Here are five stories to know today, with the focus first on Cornwall, SDG&A and Akwesasne, then on Ontario’s fall economic statement and new U.S. tariff changes on Canadian goods.
Cornwall’s vote-count correction draws criticism from Towndale and defeated candidates
After the City of Cornwall corrected a spreadsheet error that had understated outgoing mayor Justin Towndale’s unofficial total by more than 2,400 votes, Towndale and two unsuccessful council candidates have publicly criticized the mistake, Cornwall Seaway News reports. Towndale, who conceded to mayor-elect Sarah Good by phone on election night, said he believes it was human error, but that the city has offered no apology beyond acknowledging it and that people are now questioning the integrity of the process. Former Ottawa councillor Jody Mitic, who ran unsuccessfully for council, questioned the entire October 26 results in two social media posts, writing, “I believe there is shenanigans afoot.” Fellow unsuccessful candidate Lisa Olmstead called it a big error; the article does not report any evidence offered by Mitic or any recount or formal challenge. The city has said the errors affected only the unofficial spreadsheet, not ballots or original voting records, and were corrected before the results were certified. Source: Cornwall Seaway News.
Cornwall names Kimberly Vass-Lihou as tourism coordinator
The City of Cornwall has named Kimberly Vass-Lihou its new tourism coordinator, Cornwall Seaway News reports. She started in October after nearly 14 years with the Eastern Ontario Training Board, where she began as executive assistant in 2012 and became communications and administrative officer in April 2023. In the role, she will promote local attractions, support festivals and events, represent Cornwall at consumer trade shows and lead social media campaigns featuring the waterfront, history, arts, dining and entertainment. A key goal is drawing visitors from Ottawa, Kingston, Montreal and beyond, which matters for local hotels, restaurants and shops that rely on tourist spending. Shauna Baggs, the city’s supervisor of arts, culture and tourism, said tourism marketing today is driven by storytelling, creativity and digital engagement. Source: Cornwall Seaway News.
Akwesasne Meat Box sign-up closes today; heating aid deadline is December 11
Registration for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Meat Box Program closes today, Friday, October 30, at 4 p.m., according to the MCA. Sign-ups are taken alongside the 2026–2027 Akwesasne Heating Assistance Program, which offers $2,000 per eligible household toward its primary heating source, for elders and non-elders alike. Eligibility covers Akwesasró:non living in the northern portion of Akwesasne, or within 25 km of Kawehnò:ke (Cornwall Island) in Ontario or of Tsi Snaíhne in Quebec, with one application per household. Heating assistance applications are due Friday, December 11, at 4 p.m., and the MCA says there will be no exceptions after that date because fuel distribution will begin. Applicants must bring documents confirming their main heating source, and should keep paying their heating bills until their assistance is processed; the MCA Community Support Program can be reached at 613-575-2341, ext. 3262. Source: Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.
Ontario’s deficit forecast rises to $16.9 billion in fall economic statement
Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy released the province’s fall economic statement on Thursday, projecting a 2026–27 deficit of $16.9 billion, up from $13.8 billion in the spring budget, CP24 and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business report. Bethlenfalvy pointed to economic uncertainty driven by U.S. tariffs, and the province now plans to balance its books in 2029–30. For households, the monthly Ontario Electricity Rebate credit for residential customers will be capped at 1,200 kilowatt-hours starting May 1, 2027, according to both sources; CP24 notes the average household uses about 700 kWh, and CFIB says small businesses and farms are excluded from the change. For businesses, the province announced about $8 billion in tax relief through immediate write-offs of capital investments such as equipment, software, vehicles and machinery, which CFIB says would take effect once matching federal legislation passes. The statement forecasts real GDP growth of 0.5 per cent in 2026 and 1.5 per cent in 2027, with unemployment at 7.2 per cent this year, according to CP24. Sources: CP24 and CFIB.
Revised U.S. tariff list on Canadian goods takes effect today
Changes to the list of Canadian products facing an additional 50 per cent U.S. tariff under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 take effect today, October 30, under a proclamation President Donald Trump signed on October 23, according to the White House and KPMG. Products removed from the list include certain plywood sheets, some paper products, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment, and packing crates and boxes. Newly added goods include certain valves, carpets and waste products, and Deseret News reports more than 100 products were added, mostly consumer and building goods such as vinyl flooring, paint, soap, shampoo and window air conditioners. The White House says the tariffs apply whether or not goods qualify under the USMCA trade agreement, and on top of separate Section 232 tariffs. Local manufacturers and suppliers that ship to U.S. customers may want to check whether their products moved on or off the list. Sources: The White House, KPMG and Deseret News.
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