Alan S. Hale
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Ontario Legislature reporter for the Postmedia Network.
Email: Ahale@postmedia.com
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Articles by Alan S. Hale
Looking for a tax accountant with REI experience around DFW
This year my wife and I did our first flip and did so under our LLC. That said, our income taxes are going to be different than in the past. Can anyone recommend a real estate-savvy tax accountant, preferably on the Ft. Worth side of DFW.
Ontario miners union seeks tougher silica, diesel exposure limits
Advertisement oop Skip to Content Union says current rules are allowing workers to be “legally poisoned.” • “Ontario already has the toughest standards for diesel particulate in North America,” said Ontario Mining Minister George Pirie.
Ontario limits access to some government records – does it matter?
The changes exempt ministers’ and the premier’s offices from FOI requests. • • (Getty Images) Members of the Opposition heckled and chanted “F-O-I, F-O-I” as the Ford government passed its controversial changes to Ontario’s Freedom of Information (FOI) rules on Thursday. From now on, it will be much harder to get a look inside the workings of the highest levels of government. But does this matter to the lives of most Ontarians, or is it an issue largely confined to Queen’s Park?
Ontario limits access to some government records – does it matter?
The official line from the Ford government is that it is modernizing FOI laws in Ontario, which have not been updated in decades and do not take into account modern advances in information technology. Progressive Conservatives also say they are simply bringing Ontario’s rules in line with the FOI rules used by the federal government, which exempt the prime minister and federal ministers from being subject to FOI requests. This has been the case since FOI laws were implemented in Canada in 1983.
Ontario moves to boost farming in Northern Ontario's Claybelt
Province aims to speed up Crown land access to expand agriculture. Published Apr 22, 2026 • Last updated 18 hours ago • 2 minute read Ontario Agriculture Minister Trevor Jones held a press conference at Queen's Park on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, about Bill 109, Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act. (Alan S.
Ontario cities want losses from development charge cuts covered
Municipal leaders - including those in Greater Sudbury - say cuts could leave major holes in local budgets Published Apr 22, 2026 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 2 minute read Mayors from several Ontario cities were at Queen's Park on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to speak with members of the government on a variety of issues. (Alan S.
Ontario moves to boost farming in northern Claybelt
Ontario moves to boost farming in northern Claybelt Province aims to speed up Crown land access to expand agriculture. Published Apr 22, 2026 • Last updated 20 minutes ago • 2 minute read You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Ontario Agriculture Minister Trevor Jones held a press conference at Queen's Park on April 22, 2026 about Bill 109, Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act. (Alan S.
Ontario moves to boost farming in Northern Ontario's Claybelt
Province aims to speed up Crown land access to expand agriculture. • • Ontario Agriculture Minister Trevor Jones held a press conference at Queen's Park on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, about Bill 109, Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act. (Alan S. Hale/Postmedia Network) TORONTO – Queen’s Park is pushing to increase farming in the so-called Claybelt, which covers 180,000 square kilometres in northeastern Ontario and Quebec, by streamlining the process to buy or lease Crown land.
Ontario to restrict foreign ownership of farmland, joining other provinces
The agriculture minister said it is a way to “ensure that Ontario has a strong, independent food supply for generations to come.” Clayton Reesor drives a tractor while planting soybeans on his family’s farm in the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve in Pickering, Ont., in the Greater Toronto Area, on May 25, 2023.
Q+A: Will Ontario taxpayers lose money on the 'gravy plane'?
Advertisement oop Skip to Content The Ontario government says it will seek to sell the aircraft for what it paid. • The exterior of a Bombardier Challenger 650, similar to the one purchased by the Province of Ontario. (Photo supplied by Bombardier) In their latest reversal, the Ontario PC government is selling a just-under-$29-million jet it bought for the premier’s use. Here’s what’s happening and what it could cost taxpayers. We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Q+A: Will Ontario taxpayers lose money on the 'gravy plane'?
Advertisement oop Skip to Content The Ontario government says it will seek to sell the aircraft for what it paid. • The exterior of a Bombardier Challenger 650, similar to the one purchased by the Province of Ontario. (Photo supplied by Bombardier) In their latest reversal, the Ontario PC government is selling a just-under-$29-million jet it bought for the premier’s use. Here’s what’s happening and what it could cost taxpayers.
Ontario to restrict foreign ownership of farmland, joining other provinces
The agriculture minister said it is a way to “ensure that Ontario has a strong, independent food supply for generations to come.” Clayton Reesor drives a tractor while planting soybeans on his family’s farm in the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve in Pickering, Ont., in the Greater Toronto Area, on May 25, 2023.
