Ontario’s 2026 Indigenous Energy Support Program is open until Oct. 2. It funds First Nation and Métis community work in capacity building, economic development, energy planning and monitoring.

IRCC extended the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot through August 2027. Eligible French-speaking students at participating schools can access settlement services while studying and may apply for permanent residence after graduation.

Canada inspected 1,488 employers using the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in 2025–26. Twelve per cent were found non-compliant. The federal update includes a useful reminder about employer duties and safe, dignified working conditions.

Ontario has replaced the OINP’s eight-stream structure with four streams. Immigration rules can be case-specific, so applicants, employers and settlement workers should read the official Ontario update before making plans.

Canada Child Benefit maximums increased for 2026–27: up to $8,157 per child under 6 and $6,883 per child aged 6 to 17. These are maximum amounts. Families should use the federal page for details.

Middlesex County has added 979 licensed child care spaces under the Canada-Wide system since 2021. Child care access affects whether parents can work, study and settle into a new community, so this is worth sharing.

Want to take part in local decision-making? Middlesex County is recruiting residents for its Accessibility Advisory Committee, Library Board and Planning Advisory Committee. No previous board experience is required. Apply by Dec. 4.

Middlesex County Connect adds 9.4% more service hours on Aug. 17. Changes include updated stops, a Victoria Hospital stop, more Route 4 weekend trips, and debit or credit payment on Route 4. Check your route.

North London heads-up for Tuesday: Sunningdale Road closes east-west between Villagewalk and Uplands until about Aug. 18. Richmond stays open north-south, pedestrian access remains, and some bus stops may change.

Free Civic Holiday plans for Monday: London is offering swimming, basketball, arts and crafts, science activities and more. London Transit runs holiday service, while Middlesex County offices reopen Tuesday. Check schedules before leaving home.

Canada’s 2026 pre-budget consultation is open until Sept. 8. Newcomers and service providers can put settlement, housing, credential recognition and affordability on the record.

Canada Child Benefit payments increased for 2026–27: up to $8,157 per child under 6 and $6,883 per child aged 6–17. Actual amounts depend on income and circumstances. Check eligibility: buff.ly/xjgp3yr

Eligible adult Canadians can now renew a passport online, including the photo and payment, with real-time status updates. In-person and mail options remain. Check the requirements first:

Ontario is giving London $11.2 million through the Building Faster Fund. More housing supply matters; so do affordability and transit access.

Ontario Newsroom

Ontario Rewards London with More than $11.2 Million Through the Building Faster Fund | Ontario Newsroom

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August 1 is Emancipation Day. We honour Black people who resisted enslavement, built communities and kept pressing for freedom. Canada’s history includes slavery. Our work against anti-Black racism continues.

Emancipation Day — August 1 - Canada.ca

On March 24, 2021, the House of Commons voted unanimously to officially designate August 1 Emancipation Day. It marks the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect…

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Ontario has redesigned the OINP around a new Workforce Priority stream. Candidates, employers and service providers should check the official updates—older guidance may now be out of date.

2026 Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Updates

Learn about this year’s updates, news and announcements for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Updates are organized by the month they were issued.

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LTC route changes took effect July 26. Routes 4, 20 and 91 again serve Fanshawe; Route 17 no longer needs a transfer. Routes 95, 102, 104, 106 and 127 are suspended until Sept. 6. Check your trip:

Taking London Transit this long weekend? LTC will run Saturday service Aug. 1, Sunday service Aug. 2 and holiday service Aug. 3. The downtown ticket office will be closed all three days.

Civic Long Weekend Holiday Service – London Transit Commission

Happy Long Weekend! London Transit will be operating as follows for the holiday weekend:

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Behind some online scams is another victim: a person lured by a false job offer, trafficked and forced to commit fraud. On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, learn the signs and share trusted support. #EndHumanTrafficking

Friendship can help a new city feel like home. On International Day of Friendship, thank someone who welcomed you, introduced you to a neighbour, or helped you find your place in the community. Small acts of connection matter. #FriendshipDay #AllAreWelcomeHere

July 29 is Asalha Puja, also known as Dhamma or Dharma Day. Buddhists remember the Buddha’s first teaching after enlightenment, including the Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path. We wish everyone observing in London and Middlesex peace and reflection. ☸️

Canada’s 2026 pre-budget consultation is open until Sept. 8. Individuals and organizations can complete a questionnaire or send a formal submission about the priorities they want reflected in the federal budget. Newcomer voices belong in public decision-making.

Ontario is investing $400,000 in the Rick Hansen Foundation for a 2027 Youth Leadership Summit focused on accessibility, inclusion and community leadership. A useful update for youth-serving, education and disability organizations to track.

Ontario Newsroom

Ontario Investing $400,000 to Support Youth Accessibility Leaders Through Rick Hansen Foundation | Ontario Newsroom

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Thames Park is getting four pickleball courts, a nature-themed splash pad and play area, new seating, a shade structure, 30+ trees, and parking and walkway upgrades. Work is expected to finish in spring 2027. Details:

Construction to begin on improvements to Thames Park | City of London

Construction on several improvements to Thames Park is set to begin this week.

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Traffic update: Commissioners Road East, just east of Jackson Road, is closed July 27 to 31 for culvert replacements. Expect delays, follow detour signs and give yourself extra travel time. Details: buff.ly/ISbWspd

Le 28 juillet est la Journée de commémoration du Grand Dérangement. De 1755 à 1763, environ 10 000 Acadiens ont été déportés de force. Nous honorons les personnes touchées et les communautés acadiennes qui continuent de faire vivre leur culture, leur langue et leur histoire. #Acadie

July 28 is the Day of Commemoration of the Great Upheaval. From 1755 to 1763, British authorities forcibly deported about 10,000 Acadians. We remember those harmed and honour the Acadian communities that continue to protect their culture, language and history. #Acadie

Love animals and want to help at a major London event? Pawlooza needs volunteers for August 15 at Plunkett Estate. 🐾 High school students can earn volunteer hours, and roles are available across the festival. Apply and check requirements:

Volunteer — Pawlooza

Saturday, August 15, 2026 at the Plunkett Estate, 9282 Elviage Dr, London

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Celebrate Jamaica’s 64th Independence Day in London! 🇯🇲 Join an evening of music, cultural performances, food and family activities. 📅 Aug. 6 | 5–9 p.m. 📍 Aeolian Hall 🎟️ Free; donations welcome buff.ly/EREps1d

Celebrate Black history and community at Fanshawe Pioneer Village. 📅 Sun., July 26 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 🎟️ Free admission 🚌 Free buses from Argyle Mall LTC Hub 🎶 Music, poetry, vendors and a parade

Emancipation Day Celebration — Fanshawe Pioneer Village

All are welcome to this joyful celebration of local Black community, history and culture, held in partnership with the LBHC and WEAN. FREE Admission

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