Author: Sam Allcock

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…

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a statement honouring the life and legacy of The Honourable Hilary M. Weston, Ontario’s 26th Lieutenant Governor, who passed away earlier this year. The statement coincides with a service in celebration of her life, recognizing her lasting contributions to the province’s civic, cultural, and philanthropic landscape. Honouring a Lifetime of Public Service In his statement released Friday, Premier Ford expressed his condolences to the Weston family and reflected on Mrs. Weston’s remarkable record of service to the people of Ontario. “I was saddened to hear of the passing of Ontario’s 26th Lieutenant Governor, The…

The Ontario government has unveiled a new “One Project, One Process” (1P1P) framework designed to slash mine permitting timelines in half and strengthen investment confidence in the province’s mining sector. Officials say the initiative marks a pivotal step toward unlocking Ontario’s rich deposits of critical minerals—particularly in the Ring of Fire region—while maintaining environmental safeguards and meaningful Indigenous consultation. Streamlining the Path to New Mines Announced Friday in Toronto, the 1P1P framework establishes a single, coordinated approval process for advanced exploration and mine development projects. The new system replaces what officials describe as an outdated, fragmented permitting process that has…

The Ontario government is investing $3.4 million to build new supportive housing in Espanola, offering vulnerable residents a chance to rebuild their lives with stable, affordable homes. The new development, Cornerstone Homes, represents a significant milestone in the province’s broader strategy to tackle homelessness and strengthen communities across northern Ontario. Provincial Investment Targets Chronic Homelessness Located at 661 Queensway Avenue, Cornerstone Homes features seven fully furnished one-bedroom apartments, several of which are fully accessible. The project, owned by the Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board (MSDSB), also includes shared amenities such as a laundry room, a communal lounge, and an on-site support…

Halifax, Nova Scotia –  The East Coast Prison Justice Society (ECPJS) is calling for a public fatality inquiry following the death of a 25-year-old man in Halifax / Kjipuktuk earlier this year, citing what it describes as “systemic failures” in Nova Scotia’s approach to mental health and crisis response. The call comes after the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner determined that the man’s death on February 22, 2025, was a homicide resulting from “complications of a physical altercation with Halifax Regional Police (HRP) officers during an acute psychotic episode.” The findings were released alongside a report from the province’s Serious Incident…