Maple Express | August 14, 2026 Markham collision leaves 1 dead, causes large power outage

1. Markham collision leaves 1 dead, causes large power outage

A fatal workplace incident occurred at a strip mall near McCowan Road and Highway 7 in Markham on Thursday afternoon. The Ministry of Labour confirmed the death, and police responded to reports of an injured person before the victim was pronounced dead. The circumstances surrounding the death remain unknown.

The collision also triggered a major power outage. Alectra Utilities reported the outage shortly afterward, with the affected area stretching diagonally from Highway 7 south toward Steeles Avenue East, bounded by Kennedy Road to the west and McCowan Road to the east. At its peak, 6,252 customers lost power, and 23 remained without service by 3:48 p.m. Investigators have been dispatched, and police are urging drivers to avoid the area.

2. Conservative MPs privately question Poilievre's leadership

CTV News spoke to 17 Conservative caucus members from across the country, all granted anonymity, who voiced deep concerns about Pierre Poilievre's leadership. Some said they do not believe he will still be leading the party when the next federal election is called.

A recent Nanos Research poll commissioned by CTV News found 33 per cent of Canadians believe "none can defeat" Prime Minister Mark Carney, while Poilievre drew only 15 per cent support. Nearly all MPs interviewed agreed with that assessment. Several pointed to Ontario as a particular problem area, with one MP saying bluntly, "We are in real trouble in Ontario." Others, however, argued politics can change rapidly and that the party still has time to recover.

3. Two-alarm Scarborough house fire sends two to hospital

Two people were taken to hospital following a two-alarm house fire in Scarborough on Thursday night. The fire broke out at 15 Ashridge Drive, near McCowan Road and McNicoll Avenue, shortly after 7:15 p.m.

Toronto Fire Services said crews encountered heavy fire on the first and second floors when they arrived. They conducted a primary search of the home and knocked down the flames. Two people were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation. The cause, origin and circumstances of the fire are unknown, and fire investigators have been notified.

4. Brampton crash leaves man with life-threatening injuries

One person was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries following a crash in Brampton early Friday morning.

It happened near McLaughlin Road and Queen Street at around 3:40 a.m. Paramedics said a male was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries, while a female sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The intersection has been closed and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

5. Some Whole Foods salsas, guacamoles recalled over salmonella fears

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says some Whole Foods Market salsas, guacamoles and prepared foods sold online in Ontario are being recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.

The recall is linked to salmonella-tainted jalapenos from Mexico that have been blamed for outbreaks in the United States. The CFIA says there have been no reported illnesses associated with the recalled products in Canada. The items include various salsas, guacamoles, pico de gallo and prepared foods such as chicken quesadillas, with best-before dates up to Aug. 16. Officials warn that contaminated food may not look or smell spoiled but can still make people sick.

6. Mother and child in hospital after Highway 401 crash in Pickering

A one-year-old child was fighting for their life in hospital after a crash on Highway 401 in Pickering on Thursday afternoon. The child was later airlifted to the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and is now in stable condition.

Ontario Provincial Police said the crash happened in the eastbound lanes near Brock Road around 2:20 p.m. A woman driving with her child in the back seat lost control and crashed into a highway barrier, causing significant damage to the vehicle. The child was unresponsive when crews arrived, and the mother was also taken to hospital with less serious injuries. The cause of the crash remains unknown.

7. Fire breaks out at downtown Toronto building, no injuries reported

A commercial building fire closed several streets in downtown Toronto Thursday evening, with no injuries reported.

Emergency crews were called shortly before 6:30 p.m. to 304 Richmond Street West. Toronto Fire Services reported heavy flames and smoke when crews arrived, and the fire appeared to have originated on the roof. The fire has since been extinguished, though the cause is unknown. Several roads, including parts of Richmond Street West, Widmer Street and John Street, were closed as crews continued their work.

8. Ontario elementary teachers can buy supplies from Staples with $750 cards

Ontario elementary teachers will be able to buy school supplies from Staples starting this fall. The province has chosen Staples as the vendor for its Classroom Supplies Fund, giving teachers $750 a year to spend on supplies.

Starting Sept. 1, about 80,000 homeroom elementary teachers will access their funds through an online portal using their school-board email. The province said Staples was chosen through an open, fair and competitive process, with pricing about half that of the next bidder. Around 3,000 products will be available, delivered directly to schools, and unused funds roll over to the next year.

9. B.C.'s top Mountie relieved of duty over unspecified allegations

The RCMP's commanding officer in British Columbia has been relieved of his duties after allegations dating back several years came to light, the force announced Thursday.

Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald was stripped of his role over allegations spanning 2016 to 2018, according to RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, who said investigations are ongoing. The RCMP did not provide details about the nature of the allegations. Assistant Commissioner John Brewer has been appointed interim commanding officer, and Duheme said the change will not affect RCMP operations in the province.

10. White House says transshipped goods cost US$19B-$26B in lost tariffs

The White House said in a report Thursday that the U.S. is losing some US$19 billion to US$26 billion in annual tariff revenue to goods, largely from China, that are transshipped through third countries to avoid U.S. import duties.

The report by trade adviser Peter Navarro identifies about 40 countries at elevated risk of being sources of illegal transshipments. It said routing Chinese products through Mexico or Canada could eliminate duties entirely. Under a central estimate of US$75 billion in transshipped goods, roughly 450,000 U.S. jobs are displaced. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is now deploying AI tools to better detect suspected transshipment.