Ontario News

TORONTO — A battle of the sandwich brands is materializing as a pair of U.S. sub companies announce big plans for Canada. Inspire Brands announced Wednesday that its Jimmy John’s banner would use a franchise model to make its way outside the U.S.

TORONTO — Tech’s biggest names spent last year in layoff mode and if the last few weeks are any indication, that pattern is continuing into this year.

TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts re-signed Canadian receiver Richie Sindani to a contract extension Wednesday. Sindani was slated to become a CFL free agent next month.

TORONTO — A Toronto daycare is pulling out of the national $10-a-day program, saying the funding model has saddled the centre with unsustainable levels of debt, leaving families scrambling to either find other care, absorb an $800 monthly increase to

TORONTO — Steven Stamkos sat four months shy of his 19th birthday. It was October 2008 and the top pick at that June's draft was primed to make his NHL debut. Stamkos had the talent and skill.

The Vancouver School Board has closed all schools today, with the city under an extreme weather alert as heavy snow falls across a wide swath of southern British Columbia. More coming. The Canadian Press

TORONTO — The stakes will be high Friday when Calgary's John (The Dragon) Ngyuen takes on Ottawa's Mateo (Carrapato) Vogel at Unified 55. Nguyen's Unified MMA Canadian featherweight title will be on the line at Toronto's Rebel Entertainment Complex.

TORONTO — Fighting in the UFC has taken Canadian featherweight Charles (Air) Jourdain to France, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Rochester and Elmont, N.Y., Newark, N.J. and six times to Las Vegas.

TORONTO (AP) — Catcher Brian Serven was claimed by the Toronto Blue Jays off waivers from the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. The 28-year-old Serven hit .130 with one RBI in 11 games for Colorado last season and batted .

TORONTO — Loblaw's decision to reduce steep discounts on soon-to-expire food is a move to match its competitors as the demand for marked down groceries rises, experts say. Until recently, Loblaw Cos. Ltd.