Author: Sam Allcock

Toronto — The Ontario government plans to overhaul its network of conservation authorities through new legislation that would create a centralized agency aimed at improving efficiency, service delivery, and environmental protection across the province. The proposed Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA) will oversee and modernize Ontario’s system of 36 conservation authorities, which currently manage local watersheds and flood protection. The province says the new body will help “get shovels in the ground faster” for housing and infrastructure projects while reinforcing conservation authorities’ core responsibilities in managing natural hazards and protecting communities. In announcing the plan, Todd McCarthy, Minister of the…

SURREY, B.C. — With winter fast approaching, Fraser Health is calling on residents across the region to roll up their sleeves and get immunized against both influenza and COVID-19. The health authority says timely vaccination will help protect individuals, families and the broader health system as respiratory viruses surge in the colder months. Every winter, hospitals across British Columbia experience a rise in emergency room visits, particularly from patients with respiratory illnesses such as influenza and COVID-19. Fraser Health says proactive immunization is a key way to ease pressure on emergency departments and ensure that care remains available for those…

Orillia, Ontario –  After a sold-out debut earlier this year, Arts Orillia, in partnership with the Orillia Opera House, has announced the return of its Forever Young – Youth Mentorship Concert. The event will take place on November 21, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Gordon Lightfoot Theatre, promising another evening of dynamic performances that bridge generations and celebrate young artistic talent. Launched in May 2025, Forever Young marked Arts Orillia’s first-ever youth-driven mentorship concert — a collaboration designed to pair emerging high school musicians with established artists in a professional concert setting. The inaugural event featured the acclaimed local…

Toronto,  The Ontario government has announced a $7 million investment to strengthen the province’s literary arts and publishing sector, aiming to bolster local authors, support publishers, and grow Ontario’s creative economy. The new funding will enhance Ontario’s cultural industries by protecting and promoting homegrown storytellers, while helping creative organizations deliver events and programs that showcase Ontario’s diverse literary voices at home and abroad. “Ontario’s literary and publishing sector is a cornerstone of our cultural identity,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “By protecting and promoting Ontario’s authors, publishers and storytellers, we’re preserving our shared heritage while driving…

Toronto,  The Ontario government has announced a new feasibility study to explore the creation of a national East-West energy corridor and pipeline network, a project it says would strengthen Canadian energy independence, create jobs, and expand domestic and international market access for Western Canadian oil and gas. The proposed initiative, backed by Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, aims to transport oil and gas from Alberta and Saskatchewan to refineries in southern Ontario and to new port developments on James Bay, Hudson Bay, and the Great Lakes. The pipelines would be built entirely within Canada, using Canadian steel, and are intended to…

TORONTO — The Ontario government is moving to fast-track Frontier Lithium’s world-class PAK Lithium Project near Red Lake, marking the first development to advance under its new ‘One Project, One Process’ (1P1P) framework. The move represents a major step in the province’s push to streamline mine permitting, strengthen its critical minerals supply chain, and attract investment to Northern Ontario. “With President Trump taking direct aim at our economy, our government is protecting our workers and communities by building mines faster,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “We’re moving away from foreign dependence toward Canadian self-reliance by designating Frontier…

SURREY, British Columbia — As families prepare for Halloween festivities, Fraser Health is encouraging parents to make this year’s celebrations both fun and healthy by helping children enjoy their treats responsibly while protecting their teeth from cavities. Halloween is a highlight for many children, but the abundance of sugary snacks that come with trick-or-treating can pose a risk to oral health. According to Fraser Health, planning ahead can help families “scare away tooth decay” while still keeping the holiday sweet. “When we eat sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods and drinks, the germs in dental plaque mix with the sugars to make…

CAMBRIDGE, Ontario —  The City of Cambridge has received a $100,000 sponsorship from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) to help fund the revitalization of the Kinsmen Stadium Fieldhouse, a key community sports facility located at Riverside Park. The investment will contribute to a significant transformation of the well-used fieldhouse—also known as Kin 1 Diamond—into a modern, inclusive, and high-performance venue designed to enhance accessibility and create an enjoyable experience for both players and spectators. “I want to thank Toyota Motor Manufacturing once again for their generosity. Without the spirit of their sponsorship, we wouldn’t be able to provide for…

TORONTO — Ontario residents can now access free flu and COVID-19 vaccines across the province as the government moves to strengthen public health protections ahead of respiratory illness season. Beginning this week, anyone six months of age and older can receive their flu and COVID-19 immunizations at participating pharmacies, public health units, and doctors’ or nurse practitioners’ offices. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce hospitalizations and protect vulnerable populations during the fall and winter months. “Getting immunized is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities,” said Sylvia Jones,…

TORONTO — Ontario and Webequie First Nation have signed a landmark agreement aimed at unlocking one of the country’s most significant mineral opportunities while advancing economic reconciliation and infrastructure development in Northern Ontario. Premier Doug Ford and Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie First Nation formalized the Community Partnership Agreement on Tuesday, joined by Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Development and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. The deal paves the way for all-season road construction into the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region while delivering nearly $40 million in community benefits to…