CBC Ottawa interviewed various people about their thoughts five years on from the start of the pandemic. Here's some of what they said.

After months of fighting for the tent-like reception centres to house asylum seekers, Camille Kamanzi, executive director of Burundi We Want Ottawa, says he’s filled with disappointment. 

Over the past few months, the Pokemon card hobby has been plagued by scalpers and resellers buying up a large portion of the stock, then asking for double the price on the secondary market.

Phillip Hudson-Berry and Dillon Graham-Laurence, both in their 30s, each entered guilty pleas for aggravated assault Friday in connection with the November 2024 attack on a Black man at Hurdman station.

Katherine Sandford, a children's television writer from Chelsea, Que., flew to Los Angeles to receive her award this weekend at the Children's and Family Emmys.

Moh Ahmed's long-awaited debut in the half marathon is back on hold. The Canadian distance runner was scratched from Sunday's 21.1-kilometre race in New York City due to back spasms and adductor issues suffered this week in his final workout.

April 1 will mark the first day of the transition of the city’s blue box program to the private sector under a provincial policy transferring the responsibility and cost of blue box recycling to the packaging industry. The industry has formed an organization called Circular Materials to issue contracts in each municipality to manage the blue box program. In the case of Hamilton the contractor is GFL Environmental, who already have been performing waste collection for the city. While for the remainder of 2025 there will be no changes to collection days or acceptable items, residents will no longer be able to obtain a blue box from their councillor or the city. They will now need to obtain replacement blue boxes from GFL Environmental  for a damaged blue box, or a retail store for additional blue boxes.

After April 1 blue box replacement and inquiries will need to go to  GFL Environmental Inc [email protected]  1-844-415-4351

During the transition period from April 1 to the end of 2025 the city of Hamilton will provide transition information at http://www.hamilton.ca/blueboxtransition

A Hamilton mother of three who lives in the Beach Road area is one of several neighbours asking Hamilton’s Public Health Subcommittee to do something about black soot fallout in the neighbourhood.  Stephanie Forrester wrote a letter to the committee and supplied several photographs showing the grime on her children’s hands and clothing. Her family has lived in the house since 2014 but did not have any soot issues until two years ago. Last year, she wrote, “(On) May 9th 2024 I emailed the City of Hamilton asking them to power wash the play structure at St.Christopher’s park due to the black soot. My kids were going down the slide once and turning black. Their clothes and shoes were staining even if we washed them as soon as we got home.’ The city did conduct two power washes following Forrester’s complaint. She says the summer of 2024 was “horrible, scary when you think of it. If we can see this, what can’t we see?  Sept 13th 2024 was another large fallout.  See photos attached to see brand new shoes, and my children’s body from being outside at the park for 2 minutes. (yes, I timed it) we had to come back inside because I worry for their health what we are touching or breathing…”

She was critical of the lack of action she has received, writing that she has reached out to Public Health and councillors. She said she went door-to-door canvassing neighbours to support their call for action. “Many of us reach out to public health…and the attitude and negativity we received from many members was disturbing.” Forrester says they have even written the Prime Minister and Doug Ford.

Public Health subcommittee will consider a motion by Councillors Hwang and Nann to engage a contractor to survey the black particulate matter issue and report back to the sub committee by the end of June.

Mississauga is the latest city that says it will stop flying the American flag amid a trade war between Canada and the U.S., along with President Donald Trump's annexation threats.

One of Canada’s bestknown education policy researchers, Paul W. Bennett, EdD, is director, Schoolhouse Institute, adjunct professor of Education, Saint Mary’s University, and chair of researchED Canada. He has just published a nearly 30-page paper with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute titled, “Historic Injustice—Canada’s misguided betrayal of school system founder Egerton Ryerson.”

In an executive summary, Dr. Bennett writes,

“Canada’s best known school system founder Egerton Ryerson and the United States’ Horace Mann are each towering figures in the history of public education in North America. Both men received praise during their lifetimes – and for decades after – for leading the fight for universal tax-supported schooling. Their successes in Massachusetts and Canada West/Ontario, respectively, inspired the spread of publicly funded education throughout all Canadian provinces and American states.

Americans tend to be kinder than Canadians to their past heroes. In this case, Mann is still venerated in the public sphere as “the father of American education.” Unfortunately, in Canada, Ryerson – despite his many laudable achievements – is unjustly vilified as the “architect” of Indigenous residential schools. Indeed, he has been cast aside, even by the university that bore his name.

The toppling and erasure of Ryerson in such a fashion is a glaring injustice that leaves a gaping hole in the narrative arc of Ontario’s, and Canada’s, educational foundations.

While Reverend Adolphus Egerton Ryerson – a Methodist school reformer opposed to the privileges of the colonial elites – did issue an 1847 letter sanctioning Indian residential schools, that should be placed in context; he certainly cannot be held responsible for the abuses committed at residential schools in the decades and centuries after his death in 1882. His minor role in the system’s creation is far outweighed by his 32-year record as “a beacon of educational reform, a fighter against injustice of all sorts, and a kind and generous man who pushed for religious equality.”

