Author: Sam Allcock

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…

The Ontario government is increasing its annual investment in the province’s Winter Roads Program to $13 million, aiming to strengthen vital seasonal transportation links across Northern Ontario and protect communities facing economic uncertainty. Announced Thursday by the Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth, the funding will support the construction and maintenance of nearly 3,200 kilometres of winter roads that connect 32 remote First Nation communities and the Town of Moosonee to the provincial road network. The network, the longest of its kind in Canada, serves more than 24,000 residents who depend on it for access to goods, services and…

Canadian visitors are making a big splash in Dubai’s luxury tourism sector, with a surge in yacht and jet ski charters reported by leading operator Seven Yachts. Founded by entrepreneur Steve Laidlaw and managed day-to-day by Clare Laidlaw, Seven Yachts has become a go-to for premium maritime experiences along Dubai’s glittering coastline. Over the past year, the company has recorded a double-digit increase in bookings from Canada, fuelled by pent-up travel demand, favourable exchange rates, and Dubai’s growing appeal as a winter sun destination. “Canada has always been an important market for us, but the last 12 months have seen…