news

Canada

Followers

Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts

US Blockade: Don’t Believe All that You Hear —Here's What’s Really Going On in Cuba

US Blockade: Don’t Believe All that You Hear —Here's What’s Really Going On in Cuba







The emails kept coming in… From farmers and students and chefs and academics whom I’d taken to that tiny island country over the past two decades to learn about her leadership in sustainable agriculture, cooperatives, and growing food in cities: What’s REALLY going on in Cuba?” they asked.

Yes, Cubans are feeling frustrated. Sixty years of an economic blockade by Washington, over 200 additional measures of economic strangulation by Trump, and now—for the past 17 months—a tourism economy shut down by COVID (now raging, thanks to the Delta variant) have plunged Cuba back to the dark days of the Special Period, when the Soviet Union collapsed and so too did Cuba’s economy. Except this time, Cubans who left government jobs for the hard currency lure of the tourism sector are out of work. People are feeling desperate.

Thanks to policy measures led by Raul Castro in 2011 that opened the country to small enterprise and cooperatives, Cuba’s economy pre-Trump and pre-COVID was flourishing, despite the punishing impact of the U.S. embargo.

Then came Trump. Then came COVID. Like a triple witching hour, investors long agitating to open socialist Cuba to capitalism began jingling in their pockets the coins of influence and paying very close attention.

Could Cuba’s current financial woes finally be the crack that lets the “capitalist light” come in? Could they get rid of this pesky and tenacious socialist government on their doorstep and open Cuba to investment? Well worth the cost of throwing some extra pesos to Cuban dissidents to go to the streets. Playing to international TV cameras with chants of “Down with the Dictator”.

Seriously? Anyone following Cuban politics knows why calling Cuban president Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez a dictator is absurd. His address to the nation (carried by BBC but not CBC) spoke eloquently to the false narrative being fed by global media.

Yes, in this difficult economy there are line ups for food. Are Cubans starving? No. Despite economic hardships, Cuba continues to look after her people and—through their Henry Reeves medical brigades—those of other nations.

The CNN reporter interviews protesters, then turns his camera to another group of Cubans, standing quietly on a corner with Cuban flags raised in defence of their country. They tell a different story, putting the blame for today’s hard times squarely on Washington.

“Yo soy Fidel (I am Fidel),” one man exclaims, a phrase embraced by Cubans on Fidel’s death in 2016 to express solidarity and respect for the ideals of the Cuban Revolution by saying Fidel lives within them. Shaking his head, the reporter closes with the comment: “One man even kept insisting to me that he was Fidel. “I am Fidel” he kept saying. But (with a half-smirk) everyone knows Fidel died in 2016. This is so-and-so for CNN in Havana…”

Tone deaf?

The Cubans I am speaking to on a weekly basis—although frustrated by a long lockdown and even tighter sanctions—know very well who is responsible for their country’s economic crisis. From Washington, U.S. president Joe Biden called Cuba a “failed state”. Ironic that.

Let’s be very clear: this battle has little to do with the Cuban people and all to do with how to run the economy. In the U.S., capitalism has a stranglehold on markets and communities. Rugged individualism is preached like a religion. We see how well that is working. In Cuba, state socialism charts a different course.

Choosing a socio-economic order is a sovereign matter between a nation and her people. Not investors from abroad.

It is time, Justin Trudeau, for Canada to show support for our friend Cuba, to stand shoulder to shoulder with this tiny Caribbean nation with whom we have shared strong diplomatic ties since 1946 and provide the important economic aid they so desperately need and so deeply deserve.

Shame on us if we do not…


Author: Wendy Holm | [email protected]
Wendy Holm is an award-winning Canadian agrologist, economist, farm journalist, and author living in British Columbia. She has been working in Cuba for 23 years.

Source: Straight








The emails kept coming in… From farmers and students and chefs and academics whom I’d taken to that tiny island country over the past two decades to learn about her leadership in sustainable agriculture, cooperatives, and growing food in cities: What’s REALLY going on in Cuba?” they asked.

Yes, Cubans are feeling frustrated. Sixty years of an economic blockade by Washington, over 200 additional measures of economic strangulation by Trump, and now—for the past 17 months—a tourism economy shut down by COVID (now raging, thanks to the Delta variant) have plunged Cuba back to the dark days of the Special Period, when the Soviet Union collapsed and so too did Cuba’s economy. Except this time, Cubans who left government jobs for the hard currency lure of the tourism sector are out of work. People are feeling desperate.

Thanks to policy measures led by Raul Castro in 2011 that opened the country to small enterprise and cooperatives, Cuba’s economy pre-Trump and pre-COVID was flourishing, despite the punishing impact of the U.S. embargo.

Then came Trump. Then came COVID. Like a triple witching hour, investors long agitating to open socialist Cuba to capitalism began jingling in their pockets the coins of influence and paying very close attention.

Could Cuba’s current financial woes finally be the crack that lets the “capitalist light” come in? Could they get rid of this pesky and tenacious socialist government on their doorstep and open Cuba to investment? Well worth the cost of throwing some extra pesos to Cuban dissidents to go to the streets. Playing to international TV cameras with chants of “Down with the Dictator”.

Seriously? Anyone following Cuban politics knows why calling Cuban president Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez a dictator is absurd. His address to the nation (carried by BBC but not CBC) spoke eloquently to the false narrative being fed by global media.

Yes, in this difficult economy there are line ups for food. Are Cubans starving? No. Despite economic hardships, Cuba continues to look after her people and—through their Henry Reeves medical brigades—those of other nations.

The CNN reporter interviews protesters, then turns his camera to another group of Cubans, standing quietly on a corner with Cuban flags raised in defence of their country. They tell a different story, putting the blame for today’s hard times squarely on Washington.

“Yo soy Fidel (I am Fidel),” one man exclaims, a phrase embraced by Cubans on Fidel’s death in 2016 to express solidarity and respect for the ideals of the Cuban Revolution by saying Fidel lives within them. Shaking his head, the reporter closes with the comment: “One man even kept insisting to me that he was Fidel. “I am Fidel” he kept saying. But (with a half-smirk) everyone knows Fidel died in 2016. This is so-and-so for CNN in Havana…”

Tone deaf?

The Cubans I am speaking to on a weekly basis—although frustrated by a long lockdown and even tighter sanctions—know very well who is responsible for their country’s economic crisis. From Washington, U.S. president Joe Biden called Cuba a “failed state”. Ironic that.

Let’s be very clear: this battle has little to do with the Cuban people and all to do with how to run the economy. In the U.S., capitalism has a stranglehold on markets and communities. Rugged individualism is preached like a religion. We see how well that is working. In Cuba, state socialism charts a different course.