Ryerson laid the foundations for and determined the boundaries of public schooling in Ontario and, by extension, other provinces. His 1846 blueprint for public elementary education profoundly shaped the school system in Ontario and beyond.

Removing his name from Ryerson University, now Toronto Metropolitan University, and Toronto’s first Normal School simply does not pass the test of fairness. Street justice, justified by a commissioned university report, was administered swiftly without sober second thought.

It’s up to historians to call out glaring examples of presentism that fail the test of historical accuracy and violate the fundamental principles of sound historical thinking. It’s time to restore Ryerson’s reputation and legacy, through the following actions:

• Ryerson’s statue, like that of Horace Mann, should be displayed in a prominent public space with a descriptive panel showcasing his historical legacy, in all its complexity.

• Canada should enact a strategy of national heritage revitalization encompassing a set of federal and provincial initiatives focused on restoring proper public commemoration and championing historical consciousness curriculum reform in universities, education faculties, and schools.

• The Government of Ontario should commission a new monument at Queen’s Park in Toronto to honour Egerton Ryerson, with a descriptive panel explaining his legacy in historical context.

• The Historic Sites and Monuments Canada should re-affirm “Adolphus Egerton Ryerson” as a “National Historic Person” with a new plaque and public display recognizing the totality of his educational legacy.

Sustainable change goes much deeper. Reclaiming lost history may require an Ontario provincial inquiry into the origins and founding mission of the Ministry of Education and its critical role in laying the foundations for the public education system across Canada.

It’s time to engage the public in reversing the fashionable trend of erasing the past. What it will take is a movement dedicated to broader curriculum reform aimed at restoring our lost educational heritage and instilling “narrative competencies” in the current generation of students.”

The full paper follows:

Paul W. Bennett, EdD, is director, Schoolhouse Institute, adjunct professor of Education, Saint Mary’s University, and chair of researchED Canada. One of Canada’s bestknown education policy researchers and commentators, Bennett has generated dozens of policy research reports and written ten books, including The State of the System: A Reality Check on Canada’s Schools (2020). Most recently, he has focused on analyzing the profound impact of the COVID-19 global disruption on student learning in research reports and presentations, most recently at the March 2024 TES World Education Summit. For an extensive collection of his commentaries, see Educhatter Blog, recognized by two different independent research agencies as the top Education blog in Canada in 2018 and 2022.   

One person is in hospital in life-threatening condition after an early morning house fire on Oak Avenue in the Lansdale neighbourhood. Hamilton fire got the call just before 2 this morning and when they arrived found the house with flames coming out of both floors. One person who had been in the house and the time of the fire, had jumped from a first-floor window prior to Fire’s arrival and was being tended to by police. The person was placed into the care of Paramedics and transported to hospital. Flames initially blocked firefighters’ access but eventually a crew got in the back door of the house before being pulled out due to the intensity of the fire. Hydro had to be cut to the entire street.

The individual who jumped from a window is listed in life-threatening condition in hospital. A second person who got out safely is listed as stable. According to Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe, it was a very stubborn fire to fight due to the significant amount of combustible materials being stored inside the house. It is expected that firefighters will be on scene for some time dealing with the extinguishment of hot spots. Given the condition of the occupants who were in the house at the time of the fire, the Office of the Fire Marshal have been notified and will be sending an Investigator to the scene this morning to assist with the investigation. No other injuries have been reported. Currently damage is estimated to be in excess of $750,000.00.

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit is investigating a collision west of London on Saturday that left one person in hospital. OPP say the collision occurred as they were investigating a suspected stolen vehicle.

Canada's Rachel Homan made a draw for a single in the 10th end for a 9-7 win over Sweden's Anna Hasselborg on Sunday at the world women's curling championship.

Wanted Person Arrested and Charged

An individual wanted in connection with a homicide investigation in Leamington has been arrested and charged.

On March 12, 2025, shortly after 2:30 p.m., members of the Essex County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services responded to a well-being check at a residence on Sherk Street, where 83-year-old Anita Goodings, of Leamington, was located deceased.

On March 15, 2025, members of the Essex County OPP Crime Unit and the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, arrested and charged Kevin Goodings, 61 years old of no fixed address, with second degree murder, contrary to section 235(1) of the Criminal Code.

The accused is being held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on March 16, 2025.

The investigation continues. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Essex County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

The OPP wants to thank members of the public and media for their support and assistance in this investigation.

The post Update – Wanted Person In Leamington Homicide Arrested And Charged appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Hamilton, Niagara, Burlington and surrounding areas are expected to see rainfall and strong winds on Sunday, Environment Canada said.

The Carleton Ravens can win a third consecutive national title on Sunday when they face the top-seeded Saskatchewan Huskies in the U Sports women's basketball Final 8 championship game at UBC's War Memorial Gymnasium in Vancouver.

The GTA and surrounding areas are expected to see rainfall and strong winds on Sunday, starting in the early morning and continuing into the afternoon, Environment Canada said. Wind gusts between 60 to 80 km/h are possible, with total rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 millimetres.

