Author: Sam Allcock

Toronto — Ontario is rolling out an expanded fall immunization campaign aimed at protecting residents from a seasonal surge in respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The initiative will prioritize high-risk groups first, before opening vaccinations to the broader public beginning October 27. Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said the strategy reflects the province’s ongoing focus on prevention.“As we head into respiratory illness season, our government is using every tool in our toolbox to protect our communities, families and our most vulnerable,” Jones said. “Working with our health-care partners, we are making sure…

TORONTO — The Ontario government and the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) have finalized the remaining three years of the 2024–28 Physician Services Agreement (PSA) through arbitration, unlocking funding and reforms aimed at expanding access to primary care and stabilizing hospital services across the province. The arbitration award, announced September 18, 2025, introduces new measures designed to ensure families can access care “when and where they need it,” while also addressing physician recruitment and retention challenges. Officials say the agreement will provide predictable funding to support staffing across hospitals and clinics, ensuring timely access to care in both urban centres and…

CORNWALL — The Ontario government is committing $435,829 to a community-led initiative aimed at restoring areas of the St. Lawrence River near Cornwall and Akwesasne. The funding is part of a wider provincial effort to safeguard the Great Lakes and their connecting waters, with $7.3 million being directed to 63 projects across Ontario. The local project is led by the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences and is designed to protect water quality, restore habitats, and strengthen ecosystems in one of the province’s most significant waterways. Officials say the work will enhance fisheries, increase biodiversity, and bolster both community…

Paris — Electricity demand across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is surging at one of the fastest rates in the world, fuelled largely by rising cooling and desalination needs, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The study warns that governments in the region will need to significantly diversify their power supply in the coming decade to keep pace with consumption growth and reduce reliance on oil. The report, The Future of Electricity in the Middle East and North Africa, finds that electricity use in the region tripled between 2000 and 2024, driven by…

Cambridge, ON — The Ontario government has announced a $19.5 million investment to support the construction of a new, multi-purpose recreation complex in Cambridge. The project, part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), is aimed at revitalizing community facilities, creating jobs, and promoting active living across the province. Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport, said the Cambridge project underscores the province’s commitment to strengthening local communities. “Our government is making major investments to support projects that deliver better services for communities while creating more opportunities for children, seniors and families to stay active,” Lumsden said. “The…

Brantford, ON — The City of Brantford is asking residents to weigh in on early designs for a proposed Sports and Entertainment Centre (SEC), a multi-purpose venue that could become a cornerstone of the city’s downtown revitalization strategy. City officials say the new facility, planned for a central downtown site between Elements Casino and Earl Haig Family Fun Park, is intended to strengthen Brantford’s position as a regional hub for sports, entertainment, and community events. “The site was selected to strengthen the downtown as a destination for sports, entertainment, and community gatherings, while supporting local businesses and encouraging new investment…

Toronto, ON — Roy Thomson Hall and the Toronto Blues Society have announced the performer lineup for the 38th annual Women’s Blues Revue, one of Canada’s longest-running celebrations of blues music. The event, scheduled for Friday, November 28, 2025, will once again bring together acclaimed musicians for an evening of powerhouse performances in Toronto’s entertainment district. The organizers confirmed that this year’s showcase will be anchored by the internationally recognized Shakura S’Aida, who will take on double duties as both host and featured performer. Known for her commanding stage presence and genre-spanning artistry, S’Aida’s return sets the tone for what…

An inquest has been scheduled into the deaths of five people who succumbed to blastomycosis during an outbreak in Constance Lake First Nation, a remote northern Ontario community, the Ministry of the Solicitor General announced Wednesday. Dr. Harry Voogjarv, Regional Supervising Coroner for the North Region, Sudbury office, confirmed that proceedings will begin at 9:30 a.m. on October 15, 2025. The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Luke Moore, 43; Lorraine Shaganash, 47; Lizzie Sutherland, 56; Mark Ferris, 67; and Douglas Taylor, 60. The five individuals died in hospital between November 2021 and January 2022 after contracting…

Toronto, Ont. — The Ontario government is taking steps to expand the scope of practice for a wide range of regulated health-care professionals, a move it says will improve access to timely care and reduce pressures on the province’s strained health system. The Ministry of Health announced Tuesday it is consulting with professional colleges and stakeholders on proposed changes that would give optometrists, psychologists, physiotherapists and other regulated practitioners broader authority in diagnosis, treatment, and prescribing. “Across our province, qualified health-care professionals are ready to contribute more to their communities, ensuring doctors’ offices and emergency departments are available for those…

Picton, Ont. — Ontario is moving ahead with the largest expansion of its provincial parks in half a century, investing nearly $60 million to build new campsites and modernize existing ones in a bid to strengthen the province’s tourism economy. The three-year plan, announced Tuesday, will add 300 new campsites at several high-demand locations and upgrade approximately 800 existing sites with electrical service. Officials said the expansion is designed to meet soaring demand for outdoor recreation while generating economic benefits for nearby communities. “This upgrade marks a major milestone for Ontario Parks — the most significant expansion of camping opportunities…