Ontario News

TORONTO — Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the federal government will cap the annual alcohol excise tax increase on beer, spirits and wine at two per cent for an additional two years.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner will miss tonight's game against the Montreal Canadiens due to a lower-body injury. Marner, 26, has 25 goals and 76 points in 62 games this season.

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. — A popular southern Ontario theatre festival is the latest to speak up about its financial woes, joining several other high profile arts organizations trying to navigate unprecedented fiscal challenges.

TORONTO — Sometimes Andrew Morrison felt as if his Nunavut-based rock band the Jerry Cans was suffocated by the expectations put upon them.

BRANTFORD, Ont. — Dylan Roobroeck scored once and added three assists and Beckett Sennecke added two goals as the visiting Oshawa Generals defeated the Brantford Bulldogs 6-4 in Ontario Hockey League action on Friday at Brantford Civic Centre.

TORONTO — Brad Treliving was willing to make a splash heading into the NHL trade deadline. The Maple Leafs general manager instead settled for a depth addition following two moves aimed at bolstering his blue-line corps.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index crept lower on Friday while U.S. markets were also down, led by a 1.2-per cent loss on the Nasdaq after both countries saw fresh jobs data.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Friday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (21,737.53, down 57.03 points): Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (TSX:CNQ). Energy. Down 33 cents, or 0.34 per cent, to $96.72 on 16.

MILTON, Ont. — Ontario Premier Doug Ford pledged Friday to build more jails as data shows the inmate population surged over the last year to the point where the vast majority of correctional institutions are well over capacity.

TORONTO — After collecting four points in two road outings, Toronto FC opens the home half of the MLS season Saturday against Charlotte FC.