“Student achievement must always come first in Ontario’s education system,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “While there has been progress in recent years, too many students are still not meeting provincial standards. Our government will continue using every tool available to keep Ontario’s education system focused on accountability and a back-to-basics approach to support student achievement, so that students can reach their full potential and be prepared for good‑paying, rewarding careers.”

William (Bill) Robson has been appointed Chair and David R. Johnson has been appointed Advisor to the Advisory Body on Student Achievement and Assessment. Mr. Robson has been President and CEO of the C.D. Howe Institute for the past 20 years and previously served for eight years on Ontario’s Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board, where he helped oversee certification standards for postsecondary programs and made recommendations to the government. Mr. Johnson is an emeritus professor of economics at Wilfrid Laurier University whose research for nearly two decades has focused on the economics of education, including student achievement, assessment practices and postsecondary access and persistence.

This expert body will examine EQAO testing and lead a comprehensive review of how Ontario supports student learning, focusing on math, reading and writing, and closing achievement gaps. The review will examine the root causes behind these results and recommend clear, actionable strategies to better support teachers, parents and students, all while continuing to support Ontario’s public education system.

Once the review is complete, the final report will be presented to the Minister and made publicly available. These recommendations will help ensure teachers have the tools they need to do their best work and that students have every opportunity to succeed.

“Our government is delivering on our commitment to protect Ontario by investing in projects that keep people working, strengthen northern communities and attract new economic opportunities to the North,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This funding will spark new partnerships, boost local talent and create valuable opportunities in communities across the region as we continue to position the North as a prime destination for film and TV series producers.

Since 2018, the NOHFC has invested nearly $84 million in 105 film and television projects in the Nipissing area that have helped the region remain competitive in a growing global production market. Attracting new opportunities for Northern Ontario’s film and television sector has helped the industry thrive and made the North a competitive hub for high-quality productions that boost economic growth and create jobs.

“NOHFC’s Film and Television Stream is designed to increase production in Northern Ontario to create industry jobs and support the local economy,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Today’s $7.95 million investment is achieving that goal, while also highlighting North Bay as a premier filming destination where these projects showcase local geography, talent and filming infrastructure.”

Film and television projects receiving funding include:

• $2 million for Piazza Entertainment to produce Season 4 of SkyMed, a medical television drama that follows the triumphs, heartbreaks and breakdowns of budding nurses and pilots flying air ambulances in remote Northern Canada
• $2 million for Hideaway Pictures Inc. to produce Season 3 of When Hope Calls, a series that tells the story of Lillian and Grace, two orphaned sisters who were separated as children and reunite as adults to open an orphanage in a small northwestern Canadian town
• $500,000 for Cutting Glass Media to produce Not Safe for Work, an animated action-comedy series that follows one of the world’s deadliest assassins who discovers there’s a hit on her estranged father and is forced to take him and her brother on the run
• $500,000 for Kelly Martin Productions to produce the made-for-television movie Crown Jewel Princess, the sequel to Jingle Bell Princess that follows the story of Princess Amelia as she prepares for her upcoming coronation
• $500,000 for Hideaway Pictures Inc. to produce the made-for-television movie Joy to the World, which tells the story of reclusive lifestyle guru Joy Edwards who is forced into a live Christmas Eve television special featuring her supposedly perfect family – whom she completely fabricated
• $500,000 for Other Animal Entertainment to produce the feature film Last Moon, which is set in the frontier era of Northern Ontario and is about separation, redemption, fear and evolution
• $500,000 for Vortex Media Ltd. to produce the made-for-television film Christmas at Candiac Lodge, a heartwarming holiday film that combines elements of comedy, romance and family dynamics
• $500,000 for Cast North Productions Inc. to produce the feature film With This Ring, which follows the story of maid of honour Hayley who enlists the bride’s handsome brother to help her find her best friend’s antique ring when she loses it a week before the wedding
• $500,000 for Comedy Camp Inc. to produce the feature film Hysterical, a mocumentary – featuring an all-star cast of comics – about a television pilot filmed deep in the wilderness of Killarney Provincial Park
• $450,000 for Watcher Pilot Productions Inc. to produce the made-for-television movie Watcher, an inspired-by-true-events story that follows a Woodland Cree tracker who reluctantly partners with a former city detective to solve a crime.

