Kingsville Times

An Ontario Court Bulletin published this week has confirmed the conviction of Leamington- based Amco Farms Inc. for an offence dating back to 2022. The company which grows, packages and ships produce, was convicted on January 29 2024 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. On April 25, 2022, a […]

Ontario Making it Easier and More Affordable for Indigenous Communities to Access Vital Government Services The Ontario government is providing financial relief for Indigenous peoples and communities by permanently waiving fees for death records and delayed registration of death for children who attended Indian Residential Schools. The province is also […]

Province investing $7.5 million to help communities enhance emergency preparedness The Ontario government is investing $7.5 million over three years to help keep municipalities safe from the risks associated with old and inactive oil and gas wells. The funding will be used by municipalities to enhance emergency preparedness within their […]

New investigations team will strengthen oversight and resident safety The Ontario government has created a new Investigations Unit to ensure every long-term care resident lives with dignity and experiences the quality of care they deserve. Supported by an investment of $72.3 million, the new 10-person unit will be an effective […]

Province investing record amount in key programs to prepare young people for in-demand jobs The Ontario government is investing over $62.9 million in two of the province’s foundational skilled trades programs to help more than 18,000 young people explore and prepare for life-long careers in a growing industry. The record […]

Ontario Government Activates Disaster Recovery Assistance to Support Residents in Southwestern Ontario The Ontario government is activating the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program in certain areas of southwestern Ontario. The safety of those affected by this natural disaster is the government’s top priority. On August 23, 2023, a […]

Proposed changes would help qualified newcomers fill labour shortages in health care and other in-demand industries The Ontario government will soon introduce legislation that, if passed, would make it the first province in Canada to help even more internationally-trained immigrants work in the fields they’ve studied in by banning the use of […]

On October 23, 2023 Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, released the following statement: “Since becoming Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, I have made it a priority to review past decisions, including minister’s zoning orders and official plans, to ensure that they support our goal of building […]

Increased Ontario Electricity Rebate and Ontario Electricity Support Program will help families and businesses save money The Ontario government is keeping electricity costs down for families and small businesses by increasing the on-bill Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) from 11.7 per cent to 19.3 per cent, reducing a typical household’s electricity […]

Funding will help police in Essex County support people experiencing a mental health crisis The Ontario government is providing $120,000 to help the Essex County OPP provide specialized support to people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The funding is being delivered through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement […]

Increase to $16.55 an hour follows passage of government’s third Working for Workers Act this week David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, issued the following statement on the minimum wage increasing and the passage of the Working for Workers Act, 2023: “Starting Sunday, October 1, Ontario’s minimum […]

The installation ceremony of Madame Edith Dumont as Ontario’s 30th Lieutenant Governor will take place on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 in the Queen’s Park Legislative Chamber. Madame Dumont will be the first Francophone Lieutenant Governor in province’s history. “For nine years, it has been my honour to serve as the […]

The new agreement will optimize existing capacity in both provinces The governments of Ontario and Quebec are supporting a new 600 megawatt (MW) trade agreement between Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and Hydro-Québec that will optimize the use of existing electricity generation capacity in both provinces. On August 30, 2023, during the Energy […]

Province investing an additional $11 million to help community recover from explosion The Ontario government is providing an additional $11 million in funding to support the municipality of Chatham-Kent with ongoing emergency management, investigation and community recovery expenses related to the Wheatley explosion in August 2021. On August 26, 2021, […]

Two homes will bring 320 much-needed long-term care beds to the province Construction is underway on two new long-term care homes in Belle River and Leamington, bringing 320 new and upgraded long-term care beds to Essex County. This is part of the Ontario government’s $6.4 billion commitment to build more […]

To Build More Homes, Ontario Launching Building Faster Fund and Expanding Strong Mayor Powers Three-year, $1.2 billion fund will reward municipalities that deliver on housing targets To reward municipalities that build homes, the Ontario government is launching the Building Faster Fund, a new three-year, $1.2 billion program that provides significant […]

