Peel Region celebrates first ever virtual Black History Month concert
The Peel Region's 20th Black History month concert celebrated the community and highlighted the need to address anti-Black racism.
COVID crisis adds new challenges for mother coping with child’s sickle cell disease
One family with a child with sickle cell disease shares challenges of living with serious illness, and how COVID has affected their situation.
Supreme Court declares federal carbon pricing constitutional and climate change a national concern
The Trudeau government is moving ahead with a national regime to ensure every province and territory has legislation in place to impose minimum carbon pricing standards to limit greenhouse gas emissions after the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that a federal law is constitutional. In its decision, the 6-3 majority concluded climate change “poses an existential threat to human life...
Toronto school board creates guidebook to combat anti-Asian racism as pandemic fuels bigotry
The cover illustration for Addressing Anti-Asian Racism:A Resource for Educators. Artwork created by Meera Sethi. She explains in the package that "Sethi wished to show a sense of connectedness between humans and everything else in the world: the wind, the oceans, the waterways, the fish and the trees. To invoke diverse Asian identities, she has used patterns, motifs from Asian...
Student groups hope to win appeal of Ontario’s university fee ‘opt out’ measure
As the Doug Ford government prepares to appeal the Student Choice Initiative this month, student advocacy organizations are better prepared.
Increased demand for puppies is leading to rise in dog thefts
Dog thefts are rising as some try to capitalize off the increased demand for puppies.
Some universities turn to compassionate grading to measure student performance during pandemic
What does the introduction of compassionate grading mean for Canadian higher education and students? Learn more here.
Group pushes for overhaul of Parks Canada’s draft management plan for Rideau Canal
In the midst of public consultations for the Rideau Canal’s new management plan, the Friends of the Rideau group is expressing disappointment in Parks Canada’s blueprint of its plans for the nearly 200-year-old, 200-kilometre-long transportation route between Kingston and Ottawa.
Ottawa environmental advocates take aim at single-use plastics as they mark World Water Day
One Ottawa environmental advocacy group hosted an online event to celebrate world water day and encouraged community members to reduce their use of single-use plastics in the city.
Some light in dark times: Photographer’s body-shaped candles promote positivity
Charlie Baze is a boudoir photographer from Kitchener Waterloo, Ont., recently launched an online business selling body-shaped candles to compensate for the lost income caused by the pandemic lockdown.
Gentrification is robbing Hamilton renters of affordable places to live
Hamilton, like many cities in the Greater Toronto-Hamilton area, is seeing housing prices rise and that is pushing pressure on affordable and available rental units.
Atlantic travel bubble a barrier to family for students from region living in rest of Canada
The Atlantic travel bubble will reopen April 19. But for students from the region living in the rest of Canada it remains a barrier to being with their families.
Carleton to honour Inuit by renaming Robertson Hall without mentioning controversial history of High Arctic relocation
MONTREAL — Carleton University is moving forward with a plan to change the names of three campus buildings. The “New Names for New Times” initiative is an attempt to reflect diversity and inclusion on campus. The University Centre, Residence Commons and Robertson Hall will get new names to represent the Algonquin Nation, Black communities, and Inuit respectively. Robertson Hall is...
COVID-19 is causing a “perfect storm” shadow pandemic of eating disorders
Hospitals across Canada are seeing a surge in demand for eating disorder treatment. Learn why here.
Pandemic compounding mental health concerns on both sides of the psychologists’ table
Many people's mental health has worsened due to COVID-19, but how are mental health workers fairing?
Learning from home or far from home: International students face difficult choices with COVID-19
International students in Ottawa are spending the pandemic away from the support of their families.
David Suzuki Foundation enlisting communities to create ‘Butterflyways’ for pollinators to feed, breed, migrate
The David Suzuki Foundation has created the Butterflyway Project to help preserve pollinators across the country.
Federal leaders mark the bitter anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic
Canadian Prime minister Justin Trudeau marks March 11 as a day to commemorate those who lost their lives and were affected by COVID-19.
Cannabis consumption skyrockets during pandemic, study concludes
Scientists are seeing an increase in Canadians consumption habits of cannabis throughout the course of the pandemic.
Black parents in Peel urging schools to include Afro-Centric books in libraries
A group of Black parents is pushing a Toronto-area school board to combat systemic racism in the selection of library books available to students.
Road trip realities: Van dwellers adapt to the pandemic world
Some Canadians have taken to the road in homemade vans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pandemic at the market: Positivity keeps vendors going during uncertain times
Life during the pandemic has been difficult for everyone, including small business owners trying to stay open amidst the ever-changing rules.
Project aims to better understand older women’s health — including impact of COVID-19
Research foundations in Canada are teaming up to raise awareness on women's health after survey finding shows Canadian's minimal understanding
Quebec’s COVID curfew exposed strain on shelters, vulnerability of homeless, say advocates
When Quebec Premier François Legault announced an 8 p.m., province-wide curfew to help combat the spread of COVID-19, it forced many sectors of society to readjust. In particular, homeless shelters in Quebec — already struggling to accommodate those in need of shelter before the pandemic — came under even more pressure. And that pressure continues after an uproar over the...
Girl Guides ‘shine spotlight’ on gender equality as Canada marks International Women’s Day
March 8 marks International Women's Day. The Girl Guides of Canada have chosen to focus on the theme of "Choose to Challenge" while the Government of Canada has chosen #FeministRecovery.