Choosing a socio-economic order is a sovereign matter between a nation and her people. Not investors from abroad.

It is time, Justin Trudeau, for Canada to show support for our friend Cuba, to stand shoulder to shoulder with this tiny Caribbean nation with whom we have shared strong diplomatic ties since 1946 and provide the important economic aid they so desperately need and so deeply deserve.

Shame on us if we do not…


Author: Wendy Holm | [email protected]
Wendy Holm is an award-winning Canadian agrologist, economist, farm journalist, and author living in British Columbia. She has been working in Cuba for 23 years.

Source: Straight


LIFT TWITTER BAN NOW: World Leaders Warns Nigerian Dictator Major General Muhammadu Buhari

LIFT TWITTER BAN NOW: World Leaders Warns Nigerian Dictator Major General Muhammadu Buhari


The Federal Government of  Nigeria Meeting with Envoys of US, UK, EU, Canada, and Other Countries Ended With Nigerian Govt Warned To End Twitter Ban in the Next 48 Hours. 


It is also not new to the public that the BUHARI REGIME met With CHINA'S' Cyber Regulator to Build Nigerian Internet Firewall. Thus, opening Doors for China to SPY on Nigerians Legally.


The U.S. and the European Union voiced concern over Nigeria's decision to indefinitely ban Twitter after the U.S. social media giant deleted a tweet from the president's account for violating its rules. 


International human rights groups have also condemned the move, which followed previous attempts by the government of Africa's most populous country to regulate social media. 


Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely. 


The diplomatic missions of the EU, U.S., Britain, Canada and Ireland issued a joint statement late Saturday condemning the ban. 


"Banning systems of expression is not the answer," it said. 


"Precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic."  


"The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication," it added. 


More than 39 million Nigerians have a Twitter account, according to NOI polls, a public opinion and research organization based in Nigeria. 


The platform has played an important role in public discourse in the country, with hashtags #BringBackOurGirls after Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in 2014, and #EndSARS during anti-police brutality protests last year. 


The government's suspension came after Twitter on Wednesday deleted a remark on President Muhammadu Buhari's account in which he referred to the country's civil war four decades ago in a warning about recent unrest. 


The 78-year-old president, a former general, referred to "those misbehaving" in recent violence in the southeast, where officials blame a proscribed separatist group IPOB for attacks on police and election offices. 


'Misinformation' 


"Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," the president had posted on Twitter. 


The presidency denied late on Saturday that the Twitter suspension was a response to the removal of that post.   


"There has been a litany of problems with the social media platform in Nigeria, where misinformation and fake news spread through it have had real world violent consequences," a presidency spokesman Garba Shehu said in a statement.   


Shehu said the removal of Buhari's tweet was "disappointing" and said "major tech companies must be alive to their responsibilities." 


Twitter said it was "deeply concerned by the blocking of Twitter in Nigeria." 


"Access to the free and #OpenInternet is an essential human right in modern society.  


We will work to restore access for all those in Nigeria who rely on Twitter to communicate and connect with the world. #KeepitOn," the company said in a statement. 


"VPN app" was the second most searched trend Saturday on Google in Nigeria, as virtual private networks can enable Twitter users to bypass the ban. 


Nigeria warned however that it would prosecute violators. 


"Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has directed for immediate prosecution of offenders of the Federal Government ban on Twitter operations in Nigeria," spokesman Umar Jibrilu Gwandu said. 


Amnesty International condemned the ban, calling on Nigeria to "immediately reverse the unlawful suspension."


"This repressive action is a clear attempt to censor dissent & stifle the civic space," Human Rights Watch researcher Anietie Ewang said.

 

#June12Protest #BuhariMustGo #RevolutionNow



The Federal Government of  Nigeria Meeting with Envoys of US, UK, EU, Canada, and Other Countries Ended With Nigerian Govt Warned To End Twitter Ban in the Next 48 Hours. 


It is also not new to the public that the BUHARI REGIME met With CHINA'S' Cyber Regulator to Build Nigerian Internet Firewall. Thus, opening Doors for China to SPY on Nigerians Legally.


The U.S. and the European Union voiced concern over Nigeria's decision to indefinitely ban Twitter after the U.S. social media giant deleted a tweet from the president's account for violating its rules. 


International human rights groups have also condemned the move, which followed previous attempts by the government of Africa's most populous country to regulate social media. 


Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely. 


The diplomatic missions of the EU, U.S., Britain, Canada and Ireland issued a joint statement late Saturday condemning the ban. 


"Banning systems of expression is not the answer," it said. 


"Precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic."  


"The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication," it added. 


More than 39 million Nigerians have a Twitter account, according to NOI polls, a public opinion and research organization based in Nigeria. 


The platform has played an important role in public discourse in the country, with hashtags #BringBackOurGirls after Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in 2014, and #EndSARS during anti-police brutality protests last year. 


The government's suspension came after Twitter on Wednesday deleted a remark on President Muhammadu Buhari's account in which he referred to the country's civil war four decades ago in a warning about recent unrest. 


The 78-year-old president, a former general, referred to "those misbehaving" in recent violence in the southeast, where officials blame a proscribed separatist group IPOB for attacks on police and election offices. 


'Misinformation' 


"Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," the president had posted on Twitter. 


The presidency denied late on Saturday that the Twitter suspension was a response to the removal of that post.   


"There has been a litany of problems with the social media platform in Nigeria, where misinformation and fake news spread through it have had real world violent consequences," a presidency spokesman Garba Shehu said in a statement.   


Shehu said the removal of Buhari's tweet was "disappointing" and said "major tech companies must be alive to their responsibilities." 


Twitter said it was "deeply concerned by the blocking of Twitter in Nigeria." 


"Access to the free and #OpenInternet is an essential human right in modern society.  


We will work to restore access for all those in Nigeria who rely on Twitter to communicate and connect with the world. #KeepitOn," the company said in a statement. 


"VPN app" was the second most searched trend Saturday on Google in Nigeria, as virtual private networks can enable Twitter users to bypass the ban. 


Nigeria warned however that it would prosecute violators. 


"Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has directed for immediate prosecution of offenders of the Federal Government ban on Twitter operations in Nigeria," spokesman Umar Jibrilu Gwandu said. 


Amnesty International condemned the ban, calling on Nigeria to "immediately reverse the unlawful suspension."


"This repressive action is a clear attempt to censor dissent & stifle the civic space," Human Rights Watch researcher Anietie Ewang said.

 

#June12Protest #BuhariMustGo #RevolutionNow


Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau Steps Down Amid Charity Scandal

Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau Steps Down Amid Charity Scandal

Canada’s finance minister Bill Morneau is stepping down amid the ongoing scandal of accepting gifts from WE Charity and rumours of a growing rift with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

He says will resign after conflict-of-interest allegations involving WE Charity.