Rural Ontarians benefitting from expanded broadband access The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing more than $3.1 million to bring reliable high-speed internet to 1,915 families, farms, and businesses in Essex County. Each government is contributing more than $63 million to SWIFT through the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure […]

Selection of Lands Removed from the Greenbelt Was Biased and Dismissive of Effective Land-Use Planning; Preferential Treatment Given to Certain Land Developer Requests: Auditor General “Provincial government actions in 2022 to open parts of the Greenbelt for development failed to consider environmental, agricultural and financial risks and impacts, proceeded with […]

Canada and Ontario committing up to $7.5 million to support biosecurity measures to enhance food safety The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $7.5 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to help eligible agri-food businesses and contributors enhance their biosecurity measures to support animal […]

New fund supporting ongoing burial investigations and mental health supports The Ontario government is continuing to take action to support Indigenous communities in the province by launching the $7.1 million Indian Residential School Community Engagement Fund (IRSCEF). The new fund will enable additional communities and organizations to support Survivors and […]

Interactive Trades & Tech Trucks will bring simulators and hands-on activities to nearly half a million people across the province The Ontario government is investing $5.4 million to design and build three mobile tech classrooms that will travel across the province and teach students and young people about the skilled […]

New agreement will support increased trade and job creation in both jurisdictions Ontario and Michigan are building on their longstanding economic relationship through a new partnership that will increase trade, attract investment and encourage job creation in both jurisdictions. The new Economic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will support joint […]

  Province breaking down barriers to hire more doctors and nurses to connect people to care close to home The Ontario government is continuing to create new pathways to connect more people to care across the province, both for now and for future generations. As part of Your Health: A Plan […]

Expansion of in-person services saving time and money The Ontario government is making it easier and more convenient for people and businesses to authenticate documents such as birth certificates, corporate powers of attorney and diplomas for use outside of Canada. The province is expanding this vital service to four additional […]

Twelve Indigenous students receive the James Bartleman award for creative writing The Ontario government is honouring 12 young writers with the James Bartleman Indigenous Youth Creative Writing Award. The award was established in 2008 to honour the legacy of James Bartleman, the province’s 27th Lieutenant Governor and the first Indigenous person […]

Used car dealerships can now register vehicles and issue licence plates right from the showroom. The Ontario government is making it easier and more convenient to buy and sell vehicles. The province is expanding the online Digital Dealership Registration (DDR) system to include used cars. Now, new and used vehicle […]

Lower taxes and balanced budget were possible this year if Ford government had held to Wynneera spending levels If the Ford government had maintained the spending levels of the previous Wynne government, there would have been $9.5 billion available this year for tax relief and balancing the budget, finds a […]

Expansion of college programs will increase paramedic workforce, ensuring faster access to emergency care As part of Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care and its plan to hire more health care workers, the Ontario government is helping more students who want to become a paramedic in Ontario by […]

New project will provide $1.3 million for more than 50 jobseekers to kick-start their careers in the transportation industry The Ontario government is investing $1.3 million to prepare 54 women, newcomers and others from underrepresented groups for in-demand careers in the trucking industry. Across Ontario, at least 6,100 more truck […]

On June 20, 2023, MPP Anthony Leardi, along with the Parliamentary Assistant (PA) to the Minister of Seniors and Accessibility, MPP Daisy Wai, visited several local Seniors Community Centres dotted across Essex County. In addition to meeting with Boards of Directors for these organizations and learning about the activities and […]

Fish for free across Ontario on Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18 Fishing with your family is a great way to celebrate Dad — and you can fish for free this Father’s Day weekend. “Fishing is a great family pastime,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. […]

Fast chargers now available at all ONroute locations ahead of summer The Ontario government is making it more convenient for electric vehicle (EV) owners to travel the province with EV fast chargers now installed at all 20 renovated ONroute stations along the province’s busiest highways, the 400 and 401. Three […]

