Ontario News

TORONTO — Ontario's budget watchdog says the province's budget will steadily deteriorate into deficit after this fiscal year.

OTTAWA — Canada's economy picked up steam in the first three months of this year, driven by consumer spending, a turnaround in business investment, and the housing market, the national statistics agency said Wednesday.

VANCOUVER — The Transportation Safety Board's final report into the deadly capsizing of a whale-watching vessel off Vancouver Island is expected to be released next month.

TORONTO — Canadian smash "Come From Away" has scored homegrown recognition with eight Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations, including one for best new musical/opera.

TORONTO — An unprecedented settlement that will pay up to $220,000 to women who were sexually harassed while working for the RCMP over the past 40 years has been approved by a Federal Court judge, who called the agreement fair and reasonable.

TORONTO — Veteran linebacker Winston Venable has retired, the Toronto Argonauts announced Wednesday. Toronto signed the five-foot-11, 220-pound Venable this off-season as a free agent.

TORONTO — A provincial byelection in Sault Ste. Marie on Thursday will give voters a chance to weigh in on Ontario's Liberal government a year ahead of the general election.

QUEBEC — Provincial police are investigating an alleged arson inside a Quebec City jail. Firefighters were called to the detention centre at around 8:45 p.m. Tuesday after inmates allegedly set fire to mattresses and sheets.

FREDERICTON — Drivers in New Brunswick will have to abide by a new law that comes into effect Thursday in honour of a competitive cyclist killed while biking in the province.

TORONTO — A Toronto Uber driver is facing charges after allegedly sexually assaulting a teen in a vehicle he was driving for the ride-hailing service.