The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions as well as secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of Northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s investment of an additional $30 million over three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

“Our government is protecting Ontario by bringing back the Northlander and connecting thousands of people in northeastern Ontario to health care, education and economic opportunities,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The rail work underway will help reduce travel times and deliver a smoother and more comfortable ride for passengers.”

Additional work along the corridor, which includes adding warning systems, updating signage at rail crossings and adding gates to existing crossings, will continue to enhance safety across the network.

“The return of the Northlander marks an important milestone in our government’s plan to deliver new economic opportunities and safe transportation to northern Ontario families,” said Vic Fedeli, Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing. “With work underway to enhance the rail corridor and modernize the North Bay Station, we are one step closer to restoring this Ontario staple and helping connect the people of this province.”

The Ontario government has also awarded a contract for renovations at North Bay Station, which will serve the Northlander, as well as Ontario Northland’s motor coach and Bus Parcel Express services. Construction is underway to modernize the station with new digital screens, seating and service counters, as well as washroom and lighting enhancements to improve accessibility and comfort. Similar work is underway at the Cochrane and Englehart stations, with construction expected to be completed in the spring.

“Our government’s investment in track upgrades is delivering safer, smoother travel while building momentum toward the Northlander’s return,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Today’s announced improvements will make it easier and safer to move students, workers, and tourists across the north, and with construction well underway at the station in Timmins, our community is ready to welcome the Northlander back.”

The Ontario government has recently marked several milestones to support the return of the Northlander, including completing construction of the North Bay Rail Bypass, getting shovels in the ground at Timmins-Porcupine Station, reconstructing platforms and installing shelters along the Northlander corridor and marking the arrival of the first of three Northlander trainsets.

“Firefighters are always there when we need them, running towards danger to protect our homes and our communities,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “That is why we’re doubling this year’s Fire Protection Grant, giving firefighters across the province the tools they need to stay safe and effectively respond to life threatening emergencies.”

The Fire Protection Grant is available to municipal fire departments for both new and existing initiatives. Eligible projects include:

• Equipment, supplies and personal protective equipment that enhance municipal cancer prevention initiatives
• Equipment and supplies for lithium-ion battery incident response
• Minor infrastructure upgrades and modernization, including enhanced broadband and internet connectivity

“This funding increase demonstrates the commitment to firefighter health and safety. The Fire Protection Grant allows municipalities to address their individual needs to support firefighters on the front lines by giving them the tools to protect themselves and do their jobs effectively,” said Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg. “With the growing risk of lithium-ion battery fires, this increased funding is another major step towards keeping Ontario’s firefighters and communities safe and I encourage the fire service to apply.”

Municipal fire departments can apply for funding starting August 13 until September 30, 2025. More information on eligibility and how to apply is available online through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON).

Three individuals pleaded guilty to illegal moose hunting practices and were fined a total of $9,000.

Peter Berardi of Thunder Bay pleaded guilty to failing to immediately invalidate his moose tag and was fined $3,000. He was also fined $1,000 for possessing illegally killed wildlife.

Thomas Tronsen of Thunder Bay pleaded guilty to unlawfully invalidating his moose tag on wildlife killed by another person and was fined $3,000. He was also fined $1,000 for possessing illegally killed wildlife.

Alan Tronsen of Thunder Bay pleaded guilty to possessing illegally killed wildlife and was fined $1,000.

The court heard that on October 28, 2023, Peter Berardi harvested a bull moose in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 15B in the vicinity of Graham Road under the authority of his bull moose tag. Rather than immediately invalidating his tag upon harvesting the bull moose, Berardi contacted Thomas Tronsen and Alan Tronsen who were in Thunder Bay, approximately 160 kilometres away at the time of the hunt. Thomas Tronsen and Alan Tronsen attended the harvest location and invalidated Thomas Tronsen’s WMU 15B bull moose tag on the animal, allowing Berardi to maintain his tag and the opportunity to continue hunting. The illegally harvested moose was then transported to a residence in Thunder Bay and distributed amongst the three men.

