By Brenda Sawatzky
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Niverville Citizen

Whether you’re a real estate agent, potential homebuyer, or real estate speculator, one fact is clear about Manitoba’s current housing market: there are not enough homes in the province to meet demand—not even remotely so. According to the Fraser Institute, a Canadian watchdog for government policy, Manitoba’s housing prices have […]

By Celeste Percy-Beauregard
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Hamilton Spectator

Last week, Grand Erie Public Health warned of a potential measles exposure at Brantford General Hospital’s (BGH) labour and delivery unit. The same day, Ontario’s top doc reported there had been a premature infant that died from measles and other health complications, as well as six cases of babies with […]

By Lori Penner,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Winnipeg Sun

The gallery welcomed guests on June 6 with a vibrant opening night, featuring two major exhibitions — one by Winnipeg artist Miriam Rudolph and the other curated by historian Aileen Friesen in collaboration with designer Anikó Szabó. Together, these thought-provoking exhibits engage the heart and mind, while showcasing the gallery’s […]

By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com

Just days after Donald Trump took office, Borderland Pride issued a statement cautioning the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Borderland Pride characterized President Trump’s stance on trans and gender non-conforming people as a hostile, condemnable, and “despicable attack.” So, Borderland Pride’s members unanimously decided against having its annual border crossing pride march […]

By Carl Clutchey
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

The province can’t sit on its hands while at least five rural fire departments near Thunder Bay face the prospect of shutting down due to a volunteer shortage and the difficulty of meeting training requirements, NDP MPP Lise Vaugeois says. “What can be done to make (firefighter) training more accessible, […]

By Clint Fleury
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY – Three weeks into a strike, talks between Workplace Safety and Insurance Board employees and the provincial agency have broken down. The WSIB has rejected the union’s most recent collective agreement proposal, according to a media release issued Monday by CUPE local 1750, the Ontario Compensation Employees Union, […]

By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com

According to the release from the Ontario government, the new budget passed in May 2025 will “protect Ontario workers, businesses and jobs,” and foster a self-reliant, resilient economy. But not everyone believes they will see the benefits. Investing in critical minerals, machinery and equipment, Indigenous equity partnerships, and a fuel […]

By Shari Narine
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Windspeaker.com

It’s a “special honour,” says award-winning journalist and author Tanya Talaga. Her newest non-fiction book The Knowing is being taught in Grade 11 at the Toronto District School Board, one of the largest school districts in Canada. “Considering (Toronto) is Annie’s final resting place. She started off at Fort Albany almost 3,000 […]

By Clint Fleury,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tbnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY — The city will celebrate its 10th Mining Day will celebrate this Saturday as well as the 50th anniversary of naming amethyst as its mineral emblem. Organizers of the event held a flag-raising ceremony at city hall on Tuesday to commemorate the event. In his preamble before proclaiming […]

By Megan Hederson,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
muskokaregion.com

Are Muskoka’s bear-proof garbage bins doomed to stay rusty, green, and overlooked at the ends of driveways? Not if artist Kimberly Rideout has anything to say about it. She’s transforming these everyday “eyesores” into creative works of art — and using her talent to support a cause close to her […]

By Connor McDowell,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Brandon Sun

Hugh Fraser leans over, tears some grass off the ground and throws it to the air. He grips a remote controller while he watches the grass drift past him to the east. “Straight down the runway,” he says. The engine of a gas-powered model airplane, the “Norseman,” revs to full […]