Ontario

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

Freezing Rain Warning Issued for Ottawa-Gatineau Area Sunday Night

Freezing Rain Warning Issued for Ottawa-Gatineau Area Sunday Night

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): Residents of Ottawa and Gatineau have been warned of potentially hazardous weather as Environment Canada predicts a significant bout of freezing rain starting Sunday evening. The agency has issued an orange-level warning for the region, covering most of eastern Ontario and western Quebec. According to Environment Canada, the freezing rain is expected to begin Sunday night and persist into Monday morning, with ice accumulation estimated between 15 and 20 millimetres. Authorities cautioned that travel could become treacherous and power outages may be prolonged, urging people to postpone non-essential trips. The warning also includes surrounding communities such as…
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Ontario Colleges Face Uncertain Future as Federal International Student Cap Triggers Cuts and Layoffs

Ontario Colleges Face Uncertain Future as Federal International Student Cap Triggers Cuts and Layoffs

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): Ontario’s college sector is grappling with significant upheaval as federal restrictions on international students force program suspensions, service reductions, and staff layoffs, leaving both students and faculty uncertain about the coming academic year. The federal government recently announced it will issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, down from 437,000 in 2025 and 485,000 in 2024, continuing a policy aimed at limiting Canada’s temporary population. Colleges across Ontario, which heavily rely on international student tuition to fund programs and services, are feeling the impact. Several institutions have already suspended dozens of courses, including popular hospitality programs…
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Indian Research Scholar Killed in Toronto Shooting, Authorities Launch Probe

Indian Research Scholar Killed in Toronto Shooting, Authorities Launch Probe

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): A tragic shooting near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus has claimed the life of an Indian doctoral student, prompting expressions of grief from Indian authorities and concern within the international student community. The victim, identified as Shivank Avasthi, was pursuing advanced research studies in Canada. According to Toronto Police, the incident occurred in the vicinity of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road. Emergency responders reached the location after reports of gunfire and found the student suffering from a fatal gunshot injury. He was declared dead at the scene. Police said those responsible had escaped before…
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Winter Storm Set to Disrupt Holiday Travel Across Southern Ontario

Winter Storm Set to Disrupt Holiday Travel Across Southern Ontario

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): A major winter storm is expected to sweep across southern Ontario later this week, raising concerns about travel disruptions during the holiday season, Environment Canada warned. Friday, which coincides with Boxing Day, is projected to see the most significant impact. The storm, driven by a low-pressure system, is forecast to bring a mix of wintry precipitation, including snow, freezing rain, and ice pellets, depending on the location. Southwestern Ontario, particularly around Hamilton and Niagara, may experience freezing rain beginning early Friday morning and continuing through the evening. Officials predict ice accumulation of 5 to 10 millimeters in…
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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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