Ontario's library sector and property developers were among the most active lobbying interests at Queen's Park this week, with development and arts, culture and copyright each accounting for 9 per cent of total registrations between Oct. 24 and Oct. 30.

The Ford government is projecting a $16.9-billion deficit this year as U.S. tariffs, sluggish economic growth and global uncertainty continue to weigh on the province's finances.

Cleveland-Cliffs, the U.S.-based owner of Stelco, has come under scrutiny following plans to lay off nearly 500 workers, raising concerns about the future of steel production and employment in Ontario.

Under one of the proposed approaches, known as a “shot clock,” permits would be automatically approved if the government fails to make a decision within a prescribed timeframe, although deadlines could be paused when applications are incomplete. The government estimates the changes approved so far would collectively eliminate almost 220,000 days of permit processing time once implemented. The bill marks one of the Ford government's first major legislative initiatives of the fall session.