Too many Black children are in Ontario’s child welfare system because of systemic racism, critics say
There is an overrepresentation of Black children and youth in the Ontario child welfare system.
Pandemic challenges charity and the families with sick children it helps
Children's charity volunteers discuss empathy amidst the challenges of COVID-19
Picton developing a plan to protect residents and preserve tourism after crush of summer visitors in 2020
A tourism management plan developed after Prince Edward County experienced a sharp increase in the number of Lake Ontario beachgoers last summer has drawn criticism from Picton-area residents who want more done to control the impact of visitors. After the huge influx of summer tourists to the county — especially at Sandbanks Provincial Park near Picton – county councillors asked...
Bell Let’s Talk launches new fund to support post-secondary students’ mental health
Bell Let's Talk's new initiative the "Post-Secondary Fund" will give universities and colleges across Canada $25,000 to implement the National Standard of Canada for Mental Health.
Canada’s updated zero-emission vehicle plan fails to go the extra mile, experts say
Although experts say that Canada's new clean transportation plan is a good step forward, it doesn't go far enough.
A system turned upside down: Immigration process faces growing backlog during pandemic
The efficiency of processing immigration applications has deteriorated dramatically because of COVID-19, and it is affecting prospective immigrants as well as the future of the Canadian immigration system.
Pandemic highlights need for more Canadian-based breeding for guide dogs
COVID-19 is wreaking havoc on Canadian guide dog organizations' funds and dog supplies.
University students and faculty call on Ontario government for adequate funding and support
Both students and faculty of universities in Ontario are concerned with the quality of their education during the pandemic
Why are young adults reporting more COVID-19 cases? It’s complicated
Although reported COVID-19 cases in the young adult population are the highest in all age groups, experts say this can be explained by socioeconomic factors.
Teaching Black history and culture needs to be a mandatory part of the Ontario curriculum, advocates say
Experts say education about Black history and culture is an essential part of combating racism both inside and outside of the classroom.
For students learning online at home, sleep disruption caused by screen time is making life even tougher
People are spending more time in front of their screens now than ever before, but how is this impacting our sleep?
Pandemic rise in domestic violence mirrored in increased animal abuse, warns Ottawa Humane Society
The Ottawa Humane Society reports an increase in animal abuse linked to domestic violence over the course of the pandemic.
Children’s mental health in Ontario deteriorating amid pandemic: report
The pandemic has caused a rise of mental health issues among children and youth.
Lookahead ’21: Finding funds during pandemic poses key challenge for Rouge River protection group
The Rouge Valley Conservation Centre’s focus for 2021 is to shore up much-needed funding and restarting projects put on hold by the pandemic. The Toronto-area RVCC is a registered not-for-profit charity funded by grants and public donations. The organization, which promotes protection of the Rouge River Valley on its course from the Oak Ridges Moraine in Richmond Hill to Lake...
Stuck in football purgatory, CFL rookies have adapted to an off-season like no other
When the pandemic wiped out the 2020 CFL season, it left rookies in a tough spot. Since then, they've been preparing to return to the field.
COVID-19 causing wedding woes for brides, grooms and guests
Soon-to-be brides are struggling to plan their special day as the pandemic continues to thrive in Canada.
COVID consequences: Placed in the orange zone, Timmins hopes to go green soon
As 27 public health units transition out of lockdown measures into the Orange Zone, the northern community of Timmins hopes to return to Green Zone they achieved prior to lockdown.
Land-based healing offers treatment program for youth rooted in Indigenous culture
Many Indigenous peoples are turning to land-based healing programs to help them reconnect with their roots and to cope with the traumas they have faced.
Lookahead ’21: Organization seeks volunteers to help foster cycling culture, improve infrastructure in GTA suburb
Markham Cycles is searching for volunteers to help expand cycling culture in the Greater Toronto Area community of Markham.
Lookahead ’21: Pandemic has Toronto rugby group scrumming to keep building skills, knowledge virtually
The pandemic has forced a Toronto rugby organization to move online to continue its work with disadvantaged youth and to building community through sport.
The pandemic piles on: Parents caring for children with disabilities face even more stress, loneliness and isolation
Lack of community support, doubled with isolation, has resulted in increased anxiety among parents caring for children with disabilities
COVID conflict: Skaters face bylaw scrutiny at Mississauga pond popular for pandemic exercise
Communities are wrestling with the conflict between pandemic protection and the public's desire to get outdoors and skate, play hockey or slide down hills.
Pandemic pressures have added to the struggle for newcomers and refugees in Ottawa
Data shows that refugee communities in Ottawa are being harder hit by the COVID-19 pandemic
Lookahead ’21: Alberta seniors club helps community battle pandemic isolation
For many members of the Okotoks and District Seniors Club, which serves the town of 31,000 south of Calgary, the pandemic has meant learn how to use technology or face long stretches of loneliness. “The main thing for the seniors is the social aspect,” said Valerie Thom, the club’s outreach co-ordinator. And connecting people remains the ODSC’s priority today. Even...
Hazel McCallion’s 100th birthday bash to showcase arts council’s virtual transition during pandemic
When the curtain came down on live performances and other in-person cultural events because of the pandemic, the Mississauga Arts Council immediately switched gears. MAC has been navigating a virtually supportive environment since March 2020 and continues to bring artists and audiences together as best they can. Executive director Mike Douglas says he hopes people will embrace the arts more...