New and enhanced programs will help families and businesses save money and support provincial grid The Ontario government is launching the new Peak Perks program to help families save money by conserving energy, as part of the government’s $342 million expansion of Ontario’s energy-efficiency programs that will reduce demands on […]

The Ontario government is investing $23.6 million to develop a province-wide strategy that includes identifying and plugging old oil and gas wells to keep communities safe. An additional $2.5 million will be allocated to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to assist with costs associated with emergency management from the 2021 explosion […]

Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, released the following statement in recognition of National Indigenous History Month: June is National Indigenous History Month, celebrating the rich traditions, heritage and contributions throughout history of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples across the province and country. It is important to take part […]

To improve road safety and keep people and goods moving in southwestern Ontario, the Ontario government has awarded a contract to design, build and finance the widening of Highway 3 between Essex and Leamington. The highway expansion project is a priority for the province along with plans to help the […]

Canada and Ontario investing up to $2.325 million in 4-H Ontario The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing more than $2.3 million over three years through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to support 4-H Ontario programming. This funding will allow 4-H Ontario to continue to engage youth […]

New projects will prepare people for good-paying careers in Ontario’s growing auto sector The Ontario government is investing more than $4.7 million to support two innovative projects to help over 360 people land full-time jobs in the province’s growing automotive manufacturing sector. These free programs will provide participants with skills […]

On May 18, 2023, the Ontario government introduced the Hazel McCallion Act, which would, if passed, begin the process to dissolve the Regional Municipality of Peel and make the municipalities of Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon independent by January 1, 2025. These municipalities currently have approximately 1.5 million residents and are […]

Students enrolled in eligible nursing, paramedic or medical lab-tech programs could receive free tuition, books and other supplies Beginning May 16, 2023, students can apply for the newly-expanded Learn and Stay Grant. The grant provides full, upfront funding for tuition, books and other costs for students who enrol in an […]

Families find many ways to celebrate Mom on Mother’s Day Weekend. If fishing is what you fancy, here’s some good news. On May 13-14, 2023 Ontario families and friends can enjoy fishing anywhere in the province without having to purchase a licence or carry an Outdoors Card. There are a few […]

Province expanding deposit insurance while consulting on potential cooling-off period for new home purchase agreements TORONTO — The Ontario government is doing more to protect first-time home buyers and their savings by expanding deposit insurance for First Home Savings Accounts at Ontario credit unions. The province is also consulting on […]

Nearly a million workers will benefit from bigger paycheques on October 1 TORONTO — The Ontario government is increasing the minimum wage to $16.55 an hour on October 1, 2023. This 6.8 per cent pay raise for low-income workers builds on the government’s steady and predictable increases every year to help […]

Historic number of undergraduate and postgraduate training seats now prioritized for Ontario residents The Ontario government is further expanding the number of medical school spots to historic highs while helping Ontario students become doctors in the province, whether they studied at home or abroad. Starting in 2023, the government is […]

New poll indicates drivers are worried they could become a fraud victim In a recent poll commissioned by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) nearly 75% of respondents with auto insurance believe that auto insurance fraud is prevalent in Ontario, and more than 40% of them are worried […]

As spring home buying season begins, FSRA encourages homeowners to take the time to understand what they are getting into. As private mortgages become more prevalent in Ontario, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) is strongly encouraging consumers to learn about the differences between a private and traditional […]

Ontario Offers Free Fishing February 18 to 20, 2023 TORONTO – This Family Day weekend, from February 18-20, Ontario families and friends can enjoy fishing anywhere in the province without having to purchase a licence or carry an Outdoors Card. “Fishing is a time-honoured tradition and a terrific way for […]

The Ontario Senior Achievement Awards recognize people who have made outstanding contributions to their communities through voluntary or professional activities after the age of 65.  Up to 20 individuals are recognized annually. Seniors who qualify for this award have contributed to many different fields such as the arts, literature, community […]

