News

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In case you missed it, Premier Doug Ford met with Lt.-Governor Edith Dumont yesterday to request the dissolution of the provincial legislature, setting the stage for a 29-day election campaign officially beginning today. It will be the first winter provincial vote since 1981, and the vote will be held on February 27th. As Ford’s Conservatives already hold a sizeable mandate with voters, opposition leaders are hammering the point that the election is unnecessary, more than a year ahead of a mandatory June 2026 poll, and costly, with the estimate cost range between $150 and $175m.

At last night’s County council meeting, the Housing Department presented a request for tax exemptions on three properties owned by the Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation. Our Brenda Little has more (55s)

U.S. President Donald Trump’s press secretary says the plan to slap Canada with punishing tariffs on Saturday is still in play, as NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh leaves the door open to supporting the Liberal government if duties are implemented. Karoline Leavitt told reporters at the White House that she spoke with the president on Monday night and he indicated that Feb. 1 was “still on the books” for the introduction of damaging duties against Canada and Mexico. Ottawa has prepared multiple options for retaliatory tariffs, depending on what Trump ultimately does. Trump initially promised 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs in response to what he called the failure of both countries to curb the illegal flow of people and drugs across the border. Canadian officials have been cycling through Washington in recent weeks to promote Canada’s $1.3-billion border security plan and make the case that tariffs would hurt both economies. The federal government is also looking at a relief package to help businesses and industries affected by Trump’s tariffs. Multiple premiers have said provinces are considering relief plans much like those introduced during the pandemic.
Sticking with this story, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said he is open to talks with the government on an economic relief package and did not close the door on keeping the Liberals in power to pass such legislation when Parliament returns on March 24. But Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet said he would not support the minority government in the House of Commons because he thinks it would be a trick designed to keep the Liberals in power longer. “If Liberals want things to be clear and want to help workers, they should start the election sooner,” he said. Deputy Conservative Party Leader Melissa Lantsman said in a statement her party wants an early recall of Parliament but declined to commit to support a bailout package.
Finally, people who bought event tickets through Ticketmaster in 2018 are now eligible for compensation. A $6-million settlement that could see around a million Canadians eligible for a credit with Ticketmaster was finalized last week at Regina’s Court of King’s Bench. The lawsuit, launched by plaintiff Crystal Watch, took Ticketmaster to court for hiding the prices of ticket fees in 2018. Ticketmaster refused to agree to any wrongdoing on their part, but the case never went to trial and the company agreed to settle. In order to be eligible, customers need to have purchased tickets through Ticketmaster for Canadian events between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2018. Eligible Ticketmaster users should get an email shortly from Ticketmaster with a link to receive their credit, which can be used one time for money off a new event ticket.

Sports

The Picton Pirates were in action last night, travelling to Lakefield to face the Chiefs. It was tied at 2s going into the 3rd, but Lakefield scored at 14s and again at 16.03 to take a 4-3 victory.

Just two Canadian teams on the sched last night in the NHL – Winnipeg travelled to Montreal to face off against the Canadiens, beating the Habs 4-1 on two goals from Kyle Connor and singles from Rasmus Kapari and Mark Scheifele. The Washington Capitals headed west to meet the Flames at the Saddledome, where they beat Calgary 3-1.

Sticking with hockey, one game in the PWHL last night – the Toronto Sceptres traded in the cold of the GTA for the cold of Minnesota, meeting up with the Minnesota Frost. The two teams were tied at 3s going into overtime, where the Frost won in the shootout.

Finally, the Scotties Tournament of Hearts is making its Greater Toronto Area debut next year, when the 18 team women’s championship tournament makes its way to Mississauga. The 2026 national playdowns will be held at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre Sportsplex in Mississauga, Ont., starting January 23rd.
Just a reminder, to get your community scores and results on the air… simply email the details to sports@993countyfm.ca