Morneau has faced pressure to step down after it was revealed he did not repay travel costs covered by WE while on overseas trips to see its work.He said he recently realised he had not repaid the C$41,000 in expenses and has since written a cheque.

"I will be stepping down as the finance minister and as Member of Parliament for [the riding of] Toronto-Centre”, Morneau told reporters on Monday.

Bill Morneau was elected to the Canadian House of Commons in the November 2015 federal election and has served at the post for almost five years.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also facing scrutiny for his and his family's involvement with the charity.
Canada’s finance minister Bill Morneau is stepping down amid the ongoing scandal of accepting gifts from WE Charity and rumours of a growing rift with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

He says will resign after conflict-of-interest allegations involving WE Charity.

Morneau has faced pressure to step down after it was revealed he did not repay travel costs covered by WE while on overseas trips to see its work.He said he recently realised he had not repaid the C$41,000 in expenses and has since written a cheque.

"I will be stepping down as the finance minister and as Member of Parliament for [the riding of] Toronto-Centre”, Morneau told reporters on Monday.

Bill Morneau was elected to the Canadian House of Commons in the November 2015 federal election and has served at the post for almost five years.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also facing scrutiny for his and his family's involvement with the charity.

Five Eyes spies have NO EVIDENCE that coronavirus emerged from Wuhan lab, report suggests creating a U-turn on previous leaks

Five Eyes spies have NO EVIDENCE that coronavirus emerged from Wuhan lab, report suggests creating a U-turn on previous leaks

There is no evidence to substantiate the Trump administration’s claims that Covid-19 came from a Chinese laboratory, according to intelligence sources, raising questions about a leaked dossier blaming Beijing for the pandemic.

Sources that spoke to the Guardian said that a 15-page dossier which accused China of carrying out a cover-up to hide its role in the global health crisis was not based on intelligence taken from the infamous ‘Five Eyes’ network, which includes spy agencies from the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Beijing could have been more forthcoming about what was happening in Wuhan – the original epicenter of the pandemic – but pressing the issue could risk a dangerous escalation between the West and China, Five Eyes agencies believe, according to the Guardian report.

Over the weekend, the Australian Sunday Telegraph claimed it saw a dossier, allegedly compiled by “concerned Western governments,” which claimed that the Five Eyes intelligence agencies are probing Beijing’s involvement in the Covid-19 outbreak.

The leak coincided with incendiary remarks from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who claimed there was a “significant amount of evidence” that the virus came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Although it’s still not clear how Covid-19 emerged, Washington has promoted the theory that China is to be blamed for the health crisis.

The UK has taken a different approach to determining the cause of the crisis. Downing Street has resisted assigning blame for Covid-19, though it has stressed that questions need to be answered about the origin and spread of the virus in order to better prepare for future global pandemics.

Beijing has strongly denied any involvement in the spread of the illness, and has challenged Pompeo to produce the evidence purportedly showing its links to the pandemic. The secretary of state is engaged in the spread of a dangerous “political virus,” China has said.



There is no evidence to substantiate the Trump administration’s claims that Covid-19 came from a Chinese laboratory, according to intelligence sources, raising questions about a leaked dossier blaming Beijing for the pandemic.

Sources that spoke to the Guardian said that a 15-page dossier which accused China of carrying out a cover-up to hide its role in the global health crisis was not based on intelligence taken from the infamous ‘Five Eyes’ network, which includes spy agencies from the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Beijing could have been more forthcoming about what was happening in Wuhan – the original epicenter of the pandemic – but pressing the issue could risk a dangerous escalation between the West and China, Five Eyes agencies believe, according to the Guardian report.

Over the weekend, the Australian Sunday Telegraph claimed it saw a dossier, allegedly compiled by “concerned Western governments,” which claimed that the Five Eyes intelligence agencies are probing Beijing’s involvement in the Covid-19 outbreak.

The leak coincided with incendiary remarks from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who claimed there was a “significant amount of evidence” that the virus came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Although it’s still not clear how Covid-19 emerged, Washington has promoted the theory that China is to be blamed for the health crisis.

The UK has taken a different approach to determining the cause of the crisis. Downing Street has resisted assigning blame for Covid-19, though it has stressed that questions need to be answered about the origin and spread of the virus in order to better prepare for future global pandemics.

Beijing has strongly denied any involvement in the spread of the illness, and has challenged Pompeo to produce the evidence purportedly showing its links to the pandemic. The secretary of state is engaged in the spread of a dangerous “political virus,” China has said.



Suspect dead after more than 10 killed in Canada rampage: police

Suspect dead after more than 10 killed in Canada rampage: police

PORTAPIQUE, Nova Scotia: A gunman in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia killed more than 10 people, including at least one police officer, during a 12-hour rampage, authorities said on Sunday.

Police told reporters that 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman shot people in several locations across the province and they were still trying to establish a final death toll.

They added that Wortman was dead, but would not confirm a CTV report that he had been shot and killed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The killings started late on Saturday in the small Atlantic coastal town of Portapique, about 130 km north (80 miles) of the provincial capital, Halifax.

The massacre looked to be the worst act of mass murder in Canada since a gunman killed 15 women in Montreal in December 1989.


Reuters
PORTAPIQUE, Nova Scotia: A gunman in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia killed more than 10 people, including at least one police officer, during a 12-hour rampage, authorities said on Sunday.

Police told reporters that 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman shot people in several locations across the province and they were still trying to establish a final death toll.

They added that Wortman was dead, but would not confirm a CTV report that he had been shot and killed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The killings started late on Saturday in the small Atlantic coastal town of Portapique, about 130 km north (80 miles) of the provincial capital, Halifax.

The massacre looked to be the worst act of mass murder in Canada since a gunman killed 15 women in Montreal in December 1989.


Reuters

Coronavirus death toll in Canada exceeds 1,000

Coronavirus death toll in Canada exceeds 1,000

The death toll from coronavirus-associated illnesses and complications in Canada has reached 1,006, CTV television channel reported on Wednesday.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country exceeded 28,200, while over 8,900 people recovered. Most fatalities were reported in Quebec province (487).

The first coronavirus case in Canada was registered on January 15. Twelve out of thirteen Canadian provinces have been affected, with an exception of Nunavut.

Many Canadian provinces declared state of emergency over coronavirus outbreak. On March 21, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not rule out that a nationwide state of emergency may be declared in the country.

In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
The death toll from coronavirus-associated illnesses and complications in Canada has reached 1,006, CTV television channel reported on Wednesday.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country exceeded 28,200, while over 8,900 people recovered. Most fatalities were reported in Quebec province (487).

