MP Resigns, Stelco Layoffs & Rising Distraction Thefts — Ottawa Wednesday

14 articles 8 hours ago 12

🏛️ Government & Politics

Conservative MP Scott Aitchison will resign his seat after the fall parliamentary session. Aitchison, MP for Parry Sound–Muskoka, announced the decision on Wednesday after 30 years in public life and thanked constituents and colleagues including leader Pierre Poilievre; he will leave Pierre Poilievre’s caucus as the eighth MP to depart since the 2025 election.

Ontario’s ‘Protect Ontario’ trade program has spent about $140 million so far. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy was pressed at Queen’s Park after officials told a committee 36 applications totalling just under $100 million were received and 18 approvals represent about $40 million, plus roughly $100 million on Algoma steel support.
Stelco paused galvanized steel production and will lay off roughly 350 workers. Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves told Global News no amount of government money would have kept production viable in Canada and the company offered affected employees positions at a nearby mill while pausing the product line.

A record “Super El Niño” could delay Ontario’s fall colours this autumn. Scientists say the strong El Niño will likely bring warmer-than-normal fall conditions that may postpone cooler nights that cue leaf colour change, though experts quoted said Ontario trees should still display seasonal colours.

Peel Regional Police report distraction thefts rising to 266 incidents so far this year. Police highlighted a July 28 case where a woman near Chinguacousy Road and Sandalwood Parkway West was stripped of $19,000 in jewellery after suspects swapped her necklace and removed three gold bangles; investigators say 266 reports were logged by Aug. 12 versus 222 in 2025.

Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins says “everything needs to be assessed” after a 79–83 finish. The Blue Jays missed the playoffs and finished last in the AL East; Atkins said the club will “drill down in every area” following the season-ending media availability at Rogers Centre.
Scottie Barnes says internal expectations with the Toronto Raptors remain to “win, win, win.” Barnes averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists last season and noted additions, including Kawhi Leonard, aim to help the team advance past the first-round playoff hump.

Quebec man arrested in alleged armed sexual assaults from over 20 years ago.
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Indigenous leaders say their issues were sidelined during the election, post-election analysis.
Ontario trial into a boy’s death highlights need to better support Indigenous children, advocate says.
Orléans East–Cumberland: list of candidates running for Ottawa city council in the ward.
(Duplicate already in main) Stelco pause led to roughly 350 layoffs and offered nearby mill placements.
(Duplicate already in main) Raptors’ coaching staff expects Barnes to focus on defence, coach Rajakovic said.
(Duplicate already in main) Blue Jays finished 79–83 and capped season with 5–1 win over Reds on Sunday.
(Duplicate already in main) Peel police cite a July 28 $19,000 jewellery theft near Chinguacousy Road.
(Duplicate already in main) ‘Protect Ontario’ received 36 applications totalling just under $100 million.
(Duplicate already in main) Experts say warmer fall could lengthen leaf-colour progression.
(Duplicate noted) Quebec man arrested in connection to decades-old assaults.