Ontario

Local news from Toronto, Hamilton, Waterloo and Niagara. Visit nationaltimesmedia.com for local Ontario coverage today.

Ontario Turns to Defence Sector to Cushion Economic Shock from U.S. Trade Turmoil

Ontario Turns to Defence Sector to Cushion Economic Shock from U.S. Trade Turmoil

Toronto, December 24, 2025: As the United States continues to disrupt global trade dynamics, Ontario is increasingly looking to the defence sector to stabilise its economy and reduce reliance on its largest trading partner, Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli has said. Speaking in a recent interview, Fedeli acknowledged that uncertainty stemming from Washington’s trade policies has forced countries worldwide to rethink their economic strategies. He said governments and businesses now begin each day wary of fresh developments from the U.S., prompting Ontario to diversify its global partnerships. Fedeli, who serves as Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade,…
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Toronto Woman of Indian Origin Killed; Police Seek Partner in Connection

Toronto Woman of Indian Origin Killed; Police Seek Partner in Connection

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): Toronto police are investigating the death of Himanshi Khurana, a 30-year-old Indian-origin woman, whose body was discovered in a local residence earlier this week. Authorities have issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for a man believed to be linked to her death. The Indian Consulate in Toronto expressed deep regret over the incident, extending condolences to the family and assuring that all possible support is being provided during this difficult time. Officials stated that they are working closely with local authorities as the investigation unfolds. According to police reports, Khurana was reported missing late on Friday, December 19.…
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Extended Waits for Tests and Specialists Common in Ontario, Survey Finds

Extended Waits for Tests and Specialists Common in Ontario, Survey Finds

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): A majority of Ontarians are facing prolonged delays when seeking diagnostic tests or specialist care, according to a new public opinion survey that highlights growing pressure on the province’s health-care system. The poll, conducted by Abacus Data and released on Tuesday, found that long wait times are the norm rather than the exception. About one-third of respondents said they waited longer than six months to see a specialist or undergo a diagnostic procedure, while another 37 per cent reported delays ranging from three to six months. These timelines stand in sharp contrast to provincial benchmarks. Ontario Health…
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Carney Suppresses Laughter at Ford’s Praise for Ontario Anti-Tariff Ad

Carney Suppresses Laughter at Ford’s Praise for Ontario Anti-Tariff Ad

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Mark Carney struggled to contain his amusement as Ontario Premier Doug Ford lauded his province’s controversial anti-tariff advertisement. Ford described the ad as “the best ad that’s ever been run,” claiming it had “12.4 billion views” and emphasizing that its goal was to raise awareness among the American public. He reiterated his stance against protectionism, stating, “We’re their number one customer, they’re our number one customer. We need to work together.” The advertisement, which aired in October, featured excerpts from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s 1987 radio address warning that…
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New York and Ontario Join Forces to Advance Nuclear Energy Technology

New York and Ontario Join Forces to Advance Nuclear Energy Technology

New York (Rajeev Sharma): New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a cross-border collaboration aimed at developing nuclear energy technology during a joint event at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. The initiative focuses on advancing small modular reactors (SMRs) and other nuclear innovations. Ontario Power Generation is currently working on SMRs at its Darlington facility, located roughly two hours north of Buffalo. Premier Ford highlighted the growing energy demand in Ontario, projecting an increase of up to 90% over the next 25 years. “We are expanding our nuclear capabilities, both with small modular reactors and large-scale…
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Mandatory Air Conditioning in Ontario Nursing Homes Linked to Fewer Heat-Related Deaths

Mandatory Air Conditioning in Ontario Nursing Homes Linked to Fewer Heat-Related Deaths

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): A province-wide requirement for air conditioning in Ontario’s long-term care homes has prevented dozens of deaths, according to new research that underscores the growing health risks posed by extreme heat. The study, published this week in JAMA Internal Medicine, examined more than 73,000 resident deaths recorded in Ontario nursing homes between 2010 and 2023. Researchers found that residents living in facilities without air conditioning in their individual rooms faced a significantly higher risk during heat waves. On days of extreme heat, the likelihood of death was about eight per cent higher compared to residents in rooms with…
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Canada, Ontario Sign Pact to Fast-Track Major Projects With ‘One Project, One Review’ System

Canada, Ontario Sign Pact to Fast-Track Major Projects With ‘One Project, One Review’ System

Ontario (Gaganjot Singh): Canada and Ontario on Thursday signed a new co-operation agreement aimed at speeding up major infrastructure projects by streamlining environmental and impact assessments, as the federal government pushes to strengthen the economy amid shifting global trade dynamics.Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the agreement, which introduces a “one project, one review” approach for large infrastructure initiatives in Ontario. The framework is designed to reduce regulatory duplication between federal and provincial authorities while maintaining strong environmental safeguards and protections for Indigenous rights.Under the agreement, Canada and Ontario will adopt a flexible assessment process that…
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Ontario Unveils $500 Million Program to Expand In-Province Critical Minerals Processing

Ontario Unveils $500 Million Program to Expand In-Province Critical Minerals Processing

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): Ontario has formally rolled out a $500 million initiative aimed at strengthening the province’s critical minerals processing sector, marking a major step toward building a fully domestic supply chain. The Critical Minerals Processing Fund was officially launched Friday at Science North in Greater Sudbury, following its introduction in the 2025 provincial budget. Senior cabinet ministers joined Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre at the event, highlighting the strategic importance of keeping mineral processing and value-added manufacturing within Ontario rather than exporting raw materials for refinement elsewhere. Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce said the new fund signals a…
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Ontario Unveils $500M Program to Expand Critical Minerals Processing

Ontario Unveils $500M Program to Expand Critical Minerals Processing

SUDBURY (Rajeev Sharma): The Ontario government has rolled out a new $500 million funding initiative aimed at expanding the province’s ability to process and refine critical minerals, a move officials say will help secure supply chains and create long-term economic benefits for Ontario workers. The Critical Minerals Processing Fund, first outlined in the 2025 provincial budget, is designed to support projects that boost processing capacity within Ontario. The goal is to ensure that minerals extracted in the province are also refined locally, rather than being shipped elsewhere for processing. The program will be administered through Invest Ontario, the government’s investment…
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Ontario Sees $772M Investment Surge, Nearly 700 Jobs Through Major Expansions

Ontario Sees $772M Investment Surge, Nearly 700 Jobs Through Major Expansions

ONTARIO (Rajeev Sharma): A series of significant expansion projects in Ontario’s manufacturing, life sciences, and technology sectors are set to generate nearly 700 new jobs and attract a total investment of $772 million, provincial officials announced. Beverage Manufacturing Expansion in MississaugaHomegrown beverage producer Lee Li Holdings is investing $387 million to expand operations through its subsidiaries First Choice Beverage Inc., Global Beverage and Logistics Centre Inc., and Imperial Chilled Juice Inc. The project includes an upgraded plant and a new 100,000-square-foot facility in Mississauga. The facility will feature AI-driven production, automated warehousing, and sustainable manufacturing practices aimed at reducing energy…
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