Q+A: Will Ontario taxpayers lose money on the 'gravy plane'? - Take our poll question
'I heard loud and clear from the people that now is not the time to purchase a plane,' Premier Ford tells reporters Author of the article: Postmedia News Alan S. Hale Published Apr 20, 2026 • Last updated 17 minutes ago • 4 minute read The exterior of a Bombardier Challenger 650, similar to the one purchased by the Province of Ontario.
Will Doug Ford cut gas taxes (again) in Ontario amid growing pump pain?
The Ford government already cut its gas tax by 5 cents last year, but that was before the world was facing a looming energy supply shock. • • A woman fills up the gas tank on her vehicle at a gas station in London on Wednesday April 15, 2026.
Q+A: Will Ontario taxpayers lose money on the 'gravy plane'?
The Ontario government says it will seek to sell the aircraft for what it paid. • The exterior of a Bombardier Challenger 650, similar to the one purchased by the Province of Ontario. (Photo supplied by Bombardier) In their latest reversal, the Ontario PC government is selling a just-under-$29-million jet it bought for the premier’s use. Here’s what’s happening and what it could cost taxpayers. We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Q+A: Will Ontario taxpayers lose money on the 'gravy plane'? - Take our poll question
'I heard loud and clear from the people that now is not the time to purchase a plane,' Premier Ford tells reporters • • The exterior of a Bombardier Challenger 650, similar to the one purchased by the Province of Ontario. (Photo supplied by Bombardier) PNimg In their latest reversal, the Ontario PC government is selling a just-under-$29-million jet it bought for the premier’s use. Here’s what’s happening and what it could cost taxpayers. We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Q+A: Will Ontario taxpayers lose money on the 'gravy plane'?
The Ontario government says it will seek to sell the aircraft for what it paid. The exterior of a Bombardier Challenger 650, similar to the one purchased by the Province of Ontario. (Photo supplied by Bombardier) In their latest reversal, the Ontario PC government is selling a just-under-$29-million jet it bought for the premier’s use. Here’s what’s happening and what it could cost taxpayers. Sign In or Create an Account What is the ‘gravy plane’ and why is Ontario selling it?
Q+A: Will Ontario taxpayers lose money on the 'gravy plane'?
The Ontario government says it will seek to sell the aircraft for what it paid. The exterior of a Bombardier Challenger 650, similar to the one purchased by the Province of Ontario. (Photo supplied by Bombardier) Article content In their latest reversal, the Ontario PC government is selling a just-under-$29-million jet it bought for the premier’s use. Here’s what’s happening and what it could cost taxpayers. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Q+A: Will Ontario taxpayers lose money on the 'gravy plane'? - Take our poll question
'I heard loud and clear from the people that now is not the time to purchase a plane,' Premier Ford tells reporters Author of the article: Postmedia News Alan S. Hale Published Apr 20, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 4 minute read The exterior of a Bombardier Challenger 650, similar to the one purchased by the Province of Ontario.
Q+A: Will Ontario taxpayers lose money on the 'gravy plane'?
The Ontario government says it will seek to sell the aircraft for what it paid. • The exterior of a Bombardier Challenger 650, similar to the one purchased by the Province of Ontario. (Photo supplied by Bombardier) In their latest reversal, the Ontario PC government is selling a just-under-$29-million jet it bought for the premier’s use. Here’s what’s happening and what it could cost taxpayers. We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Is Doug Ford willing to cut gas taxes (again) in Ontario amid growing pump pain?
The Ford government already cut its gas tax by 5 cents last year, but that was before the world was facing a looming energy supply shock. Gas prices set to drop with the federal government tax being removed for the summer. Photograph taken on Wednesday April 15, 2026.
Will Doug Ford cut gas taxes (again) in Ontario amid growing pump pain?
The Ford government already cut its gas tax by 5 cents last year, but that was before the world was facing a looming energy supply shock. Published Apr 15, 2026 • Last updated 3 days ago • 4 minute read A woman fills up the gas tank on her vehicle at a gas station in London on Wednesday April 15, 2026.
Will Doug Ford cut gas taxes (again) in Ontario amid growing pump pain?
Skip to Content The Ford government already cut its gas tax by 5 cents last year, but that was before the world was facing a looming energy supply shock. • • A woman fills up the gas tank on her vehicle at a gas station in London on Wednesday April 15, 2026.