A group of Fine Arts students at Fanshawe College's School of Design are the faces behind a new painting exhibition in downtown London this month. The exhibit called "The Beholder" at the TAP Centre for Creativity, features paintings by 17 second-year students.

Port Huron shares a border crossing with Sarnia, and fewer Canadians are making the trip

The damage done by Donald Trump’s chaotic tariff war has Ontario businesses looking for new trading partners and allies in the midst of deep uncertainty caused by the conflict.

An eastern Ontario township whose council has been steeped in controversy has now had one of its members resign and its mayor say he needs to step back for a bit because of a "lack of civility" at the council table.  

The CBC's Rachelle Elsiufi spoke to an Ottawa sommelier about (mostly Canadian) vintages you can sip while American wines have been taken off the shelves due to the trade war.

Suspect Identified, Arrest Warrant Issued

An arrest warrant has been issued in connection with a recent homicide in Leamington.

On March 12, 2025, shortly after 2:30 p.m., members of the Essex County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services responded to a well-being check at a residence on Sherk Street, where 83-year-old Anita Goodings, of Leamington, was found deceased.

As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant has been issued for Kevin Goodings, 61 years old of no fixed address, who is wanted for second degree murder. He is believed to be dangerous and a risk to public safety. If seen, call 9-1-1 and do not approach.

Kevin Goodings is described as a white male, approximately 5’11” (180 cm) and 180 lbs (82 kg) with a medium build, green eyes, white hair, white goatee and several tattoos: Ying yang on right forearm, panther on left forearm, Chinese writing on neck, and lightning bolt on right hand.

The investigation is continuing by the Essex County OPP Crime Unit under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, with assistance from the OPP Forensic Identification Services and the OPP Emergency Response Team, and in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Anyone with any information about this investigation or the whereabouts of Kevin Goodings is urged to contact the Essex County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

Further updates will be provided when they become available.

The post Update – Sudden Death Investigation In Leamington Ruled Homicide appeared first on Kingsville Times.

The Instagram post to Piper Arms Pub’s account follows a March 7 shooting in which three men opened fire inside the establishment on its opening night. No one was killed and the suspects are still at large.

Fans at Toronto FC's home opener against the Chicago Fire showed their displeasure at the U.S. by booing The Star-Spangled Banner on Saturday. The booing was steady, followed by an enthusiastic rendition of O Canada.

Its hard to know how many ordinary Americans watch C-SPAN—the US public service channel that provides gavel-to-gavel coverage of Congress and the President; but if they do go to the channel, they will be able to see Friday’s swearing-in of Prime Minister Mark Carney and his cabinet. The very first things Americans will see are two reasons Canada is decidedly not the USA. The first words out of Carney’s mouth are an oath of loyalty to the King of Canada, Charles III, AND…he is saying it in FRENCH. As I watched that, I wondered what Donald Trump might be thinking if he should see it. The awkwardness of Carney’s French is almost a good thing, because it underlines the reality that no one can become Prime Minister of Canada, regardless of where they come from, unless they can speak French, at least well enough to understand and respond to questions in French in a media scrum.

Let’s face it, not all Canadians, even, are completely comfortable with our Prime Minister swearing fealty to the British King (even if it is in HM’s Capacity as Canada’s King), but in the moment where we are seeking any symbol of our cultural difference from America, it will do. But what’s equally interesting is that in perhaps the most stressful time in our relations with the United States, since the 19^th century, Canada’s French Fact is reminding Canadians everywhere of one of our most fundamental differences. We’ve come a long way from 1995 when busloads of Ontarians were heading to Quebec to try to convince francophones that their only cultural and linguistic salvation was to stay in Canada rather than get diluted in a massive North American Anglosphere. Now its more like our bilingual currency and cereal boxes symbolize what is really the essence of English Canadian identity as well. That, and the fact that everything that gets said by our federal politicians takes twice as long because it has to be repeated in either French or English. Canadians are so used to it they don’t even notice. Hopefully Americans will conclude that all this Frenchness is just more bother than it’s worth and, like Dracula, when shown a crucifix, they will recoil and leave us alone. Appearing on CNN last week, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly told Christina Amanpour, “When you look back at our history, we created Canada at the time…because we didn’t want to be the United States. As you can hear from my accent, I’m a francophone from Canada and there was also this grand bargain between francophones and anglophones to make sure that we could ultimately create a strong country in North America.” It’s probably no coincidence that 91-year-old Jean Chretien, arguably the most Quebec-ish of all our Prime Ministers is popping up on the national scene at this time.

It’s possible that Donald Trump, in his “Talk Loudly and carry a big stick,” approach to Canada-US relations, actually thinks he is paying Canada a complement by deeming us worthy of inclusion in the Union but Trump and his Republican sycophancy might better be careful what they wish for. With roughly a million more in population than California, the most populous state, Canada would qualify for at least the equivalent representation in Congress. That would be 54 electoral votes– 52 members of congress and two senators. Who thinks both senators plus the vast majority of congress members (some of them francophone) wouldn’t be overwhelmingly Democratic in the current circumstance?