Local Journalism Initiative

Source: Local Journalism Initiative


RVH moving forward with positive changes following investigation

Renfrew – The investigation into financial impropriety at Renfrew Victoria Hospital (RVH) has brought on positive changes to avoid future issues, including reunifying Renfrew Health (RH) with all hospital funds returned to RVH and assets to be transferred there, installing a new senior management team and new CEO, bringing in a “whistleblower” system and establishing […]

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Cabinet minister breaks silence about 2019 workplace harassment probe

Manitoba’s sole cabinet minister has defended her work at a Winnipeg college and said she’s being unjustly targeted more than five years after an investigation concluded she had harassed an employee. At least three employees of Red River College Polytechnic filed separate complaints about the behaviour of their boss, Rebecca Chartrand, in 2019. Chartrand, who […]

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Greater Napanee to consider U.S. cross-border cellphone policy

When a cellphone or computer contains sensitive government documents, it can be a significant concern, even at the municipal level, if that device is carried across the border into the United States — particularly in light of the broad authority given to U.S. border officers to inspect electronic devices. On Thursday, Jun. 6, 2025, a […]

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Spotty attendance for measles at Norfolk elementary school

Measles continues to be an unwelcome visitor to schools in Norfolk County, causing kids to miss class as the school year enters the home stretch. Staff  and students at Houghton Public School — a rural elementary school in  southwestern Norfolk — were potentially exposed to measles on two  separate occasions in May, with each exposure […]

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Brant homeowners say developer is ghosting them over money owed

Residents of a Brant County subdivision are beginning to wonder if they’ll ever see a $1,500 lot grading deposit owed from the developer who built their homes. Dawn Laws was under the impression “we had to pay this money in case we made any changes to the property. If we didn’t make any changes to […]

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Mental health, food security, housing, top concerns

Recent polls show housing and food security among top issues in Antigonish, Colchester, Cumberland, and Pictou counties.  Mental health counselling was the highest average reported need in Nova Scotia, although Halifax Regional Municipality made up a large plurality of total respondents (39 per cent), accounting for a skewed average of all counties. This article will […]

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War of words over York1’s plans near Dresden

The public relations firm contracted to represent York1 says the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has declined engagement with the firm regarding the company’s Dresden landfill proposal. In an email message to The Chatham Voice on May 30, Henley Strategies founder Laryssa Waler said that “recently” C-K officials “haven’t wanted to engage” with the firm on topics […]

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Enbridge warns residents of scam involving fake inspection letters

Enbridge Gas is warning customers across Ontario to be on alert for a series of scams aimed at stealing personal information and money. The company says fraudsters are using letters, emails, text messages and door-to-door visits to impersonate Enbridge representatives. One recent scam involves fake letters left at homes claiming that Enbridge will be conducting […]

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Former Mayor Justin Altmann Convicted Following $135K Election Finance Probe

● Former Mayor Justin Altmann and council candidate Keith Singer were convicted for failing to file mandatory campaign financial statements after the 2022 municipal election. ● Each was fined $10,000 plus a 25 percent victim surcharge following guilty pleas entered May 28, 2025. ● Agreed Statements of Fact emphasized the seriousness of the offence and […]

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North Perth councillors call strong mayor powers anti-democratic

LISTOWEL – At its April 29 meeting, North Perth Council requested a report from staff to help council members to understand the new strong mayor powers, in order to avoid exploiting them.  As of May 1, strong mayor powers have been expanded to an additional 170 Ontario municipalities, including North Perth. Bestowed by the Ontario […]

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Councillors want information on disturbing rise in St. Catharines homeowners unable to pay soaring tax bills

The revelation that since 2022 an additional 1,180 property owners in St. Catharines are unable to pay their tax bill has prompted at least one member of City Council to take action. Less than two weeks after The Pointer reported a sharp rise in the number of properties in municipal tax arrears, information that had […]

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Despite clear violation, St. Catharines Integrity Commissioner excuses Mayor Mat Siscoe for using taxpayer dollars to endorse Doug Ford

In a decision that appears to contradict itself, the municipal watchdog hired by Council members to hold them accountable has determined that even though Mayor Mat Siscoe violated rules set out in the Code of Conduct that governs the behaviour of local elected officials, his conduct somehow did not rise to a punishable contravention of […]

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