The first coronavirus case in Canada was registered on January 15. Twelve out of thirteen Canadian provinces have been affected, with an exception of Nunavut.

Many Canadian provinces declared state of emergency over coronavirus outbreak. On March 21, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not rule out that a nationwide state of emergency may be declared in the country.

In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.

More than 22,000 coronavirus cases confirmed in Canada — health ministry

More than 22,000 coronavirus cases confirmed in Canada — health ministry

Health ministry in Canada has said the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country has grown by nearly 1,400 in the past day and reached 22,133 as at Friday 10th of April.

According to the  ministry, around 391,300 people in Canada have been tested for novel coronavirus Pandemic. 

Most coroanvirus cases were reported in the provinces of Quebes (11,677), Ontario (6,237) and Alberta (1,500).

The first coronavirus case in Canada was registered on January 15. As of now, the death toll reached 569, over 6,000 people recovered. Twelve out of thirteen Canadian provinces have been affected, with an exception of Nunavut.

Many Canadian provinces declared state of emergency over coronavirus outbreak. On March 21, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not rule out that a nationwide state of emergency may be declared in the country.
World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak on March 11, 2020 a pandemic. The previously unknown pneumonia started in the city of Wuhan, in central China in late december 2019. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe.

Currently, over 1,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 95,800 deaths have been reported. 

Over 357,000 individuals have also recovered from the illness across the globe.
Health ministry in Canada has said the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country has grown by nearly 1,400 in the past day and reached 22,133 as at Friday 10th of April.

According to the  ministry, around 391,300 people in Canada have been tested for novel coronavirus Pandemic. 

Most coroanvirus cases were reported in the provinces of Quebes (11,677), Ontario (6,237) and Alberta (1,500).

The first coronavirus case in Canada was registered on January 15. As of now, the death toll reached 569, over 6,000 people recovered. Twelve out of thirteen Canadian provinces have been affected, with an exception of Nunavut.

Many Canadian provinces declared state of emergency over coronavirus outbreak. On March 21, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not rule out that a nationwide state of emergency may be declared in the country.
World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak on March 11, 2020 a pandemic. The previously unknown pneumonia started in the city of Wuhan, in central China in late december 2019. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe.

Currently, over 1,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 95,800 deaths have been reported. 

Over 357,000 individuals have also recovered from the illness across the globe.

COVID-19: Canada projects #coronavirus could kill 11,000 to 22,000 people

COVID-19: Canada projects #coronavirus could kill 11,000 to 22,000 people

Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, is releasing federal COVID-19 projections for Canada.

“Models are not a crystal ball,” Tam told the briefing.

Note that the death toll so far is 435 (as of 4 a.m. today).


With strong control measures, the federal public health agency projects that 11,000 to 22,000 Canadians could die of COVID-19 in the coming months.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says short-term estimates are more reliable, and it anticipates 500 to 700 deaths by the end of next week.

The agency released modelling data this morning with different possible scenarios, warning that what happens depends very much on how Canadians behave to keep the respiratory illness from spreading.

With poor containment measures, the death toll could be much, much higher, the agency says.

It says the COVID-19 battle in Canada is still in its early stages but Canada’s numbers of confirmed cases have been increasing more slowly than in other countries.

The agency the fight against the novel coronavirus will likely take many months and require cycles of tighter and weaker controls.

Canada has reported an economy lost of 1,011,000 jobs in March as the COVID-19 crisis began to take hold, which lifts the unemployment rate up to 7.8 per cent.

NEW: 1,011,000 jobs killed last month as the Covid-19 pandemic exacted its vengeance
A typical monthly job loss might be 15K so this is Pain x 67
Jobless rate vaults to 7.8%, a 39% jump
Collapse is sharper than any recent recession#COVID19 #cdneconhttps://t.co/YOqqeEVBqt pic.twitter.com/F1GFJshJR3— Jeannie Lee@CBC (@JeannieLee88) April 9, 2020

The 2.2 per cent increase in the national unemployment rate marks the worst single-month change over the last 40-plus years of comparable data and brings the rate to a level not seen since October 2010.

Economists warn the numbers are likely to be even worse when the agency starts collecting April job figures, with millions more Canadians now receiving emergency federal aid.

Statistics Canada retooled some of its usual measures of counting employed, unemployed and “not in the labour force” to better gauge the effects of COVID-19 on the job market, which has been swift and harsh.

The number of people considered unemployed rose by 413,000 between February and March, almost all of it fuelled by temporary layoffs, meaning workers expected their jobs back in six months.

The jobs report out this morning also says that most of the losses were in the private sector, with the greatest employment declines observed for youth aged 15 to 24.

Read More from Source
Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, is releasing federal COVID-19 projections for Canada.

“Models are not a crystal ball,” Tam told the briefing.

Note that the death toll so far is 435 (as of 4 a.m. today).


With strong control measures, the federal public health agency projects that 11,000 to 22,000 Canadians could die of COVID-19 in the coming months.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says short-term estimates are more reliable, and it anticipates 500 to 700 deaths by the end of next week.

The agency released modelling data this morning with different possible scenarios, warning that what happens depends very much on how Canadians behave to keep the respiratory illness from spreading.

With poor containment measures, the death toll could be much, much higher, the agency says.

It says the COVID-19 battle in Canada is still in its early stages but Canada’s numbers of confirmed cases have been increasing more slowly than in other countries.

The agency the fight against the novel coronavirus will likely take many months and require cycles of tighter and weaker controls.

Canada has reported an economy lost of 1,011,000 jobs in March as the COVID-19 crisis began to take hold, which lifts the unemployment rate up to 7.8 per cent.

NEW: 1,011,000 jobs killed last month as the Covid-19 pandemic exacted its vengeance
A typical monthly job loss might be 15K so this is Pain x 67
Jobless rate vaults to 7.8%, a 39% jump
Collapse is sharper than any recent recession#COVID19 #cdneconhttps://t.co/YOqqeEVBqt pic.twitter.com/F1GFJshJR3— Jeannie Lee@CBC (@JeannieLee88) April 9, 2020

The 2.2 per cent increase in the national unemployment rate marks the worst single-month change over the last 40-plus years of comparable data and brings the rate to a level not seen since October 2010.

Economists warn the numbers are likely to be even worse when the agency starts collecting April job figures, with millions more Canadians now receiving emergency federal aid.

Statistics Canada retooled some of its usual measures of counting employed, unemployed and “not in the labour force” to better gauge the effects of COVID-19 on the job market, which has been swift and harsh.

The number of people considered unemployed rose by 413,000 between February and March, almost all of it fuelled by temporary layoffs, meaning workers expected their jobs back in six months.

