Stelco showdown, Second Harvest donation & $90M Lotto Max — Ottawa Wednesday

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🏛️ Government & Politics

Ottawa threatens legal action after Stelco lays off up to 500 workers. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly sent Stelco an ultimatum on Oct. 5 and the company replied Oct. 9 denying wrongdoing; the layoffs follow Stelco’s decision to concentrate production at Lake Erie Works in Haldimand and halt Hamilton plant output. Joly says the cuts may breach commitments under the Investment Canada Act and will speak publicly Wednesday.
Liberals accuse Ford government of political ties to flagged career colleges under OSAP probe. The province suspended six private career colleges from OSAP and launched a sector audit after internal findings; Liberal leader John Fraser and critic Tyler Watt allege cabinet ministers attended a suspected college opening and that founders donated to the PC Party since 2024. The allegations were referred to the OPP and auditor reviews began.
OPP reviewing referrals but hasn’t launched formal probe into alleged OSAP misuse. The OPP confirmed receipt of a provincial referral related to unusually high OSAP application concentrations and links to immigration services firms, but said Oct. that it has not set a timeline for deciding whether to open a criminal investigation.

York Regional Police seek man after suspected arson and shooting at Vaughan business. Surveillance shows a roughly 40-year-old suspect pouring an accelerant near Islington and Kellam on April 18 and later smashing the front door with gunfire on April 22; no injuries were reported and investigators released video to aid identification.
Two children, ages 11 and 9, took parents’ car for pre-dawn joyride and crashed into a cornfield. Ontario Provincial Police in Pembroke located the abandoned vehicle near Jean Avenue and TV Tower Road shortly after 3 a.m., found the children about an hour later, reported no serious injuries, and laid no charges because the youths are below the age of criminal responsibility.

Federal government to announce more than $350 million for skilled trades training and recruitment. Ottawa plans a funding package exceeding $350 million aimed at boosting trades-worker training and recruitment, with details to be announced by the federal government.
Stelco cites U.S. tariffs as reason for shifting production to Haldimand. Stelco told the federal government in a Oct. 9 response that U.S. Section 232 tariffs forced concentration at its Lake Erie Works and suspension of Hamilton operations, even as Ottawa alleges the move breaches Investment Canada Act commitments.

Second Harvest receives $60,000 donation after seven trucks vandalized in Toronto. Aurora Importing donated $60,000 to Second Harvest after suspects cut catalytic converters from seven trucks, rendering them out of service ahead of the charity’s Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, CEO Lori Nikkel said.

NHL professionalization of emergency backup goalies gives 32 players a new shot. The NHL now requires teams to roster EBUGs; rules restrict candidates to fewer than 80 pro games and no NHL standard-contract experience, enabling players like Brendan Bonello (27) and Dusty Nickel (35) to travel with clubs and serve as No. 00 emergency goalies.
Toronto Raptors emphasize three-pointers after 148-98 preseason win over Knicks. In the lopsided victory the Raptors attempted 44 three-pointers and made 17, with Kawhi Leonard going 4-for-8 from long range, Scottie Barnes and coaching staff saying the team will run more corner and kickout sets.

Doug Ford says Republicans might ‘pull the carpet’ under Trump if midterms are lost, comments at Empire Club.
Second Harvest had two trucks still operational after seven were vandalized, Thanksgiving deliveries affected.
Lotto Max jackpot rises to $90 million, largest in Canadian history with $117 million total top prizes Friday.
Surveillance shows suspect wearing black cap and construction boots in Vaughan incidents, police released video.
OPP did not pursue the car during Pembroke incident, officers located the vehicle and later found the children.
EBUG eligibility caps players to under 80 pro games and no recent pro appearances, NHL rule change this season.
Auditor General received only a notification, not a formal request for a value-for-money audit, per the AG’s office.
Some flagged career college founders donated to the PC Party since 2024, per Elections Ontario records.
Joly’s Oct. 5 letter demanded Stelco respond within five days, federal ultimatum cited in company reply.
Two $1-million Maxmillions were sold in Whitby and Hamilton, Ontario winners reported.