Q+A: What Ontario’s school board overhaul means for trustees
If bill passes, trustees at English public and Catholic boards would lose several key powers Author of the article: Published Apr 14, 2026 • Last updated 16 minutes ago • 7 minute read Education Minister Paul Calandra, right, and Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn held a press conference on Monday, April 13, 2026, about the Ontario government's proposed reforms to school board governance. (Alan S.
Q+A: What Ontario’s school board overhaul means for trustees
A trustee says the role risks becoming a “glorified call centre.” • • Education Minister Paul Calandra, right, and Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn held a press conference on Monday, April 13, 2026, about the Ontario government's proposed reforms to school board governance. (Alan S. Hale/Postmedia Network) In just over two weeks, on May 1, residents of Ontario’s 444 municipalities can begin filing nominations to run in local elections, including for school board positions.
Q+A: What Ontario’s school board overhaul means for trustees
If bill passes, trustees at English public and Catholic boards would lose several key powers Author of the article: Published Apr 14, 2026 • Last updated 1 week ago • 7 minute read Education Minister Paul Calandra, right, and Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn held a press conference on Monday, April 13, 2026, about the Ontario government's proposed reforms to school board governance. (Alan S.
Q+A: What Ontario’s school board overhaul means for trustees
A trustee says the role risks becoming a “glorified call centre.” • • Education Minister Paul Calandra, right, and Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn held a press conference on Monday, April 13, 2026, about the Ontario government's proposed reforms to school board governance. (Alan S. Hale/Postmedia Network) In just over two weeks, on May 1, residents of Ontario’s 444 municipalities can begin filing nominations to run in local elections, including for school board positions.
Q+A: What Ontario’s school board overhaul means for trustees
A trustee says the role risks becoming a “glorified call centre.” Published Apr 14, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 7 minute read Education Minister Paul Calandra, right, and Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn held a press conference on Monday, April 13, 2026, about the Ontario government's proposed reforms to school board governance. (Alan S.
Q+A: What Ontario’s school board overhaul means for trustees
A trustee says the role risks becoming a “glorified call centre.” Published Apr 14, 2026 • Last updated 3 days ago • 7 minute read Education Minister Paul Calandra, right, and Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn held a press conference on Monday, April 13, 2026, about the Ontario government's proposed reforms to school board governance. (Alan S.
Q+A: What Ontario’s school board overhaul means for trustees
Advertisement oop Skip to Content If bill passes, trustees at English public and Catholic boards would lose several key powers • • Education Minister Paul Calandra, right, and Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn held a press conference on Monday, April 13, 2026, about the Ontario government's proposed reforms to school board governance. (Alan S.
Ontario bill to ‘significantly reduce’ school board trustee powers
Provincial government introduces Bill 101, Putting Student Achievement First Act Author of the article: Postmedia News Alan S. Hale Published Apr 13, 2026 • Last updated 42 minutes ago • 6 minute read Education Minister Paul Calandra, right, and Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn held a press conference on Monday, April 13, 2026, about the Ontario government's proposed reforms to school board governance. (Alan S.
Ontario to shorten teacher training program from two years to one
The province says the change will help get more teachers into classrooms faster. • • Education Minister Paul Calandra, left, and Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn held a press conference in Oakville on Friday, April 10, 2026. (Credit: Screenshot, Government of Ontario) TORONTO – More than a decade after the province doubled the length of training required to become a teacher in Ontario from one to two years, the government is reducing it back to one year.
Ontario to tighten control of school boards, limit trustee powers
Trustees would keep their roles but lose much of their decision-making power. Published Apr 13, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 6 minute read Queen's Park in Toronto. (Cynthia McLeod/Postmedia) Article content TORONTO – After months of concern that Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government was preparing to eliminate school board trustees, it revealed Monday that elected boards will remain.
Ontario to tighten control of school boards, limit trustee powers
Trustees would keep their roles but lose much of their decision-making power. Published Apr 13, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 6 minute read You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Queen's Park in Toronto. (Cynthia McLeod/Postmedia) Article content TORONTO – After months of concern that Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government was preparing to eliminate school board trustees, it revealed Monday that elected boards will remain.
Ontario to tighten control of school boards, limit trustee powers
Skip to Content Trustees would keep their roles but lose much of their decision-making power. • • Queen's Park in Toronto. (Cynthia McLeod/Postmedia) TORONTO – After months of concern that Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government was preparing to eliminate school board trustees, it revealed Monday that elected boards will remain.
Ontario to tighten control of school boards, limit trustee powers
Trustees would keep their roles but lose much of their decision-making power. • • Queen's Park in Toronto. (Cynthia McLeod/Postmedia) TORONTO – After months of concern that Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government was preparing to eliminate school board trustees, it revealed Monday that elected boards will remain.