The jobs report out this morning also says that most of the losses were in the private sector, with the greatest employment declines observed for youth aged 15 to 24.

Read More from Source

Trump says UK must pay for security protection of Harry and Meghan in US

Trump says UK must pay for security protection of Harry and Meghan in US

Harry
US President Donald Trump has said the British Queen and the United Kingdom must pay for the security protection of Harry and Meghan in United States as they have left Canada for the U.S. 

Trump said U.S.will not pay for their security protection.

@realDonaldTrump
I am a great friend and admirer of the Queen & the United Kingdom. It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada. Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however, the U.S. will not pay for their security protection. They must pay!

He said Sunday that the United States would not pay security costs for Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, appearing to confirm that the royal couple have moved to live in California.

They reportedly flew by private jet from Canada to Los Angeles before the border between the two countries closed because of the deadly coronavirus outbreak.

The couple, who had been living in Canada for several months, rocked the royal family earlier this year with their decision to no longer represent the British monarchy and to pursue a new, independent life.

"I am a great friend and admirer of the Queen & the United Kingdom," Trump tweeted.

"It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada. Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however, the U.S. will not pay for their security protection. They must pay!"

But a spokeswoman for the pair later released a statement saying they had no intention of soliciting help from Washington, media reports said.

"Privately funded security arrangements have been made," the statement said, according to the Washington Post.

Meghan grew up in Los Angeles and her mother, Doria Ragland, still lives in the city.

The one-time actress has a network of friends and work contacts in Los Angeles, where she could now restart her career.

Disney announced on Thursday that she will narrate a new film about a family of African elephants.

Harry was reportedly caught in a hoax telephone call recently in which he attacked Trump for his stance on climate change.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will formally step back from royal duties on March 31.
Harry
US President Donald Trump has said the British Queen and the United Kingdom must pay for the security protection of Harry and Meghan in United States as they have left Canada for the U.S. 

Trump said U.S.will not pay for their security protection.

@realDonaldTrump
I am a great friend and admirer of the Queen & the United Kingdom. It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada. Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however, the U.S. will not pay for their security protection. They must pay!

He said Sunday that the United States would not pay security costs for Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, appearing to confirm that the royal couple have moved to live in California.

They reportedly flew by private jet from Canada to Los Angeles before the border between the two countries closed because of the deadly coronavirus outbreak.

The couple, who had been living in Canada for several months, rocked the royal family earlier this year with their decision to no longer represent the British monarchy and to pursue a new, independent life.

"I am a great friend and admirer of the Queen & the United Kingdom," Trump tweeted.

"It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada. Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however, the U.S. will not pay for their security protection. They must pay!"

But a spokeswoman for the pair later released a statement saying they had no intention of soliciting help from Washington, media reports said.

"Privately funded security arrangements have been made," the statement said, according to the Washington Post.

Meghan grew up in Los Angeles and her mother, Doria Ragland, still lives in the city.

The one-time actress has a network of friends and work contacts in Los Angeles, where she could now restart her career.

Disney announced on Thursday that she will narrate a new film about a family of African elephants.

Harry was reportedly caught in a hoax telephone call recently in which he attacked Trump for his stance on climate change.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will formally step back from royal duties on March 31.

US closing Canada border to 'non-essential' traffic, but not trade: President Trump

US closing Canada border to 'non-essential' traffic, but not trade: President Trump

US President Trump announced on Wednesday morning that the US–Canada border has been closed to nonessential traffic, bringing ongoing novel coronavirus containment efforts to a new level.

“We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic,” the president tweeted. “Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!”

@realDonaldTrump
We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!
US President Trump announced on Wednesday morning that the US–Canada border has been closed to nonessential traffic, bringing ongoing novel coronavirus containment efforts to a new level.

“We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic,” the president tweeted. “Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!”

@realDonaldTrump
We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!

Canada closes border to most foreigners

Canada closes border to most foreigners

OTTAWA, (AFP) — Canada is closing its borders to most foreigners — excluding Americans — in a bid to stem the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday.

“All Canadians, as much as possible, should also stay home,” he told a news conference outside his home, where he and his family are self-isolating after his wife Sophie tested positive for COVID-19.

The move comes as the number of confirmed cases jumped from a few dozen traced to foreign travel two weeks ago to more than 400, including the local transmission of the virus.

Three additional deaths were recorded by health authorities on Monday — all linked to a care home for the elderly in a suburb of Vancouver — bringing the countrywide toll to four.

“We will be denying entry to Canada to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents,” Trudeau said.

US citizens will be exempted, Trudeau said, because of the high “level of integration of our two economies and the coordination that we have.”

This “puts the US in a separate category from the rest of the world,” he added.

Following the announcement, much of the nation began to shut down, from courthouses and gyms to restaurants and schools. Major sporting and entertainment events had already been canceled.

Airlines will be ordered not to allow passengers with flu-like symptoms to board, while all inbound international flights will be redirected to airports in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, where public health screenings will be stepped up.

“All of them will be asked (upon arrival), ‘Do you currently have a cough, difficulty breathing or feel (that) you have a fever?'” Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said.

‘A continental response’

The measures will take effect starting midday on Wednesday, according to Transport Minister Marc Garneau.

He added that cash would be made available to Canadians who want to return home but are stranded overseas because they are symptomatic.

On top of the US exception, there will be exemptions for aircrews, diplomats and immediate family members of Canadian citizens, as well as truck drivers making regular deliveries across the Canada-US border.

“What’s called for is really a continental response, with the integration of critical supply chains that include food and essential goods that Canadians rely on every day,” Health Minister Patty Hajdu told a separate news conference.

“What we do on the American border is going to have to be done thoughtfully and in partnership with our American cousins, as well as our Mexican partners,” she said.

Hajdu is scheduled to speak with her US and Mexican counterparts, Alex Azar and Jorge Carlos Alcocer, to hammer out a “North American approach” to combating the COVID-19 virus. Trudeau also spoke Monday with G7 leaders.

“We have to be cautious and prudent in how we apply this so that it doesn’t pose other health risks to Canadians and Americans that would include running out of essential goods,” Hajdu said.


AFP
OTTAWA, (AFP) — Canada is closing its borders to most foreigners — excluding Americans — in a bid to stem the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday.

“All Canadians, as much as possible, should also stay home,” he told a news conference outside his home, where he and his family are self-isolating after his wife Sophie tested positive for COVID-19.

The move comes as the number of confirmed cases jumped from a few dozen traced to foreign travel two weeks ago to more than 400, including the local transmission of the virus.

Three additional deaths were recorded by health authorities on Monday — all linked to a care home for the elderly in a suburb of Vancouver — bringing the countrywide toll to four.

“We will be denying entry to Canada to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents,” Trudeau said.

