Your morning briefing

Headlines

Decriminalize it. And not just marijuana. That's the suggestion from Ottawa's medical officer of health, who backed up his Toronto counterpart Wednesday to say the move would decrease the devastation of drug addiction amidst the spiralling opioid crisis, the Ottawa Citizen reports.

Here are our Tuesday stories:

• Ontario municipalities want a slice of tax revenue from legal pot sales
• Infrastructure funding talks with feds ongoing, updates expected soon, Ont. minister says
• ‘Shenanigans’ prompt Guelph PC candidate to bow out in ‘frustration’
• Happening: Hamilton police may kick probe of PC nomination vote to another agency
• Heard: Hydro One completes $1.54-billion underwriting deal

A Sarnia judge is wrestling with a hazy case of medical marijuana possession and driving under the influence of prescribed pot, the London Free Press reports.

Ontario children are benefiting from full-day kindergarten, according to a study that upends research suggesting the Liberals' signature education program had little impact on pupils, the Globe and Mail writes.

Should Canada privatize its airports? Toronto and Ottawa land on different sides of the debate, TVO says.

The London area's booming housing market shows no signs of letting up, despite flagging sales in Toronto, the Free Press reports.

From the opinion pages:

• Randall Denley argues Ontario continues to dance with debt, despite claims of a balanced budget.
• Marc Brouilette writes in the Toronto Sun that a hydro deal between Ontario and Quebec is bad for Ontario.

Events

9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Standing Committee on Government Agencies. Committee Room 151, Queen's Park.

9 a.m.

Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca will make an announcement, joined by Gerry Marshall, warden of Simcoe County. Outside radio station 97.7 "The Beach," 9937 Highway ON-26, Collingwood, Ont.

10 a.m.

NDP Leader Andrew Horwath will unveil proposed amendments to the Changing Workplaces Review, Queen’s Park Media Studio.

10 a.m.

Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Dr. Eric Hoskins to make an announcement, joined by Hillary Hartley, chief digital officer. OneEleven, 325 Front St. W., Suite 4, Toronto

10 a.m.

Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development Deb Matthews to make an announcement. LiUNA Local 1059, 56 Firestone Blvd., London, Ont.

11 a.m.

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé to release report on Toronto school busing issues, Queen’s Park Media Studio

1:30 p.m.

Education Minister Mitzie Hunter will make an announcement on behalf of Jeff Leal, Minister Responsible for Small Business. Stratus Plastics International, 2862 Kew Drive, Windsor, Ont.

To contact the reporter on this story:
creynolds@qpbriefing.com
416-212-5816
Twitter: @ChrisAReynolds