Ontario

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

Canadian Government Warns Travellers About Risks of Visiting High-Risk Countries

Canadian Government Warns Travellers About Risks of Visiting High-Risk Countries

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): The Canadian government is reminding citizens and residents that travelling to countries facing war, political unrest, terrorism threats, or natural disasters comes with serious personal and financial risks, especially when official travel advisories are in place. Federal officials say Canadians who choose to travel to destinations marked “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” or “Avoid All Travel” should not expect the government to cover emergency evacuation costs, private security, accommodation, or return flights during a crisis.The government states that while consular officials may provide documentation support, information, and limited assistance, the financial responsibility remains with the traveller. The warning…
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Carney Government Considers Major “Asset Recycling” Plan Involving Airports and Ports to Fund Infrastructure

Carney Government Considers Major “Asset Recycling” Plan Involving Airports and Ports to Fund Infrastructure

Toronto ( Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that the federal government is exploring a large-scale “asset recycling” strategy that could involve selling or restructuring public assets such as airports and ports to raise capital for national infrastructure and economic growth priorities. The approach is being considered as a way to help finance a new infrastructure package reportedly valued at around $25 billion. Under the proposed framework, the government would “recycle” capital currently tied up in federally owned assets and redirect it toward new nation-building projects. Officials say the concept is still in early development stages and no…
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Oakville Dental Office Employee Charged in Alleged $235,000 Fraud Investigation

Oakville Dental Office Employee Charged in Alleged $235,000 Fraud Investigation

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): Halton Regional Police Service has charged a former employee of an Oakville dental office in connection with an alleged fraud scheme involving approximately $235,000 in business funds over nearly two years. Police say the investigation began in April 2025 after the dental practice reported suspicious financial activity. The case was assigned to the Financial Crimes Unit, which launched an in-depth investigation into the movement of funds and internal transactions linked to the business. Investigators allege that between May 2023 and January 2025, the accused employee, while working in an administrative capacity at the clinic, redirected payments and…
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Canada Opens New Pathway to Permanent Residency for 33,000 Workers Amid Labour Shortage Concerns

Canada Opens New Pathway to Permanent Residency for 33,000 Workers Amid Labour Shortage Concerns

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant immigration move, Canada has announced a plan to grant Permanent Residency (PR) to around 33,000 foreign workers currently living in the country on work permits. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address workforce shortages, particularly in smaller towns and rural regions. The programme, introduced under the “In-Canada Workers Initiative,” focuses on individuals who have already been contributing to local economies in less populated areas. Authorities believe that providing long-term settlement opportunities to such workers will help stabilise industries struggling to find skilled labour. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab confirmed that the…
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Canada Unveils $6 Billion ‘Team Canada Strong’ Plan to Boost Skilled Trades Workforce

Canada Unveils $6 Billion ‘Team Canada Strong’ Plan to Boost Skilled Trades Workforce

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced an ambitious nationwide initiative aimed at addressing labour shortages in the skilled trades sector, with a target to recruit and train up to 100,000 workers over the next five years. Speaking from Gatineau, Carney outlined the government’s new flagship programme, Team Canada Strong, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s economic resilience amid shifting global trade dynamics. The $6 billion plan focuses on creating a robust workforce capable of supporting large-scale infrastructure and development projects, including housing, transportation networks, energy systems, and defence industries. Officials say the initiative…
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Five Arrested in Canada Cargo Theft Case; Stolen Cannabis Worth $2 Million Recovered

Five Arrested in Canada Cargo Theft Case; Stolen Cannabis Worth $2 Million Recovered

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): Authorities in Canada have arrested five individuals of Punjabi origin in connection with a major cargo theft investigation that led to the recovery of cannabis products valued at nearly $2 million. The case dates back to April 15, 2026, when officers from the Auto Cargo Theft Unit were probing suspicious activity near Mississauga, specifically around the McLaughlin Road and Highway 401 corridor. During the operation, investigators located a trailer that had earlier been reported stolen from the Niagara Region. Police confirmed that the trailer was transporting a significant shipment of cannabis intended for distribution to multiple licensed…
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Punjabi Woman Found Dead in Brampton Home, Police Probe Mysterious Circumstances

Punjabi Woman Found Dead in Brampton Home, Police Probe Mysterious Circumstances

Brampton ( Bharat S): A tragic and unexplained death has once again raised concerns about the safety and well-being of immigrants living abroad. According to initial reports, a 29-year-old woman identified as Pratibha Gupta, originally from Punjab, India, was found dead inside a residence in Brampton. Her body was discovered near a staircase in the house where she had been living as a tenant. Pratibha had moved to Canada approximately three and a half years ago on a work permit and was working while striving to build a stable future. Sources indicate that no visible external injuries were found on…
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Canada PM Mark Carney Joins Sikh Community at Ottawa Gurdwara to Mark Sikh Heritage Month

Canada PM Mark Carney Joins Sikh Community at Ottawa Gurdwara to Mark Sikh Heritage Month

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney marked Sikh Heritage Month by visiting a prominent gurdwara in Ottawa, where he participated in community service and interacted with members of the Sikh community. During his visit to Gurdwara Sahib Ottawa, the Prime Minister joined volunteers in sewa, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and community engagement. The visit formed part of nationwide celebrations recognising the contributions of Sikh Canadians. Sharing his message on social media platform X, Carney noted that Canada is home to one of the largest Sikh populations globally. He acknowledged the role played by Sikh men and women…
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Canada Prepares for New Security Era as Military Chief Warns of Major Conflict Risks

Canada Prepares for New Security Era as Military Chief Warns of Major Conflict Risks

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada’s top military commander, Jennie Carignan, has cautioned that the country must brace for the possibility of large-scale conventional conflicts, signalling a significant shift in defence priorities amid a rapidly evolving global security landscape. Speaking about the changing nature of threats, General Carignan said the world has entered a more volatile phase, requiring Canada to rethink its military capabilities and preparedness. She stressed that the armed forces must adapt to face more traditional, high-intensity conflicts, a departure from the counterinsurgency operations that dominated recent decades. To address these challenges, Canada is planning a major expansion of its…
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Hindu Groups in Canada Urge Police Action Over Planned Khalistani Protests Outside Temples

Hindu Groups in Canada Urge Police Action Over Planned Khalistani Protests Outside Temples

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): In a powerful joint appeal, over 30 Hindu organizations across Canada have written an open letter to local law enforcement, urging them to ensure the safety of Hindu temples and their worshippers ahead of planned protests by Khalistani extremists. The protests are set to occur on April 5, 2026, outside the Triveni Mandir in Brampton and the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey. The letter, signed by various Hindu civic organizations and temple leaders, expresses grave concerns about the increasing violence and harassment surrounding these "so-called peaceful protests." According to the letter, previous protests at Hindu temples have…
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