US citizens will be exempted, Trudeau said, because of the high “level of integration of our two economies and the coordination that we have.”

This “puts the US in a separate category from the rest of the world,” he added.

Following the announcement, much of the nation began to shut down, from courthouses and gyms to restaurants and schools. Major sporting and entertainment events had already been canceled.

Airlines will be ordered not to allow passengers with flu-like symptoms to board, while all inbound international flights will be redirected to airports in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, where public health screenings will be stepped up.

“All of them will be asked (upon arrival), ‘Do you currently have a cough, difficulty breathing or feel (that) you have a fever?'” Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said.

‘A continental response’

The measures will take effect starting midday on Wednesday, according to Transport Minister Marc Garneau.

He added that cash would be made available to Canadians who want to return home but are stranded overseas because they are symptomatic.

On top of the US exception, there will be exemptions for aircrews, diplomats and immediate family members of Canadian citizens, as well as truck drivers making regular deliveries across the Canada-US border.

“What’s called for is really a continental response, with the integration of critical supply chains that include food and essential goods that Canadians rely on every day,” Health Minister Patty Hajdu told a separate news conference.

“What we do on the American border is going to have to be done thoughtfully and in partnership with our American cousins, as well as our Mexican partners,” she said.

Hajdu is scheduled to speak with her US and Mexican counterparts, Alex Azar and Jorge Carlos Alcocer, to hammer out a “North American approach” to combating the COVID-19 virus. Trudeau also spoke Monday with G7 leaders.

“We have to be cautious and prudent in how we apply this so that it doesn’t pose other health risks to Canadians and Americans that would include running out of essential goods,” Hajdu said.


AFP

Coronavirus spreads to all Canadian provinces

Coronavirus spreads to all Canadian provinces

The new coronavirus has spread across Canada with a total of 313 cases confirmed Sunday in its 10 provinces, the chief public health officer told a news conference.

Atlantic coast provinces were the last to be hit. Major metropolitan centres -- Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver -- remain the most affected.

"I'm asking everyone to take strong action to prevent the spread of the virus," chief public health officer Theresa Tam said, warning that a window of opportunity to mitigate its spread was "quickly narrowing."

Measures must include, she said, limiting travel and self-isolating for 14 days upon returning from a trip abroad, as well as avoiding large crowds, practicing "social distancing" and working from home, if possible, over the coming weeks.

After a meeting of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet, ministers said to expect more actions to be announced on Monday.

Canada has tested nearly 25,000 people -- among the highest per capita rates in the world. The number of positive test results jumped from a few dozen just last week, including one death.

"Most of the cases (in Canada) have been linked to travel," Tam said, "but that could change very quickly."

Earlier Trudeau was asked if he was considering closing the border.

"We've taken some very strong measures, and we are not taking anything off the table, we are looking daily at next steps that we might take, or we shouldn't take," Trudeau told broadcaster CTV in an interview from his Ottawa home where he and his family are self-isolating after his wife Sophie tested positive for the virus.

The prime minister added, "Sophie's got a headache right now and feeling a little under the weather, but it is not worse than what would be a bad cold," he said. "Of course we're all being very careful."

Tam noted that it was important for every country to "contain the outbreak within their own setting," but added that "countries that enacted travel bans have not been able to keep out this particular virus."

In fact, she said, some countries that "have been impacted the most have actually been the ones with the most stringent travel and border measures."

The new coronavirus has spread across Canada with a total of 313 cases confirmed Sunday in its 10 provinces, the chief public health officer told a news conference.

Atlantic coast provinces were the last to be hit. Major metropolitan centres -- Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver -- remain the most affected.

"I'm asking everyone to take strong action to prevent the spread of the virus," chief public health officer Theresa Tam said, warning that a window of opportunity to mitigate its spread was "quickly narrowing."

Measures must include, she said, limiting travel and self-isolating for 14 days upon returning from a trip abroad, as well as avoiding large crowds, practicing "social distancing" and working from home, if possible, over the coming weeks.

After a meeting of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet, ministers said to expect more actions to be announced on Monday.

Canada has tested nearly 25,000 people -- among the highest per capita rates in the world. The number of positive test results jumped from a few dozen just last week, including one death.

"Most of the cases (in Canada) have been linked to travel," Tam said, "but that could change very quickly."

Earlier Trudeau was asked if he was considering closing the border.

"We've taken some very strong measures, and we are not taking anything off the table, we are looking daily at next steps that we might take, or we shouldn't take," Trudeau told broadcaster CTV in an interview from his Ottawa home where he and his family are self-isolating after his wife Sophie tested positive for the virus.

The prime minister added, "Sophie's got a headache right now and feeling a little under the weather, but it is not worse than what would be a bad cold," he said. "Of course we're all being very careful."

Tam noted that it was important for every country to "contain the outbreak within their own setting," but added that "countries that enacted travel bans have not been able to keep out this particular virus."

In fact, she said, some countries that "have been impacted the most have actually been the ones with the most stringent travel and border measures."

COVID-19: Canadian Parliament shut down due to coronavirus

COVID-19: Canadian Parliament shut down due to coronavirus

Canada’s Parliament agreed Friday to close for more than a month after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided to self-quarantine due to his exposure to the 2019 novel coronavirus.

@jamiedupree
TORONTO (AP) -- Canada's Parliament agreed Friday to shut down for more than a month while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau governed remotely from his home, in self-imposed quarantine after his wife tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Officials on Thursday announced Trudeau’s wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, had tested positive for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Canadian government is advising the cancellation of all large events such as concerts. Transport Minister Marc Garneau said cruise ships with more than 500 people will not be able to dock in Canada until July 1.

Overseas flights returning to Canada will also be restricted to a small number of airports in the country.

Canada's House of Commons voted to shut down for at least five weeks to help ensure lawmakers do not contribute to the spread of the virus.

More than 5,000 people have died and over 137,000 are infected globally, according to the World Health Organization. Nearly 70,000 victims have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the virus.

All parties in the Parliament of Canada agreed to the suspension, which means lawmakers will miss two weeks of sessions since they had previously planned to be away next week and two weeks in April. The House is scheduled to next meet on Monday, April 20.

"This just shows you how seriously our government and members of the house are taking this," Government House leader Pablo Rodriguez said.

Part of the deal for closing Parliament for five weeks was ratifying the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the new version of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Rodriguez said lawmakers have passed legislation to ratify the USMCA, and the Senate is expected to follow suit later Friday.

The suspension of the House of Commons means the federal budget won't be presented March 30 as Finance Minister Bill Morneau had promised.

Rodriguez said the federal budget will be announced at a later date.


Trudeau was spending Friday in briefings, phone calls and virtual meetings from home, including speaking with other world leaders and joining a special Cabinet committee discussion on the coronavirus.

