Author: Sam Allcock

Brampton, Ont. —  Ontario has marked a milestone in its effort to expand access to health care by opening a new medical school at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in Brampton — the province’s first new medical school in two decades. The facility welcomed its inaugural class of 176 students this fall, supported by a nearly $180 million provincial investment. Premier Doug Ford said the launch reflects the government’s broader plan to strengthen Ontario’s health-care system.“Our government is delivering on our plan to protect and improve access to health care in Ontario by opening our first new medical school in 20…

Toronto —  The Ontario government is committing $9.6 million to wetlands restoration and enhancement, a move officials say will help safeguard communities against the growing risks of drought, flooding and extreme weather events. The funding will be delivered through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program, which has already supported thousands of acres of restoration work across the province. Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Todd McCarthy announced the funding Tuesday, describing wetlands as vital natural infrastructure.“Wetlands make communities more resilient. They act as natural infrastructure that protect our homes and businesses against drought and flooding, clean our water and create…

Sarnia, Ont. — As faculty at Lambton College return to classrooms this fall under a newly secured collective agreement, uncertainty continues to cloud the institution. Despite an arbitrated contract settlement in June, the college has moved forward with layoffs affecting academic staff, a decision that union leaders say undermines the stability of the community college system. The latest labour agreement was reached through Arbitrator William Kaplan at the end of June, ending months of negotiations. While the deal provided some relief to faculty heading into the academic year, notices of job losses issued earlier in the spring have left many questioning…

KITCHENER – Ontario is directing more than $12.9 million toward workforce training programs in Waterloo Region, a move the provincial government says will help over 50,000 people prepare for jobs in high-demand sectors as local industries brace for the effects of new U.S. tariffs. Premier Doug Ford announced the funding Tuesday at AirBoss Rubber Solutions in Kitchener, where the manufacturer will receive $829,000 to provide skills training, including forklift operation, for its workers. The investment forms part of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, which has been expanded to $2.5 billion to support workers facing economic disruption. “The investments…

TORONTO –  Massey Hall has announced that acclaimed American singer and pianist Sarah McCoy will perform at the Allied Music Centre Theatre on Saturday, November 1, 2025, marking a highly anticipated stop in her international performance schedule. With a reputation for raw intensity and a sound that straddles blues, alternative soul, and electronica, McCoy has quickly carved out a space as one of today’s most distinctive musical voices. Born in the United States but now based in France, she has won critical praise for her two studio albums, Blood Siren (Blue Note, 2019) and High Priestess (2023). Her collaborations with…

Winnipeg, MB — A growing conflict over land access in eastern Manitoba is raising alarm across the province’s billion-dollar outdoor tourism industry, as Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association (MLOA) calls on the provincial government to urgently resolve a blockade set up by Bloodvein First Nation. On August 23, Bloodvein First Nation leaders publicly announced the establishment of a blockade near their community, east of Lake Winnipeg. At the announcement, representatives said “No Trespassing” signs had been erected throughout what they describe as their “territory,” and declared that licensed hunters, anglers, and trappers would not be allowed to enter the area.…

Paris — Brazil has formally requested to join the International Energy Agency (IEA) as a full member, marking a significant shift in global energy governance and further cementing the country’s role as a key player in international energy markets. The request was delivered in Paris on Tuesday by Ambassador Sarquis J.B. Sarquis to IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. The move was accompanied by a joint letter from Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, and Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, outlining Brazil’s intention to begin the formal accession process. “Let us convey to you the appreciation of the…

Toronto – Ontario has introduced sweeping labour mobility reforms that will allow thousands of certified professionals from across Canada to begin working in the province within days, a move the government says will strengthen the economy, protect workers, and help counter external trade pressures. The changes, unveiled on Labour Day, make Ontario the first jurisdiction in Canada to formally implement “As of Right” rules across a wide range of regulated professions and trades. Beginning January 1, 2026, qualified workers certified elsewhere in Canada—ranging from architects and engineers to electricians, land surveyors, and translators—will be able to start working in Ontario…

An inquest will be held into the death of 27-year-old Zakaria Sheek Hussein, who died in 2021 while in custody at the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre, Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General announced Friday. Dr. Louise McNaughton-Filion, Regional Supervising Coroner for the East Region, Ottawa Office, confirmed that the inquest is mandatory under Ontario’s Coroners Act. “The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Mr. Sheek Hussein’s death,” she said in the statement. “The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.” Death in Custody Sheek Hussein died on July 24, 2021, at the Ottawa Hospital after sustaining injuries while…

Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General has confirmed that an inquest will be held into the death of Martin Gordyn, a 27-year-old man who died following an interaction with Niagara Regional Police Service officers in 2021. The announcement was made Friday by Dr. Karen Schiff, Regional Supervising Coroner for the West Region, Hamilton Office. “Dr. Karen Schiff, Regional Supervising Coroner, West Region, Hamilton Office, has announced that an inquest will be held into the death of Martin Gordyn,” the ministry said in its official statement. Mandatory Inquest Under Provincial Law The Coroners Act requires an inquest when a death occurs…