Author: Sam Allcock

Montreal —  Scientists at McGill University’s Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro) and the University Medical Center Göttingen have uncovered new insights into how the brain relies on objects to determine direction, findings that could inform future research into Alzheimer’s disease and other disorientation-related conditions. The study, published today in Science, reveals that visual landmarks play a more active role in the brain’s navigation system than previously understood. By demonstrating how objects can tune the brain’s “internal compass,” researchers say the discovery reshapes the scientific understanding of spatial orientation. The Experiment Using ultrasound imaging to measure brain activity, scientists studied mice…

Toronto — The Ontario government is significantly expanding its annual Level Up! career fairs this fall, aiming to connect more than 50,000 students, educators and jobseekers with career opportunities in the skilled trades. The program, which showcases trades such as electricians, boilermakers, heavy equipment operators and automotive service technicians, is part of the province’s broader effort to address looming labour shortages and build a resilient workforce. The 2025 edition of the fairs will span 29 days across 12 communities — an increase from 21 days last year — and feature more than 200 interactive exhibitors. Events will include open house…

PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — A notoriously dangerous downtown intersection has undergone significant safety improvements, with the City of Prince Albert completing upgrades at 22nd Street and 1st Avenue West in an effort to reduce collisions, injuries, and property damage. The project, which introduces a redesigned median and new pedestrian ramps, was fully funded through the support of Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), a long-time partner in the city’s road safety initiatives. Addressing a High-Risk Location The decision to target this intersection followed a comprehensive traffic safety review of multiple city roadways. Between 2013 and 2022, 22nd Street and 1st Avenue West…

OTTAWA — Ontario’s long-term care capacity has taken a major step forward with the official opening of Extendicare Crossing Bridge, a newly constructed facility in Ottawa that will provide 256 modern beds for residents in need of care. The announcement, made September 10, 2025, underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening long-term care through expanded capacity, modernized infrastructure, and improved quality of life for seniors across the province. Expanding Access in Ottawa “The opening of Extendicare Crossing Bridge marks a significant milestone in our government’s plan to protect residents and increase access to world-class health care across the province, including here…

The City of Prince Albert is calling on Indigenous artists to help transform everyday transit stops into vibrant cultural landmarks that reflect the community’s heritage and identity. In a new initiative announced this week, the City’s Arts & Culture Division, working with the Community Development Department, is inviting Indigenous visual artists to submit original designs for transit shelters. The program, aligned with the Municipal Cultural Action Plan, seeks to highlight the role of Indigenous peoples in shaping the region’s identity while enhancing public spaces for residents and visitors alike. A Community-Driven Vision At its core, the project aims to create…

LANCASTER, Ont. — Construction has begun on two new long-term care homes in Eastern Ontario, part of a provincial push to expand capacity and modernize facilities for seniors across the province. The projects, located in Prescott and Lancaster, will deliver a combined 256 new and redeveloped beds and are backed by provincial funding and private sector partnerships. The Ontario government said the developments mark another step in addressing the growing demand for long-term care as the province’s population ages. “As Ontario continues to age, our government is making historic investments to protect families and their loved ones,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta,…

TORONTO — The Ontario government is committing $3 million through the 2025–26 Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP), supporting 71 organizations and businesses across the province in a bid to bolster Francophone culture, expand services, and stimulate economic growth. The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday, is part of a broader provincial plan to reinforce Ontario’s Francophone identity while ensuring Franco-Ontarians continue to play a central role in the economy. Strengthening Ontario’s Francophone future “Our government has a plan to make Ontario the most resilient and competitive economy in the G7, and we need a strong and vibrant Francophone community to achieve that,”…

WINNIPEG — Soapbox Science, an international initiative that brings scientific research out of laboratories and into the public square, is set to return to The Forks skate park this Saturday. The free, interactive event, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 13, aims to showcase women and non-binary professionals working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Organizers say the event is more than a public lecture series — it is a grassroots effort to break down barriers between scientists and the public while promoting greater diversity and accessibility within the scientific community. Building on momentum Last year’s…

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing nearly $62 million to improve road access in Northern Ontario, advancing a project that provincial leaders describe as key to unlocking the economic potential of the Ring of Fire. The $61.8-million commitment will fund Geraldton’s Main Street Rehabilitation Project in the Municipality of Greenstone. The roadway upgrade is positioned as the first major segment of a broader network designed to connect Northern communities with the Ring of Fire — a mineral-rich area spanning 5,000 square kilometres that has drawn global attention for its deposits of nickel, copper, platinum and chromite. Officials say the…

KITCHENER — The Ontario government is expanding support for small businesses and startups by launching the next round of its Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program, a $5-million initiative aimed at helping more than 400 entrepreneurs across the province. The 2025–26 program, announced Tuesday, will provide free training, mentorship, networking opportunities and a one-time $10,000 grant to racialized and Indigenous business owners. The initiative is designed to help entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas into viable companies, create local jobs and fuel long-term economic growth. “At a time of economic uncertainty, our government is protecting the next generation of entrepreneurs,…