The provincial government will be sending more financial aid to local residents affected by flooding on Canada Day. Ontario’s Municipal Affairs Minister, Rob Flack, confirmed the Disaster Recovery for Ontarians program will be activated for eligible areas in Ottawa that experienced significant flooding. In a statement posted to social media, Flack said that, “many families are facing challenging circumstances,” and that the provincial government “is working alongside municipal partners to help ensure affected communities receive the support they need.” Flack added that residents facing losses not covered by insurance may be eligible to apply for assistance through the program once it is activated. The minister didn’t specify when residents could start to apply for assistance or which areas may be eligible.
The head of the City’s Emergency and Protective Services has apologized for the fireworks show that lit up the sky last Thursday, much to the surprise of residents and city councillors. The unused fireworks from the rained-out Canada Day show were set off at the end of the first night of Ottawa Bluesfest, but there was no advance word to the public. Emergency and Protective Services general manager, Ryan Perrault, originally said the decision not to advertise or notify residents of the fireworks display was made in an effort to avoid additional crowding as Bluesfest was letting out. Canadian Heritage also stated the fireworks had already been primed, and disarming them would have posed a safety risk to the fireworks crew. Speaking to reporters yesterday, Perrault said he was sorry for the confusion.
Fashion mogul Peter Nygard has been found guilty of sexual assault and forcible confinement. The ruling from a Court of Quebec judge in Montreal came down on Monday after the 84-year-old accepted a plea deal and did not present any evidence in his defence. He appeared via video call from an Ontario prison. The case in Quebec is separate from Nygard’s 2023 conviction in Toronto, where he was found guilty of four counts of sexual assault and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Nygard, who founded the now-defunct women’s apparel company Nygard International, will appear in court on October 2 for sentencing.
