Latest news with #Ontarians
Hamilton Spectator
10 hours ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Ford government's changes to recycling will hasten landfill crisis, municipalities warn
Ontario's shrinking landfill space could run out faster than expected if the Ford government retreats from long-held plans to add two new blue box programs, warns the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. In a letter to Environment Minister Todd McCarthy, AMO president Robin Jones said the suggested changes — including the cancellation of new blue box programs in apartments and condos — would 'exacerbate Ontario's projected landfill capacity crisis, which is expected to reach its limit in less than 10 years.' Landfill controversy is already exploding in Dresden, a southwestern Ontario community where the Premier Doug Ford's controversial new Bill 5 could be used to fast-track the reopening of an inactive landfill site against community wishes — and potentially without a traditional environmental assessment. Posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario in early June, the proposals, if passed, would 'undoubtedly impact waste diversion rates,' Jones said in her letter. Ontario has a previously stated goal of 50 per cent diversion by 2030, which means the province would need to divert an additional 2.5 to 3.8 million tonnes of material, based on 2022 numbers from an AMO report. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks suggested three significant changes, citing 'unanticipated' costs affecting producers: To reduce the materials going to landfill, the ministry proposed a percentage could go to 'energy from waste' — also known as incineration or, burning materials to create electricity. A spokesperson for McCarthy said the government 'heard concerns, particularly from small businesses, about unanticipated and unexplained cost increases to meet their obligations under Ontario's producer-run blue box system.' The changes 'will improve transparency' for all producers, said Alexandru Cioban, McCarthy's press secretary. But Jones said the government's proposed retreat undermines the goals of 'extended producer responsibility,' which basically means, 'If you make it, you take it.' Ontario's transition to extended producer responsibility is nearly complete, with producers taking on the cost of programs that collect and recycle the products and packaging they sell. These programs, administered by the not-for-profit 'producer responsibility organization' Circular Materials, take in hazardous waste and electronics as well as traditional blue box materials. In 2022, Ontario generated up to 15.5 million tonnes of non-hazardous waste, which is equivalent to 1.127 tonnes per person, according to AMO's Ontario Baseline Waste and Recycling Report. In Jones's July 7 letter, she said elimination of the planned blue box program in multi-residential buildings will create a 'fragmented 'two-tiered' system' where some Ontarians have access to recycling while others do not. 'Residents rightly expect robust recycling programs and environmental protection, creating an urgent imperative for municipalities to fill these public spaces service gaps,' she wrote. Large cities, she said, are adding thousands of new housing units and those residents 'will be left without access to the common recycling collection system.' Industry insiders say many municipalities stopped buying new trucks or upgrading recycling infrastructure because of the expansion plans. Now that those plans face the prospect of delays or elimination, municipalities are scrambling and will likely be forced to pick up the costs. 'This amendment,' said Jones, 'pulls the rug out from under existing plans.'
Cision Canada
21 hours ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
Nation-leading hospital efficiency freed up billions for Ontario for years, but further gains are unrealistic
TORONTO, July 23, 2025 /CNW/ - The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) today released the third edition of Ontario Hospitals – Leaders in Efficiency, a report detailing the nation-leading efficiency of Ontario's hospitals. Unfortunately, further gains using traditional approaches are no longer realistic due to enormous demand for services from a growing and aging population and, like all other parts of the economy, rising pressures on costs. "When it comes to efficiency, Ontario's hospitals continue to lead the country. Ontario spends $1,935 per person on hospitals, the lowest in Canada, while ensuring access to high quality services for millions of patients every year," said Anthony Dale, President and CEO of the OHA. "While the degree of efficiency achieved over the years has been remarkable, it's clear that addressing the challenges of the future will require further capacity planning and long-term investments in technological and clinical innovation, rather than relying on traditional ideas and approaches." As reflected in this year's annual efficiency dividend, if Ontario spent the average rate per capita on hospitals as all other provinces, the additional cost to the province would be $4.4 billion. Ontario is unique in Canada – only here do independent boards, made of local volunteer community leaders, have accountability for hospital governance and oversight. This local governance and prudent stewardship enabled hospitals to remain resilient for many years by focusing on cost containment while serving their local communities and regions, despite capacity challenges within the hospital sector and across the health services continuum. For years, this freed up billions of dollars each year for the provincial government to invest in other