METROLINX IS PLAYING A MAJOR ROLE IN WELCOMING NEWCOMERS BY PARTICIPATING IN THE 9TH ANNUAL TORONTO NEWCOMER DAY

Their goal is to create a more integrated and inclusive transit network that will meet the needs of the growing population.

Metrolinx is committed to ensuring that everyone can travel easily and affordably in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas.

At the Toronto Newcomer Day Information Fair, attendees can check out the Metrolinx booth and view the digital installation of the transit map. This interactive exhibit showcases how transit can connect newcomers to important destinations such as hospitals, Service Ontario locations, and immigration centers, as well as getaways, attractions, and tourist destinations.

Visitors can also learn about the benefits of having a PRESTO card, which includes transit fare discounts and discounts on many attractions. The booth also provides information about GO Transit's regional public transportation network, and learn how to visit or pick up loved ones by taking the UP Express to Pearson Airport.

Metrolinx staff will be on-site with giveaways, including informational brochures, possibilities passports, and more.

Event details

When: Wednesday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West - Downtown Toronto

Cost: Admission is free

TELUS COMMITS $5 MILLION TO SUPPORT ALBERTA FIRE RELIEF

TELUS, TELUS FRIENDLY FUTURE FOUNDATION, TELUS INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES FUND, TELUS AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER GOODS AND TELUS HEALTH, TOGETHER, ARE DONATING TO LOCAL GRASSROOTS CHARITIES IN ALBERTA, SUPPORTING RELIEF EFFORTS ON THE GROUND

VANCOUVER: In response to the devastating wildfires spreading throughout Alberta and its impact on children and families, TELUS, in partnership with TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods and TELUS Health are making an initial commitment of $5 million in cash donations and in-kind contributions to local charities and organizations supporting relief efforts and first responders, including the Canadian Red Cross and Salvation Army.

"Our team is deeply saddened by the widespread wildfires across Alberta and our thoughts are with those impacted by this disaster," said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS. "We have a long-standing history of being there for Albertans, particularly in their time of need, and it is an honour to lend our support through an initial investment of $5 million, as wildfires continue to ravage many parts of our province. I am grateful to our team for continuing to demonstrate that when things are at their worst, Canadians can count on TELUS to be at its very best, offering our resources and human compassion to help our fellow citizens in need."

TELUS technicians continue to work around the clock to maintain critical infrastructure and network connectivity under the most challenging of conditions to ensure Albertans and first responders stay connected. These efforts include ensuring emergency generators are running for cell sites to provide wireless coverage throughout the province. In partnership with Ralcomm Ltd., a portable cell tower was placed outside of Drayton Valley for evacuees and first responders to stay connected. TELUS is also deploying extra network technology to evacuation centres such as Smart Hubs and power banks so everyone can stay connected to their loved ones.

Donations and in-kind support to assist with wildfire relief efforts in Alberta include:

* TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, TELUS Edmonton and Northern Alberta Community Board, TELUS Calgary and Southern Alberta Community Board, TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods, and TELUS Health are committing $500,000 to help evacuees and Albertans in need through local relief efforts, mental health support, emergency care and providing food and supplies to affected areas.

* TELUS Health has initiated a free community crisis hotline available 24/7 to all Canadians at 1-844-751-2133 and is providing support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) help line for eligible employees of their clients.

* Notifying impacted TELUS and Koodo residential and business customers via SMS that we are waiving all domestic voice, text and data overage fees, helping them stay connected to loved ones.

* TELUS Health and TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods are providing complimentary mental health support for farmers and in-kind emergency veterinary care for cattle.

* TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has activated a text-to-donate fundraising campaign whereby TELUS customers can text DONATE to 41010 to give $20 to TELUS Friendly Future Foundation to support registered charities providing wildfire relief across the province.

* TELUS team members are contributing to TELUS Friendly Future Foundation which TELUS is triple matching in support of Alberta fire relief efforts.

* TELUS Community Ambassadors delivered disaster kits with essential items like bandages, USB car chargers and flashlights to support evacuees from Brazeau County and Drayton Valley.

In addition, TELUS is engaged with evacuated Indigenous communities to understand their needs and supply necessities such as water, diapers and non-perishable food items.

