According to a poll commissioned by the Ontario arm of the Labourers International Union of North America, a majority of Ontarians support construction of the proposed Highway 413. The project is already a hot-button issue in the early provincial election.

The funding is being delivered by the federal and provincial governments to support a dozen projects across the province. Recipient and partner organizations are contributing a further $13.8 million.

The Vancouver-based company said it earned $534 million of $4.29 per diluted share in the first quarter, up from $427.8 million or $3.42 per share a year earlier.

The last few days have not been kind to IAMGOLD, which has seen costs at its Northern Ontario Côté mine project balloon, and operating engineers – personnel critical to site works – go on strike.

An Ontario Liberal government would spend $10 billion to build and repair schools if elected in June, with the party pledging to fund the promise by cancelling the planned Highway 413.