Having a plan and emergency supplies for your home and car will help keep you safe this winter TORONTO — As Ontario approaches the start of the winter season, the government is reminding Ontarians to have an emergency plan and supplies on hand to keep themselves and their loved ones […]

A new report by Feed Ontario reveals skyrocketing food bank use with a 64 percent increase in first-time visitors, and points to the lack of quality employment opportunities and disinvestments in essential social support programs as the drivers of this growth. Feed Ontario released its 2022 Hunger Report today, revealing […]

With one in three journeypersons today being over 55 years of age, the next generation of workers must emerge to fill critical labour shortages. By 2026, it’s estimated that one in five job openings in the province will be in skilled trades-related occupations.  By the end of the decade, 100,000 […]

Twenty-four Ontarians receive the province’s highest honour for their outstanding achievements TORONTO — The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario, announced 24 new appointments to the Order of Ontario for 2021. The Lieutenant Governor will bestow the province’s highest honour to the […]

150,000 Ontario students ready to cast ballots in municipal elections  Even though they are under the voting age, nearly 150,000 elementary and high school students from throughout Ontario will have an opportunity to consider the future of their community and vote for candidates running in their municipal and school board […]

Calling All Non-Fiction Storytellers! The TVO Today Short Doc Contest celebrates documentary filmmaking across Ontario. Industry professionals and first-time filmmakers alike are invited to share brief, compelling stories that showcase their voice, passion and creativity. The grand prize winner will receive $2,000 and a one-on-one pitch session with TVO Today Docs executive […]

On Wednesday, August 24, 2022 the Government of Ontario announced that residents of the province can now apply for, renew and replace lost or stolen accessible parking permits online.  Organizations and not-for-profits supporting the disabled community will also be able to take advantage of these online services, anytime, anywhere. Accessible […]

  Ontario Introduces A Plan to Stay Open: Health System Stability and Recovery Plan hires up to 6,000 additional health care workers, frees up 2,500 more hospital beds and temporarily covers cost of examination, application and registration fees for retired and internationally trained nurses TORONTO — The Ontario government introduced […]

Digital reminders making it more convenient to keep government-issued ID and licence plates up to date TORONTO — The Ontario government is making it more convenient for people to keep their government-issued identification and permits up to date. Holders of Ontario Photo Cards can now sign up for free reminders […]

The Ontario government is bringing high-speed internet access to up to 266,000 unserved and underserved homes and businesses, marking another milestone in its plan to help connect every corner of the province by the end of 2025. The province has signed agreements with eight internet service providers to bring access to […]

Franco-Ontarians Can Now Request a New Health Card at No Cost TORONTO — To better serve the Francophone community, the Ontario government is now offering the option of French language characters, such as accents (e.g., ç, è, é, ê, ë), on Ontario health cards. This is another step forward in […]

Province investing over $3 million to support vulnerable populations at risk or experiencing homelessness WINDSOR — The Ontario government is investing over $3 million to help build 11 new permanent affordable housing units for people experiencing chronic homelessness in the City of Windsor. Located at 7365 Wyandotte Street East in […]

Forests Ontario and its partners planted 2.5 million native tree seedlings across the province this season as part of its 50 Million Tree Program. This brings Forests Ontario’s program total to 36.7 million trees planted, creating more than 18,000 hectares of new forest on nearly 7,000 project sites. “The help of […]

In Open Letter to Premier Doug Ford, United Ways across Ontario call for action on toughest issues facing Ontarians United Way leaders identify Housing Security, Income Security and Inclusive Employment, Inclusive Communities and Support for the Social Services Sector as social issues of focus. TORONTO, July 6, 2022 /CNW/ – United Way leaders from […]

Gas and Fuel Tax Cut in Effect July 1 TORONTO — As part of its plan to keep costs down for Ontario families and businesses, the Ontario government is providing more relief at the pumps by cutting the gas tax by 5.7 cents per litre and the fuel tax by […]