public services and programs that benefit Ontarians. However, Ontario hospitals are facing very significant financial challenges today and the underlying financial position of the sector is under considerable pressure. Demand for health care is rising. Not only has Canada's population rapidly grown in recent years, but as confirmed in last year's release of the Patterns of Illness Report by the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Ontarians will live longer with chronic disease. Many people will have multiple illnesses and there are rising rates of illness across all age groups. "Hospitals today are doing everything they can to ensure that the taxpayers' dollars are spent effectively. But we're looking at rising demands, various cost pressures, aging infrastructure and changing population demographics that are expected to intensify in the coming years," Dale said. "Just as we're adapting our economy in the face of trade conflicts and a changing world, we need to prioritize health care as one of our competitive advantages. Technical and clinical innovation within health care will also become increasingly important. Continuous improvement efforts have resulted in Ontario achieving the second lowest hospitalization rate, the lowest average length of stay in acute care hospitals, and the lowest cost of an inpatient stay among all provinces. Building on this track record of operational excellence will require thoughtful planning to expand hospital capacity where needed, ongoing investment in broader system capacity and innovative approaches that shape the future of health care in Ontario. Ontario Hospital Association Established in 1924, the OHA serves as the voice of the province's public hospitals, supporting them through advocacy, knowledge translation and member engagement, labour relations, and data and analytics with the goal of helping hospitals build a better health system. The OHA is also attuned to the broader strategic questions facing the future of the province's health care system and we work to ensure Ontario's hospitals have a voice in shaping this longer-term vision.
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
Caught on Camera: CAA study finds more drivers are slowing down for speed cameras, with more drivers ticketed
THORNHILL, ON, July 23, 2025 /CNW/ - New findings from CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) show that Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) is changing driver behaviour. According to the research, ASE cameras are influencing habit changes in drivers in two ways: drivers are either slowing down or avoiding ASE cameras altogether. "When drivers choose to slow down or change their routes because of photo radar, it means the technology is doing what it's meant to, reminding us to be more mindful behind the wheel," says Michael Stewart, community relations consultant for CAA SCO. The data states that nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of Ontario drivers have received a ticket from an ASE camera, compared to 17 per cent in 2024. Although ticketing has increased, positive behavioural shifts have occurred because of ASE use. According to the survey, a majority of Ontario drivers (73 per cent) slow down when nearing an ASE camera and over half (52 per cent) shared that they are unlikely to speed up after they pass through an ASE zone; up from 44 per cent in 2023, demonstrating that the presence of ASEs is positively shifting driver behaviour in these areas. It also found that nearly half of drivers (46 per cent) avoid driving on roads with ASE in use. "These insights show how useful a tool ASE cameras can be," says Stewart. "This technology isn't about 'gotcha' moments; it's about preventing real harm and changing driver behaviour." Drivers support the use of ASE cameras in school zones Despite the increased ticketing in Ontario this year, many drivers support the use of ASE cameras, especially in school zones or areas with vulnerable road users. Nearly three-quarters of Ontario drivers (73 per cent) support the use of ASE in target areas such as school zones or near community centres. In fact, 76 per cent of Ontarians believe that cameras deter speeding altogether. "Our research shows that ASE continues to have strong public support and can be effective in getting drivers to change their behaviour. While speed cameras may not solve every road safety issue overnight, they play an important role in nudging driver behaviour in a safer direction," adds Stewart. Public support for ASE use is no surprise, as speeding remains one of Ontario's most reported dangerous driving behaviours, with 40 per cent of drivers admitting to it in the past year. While ASE cameras are widely supported in community safety zones, CAA SCO recommends that any future expansion into other areas must be thoughtfully considered. "These cameras should never be used as a revenue generator, but rather, as a method to help protect road users and encourage safer driving habits," says Stewart. "CAA SCO will continue to advocate for standardized practices across municipalities regarding ASE cameras to ensure effectiveness across our communities." For more information on speeding and dangerous driving, please visit: The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from March 7 to March 19, 2025, with 1,500 Ontario drivers aged 18 and older. Based on the sample size of n=1,500 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.) About CAA South Central Ontario As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of over 2.6 million Members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads. SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
