Ottawa Daily Digest — March 12, 2026

Big comeback — but a costly night for Toronto: The Maple Leafs rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Anaheim Ducks 6-4 on March 12, 2026, with William Nylander scoring 36 seconds into the third and finishing with three points; captain Auston Matthews ended a 12-game goal drought but left with a knee injury after a knee-on-knee hit by Radko Gudas (Gudas got a five-minute major). This was Toronto’s first home win since Jan. 10 and drops their record to 28-27-11, while Anaheim sits 36-26-3.

Good news for shoppers and phone users: The CRTC announced it will ban extra fees to activate, change or cancel internet and cellphone plans (decision posted March 12, 2026), saying fees kept Canadians from switching — Vicky Eatrides called it giving people more control; the move strengthens the Internet and Wireless Consumer Protection Codes and promises easier shopping and comparison soon.

Judge rejects NCR defence in 2021 Scarborough killing: On March 12, 2026, Justice Heather McArthur found Leahain Malcolm guilty of second-degree murder for stabbing his husband Rupert Brown on Feb. 27, 2021 (Brown suffered 30 knife wounds); the judge accepted Malcolm had a mental disorder but ruled he wasn’t legally incapable of knowing his actions were wrong. Sentencing dates haven’t been set; Malcolm faces deportation after serving his sentence.

Mayor uses strong-mayor veto on housing rule: Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti used powers from the 2022 strong-mayor law to undo a council plan that would have allowed up to four units on single-family lots (basements, laneway homes, garden suites) — a policy tied to federal Housing Accelerator Fund money — saying it would strain transport and parking. The move highlights tensions between provincial housing goals and local concerns.

Ford government to let stores open two more holidays: The provincial cabinet approved letting retailers open provincewide on Family Day and Victoria Day (decision reported March 12, 2026); Premier Doug Ford had pushed the idea after complaints about mall closures and suggested it could add "close to a million working hours." The change requires amending the Retail Business Holiday Act and companies will decide whether to open.

OPP join hunt after influencer’s killing in LaSalle: Police say 45-year-old Punjabi social-media influencer Nancy Grewal was stabbed while leaving a home on Todd Lane on March 3 and later died; investigators believe the attack was intentional and are asking the public for dashcam or surveillance video between 8:45 and 9:30 p.m. OPP canine units and search warrants have been used as the probe continues.

Suncor says St. Clair River oil sheen has been contained: Suncor reported a hydrocarbon sheen discovered about 6 p.m. on March 11 and says the outlet was identified and contained, with booms and vacuum gear deployed and cleanup under way with Eastern Canada Response Corporation. The Sarnia refinery (about 85,000 barrels per day) notified regulators and the environment ministry does not expect downstream impacts or effects on municipal water or wildlife.

Niagara Region chair resigns amid Mein Kampf allegation: Bob Gale resigned as Niagara Region chair after an anti-racism group published documents saying he owns an autographed copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf; Gale, appointed three months ago by Minister Rob Flack, framed himself as a historian in his resignation letter but did not clearly deny ownership. Flack accepted the resignation and a planned press conference was cancelled.

Young goalie shines for Montreal: After being recalled, 21-year-old Jacob Fowler made 32 saves to help the Montreal Canadiens beat the Ottawa Senators 3-2 (report dated March 12, 2026); coach Martin St. Louis praised his composure as Montreal (36-18-10) pushes for playoff positioning with 18 games left. Fowler had played 10 NHL games earlier this season and looked more confident than in his December debut.