Parliamentary Assistants Critical in Delivering on Government’s Plan to Build Ontario Today, Premier Doug Ford unveiled the team of parliamentary assistants that will support cabinet in delivering the government’s ambitious plan to build Ontario. Parliamentary assistant accountabilities are as follows: Lorne Coe, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier Andrea Khanjin, Parliamentary […]

Ontario’s rent increase guideline for 2023 is 2.5 per cent, below current rates of inflation. The rent increase guideline is the maximum amount a landlord can increase rent during the year for most tenants without the approval of the Landlord and Tenant Board. The guideline is based on Ontario’s Consumer Price Index, […]

Experienced team will deliver on government’s ambitious agenda, including building highways, transit and the road to the Ring of Fire TORONTO — Today, Premier Doug Ford unveiled his new cabinet with an experienced team that will deliver on the government’s ambitious agenda to build the infrastructure necessary to unlock the […]

What is National Indigenous Peoples Day? June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples. […]

TORONTO — On June 8, 2022, Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, issued the following statement on the lifting of remaining provincial masking requirements: “With high vaccination rates and Ontario’s COVID-19 situation continuing to improve, most of the province’s remaining provincial masking requirements, including on public transit, will […]

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) advises all travellers entering Canada by water that, as of May 20, 2022, services will resume at most small vessel reporting sites.  This is part of a phased approach by CBSA to gradually lift the temporary measures put in place as a result of COVID-19. […]

“There is hope. I have seen it, but it does not come from the governments or corporations. It comes from the people … And that is the hope because we have democracy and democracy is happening all the time.” ~Greta Thunberg, Climate Activist Thursday, June 2 is Election Day in […]

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding Canadians that although cannabis has been legalized and regulated in Canada, it remains illegal to bring cannabis (and cannabis products) into or out of Canada – whether it is a gift or for personal use. Also, when shopping online, make sure you […]

Support for innovative projects will increase global competitiveness and further position Ontario as a North American EV hub TORONTO — The Ontario government continues to invest in the province’s auto parts supply chain with another round of investments through the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP). The province’s more than $5.5 million additional […]

Ontario Launches New Tool to Connect People to Nurses and Other Health Services from Anywhere at Any Time Health Connect Ontario makes it easier for Ontarians to access timely care and information by phone, chat and online TORONTO — As part of its plan to stay open, the Ontario government […]

With so many crises in the world right now, we are all looking for reasons to be optimistic—and for ways that we can help. I will always cherish the hope and community spirit I have experienced at volunteer aid-packing events run by GlobalMedic at its base in Etobicoke. Rahul Singh, […]

Permanent Fee Waiver for Homeless and Lower Income Individuals Removes Barriers to Access Critical Services TORONTO – The Ontario government is permanently eliminating the $35 fee for birth certificates for approximately 40,000 vulnerable Ontarians. The Birth Certificate Fee Waiver Program will ensure not-for-profit partner organizations can assist Ontarians who may […]

Expansion of Electricity Transmission Infrastructure Will Support Historic Auto Investment and Growing Greenhouse Sector Ontario is taking action to ensure the efficient and timely development of five new electricity transmission infrastructure projects in Southwest Ontario, supporting the significant growth in the manufacturing and greenhouse sectors. “Our government is supporting the […]

Ontario Cutting Gas and Fuel Taxes For Six Months To Provide Relief For Businesses and Families Government to introduce legislation to cut gas tax by 5.7 cents per litre and fuel tax by 5.3 cents per litre TORONTO — As part of its plan to keep costs down for Ontario […]

Province introduces plan that will crack down on market speculation, protect homebuyers, and increase housing supply. TORONTO ― The Ontario government introduced legislation on March 30, 2022 that, if passed, will support a plan to crack down on speculators who are driving up the cost of housing, protect homebuyers from […]

