Author: Sam Allcock

PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan —The City of Prince Albert has introduced a new development tax incentive program aimed at stimulating both commercial and multi-unit residential construction, part of a broader effort to address housing shortages and encourage private investment across the city. Approved by City Council on July 21, 2025, the initiative provides a declining municipal tax abatement over four years for qualifying developments, offering significant relief to developers as they complete new projects and bring them to market. The Building and Development Department confirmed that the program applies to all new commercial or multi-unit residential projects—those with five or more…

TORONTO — The Ontario government has tabled new legislation aimed at protecting and strengthening the province’s economic foundations by reducing regulatory barriers, accelerating project approvals, and supporting labour mobility. The proposed Building a More Competitive Economy Act introduces sweeping measures designed to make Ontario the best place in the G7 to invest, do business, and create jobs. The legislation, introduced by Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Red Tape Reduction, is part of the government’s broader strategy to streamline permitting systems, modernize regulatory processes, and help businesses expand while ensuring Ontario remains resilient in an evolving global economy. “This is about protecting…

TORONTO — Ontario’s Minister of Education, Paul Calandra, has introduced legislation to remove a school board trustee from office for the alleged misuse of public funds and failure to repay taxpayers for an “excessive and unjustifiable” trip abroad. The move follows months of scrutiny over travel expenses incurred by a trustee representing Haldimand County on the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board. According to the Ministry of Education, the trustee failed to reimburse his share of approximately $50,000 in travel costs related to a trip to Italy, despite repeated requests and a repayment deadline set earlier this year. In…

TORONTO — The Office of Ontario’s Chief Coroner has announced that the inquest into the death of Robert Twiss, who died while in custody at the Central North Correctional Centre in Penetanguishene, will commence on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. The announcement was made by Dr. Kenneth Peckham, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Central Region, Central West Office, who confirmed that the inquest will be presided over by Murray Segal, with Grace Alcaide Janicas serving as inquest counsel. According to the official statement, “Dr. Kenneth Peckham, Regional Supervising Coroner, Central Region, Central West Office, announced today that a…

TORONTO,  Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued an official statement extending warm wishes to communities across the province marking Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, two major celebrations that bring together millions of people of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain faiths across Canada and the world. In his message, Premier Ford underscored the shared spirit of unity, hope, and renewal represented by the two holidays. He noted their importance in fostering a sense of togetherness across Ontario’s diverse communities, emphasizing that both observances celebrate universal human values that transcend cultural and religious lines. “Today, people in Ontario of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist…

PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan —  After months of anticipation, swimming lessons are making a return to the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre in Prince Albert, with registration opening later this month. The relaunch marks a key milestone for the facility and reflects the city’s broader efforts to expand recreational services and strengthen community engagement. Officials confirmed that registration will open Friday, October 24 at 8:00 a.m., with lessons offered in two separate time blocks — Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Saturday evenings — through the upcoming fall and winter seasons. The announcement has generated strong local interest as families across the region…

KITCHENER, Ontario —  Kitchener City Council has endorsed a trio of key measures at its latest meeting, including the commissioning of a new public artwork in Upper Canada Park, an adjustment to gas delivery rates for Kitchener Utilities, and a comprehensive revision to the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity (RISE) Grant framework. The decisions form part of the city’s broader strategy to enhance community spaces, maintain essential infrastructure, and strengthen local equity initiatives. New public artwork for Upper Canada Park Councillors gave their approval for the creation of a new public artwork, The Seams, by artist Javid Jah and…

TORONTO — The Ontario government has announced that Minister of Red Tape Reduction Andrea Khanjin will lead a multi-minister press conference on Monday, October 20, to address upcoming government initiatives aimed at improving regulatory efficiency and supporting business competitiveness across the province. The press event, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at the Communications Centre, Whitney Block, Concourse Level in Toronto, will feature remarks from several key cabinet ministers representing a cross-section of Ontario’s economic, environmental, and infrastructure portfolios. Following the statements, media will have an opportunity to ask questions during a formal availability session. Joining Minister Khanjin will be: Sylvia Jones,…

KAPUSKASING, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $16.8 million to help keep the Kapuskasing Paper Mill operational, safeguarding nearly 300 direct jobs and thousands of others that depend on the northern forestry sector. The funding, announced Friday by the Ministry of Natural Resources, comes amid heightened U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber and growing uncertainty across the forestry industry. Following weeks of discussions led by the province, the federal government has agreed to join Ontario in supporting the mill’s future with an additional $12 million in new funding. The combined $28.8 million package is designed to stabilize operations in…

SURREY — Fraser Health Public Health is urging residents across the Fraser Valley region to buy food only from approved and licensed food service establishments, warning that unlicensed operators pose significant health risks to consumers. The regional health authority said it has recently received multiple complaints about illegal food operations, including businesses running out of private homes, garages, and apartments, and those providing unregulated catering, tiffin, or delivery services. “Fraser Health Public Health is reminding people in our communities to purchase food exclusively from approved food service establishments,” the organization said in a release Friday. “These establishments hold a valid…