Author: Sam Allcock

SURREY, B.C. — Fraser Health has appointed longtime health-care leader Dermot Kelly as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, tasking him with steering one of British Columbia’s largest health authorities through a period of change and ongoing demand pressures. Kelly, who has more than two decades of leadership experience across the province’s health-care system, takes on the role with an emphasis on compassion, collaboration, and cultural safety. The announcement was made Tuesday by Fraser Health’s Board of Directors. A leader shaped by experience Kelly has served in senior positions within Fraser Health for the past six years, including critical…

OTTAWA — Ontario Premier Doug Ford used his keynote address at the 2025 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference to unveil a significant $1.6 billion increase to the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, while vowing to protect jobs and strengthen the economy in the face of ongoing U.S. tariffs. The announcement, delivered in Ottawa before municipal leaders from across the province, nearly doubles the size of the program to $4 billion. Ford emphasized the dual goals of creating hundreds of thousands of new homes and supporting Ontario workers during a period of economic uncertainty. Responding to Tariffs and Trade…

OTTAWA  — The Ontario government is expanding its efforts to accelerate housing construction and strengthen local economies with a $1.6 billion boost to the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), nearly doubling the fund to $4 billion. Premier Doug Ford made the announcement Monday at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference, emphasizing the province’s commitment to supporting communities, keeping workers employed, and addressing housing affordability pressures. “We’re making record investments in housing and infrastructure so we can keep workers on the job and help families across the province find a home that meets their needs and their budgets,” Ford…

WISLA, Poland — Canada’s Abigail Strate is proving herself one of the most consistent performers on the international ski jumping circuit, capturing her third consecutive podium finish at the FIS Summer Grand Prix. The 24-year-old from Calgary soared to a bronze medal in the women’s large hill competition on Saturday in Wisla, Poland, continuing a strong run that has seen her on the podium in each of her last three events. “I was feeling a little nervous up there on the first jump. I was just trying to focus on the things my coaches told me to do,” Strate said…

WISLA, Poland — Canadian ski jumper Abigail Strate is carving out her place in the sport’s history with a run of podium finishes that signals her emergence as one of the world’s elite competitors. The 24-year-old Calgarian earned her second consecutive bronze medal at the Summer Grand Prix in Wisla, Poland, on Sunday with a score of 116.4 points. The result marks Strate’s fourth straight podium finish on the international circuit — a streak that includes her first career victory earlier this month. “I’m a summer person for sure. I like the sun and have always liked jumping in the…

The union representing thousands of support staff at Ontario’s colleges says its members have voted in favour of authorizing a strike, if necessary, as contract talks continue. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) announced Friday that 77.3 per cent of members supported the strike authorization, giving the bargaining team what it called a “historic strike mandate” as it returns to conciliation talks on Wednesday. Union president JP Hornick said the vote reflects workers’ determination to “secure respect at the bargaining table” and reach a fair contract. The College Employer Council, which bargains on behalf of Ontario’s publicly funded colleges,…

PORT HOPE — The Ontario government is injecting more than $5 million into skills training programs for youth, jobseekers, and apprentices in Northumberland and Peterborough, part of a broader $2.5-billion Skills Development Fund (SDF) strategy aimed at strengthening the province’s workforce in the face of U.S. tariffs and shifting global economic conditions. The funding, announced Friday by Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini, will support training for more than 2,900 people in high-demand sectors including construction, manufacturing, aviation, and other skilled trades. “Our government is investing in local training projects that protect Ontario workers by giving…

TORONTO — The Ontario government has approved sweeping changes to Toronto’s official plan, paving the way for taller buildings and greater density around 120 major transit stations. The amendments, developed in consultation with City of Toronto officials, are expected to support construction of more than 1.5 million new homes over the next 25 years while driving job creation and attracting investment. The changes align with Ontario’s record investments in transit infrastructure and are designed to bring more residents within walking distance of reliable public transit, reducing gridlock and supporting the city’s long-term growth. “I commend Mayor Chow for partnering with…

The Ontario government has officially broken ground on The Village of Westbrook Lane, a 240-bed long-term care facility in Richmond Hill, marking a significant step in its plan to expand care capacity and modernize seniors’ housing across the province. Announced Friday by the Ministry of Long-Term Care, the project is backed by the province’s Construction Funding Subsidy top-up and is expected to welcome its first residents in 2027. Officials say the development will not only provide modern accommodations for seniors but also create good jobs and stimulate the local economy. “Our government is fixing long-term care by getting shovels in…

The Ontario government is committing $75 million to train up to 7,800 additional students in construction and urban planning programs, a move officials say will bolster the province’s workforce in the face of U.S. tariffs and support its $200-billion infrastructure agenda. Announced Thursday in Whitby by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, the funding will create new seats at colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes across the province. The initiative aims to ensure Ontario has the skilled talent needed to deliver on major housing, transportation, health care and community projects over the coming decade. “Our government has bold…