Trudeau spoke with US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday. But Trudeau did cancel an in-person meeting with Canada's provincial premiers.

The prime minister planned to address the nation later Friday, according to his office.

Trudeau himself had not been tested because he was not showing symptoms, his office said. The doctor's advice to the prime minister is to continue daily activities while self-monitoring.

Trudeau said his government will likely recommend that Canadians avoid travelling outside the country except for essential purposes.

"We are going to be able to get through this if everyone is going to follow the advice of our medical professionals and experts," Trudeau said to the CBC.
Canada’s Parliament agreed Friday to close for more than a month after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided to self-quarantine due to his exposure to the 2019 novel coronavirus.

@jamiedupree
TORONTO (AP) -- Canada's Parliament agreed Friday to shut down for more than a month while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau governed remotely from his home, in self-imposed quarantine after his wife tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Officials on Thursday announced Trudeau’s wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, had tested positive for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Canadian government is advising the cancellation of all large events such as concerts. Transport Minister Marc Garneau said cruise ships with more than 500 people will not be able to dock in Canada until July 1.

Overseas flights returning to Canada will also be restricted to a small number of airports in the country.

Canada's House of Commons voted to shut down for at least five weeks to help ensure lawmakers do not contribute to the spread of the virus.

More than 5,000 people have died and over 137,000 are infected globally, according to the World Health Organization. Nearly 70,000 victims have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the virus.

All parties in the Parliament of Canada agreed to the suspension, which means lawmakers will miss two weeks of sessions since they had previously planned to be away next week and two weeks in April. The House is scheduled to next meet on Monday, April 20.

"This just shows you how seriously our government and members of the house are taking this," Government House leader Pablo Rodriguez said.

Part of the deal for closing Parliament for five weeks was ratifying the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the new version of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Rodriguez said lawmakers have passed legislation to ratify the USMCA, and the Senate is expected to follow suit later Friday.

The suspension of the House of Commons means the federal budget won't be presented March 30 as Finance Minister Bill Morneau had promised.

Rodriguez said the federal budget will be announced at a later date.


Trudeau was spending Friday in briefings, phone calls and virtual meetings from home, including speaking with other world leaders and joining a special Cabinet committee discussion on the coronavirus.

Trudeau spoke with US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday. But Trudeau did cancel an in-person meeting with Canada's provincial premiers.

The prime minister planned to address the nation later Friday, according to his office.

Trudeau himself had not been tested because he was not showing symptoms, his office said. The doctor's advice to the prime minister is to continue daily activities while self-monitoring.

Trudeau said his government will likely recommend that Canadians avoid travelling outside the country except for essential purposes.

"We are going to be able to get through this if everyone is going to follow the advice of our medical professionals and experts," Trudeau said to the CBC.

COVID-19: Canadian Trudeau in self-isolation after wife shows flu-like symptoms

COVID-19: Canadian Trudeau in self-isolation after wife shows flu-like symptoms

The office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Thursday that he is in self-isolation along with his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, after she began exhibiting flu-like symptoms upon return from a trip to the United Kingdom.

Trudeau's office said Sophie Gregoire Trudeau began exhibiting the symptoms, including a low fever, late Wednesday night after returning from a speaking engagement in London. "She immediately sought medical advice, and is being tested for the COVID-19 virus," the statement said. "She is self-isolating at home awaiting test results, and her symptoms have since subsided.

"The doctor's advice to the Prime Minister is to continue daily activities while self-monitoring, given he is exhibiting no symptoms himself," it continued. 

"However, out of an abundance of caution, the Prime Minister is opting to self-isolate and work from home until receiving Sophie's results."

A meeting Trudeau had planned with provincial and territorial premiers will be postponed, the office added, citing the evolving coronavirus situation across Canada.

Canada has seen more than 100 cases of the novel coronavirus, 42 in Ontario, 46 in British Columbia, eight in Quebec and 19 in Alberta.

More than 4,600 people have died and over 126,000 infected globally, according to the WHO. About 68,000 victims have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the virus.

The office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Thursday that he is in self-isolation along with his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, after she began exhibiting flu-like symptoms upon return from a trip to the United Kingdom.

Trudeau's office said Sophie Gregoire Trudeau began exhibiting the symptoms, including a low fever, late Wednesday night after returning from a speaking engagement in London. "She immediately sought medical advice, and is being tested for the COVID-19 virus," the statement said. "She is self-isolating at home awaiting test results, and her symptoms have since subsided.

"The doctor's advice to the Prime Minister is to continue daily activities while self-monitoring, given he is exhibiting no symptoms himself," it continued. 

"However, out of an abundance of caution, the Prime Minister is opting to self-isolate and work from home until receiving Sophie's results."

A meeting Trudeau had planned with provincial and territorial premiers will be postponed, the office added, citing the evolving coronavirus situation across Canada.

Canada has seen more than 100 cases of the novel coronavirus, 42 in Ontario, 46 in British Columbia, eight in Quebec and 19 in Alberta.

More than 4,600 people have died and over 126,000 infected globally, according to the WHO. About 68,000 victims have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the virus.

Trudeau announces $1 billion in funding for Canada’s ongoing response to COVID-19

Trudeau announces $1 billion in funding for Canada’s ongoing response to COVID-19

OTTAWA - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced $1-billion in funding to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and mitigate the risks posed to Citizens.

According to the Canadian PM, the funding package will include money to help make sure items like surgical masks and face shields are well stocked for health authorities, and also help provinces, workers, and businesses harmed by the outbreak.

"Canada is well-positioned to deal with the spread of the new coronavirus, and that we will get through what comes next.#,” Trudeau said, noting the country has been fortunate so far, despite recording one death in B.C. related to the virus on Sunday, but added Canada needs to be prepared for all scenarios.

Trudeau says the government and officials are prepared for every scenario in terms of the amount of Canadians impacted. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Tam says all Canadians can change the curve of this virus through their preventative actions #cdnpoli
— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) March 11, 2020


The money will also help Canadian workers who are forced to isolate themselves due to the virus.

As part of the federal funding package, the Liberal government announced it would loosen restrictions on employment insurance, waiving the waiting period for benefits for people who are off work due to illness.

When asked how the federal government would make sure no one takes advantage of the changes, Trudeau said he has confidence in Canadians.

He also pointed out the change to employment insurance is a key measure to protect workers and reduce the risks associated with COVID-19.

On employment insurance changes, Trudeau is asked how they make sure no one takes advantage of a no waiting period EI offer. The Prime Minister says he has confidence in Canadians, and points out this is a key measure to protect workers and reduce risks #cdnpoli
— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) March 11, 2020


The novel coronavirus has infected more than 100,000 people globally, and forced mass quarantines as well as restrictions on public gatherings in some parts of the world.