Ontario to shorten teacher training program from two years to one
The province says the change will help get more teachers into classrooms faster. Published Apr 10, 2026 • Last updated 20 hours ago • 2 minute read Education Minister Paul Calandra, left, and Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn held a press conference in Oakville on Friday, April 10, 2026.
Some Ontario supervisors not on Sunshine List due to contractor status
Many are paid as contractors, meaning they are not subject to public salary disclosure rules. The statue of Queen Elizabeth II at Queen's Park in Toronto. (Cynthia McLeod/Postmedia Network) By: Alan S.
Ontario to shorten teacher training program from two years to one
The province says the change will help get more teachers into classrooms faster. Published Apr 10, 2026 • Last updated Apr 10, 2026 • 2 minute read Education Minister Paul Calandra, left, and Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn held a press conference in Oakville on Friday, April 10, 2026.
Ontario to shorten teacher training program from two years to one
The province says the change will help get more teachers into classrooms faster. Education Minister Paul Calandra, left, and Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn held a press conference in Oakville on Friday, April 10, 2026. (Credit: Screenshot, Government of Ontario) TORONTO – More than a decade after the province doubled the length of training required to become a teacher in Ontario from one to two years, the government is reducing it back to one year.
Ontario to shorten teacher training program from two years to one
The province says the change will help get more teachers into classrooms faster. Published Apr 10, 2026 • Last updated 4 days ago • 2 minute read Education Minister Paul Calandra, left, and Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn held a press conference in Oakville on Friday, April 10, 2026.
Ontario to shorten teacher training program from two years to one
The province says the change will help get more teachers into classrooms faster. • • Education Minister Paul Calandra, left, and Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn held a press conference in Oakville on Friday, April 10, 2026. (Credit: Screenshot, Government of Ontario) TORONTO – More than a decade after the province doubled the length of training required to become a teacher in Ontario from one to two years, the government is reducing it back to one year.
Ontario to shorten teacher training program from two years to one
Advertisement oop Skip to Content The province says the change will help get more teachers into classrooms faster. • • Education Minister Paul Calandra, left, and Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn held a press conference in Oakville on Friday, April 10, 2026.
Some Ontario supervisors not on Sunshine List due to contractor status
Many are paid as contractors, meaning they are not subject to public salary disclosure rules. Published Apr 08, 2026 • Last updated 19 hours ago • 3 minute read The statue of Queen Elizabeth II at Queen's Park in Toronto.
Some Ontario supervisors not on Sunshine List due to contractor status
Many are paid as contractors, meaning they are not subject to public salary disclosure rules. • • The statue of Queen Elizabeth II at Queen's Park in Toronto. (Cynthia McLeod/Postmedia Network) TORONTO – Several key names were missing from the annual disclosure of public servants in Ontario earning more than $100,000 – commonly called the “Sunshine List” – when it was released last month because they are working as independent contractors rather than as public servants.
Some Ontario supervisors not on Sunshine List due to contractor status
Many are paid as contractors, meaning they are not subject to public salary disclosure rules. • • The statue of Queen Elizabeth II at Queen's Park in Toronto. (Cynthia McLeod/Postmedia Network) TORONTO – Several key names were missing from the annual disclosure of public servants in Ontario earning more than $100,000 – commonly called the “Sunshine List” – when it was released last month because they are working as independent contractors rather than as public servants.
Some Ontario supervisors not on Sunshine List due to contractor status
Many are paid as contractors, meaning they are not subject to public salary disclosure rules. Published Apr 08, 2026 • Last updated Apr 08, 2026 • 3 minute read The statue of Queen Elizabeth II at Queen's Park in Toronto.
Some Ontario supervisors not on Sunshine List due to contractor status
Advertisement oop Skip to Content Many are paid as contractors, meaning they are not subject to public salary disclosure rules. • • The statue of Queen Elizabeth II at Queen's Park in Toronto.
Some Ontario supervisors not on Sunshine List due to contractor status
Many are paid as contractors, meaning they are not subject to public salary disclosure rules. Published Apr 08, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 3 minute read The statue of Queen Elizabeth II at Queen's Park in Toronto.
Is there any point in running for an Ontario school board this year?
Some fear trustees' role will be reduced, while Premier Doug Ford says they will be “back in the saddle.” Published Apr 06, 2026 • Last updated 8 hours ago • 4 minute read (Getty Images) Article content TORONTO – All eyes in Ontario’s education sector are on Queen’s Park as the government prepares to unveil its planned shakeup of school board governance after MPPs return to the legislature next week. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
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