Conservation officers began an investigation following the 2023 hunting season which resulted in the seizure of the moose and subsequent charges. The government reminds hunters of the requirement to party hunt in accordance with the regulations and that a tag must be invalidated immediately at the time of harvest and at the harvest location.

Justice of the Peace Coral Klein heard the cases in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, on February 5, 2025.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrtips.

“Our government recognizes the vital role that Ontario’s conservation authorities play in watershed management and protecting communities from natural hazards,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “I am looking forward to leading our government’s efforts to bring common sense conservation principles to the role of conservation authorities and this newly created role under Hassaan’s leadership will support these efforts across the province.”

Since 2019, Ontario has been working to improve the operations of conservation authorities to better ensure they have the required tools to protect the communities they serve, through legislative and regulatory changes that have significantly improved governance, oversight, transparency and accountability of conservation authorities, while streamlining decision-making processes.

“I’m honoured to join the Province of Ontario at this pivotal moment for conservation,” said Hassaan Basit, newly appointed Chief Conservation Executive. “Over my 20 years in the conservation sector, I’ve learned that effective flood protection is not just about safeguarding the environment — it’s about enabling prosperous, sustainable communities. Conservation authorities were created to strike that balance, and they have worked for decades to protect people and property while supporting economic prosperity. As we move forward, modernization is essential to ensure they remain focused, effective, and ready to meet Ontario’s growing needs — whether it’s mitigating flood risks, enabling housing supply or supporting long-term resilience.”

Mr. Basit is currently the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Burlington. Prior to this, Mr. Basit was President and CEO of Conservation Halton, where he led initiatives in flood risk management, environmental restoration, sustainable development, and outdoor recreation. During this time, Mr. Basit also chaired a provincial working group that advised government on the implementation of key changes to improve the ability of conservation authorities to protect Ontario’s water, land and natural resources. He holds an Executive MBA in Digital Transformation and a Governance Certification from McMaster University, a Master of Science in Science Communication from Queen’s University Belfast, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Political Science from the University of Toronto.

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario is served by 36 conservation authorities.
• In Ontario, conservation authorities develop and deliver local, watershed-based resource management programs on behalf of the province and municipalities, including programs aimed at preventing floods and other natural hazards, drinking water source protection and surface water and groundwater monitoring programs.
• Conservation authorities in Ontario were established in 1946 by the Conservation Authorities Act.
• Conservation authorities play a role in reviewing development applications near or within hazardous lands.

“Our government is stepping up to provide impacted communities with the resources they need to recover and rebuild,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These new programs will deliver critical financial support to help make communities safe, protect local jobs and get businesses back on their feet.”

The March 28, 2025 storm impacted a wide area of central and eastern Ontario, leaving nearly 400,000 homes and businesses without power. Eligible small businesses, small farms, not-for-profit organizations and municipalities have until October 31, 2025 to apply for financial support under the programs.

Eligibility, program guidelines and application details for the assistance programs are posted online on the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program and Business Ice Storm Assistance program webpages.

Quick Facts

“This Father’s Day weekend, take the opportunity to head outdoors, cast a line and create lasting memories with the people who matter most,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “Whether it’s your first-time fishing or a time-honoured family tradition, this is a great way to explore Ontario’s beautiful lakes and rivers while supporting the local communities, jobs and businesses that depend on our province’s diverse fishing opportunities.”

Recreational fishing is an important part of Ontario’s economy, contributing significantly to local tourism and jobs. Opportunities like Father’s Day weekend encourage those new to fishing to give it a try and experience the enjoyment of fishing firsthand.

If you are fishing for free during the Father’s Day weekend, all conservation licence catch and size limits, sanctuaries and other fishing regulations still apply.

Quick Facts