Dec. 18, the agreement introduces a new “one project, one process, one decision” model that removes duplicative federal impact assessments when projects are already subject to Ontario’s environmental assessment regime. The change is intended to shorten approval timelines, provide greater certainty for investors and proponents, and help unlock large-scale economic opportunities tied to critical minerals and infrastructure development. “With…

Arts Orillia has announced a new partnership with the Orillia Opera House that aims to reduce barriers for young people seeking access to live performance and hands-on experience in the performing arts, marking a significant collaboration within the city’s cultural economy. The partnership, unveiled during the holiday season, brings together Arts Orillia (AO), the municipally operated Orillia Opera House and local educators to create mentorship-driven performance opportunities for youth. The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on workforce development within the arts sector, particularly as cultural organizations look to cultivate talent and sustain audience engagement over the long term. As part…

Strong pre-leasing performance has validated Trevian Asset Management’s strategy to target premium family rental housing in the Greater Helsinki area, as the firm’s first residential investment in Finland with global asset manager Nuveen reaches a key milestone. The €42 million investment, comprising a four-asset portfolio of family-oriented rental homes, has achieved what Trevian describes as exceptional leasing results ahead of completion. Additional units are already under development, underscoring continued confidence in the segment and in long-term demand fundamentals within Finland’s largest urban region. The investment marks Nuveen’s entry into the Finnish residential market and reflects a shared focus on energy-efficient,…

An inquest will be held into the death of Colin Pyne, a 26-year-old man who died while in custody at the Central North Correctional Centre in Penetanguishene, the Ministry of the Solicitor General announced Wednesday. The decision was confirmed by Dr. Kenneth Peckham, Regional Supervising Coroner for the West Region, Central Office, who said the inquest is required under Ontario law. Mr. Pyne died on Aug. 17, 2021, while incarcerated at the provincially operated correctional facility. Under the Coroners Act, deaths that occur in custody must be examined through a public inquest. The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Mr.…

Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner has scheduled a single inquest to examine the deaths of five men who died while in custody or after being transferred to hospital from Collins Bay Institution in Kingston, a development that underscores ongoing scrutiny of correctional health care and institutional oversight in the province. Dr. Armita Rahmani, Regional Supervising Coroner for the East Region at the Kingston Office, announced that the inquest will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026. The proceedings will be led by presiding officer Bonnie Goldberg, with Kristin Smith and Erin Winocur serving as inquest counsel. The…

Prince Albert, SK — A longstanding community organization is leaving a permanent mark on one of Prince Albert’s most significant recent recreational investments, following a major sponsorship that underscores the role of local philanthropy in civic infrastructure. The City of Prince Albert announced that the Prince Albert Elks Club has contributed $130,000 toward the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre, earning naming recognition for the facility’s whirlpool. The sponsorship formally designates the amenity in honour of the Elks Club, reflecting nearly a century of service and volunteerism in the community. City officials say the contribution represents more than a naming opportunity.…

Ontario is reshaping its approach to international student admissions as it responds to another round of federal reductions in study permits, signalling a sharper focus on labour market alignment and workforce development through 2026. The province announced Tuesday that it will continue allocating Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) primarily to postsecondary programs tied to in-demand occupations, following Ottawa’s decision to further limit the number of international students permitted to study in Canada next year. The move marks the third consecutive year Ontario’s allocation has been reduced, intensifying pressure on colleges and universities that rely heavily on international enrolment. “Now more than…