Kingston

The Ontario Human Rights Commission is recommending the province introduce a system that would see police consult with prosecutors before charging suspects.

The warning comes as statistics from the B.C. government show 1,251 wildfires have charred more than 4,500 square kilometres of bush since the start of the fire season on April 1.

The health unit says cases of syphilis, gonorrhea and HIV are rising locally, and urge those who are having unprotected sex to get tested.

A prominent business group is calling for clarity on what's next in Ontario's reopening plan as the province meets a major target for further lifting restrictions.

In a brief appearance that lasted less than five minutes, a representative for Nathaniel Veltman's lawyer informed the court they've received disclosure surrounding the case.

Thursday's COVID-19 case count surpassed the 200 mark for the first time in three weeks as the province reports 80 per cent of the eligible population has a first vaccine dose.

Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott says more than 80 per cent of people in the province aged 12 and older have now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

CAA South Central Ontario also said that 95 per cent of respondents said they have seen dangerous driving from other drivers.