TVO ANNOUNCES CEO SEARCH
- - to lead search process for new, permanent Chief Executive - - TORONTO, /CNW/ - TVO Media Education Group (TVO) today announced that CEO Jeffrey Orridge, whose term was set to expire later this year, will be leaving TVO on August 15 for another opportunity. Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Hinshelwood will assume the role of Acting CEO, with Odgers Berndtson selected to commence a search for a permanent replacement. "During his time as CEO, Jeffrey has been instrumental in driving strategic, digital, and cultural transformation at TVO. His contributions have helped cement TVO's reputation as an international leader in digital media education. My board colleagues and I extend sincere gratitude to Jeffrey for his leadership and dedication to public service," said TVO Board Chair Chris Day. "We are confident that under Jennifer's leadership TVO will continue building on its recent momentum without missing a beat." "It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as TVO's CEO during this time of growth and transition," Mr. Orridge said. "The tremendous content the team has produced for audiences and educators, our work to amplify the issues and voices of all Ontarians, and our progress in transforming to a multi-platform digital organization are things that I will always remember with great satisfaction. But mostly, I will cherish the truly exceptional team I had the privilege and joy to work with." The appointment of TVO's new, permanent CEO will be made by Order in Council. Odgers Berndtson is an Ontario government vendor of record and was selected by TVO's Board of Directors through a prescribed process to identify and recommend candidates for consideration by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. ABOUT TVO MEDIA EDUCATION GROUP TVO Media Education Group inspires learning that changes lives and enriches communities. Founded in 1970, we are a globally recognized digital learning organization that engages Ontarians of all ages with inclusive experiences and diverse perspectives. Through our brands TVO Today, TVO Docs, TVO Learn, TVO ILC and TVOkids, we're investing in the transformative potential of education for everyone. TVO is a registered charity funded in part by the Province of Ontario and supported by thousands of sponsors and donors. Visit for more information.
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Ontario Securities Commission invests $5.4M in Prosper Canada to expand financial empowerment for Ontarians with low incomes
TORONTO, July 22, 2025 /CNW/ - Prosper Canada is pleased to announce that the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is investing up to $5.4 million over the next three years in its work to help close persistent gaps in financial information, resources, and coaching for Ontarians living with low and moderate incomes. This initiative will expand access to tailored financial empowerment supports that enable people to set and achieve financial goals, build financial stability, and become informed investors. It will also include a strong focus on Indigenous inclusion, co-developing financial wellness programs designed to meet the unique needs of First Nation communities in northern Ontario. This investment builds on the success of a previous funding agreement that enabled Prosper Canada to train over 900 community organizations, create new investor education resources accessed over 20,000 times, and support more than 3,000 Ontarians to improve their financial well-being – 2,000 of whom achieved specific financial goals. Despite this success, significant service gaps remain for those facing systemic barriers to accessing financial help and protection. "We've seen first-hand the impact that access to accurate, timely financial empowerment supports can have on people's lives," said Elizabeth Mulholland, CEO of Prosper Canada. "The OSC's continued investment enables us to expand this critical work, particularly for Indigenous and marginalized communities, helping more Ontarians protect themselves from financial fraud, build security, and invest in their futures." With this new investment, Prosper Canada, together with our Ontario community partners –Sudbury Community Services Centre, Thunder Bay Counselling, EBO Financial Education Centre, West Neighbourhood House, and Building Up – and our national Indigenous partner, AFOA Canada, will: Scale up tailored consumer and investor education training and resources for low- and modest-income individuals, including targeted support for First Nation community members receiving lump-sum settlement payments; Strengthen and expand financial counselling and coaching delivered through community organizations; Collaborate with interested First Nation communities in northern Ontario to co-develop and deliver a suite of culturally appropriate financial wellness supports to First Nation community members. This investment comes at a crucial time, as affordability challenges persist and large-scale compensation for First Nations individuals presents both unprecedented opportunity and increased risk of financial predation. Prosper Canada's expanded efforts will help ensure Ontarians with low incomes have access to trusted, relevant, and effective financial help. Prosper Canada is a national charity dedicated to expanding economic opportunity for Canadians living in poverty through program and policy innovation. As Canada's leading champion of financial empowerment, Prosper works with governments, businesses, and community organizations to develop and promote financial policies, programs, and resources that transform lives and foster the prosperity of all Canadians.
