Toronto News Daily

Canada’s long-anticipated high-speed rail project is gaining momentum, thanks to a multi-billion-dollar funding boost from the federal government.

On Wednesday, officials announced that a consortium has been selected to develop the planned high-speed rail link between Toronto and Quebec City—a major step toward modernizing the country’s transportation infrastructure.

Introducing “Alto”

The project, named “Alto,” will feature fully electric trains capable of reaching speeds of 300 km/h along a 1,000-kilometre route.

“A reliable, efficient high-speed rail network will be a game changer for Canadians, slashing travel times by half—getting you from Toronto to Montreal in just three hours,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said during the announcement in Montreal.

The train will make key stops in Laval, Trois-Rivières, Montréal, Ottawa, and Peterborough.

Who’s Behind the Project?

The Cadence consortium, a group of world-renowned companies specializing in large-scale transportation infrastructure, has been selected to co-design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the system.

As part of the latest development phase, Transport Minister Anita Anand confirmed that the federal government will invest $3.9 billion over the next five years. This funding is in addition to the $371.8 million already allocated in the 2024 budget.

With this investment, Canada is taking a significant step toward a faster, cleaner, and more efficient transportation network that could transform travel in the country’s busiest corridor.

Authorities continue to investigate the Delta Air Lines crash landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, which left several passengers injured after the aircraft flipped onto its roof. Here’s what we know so far.

What Happened?

Delta Air Lines Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, was en route from Minneapolis to Toronto when disaster struck. The Bombardier CRJ-900, carrying 80 people—including 76 passengers and four crew members—crash-landed at approximately 2:15 p.m. ET on Monday.

Among the passengers, 22 were Canadian, while the rest represented multiple nationalities, according to Deborah Flint, president and CEO of the airport.

Videos posted on social media captured the chaotic aftermath—the plane overturned on the snowy tarmac, with firefighters working to douse the wreckage as passengers evacuated.

“Airport emergency workers responded by the book, arriving within minutes and swiftly evacuating passengers,” Flint stated.

A newly surfaced video shows the moment of impact, where the plane hit the runway, burst into flames, and released thick black smoke before flipping over and coming to a halt.

Fire & Weather Conditions

Toronto Pearson Fire Chief Todd Aitken confirmed that emergency crews quickly extinguished spot fires using specialized aircraft rescue firefighting equipment.

At the time of the crash, Pearson Airport was dealing with extreme weather. The Meteorological Service of Canada reported blowing snow, winds of 51 km/h (gusting to 65 km/h), and a temperature of -8.6°C. The storm had already dumped over 50 cm (20 inches) of snow across Toronto over the weekend.

Injuries & Response

Miraculously, all passengers and crew survived, and everyone was accounted for. However, 21 people, including a child, were transported to the hospital for injuries. As of Tuesday morning, 19 had been released, while two remained hospitalized.

Cory Tkatch, division commander with Peel Paramedics, noted that injuries ranged from back sprains and head trauma to anxiety, nausea, and vomiting—likely due to fuel exposure.

“It’s incredibly fortunate that there was no loss of life or life-threatening injuries,” Flint said during a Tuesday press conference.

Authorities are continuing their investigation as the airport recovers from back-to-back snowstorms that contributed to hazardous conditions.

More updates to come as officials release further details.

Ontario’s political leaders engaged in a fiery debate on February 17, 2025, clashing over health care, taxes, and government spending. Premier Doug Ford faced sharp criticism from NDP Leader Marit Stiles, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, and Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, who accused his government of mismanaging public funds on unnecessary projects. Ford defended his fiscal policies, emphasizing his administration’s economic record.

Health care dominated the discussion, with opposition leaders calling for urgent investments to address Ontario’s doctor shortage and emergency room closures. Stiles stressed the need for increased funding to tackle these crises, while Crombie outlined plans to recruit more doctors and improve affordability for residents. Schreiner, meanwhile, focused on food insecurity and took aim at the government’s handling of the health care system.

The debate also delved into taxation, with Ford doubling down on his promise not to raise taxes or fees. Opposition leaders challenged his stance, arguing that Ontarians are more concerned with access to quality public services than with tax cuts.

Despite the tense exchanges, the debate took a lighthearted turn when three of the four leaders—along with the moderator—joked about taking a summer getaway to Thunder Bay, offering a rare moment of unity amid the heated discussion.

As the election draws closer, the debate underscored the stark differences in each party’s vision for Ontario, particularly on critical issues like health care, fiscal policy, and public resource management.

The WNBA is gearing up for expansion, with multiple cities vying to become the league’s 16th franchise. Among the frontrunners are Nashville, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Houston, each boasting deep basketball roots and strong support for women’s sports.

The Contenders

• Nashville: A city with a passionate sports fanbase, Nashville is leveraging its collegiate basketball culture and existing sports infrastructure to make a strong case for a WNBA team.

• Detroit: Once home to the Detroit Shock, a franchise that secured three WNBA championships before relocating to Dallas, Detroit has a rich women’s basketball history and a dedicated market eager for the league’s return.

• Philadelphia: With a storied basketball tradition, Philly has seen a surge in fan interest and ownership support, positioning itself as a strong candidate for a WNBA expansion team.

• Houston: The Houston Comets were one of the most dominant teams in WNBA history, winning four consecutive league titles in the late 1990s. Efforts are mounting to bring professional women’s basketball back to a city with a championship legacy.

What’s Next?

The WNBA’s expansion timeline remains in development, but these cities continue to make their case for the next franchise. As women’s basketball continues to grow in popularity, the decision could shape the league’s future for years to come.

Just as residents in parts of Ontario and Quebec begin to dig out from one winter storm, they are now being warned to brace for another.

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for Toronto and areas both southwest and northeast of the city.

Heavy Snowfall Expected

According to forecasts:

❄️ Toronto is expected to receive 25 to 40 cm of snow.
❄️ Similar conditions are anticipated in southwestern Ontario.
❄️ Ottawa, southern, and central Quebec are also under a winter storm warning.

Travel Disruptions Likely

Environment Canada warns that rapidly accumulating snow could make travel hazardous in some areas, urging residents to prepare for challenging conditions on the roads.

As winter continues its relentless grip, residents are advised to stay informed, plan ahead, and exercise caution while traveling.

Police responded to a residence where they discovered an adult woman with critical injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 15-year-old boy was taken into custody outside the home. Authorities confirmed they are not seeking additional suspects.

The victim’s identity and the nature of her injuries have not been released.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.