To support Albertans who may not be able to travel to see their doctor, TELUS Health MyCare is free to download and offers a robust suite of services, including those covered by provincial health insurance, such as access to licensed medical professionals in numerous languages, specialist referrals, mental health counsellors and registered dietitians. TELUS Health patients who were evacuated and usually receive their prescriptions by home delivery can contact: 1-877-796-7979 to re-route their prescription, if needed immediately, to another location or accessible pharmacy.

Customers in Alberta and B.C. can redeem their TELUS Rewards points for a $20 donation to TELUS Friendly Future Foundation in support of wildfire relief efforts. To learn more about TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, visit friendlyfuture.com.

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with more than $18 billion in annual revenue and 18 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS' global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better.

Operating in 31 countries around the world, TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and disruptive brands across strategic industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media and eCommerce and fintech.

TELUS Health is a global health care leader, which provides employee and family primary and preventive health care and wellness solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS' strong digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental health outcomes covering 67 million lives, and growing, around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.

Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute $1.5 billion, including 2 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world. Together, let's make the future friendly.

For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com, follow us at @TELUSNews on Twitter and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

MINISTER NG WELCOMES PIYUSH GOYAL, INDIA'S MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, AND BUSINESS DELEGATION FROM INDIA

OTTAWA: India’s strategic, economic and demographic importance in the Indo-Pacific makes it a critical partner in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. This week, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, welcomed Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, and Indian business leaders to Canada. In Ottawa, Minister Ng and Minister Goyal hosted the 6th Canada-India Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment, during which they issued a joint statement on strengthening Canada-India economic relations. Joined by officials from both countries, the ministers made progress on key trade initiatives such as ongoing talks toward an Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA). They reaffirmed that EPTA would cover shared areas of importance such as high level commitments in goods, investment, service, a focus on rules-based international order, technical barriers to trade and dispute settlement. Canada and India have a growing and prosperous trading relationship – our bilateral trade in goods reached about $11.9 billion in 2022, a 56% growth from 2021. Our service trade reached $8.9 billion in 2022. These numbers show what happens when Canada and India work together. Minister Goyal and Minister Ng reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhance cooperation in key sectors of mutual interest such as critical minerals, clean tech, renewable energy and AI. The ministers discussed continuing to work together in coordinating investment promotion, information exchange and mutual support between Canada and India through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) later this year. The ministers agreed to an annual meeting of officials on the margins of the Prospectors and Developers Association Conference in Toronto, to advance their shared priority of G2G coordination to promote critical mineral supply chain resiliency and other issues of mutual interest. With Minister Goyal as guest of honour, Minister Ng hosted a dinner in Ottawa that brought together close to 150 Canadian and Indian business leaders and parliamentarians. During this event, Minister Ng announced Canada’s plan to undertake a Team Canada trade mission to India in October as part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. The two ministers also agreed to relaunch the Canada-India CEO Forum, with new priorities to enhance business to business ties. The ministers noted the desire for enhanced discussions in the area of migration and mobility, with the significant movement of students, professional and skilled workers, and business travelers between our two countries. The ministers held meetings with business representatives in Toronto, including at a round table hosted by the Business Council of Canada, and another round table focused on finance and investment issues.

Chow Grows Lead In Mayor Race

TORONTO – In a random sampling of public opinion taken by The Forum Poll™ among 2000 Toronto residents, Olivia Chow continues to lead the race for the upcoming mayoral election with support from 33% of decided and leaning voters, up 2% from the previous week. Mark Saunders (14%) and Josh Matlow (14%) remain in second and third place, with Matlow losing 1% support from the previous week. Among those surveyed, 39% of those who are decided and leaning support a range of other candidates, none of whom obtained more than 8% support.

* Chow is maintaining a comfortable lead,•h said Dr. Lorne Bozinoff, President of Forum Research. “However, it•fs still early in the race.” Among those surveyed, the most important issues in the mayoral election are housing affordability (23%) and the cost of living & inflation (22%). The poll was conducted by Forum Research with the results based on an interactive voice response telephone survey of 2000 randomly selected Toronto residents over the age of 18, 72% by cellphone and 28% on landlines. The poll was conducted from May 6th to May 7th, 2023. Results based on the total sample are considered accurate +/ •] 2%, 19 times out of 20. Subsample and regional results will be less accurate. Margins of error for subsample results are available at www.forumresearch.com/samplestim.asp.

