Your morning briefing

Headlines

Mandatory masking is over! Mostly. CBC outlines where you'll still have to cover your kisser, plus expert reactions. The Toronto Star rounds up basically all its stories on masking to help readers make informed choices about whether to keep the cloth. The Canadian Press talks to some more folks who plan to stick with the mask for a while.

Hamilton's biggest school board is going against the province's demands and keeping its mask mandate in place for another two weeks, CP reports. Reuters talks to some parents who are not pleased about this.

The Star talks readers through a committee few likely knew existed — the experts who investigate domestic violence-related deaths — and what they think needs to change.

Mr. Ford goes to Washington today, on a trade mission with U.S. representatives, CBC reports.

In case you missed it:

• Taras Natyshak’s top 10 question period moments
• Ontario Public Service slows down return to work
• Beaver Lake Cree gets new trial in bid for advance court costs

In other news:

CP rail and its workers' union are blaming each other as a work stoppage takes hold, CBC reports. Farmers are nervous.

ICU occupancy is below 200 as the mask mandate lifts, the Star reports.

More electric news is on its way, as governments are set to announce billions for a battery plant in Windsor, the Windsor Star reports.

A new survey found principals dealt with a "perfect storm of stress" in the second year of COVID, the Star reports.

Happy 37th birthday to NDP MPP Sara Singh!

37! 💫

Life is definitely changing but I'm still the same old B! Grateful for all the love & another year around the sun.

Thank you for all the beautiful birthday messages, love you fam! 🧡🙏🏽#earthstrong #birthdaygyal pic.twitter.com/1ntCMvPhHK

— Dr. Sara Singh (@SaraSinghMPP) March 20, 2022

And hello to whatever this is.

Look what I found in the back yard ... well, actually in our guinea house. pic.twitter.com/XAMpdPRfqM

— Toby Barrett (@TobyBarrettHN) March 20, 2022

Charges have been laid against a man who allegedly attacked worshippers at a Mississauga mosque with bear spray. CBC has the dramatic story of how members subdued the man. The mosque is now looking to beef up its security, CP reports.

The Narwhal examines what the driver-loving Ford government could be doing for transit riders.

Poli sci experts tell CBC voter turnout likely won't be a problem this election season.

The Record profiles Waterloo Region’s medical officer of health, who had to step up during the pandemic.

Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Scott Aitchison has thrown his hat in the ring for Conservative leader, CP reports.

Slam Wrestling covers the return of in-person, Timbit-smashing women's wrestling.

The government launched a grant program for BIPOC entrepreneurs, the Brampton Guardian reports.

Hang out with NDP MPP Gurratan Singh on a lovely-looking bike ride.

Happy #SpringEquinox. Let's celebrate the coming of brighter and warmer days ☀️. pic.twitter.com/3aGBF6MVCW

— Gurratan Singh (@GurratanSingh) March 21, 2022

Well, well, well. Look who's come crawling back to the big city. The Star reports on the changing minds of those who fled the 6ix for suburban pastures early in the pandemic.

One more ski resort story for the road, since we know you needed it. The Weather Network reports.

One of the largest crypto exchanges in the world is shutting down — permanently this time, Investing.com reports.

In the opinion pages:

• A Globe editorial is shocked by the premier's doubling down on hydro subsidies.
• A Star editorial slams the government for not deferring to school boards on masking.
• Maryth Yachnin and Chris Ramsaroop call for reforms to how the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board treats migrant workers.
• Matt Gurney ponders the gargantuan task of turning Ontario's energy green.
• Homelessness stakeholders say governments are ignoring the crisis.
• Steve Paikin details his litany of conflicts of interest, and how he manages them.
• Shawn Micallef argues the left should take a wider view of housing.
• Martin Regg Cohn argues Doug Ford isn't the fiscally responsible adult he styles himself.

Bills and motions

Second Reading of Bill 88, An Act to enact the Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act, 2022 and to amend various Acts. Hon. Mr. McNaughton.

Bill 96, An Act to authorize the expenditure of certain amounts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022.

Events

9 a.m.

Solicitor General Sylvia Jones will be joined by Attorney General Doug Downey to make an announcement. Mississauga.

1:30 p.m.

Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care, will be joined by Lisa MacLeod, MPP for Nepean, to make an announcement. Zoom.