Government eliminating fees for police record checks for volunteers TORONTO — The Ontario government is eliminating the cost of police record checks for volunteers of all ages looking to give their time and skills to the causes they care about. This includes Criminal Record Checks and Criminal Record and Judicial […]

Province aligns posted speeds with other jurisdictions across Canada TILBURY – The Ontario government is raising the speed limit permanently from 100 km/h to 110 km/h on six sections of provincial highways in southern Ontario. The change follows several speed limit pilots and consultations and will align posted speeds with other jurisdictions […]

New Digital Dealership Registration process will eliminate paperwork, save time, and cut costs for consumers and businesses LONDON – The Ontario government is launching the Digital Dealership Registration (DDR) to make it easier, faster, and more convenient for Ontarians to buy a car and enjoy their new vehicle almost immediately […]

Province’s historic expansion of charging infrastructure means greater convenience for drivers TORONTO – Ontario is delivering on its commitment to bring electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers to the province’s busiest highways with the launch of the five new fast charging stations at Ingleside, Tilbury North, Tilbury South, Woodstock and Innisfil ONroute stations. […]

TORONTO, ON – [Monday, March 14, 2022] – The Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA) and their member newspapers are very proud to celebrate the final recipients of the 2021 Ontario Junior Citizen Awards. These outstanding young individuals, aged nine to 17, are making a difference in their communities. Not only […]

Celebrating stories of Ontarians: Ilse Treurnicht, Member of the Order of Ontario The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, for which events are being held throughout March, is “Break the Bias.” We are asked to imagine a gender-equal world, free of stereotypes and discrimination. Such a world can seem […]

Program will train more PSWs in communities across the province, creating a stronger, more resilient health care system TORONTO — The Ontario government is continuing to build a more resilient health care system for generations to come by making it easier to become a personal support worker (PSW). Ontario is […]

New legislation helping to accelerate connectivity projects TORONTO – The Ontario government is introducing legislation to help bring reliable high-speed internet to underserved and unserved communities sooner. If passed, the changes would remove barriers, duplication and delays, making it easier and faster to build high-speed internet infrastructure across the province. […]

An investment in Ontario’s nurses is an investment in our future. Ontario is providing nurses with a temporary retention payment of up to $5,000. This payment will help stabilize and retain our nursing workforce so patients can access the care they need. Read more here: Ontario Making Historic Investment in […]

New rights and protections will rebalance the scales and improve working conditions for gig economy TORONTO — On February 28, the Ontario government introduced the Working for Workers Act, 2022 (Working for Workers Act 2), which would, if passed, continue to lead the country in building a stronger economy that works […]

Proposed changes would require large employers to tell their workers if, how and why they are being monitored KITCHENER — The Ontario government is working for workers and plans to introduce new legislation later this month that would require employers to tell their workers if and how they are being monitored […]

Ontario Government Providing Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine TORONTO ― The Ontario government is assisting the people of Ukraine by providing $300,000 in humanitarian aid during this difficult and challenging time. “Last night we witnessed a violent attack on a sovereign nation as Vladimir Putin launched a war of aggression against […]

Province is cutting costs and making life more convenient for millions of vehicle owners TORONTO – The Ontario government is making life more affordable and convenient for nearly eight million vehicle owners by eliminating licence plate renewal fees and the requirement to have a licence plate sticker for passenger vehicles, […]

Ontario Making Life More Affordable This Tax Season with Tax Credits for Workers, Seniors and Families Province offers wide range of credits for training, childcare and low-income workers TORONTO — The Ontario government continues to deliver on its commitment to put more money in the pockets of seniors, workers and […]

Ontario Launches Program to Increase Hands-On Training Opportunities for More PSWs and Nurses Program will provide clinical training and career development for over 16,000 PSW and nursing students TORONTO — On February 10, 2022 the Ontario government announced a $73 million investment over three years to train and provide clinical […]