Lasalle Park Community Marina And Public Boat Launch Opening May 13

The LaSalle Park Community Marina and public boat launch will be opening May 13, 2023. The Marina is also home to the Burlington Sailing and Boating Club and the Burlington Able Sail program. About the LaSalle Park Community Marina

Through an agreement with the City, the Marina has been operated by the LaSalle Park Marina Association (LPMA) for 42 years. The City owns the wave break and the Marina.

The Marina is a beautiful location for residents and tourists to launch their boats and enjoy the crisp waters of Lake Ontario and Burlington's breathtaking lakefront views. The Marina has 219 docking spaces and is protected by a new floating wave break that was installed in 2020. The Burlington Sailing and Boating Club and the Burlington Able Sail program offer sailing programs at the Marina. In addition, the City has a public boat launch at the Marina that is protected by the floating wave break.

For more information on the LaSalle Park Community Marina, visit burlington.ca/marina.

Burlington is a city where people, nature and businesses thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.

Quotes

Denise Beard, Manager of Community Development

"The Marina and public boat launch is a great asset to the city not only for residents but also boaters from our neighbouring areas and tourists. We are a city with a beautiful lakeshore and seeing it by boat is a great way to enjoy it."

Lorn Newton, President of LaSalle Park Marina Association

"The Marina is a Lake Ontario gem. We open May 13 and our stable docks are well protected, the bay is wonderful for an afternoon sail and we have easy access to the lake. We can accommodate up to 35-foot craft. We are accessible and we are open and welcoming to all."

Sikh Temple Staffer Arrested In British Columbia For Alleged Sexual Assault On Teen

A 58-year-old staffer at a Sikh temple in Canada's British Columbia province has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15 year-old girl, the police said. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said they are investigating the incident, which took place earlier this month at or in the area of the Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran in Newton. The suspect was arrested a day after the incident, and has been released on the condition that he have no contact with the victim and not be in the presence of anyone under 16 without another adult. No charges have been laid on the temple staffer as yet, and the suspect's employer has been informed of the allegations, the police said. "Our Special Victims Unit are leading this investigation, with support for the youth victim from Surrey Women's Centre," Corporal Sarbjit Sangha said in a news release. "We urge anyone with information to come forward, as investigators continue to work to gather evidence and advance the investigation," Sangha said. Under Canada's criminal code, the maximum punishment for sexual assault charges is 14 years of prison. The incident follows two more cases of sexual assault on minors reported in the month of May alone by men of Indian-origin. A 40year-old Sikh priest and teacher Bhupinder Singh Sonu was charged this month with six counts of sexual offences involving children in British Columbia province. Before Sonu, a 62-year-old Indo-Canadian homeopathic doctor Sunil Anand was charged with sexual assault and sexual interference of a young patient in Brampton, following an investigation by the Peel Regional Police Special Victims Unit.

BRAMPTON IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE CITY FOR CAR INSURANCE IN ONTARIO: REPORT

Ontario's average estimated auto insurance premium rose 12% in 2023 compared to 2021, according to data from the RATESDOTCA Insuramap, an interactive online map that shows the average insurance rates by postal code. The average estimated premium is currently $1,744, marking the largest increase in the history of the Insuramap survey. In late December 2021, the last time RATESDOTCA surveyed the province, the average estimated auto insurance premium was $1,555. A lot has changed since. The lifting of COVID restrictions means drivers have mostly returned to their pre-pandemic routines. Meanwhile, operating costs for insurers are rising due to surging inflation, ongoing vehicle and parts shortages, longer wait times for repairs, an uptick in car theft, and a jump in the number and severity of claims filed. Here are some of the key trends revealed by the data: Brampton is once again the city with the highest average rate in the province at $2,707 per year after falling to number four in the last survey. The average estimated rate is up 37%.

York Region cities dominate the rankings, including Vaughan, last year’s top spot holder. Vaughan fell to the middle of the list at $2,158 annually, although its rate remained mostly stable, declining by only 1% year-over-year.