Canada has yet to implement such drastic measures to try and slow the spread of the virus, which has infected close to 40 people across the country since the outbreak started.

Asked whether Canada would consider closing its borders like China and Italy have done, Trudeau said nothing would be ruled out, but added decisions would be made based on advice from experts.


OTTAWA - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced $1-billion in funding to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and mitigate the risks posed to Citizens.

According to the Canadian PM, the funding package will include money to help make sure items like surgical masks and face shields are well stocked for health authorities, and also help provinces, workers, and businesses harmed by the outbreak.

"Canada is well-positioned to deal with the spread of the new coronavirus, and that we will get through what comes next.#,” Trudeau said, noting the country has been fortunate so far, despite recording one death in B.C. related to the virus on Sunday, but added Canada needs to be prepared for all scenarios.

Trudeau says the government and officials are prepared for every scenario in terms of the amount of Canadians impacted. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Tam says all Canadians can change the curve of this virus through their preventative actions #cdnpoli
— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) March 11, 2020


The money will also help Canadian workers who are forced to isolate themselves due to the virus.

As part of the federal funding package, the Liberal government announced it would loosen restrictions on employment insurance, waiving the waiting period for benefits for people who are off work due to illness.

When asked how the federal government would make sure no one takes advantage of the changes, Trudeau said he has confidence in Canadians.

He also pointed out the change to employment insurance is a key measure to protect workers and reduce the risks associated with COVID-19.

On employment insurance changes, Trudeau is asked how they make sure no one takes advantage of a no waiting period EI offer. The Prime Minister says he has confidence in Canadians, and points out this is a key measure to protect workers and reduce risks #cdnpoli
— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) March 11, 2020


The novel coronavirus has infected more than 100,000 people globally, and forced mass quarantines as well as restrictions on public gatherings in some parts of the world.

Canada has yet to implement such drastic measures to try and slow the spread of the virus, which has infected close to 40 people across the country since the outbreak started.

Asked whether Canada would consider closing its borders like China and Italy have done, Trudeau said nothing would be ruled out, but added decisions would be made based on advice from experts.


COVID-19: Canada records first death from new virus

COVID-19: Canada records first death from new virus

Canadian health officials say a man has died of the new virus at a home for the elderly in North Vancouver in what is believed to be the country's first COVID-19 death.

British Columbia Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced at the weekend that two residents of the Lynn Valley Care Centre had been diagnosed with the virus.

Henry says the diagnoses followed an earlier diagnosis of a worker at the care home, making the cases especially concerning as examples of community transmission.
Canadian health officials say a man has died of the new virus at a home for the elderly in North Vancouver in what is believed to be the country's first COVID-19 death.

British Columbia Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced at the weekend that two residents of the Lynn Valley Care Centre had been diagnosed with the virus.

Henry says the diagnoses followed an earlier diagnosis of a worker at the care home, making the cases especially concerning as examples of community transmission.

US Senator Murphy met secretly with Iran FM Zarif last week: Source

US Senator Murphy met secretly with Iran FM Zarif last week: Source

PM Trudeau with smiling FM Zarif
Lauren Holtmeier, Al Arabiya English: A US Senator held secret meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif last week, according to an unnamed source briefed by the French delegation to the Munich Security Conference, reported the Federalist.

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy is the latest Western official to meet Iranian regime officials in the months after Iran shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane that killed all 176 people on board.

Last week, Zarif met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, sparking criticism online. Canadians questioned Trudeau’s seemingly friendly embrace of Zarif following the death of 57 Canadian citizens on the Ukrainian airliner.

“Not a good look to see PM Trudeau with smiling FM Zarif,” tweeted Bessma Momani, a professor of international relations at the University of Waterloo.

✔@b_momani
Not a good look to see PM Trudeau with smiling FM Zarif of Iran after Canadians killed at the hands of Iranian incompetence and malice on Ukrainian plane- not to mention the innocent Iranian protestors‘ killed.

In early January, European Union High Representative Joseph Borrell met with Zarif to discuss recent developments in Iraq, the need for de-escalation and the importance of preserving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal, said a press release on the EU’s website.

“The High Representative offered his full engagement to contribute to de-escalation,” the statement read.

Despite Iran’s continued malign activity in the region, Western governments continue to engage with Iranian officials. Some see this as a legitimization of Iran’s actions in the Middle East and meddling around the world.

Murphy, who allegedly met with Zarif during the Munich Security Conference, has been a vocal advocate of cooperating with Iran and backed the Iran nuclear deal. He also criticized America’s decision to kill Soleimani.

In 2017, before Trump officially withdrew from the JCPOA nuclear deal in May 2018, Murphy said in an interview “The President is about to impose on himself and this country a dramatic self-inflicted wound because by pulling out of this agreement, Iran will go back onto a path to develop a nuclear weapon.”

Murphy also condemned the decision to kill the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Quds Force, Qassem Soleimani, on January 3, 2020.

@ChrisMurphyCT
Soleimani was an enemy of the United States. That’s not a question.

The question is this - as reports suggest, did America just assassinate, without any congressional authorization, the second most powerful person in Iran, knowingly setting off a potential massive regional war?

In an interview with US news program “Face the Nation,” Murphy said: “We do not generally execute high-level political figures of sovereign nations, in part because we know that that opens a Pandora’s box that may expose American officials to assassination, but also because we know that ultimately that might get more Americans killed, as it likely will in this.”

No Americans have yet died in retaliatory Iranian strikes, but over 100 US troops were found to have traumatic brain injuries after a January 8 Iranian missile attack on an Iraqi military base that held US personnel.

Murphy has also been vocal in his calls for a restrained US approach to Iran and has spoken at the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), a pro-Iran lobby.

In January, three Republican senators, including Ted Cruz (TX) and Tom Cotton (Ark) asked the US Department of Justice to investigate NIAC, which they believe acts as a “foreign agent of the Islamic Republic.”

PM Trudeau with smiling FM Zarif
Lauren Holtmeier, Al Arabiya English: A US Senator held secret meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif last week, according to an unnamed source briefed by the French delegation to the Munich Security Conference, reported the Federalist.

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy is the latest Western official to meet Iranian regime officials in the months after Iran shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane that killed all 176 people on board.

Last week, Zarif met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, sparking criticism online. Canadians questioned Trudeau’s seemingly friendly embrace of Zarif following the death of 57 Canadian citizens on the Ukrainian airliner.

“Not a good look to see PM Trudeau with smiling FM Zarif,” tweeted Bessma Momani, a professor of international relations at the University of Waterloo.

✔@b_momani
Not a good look to see PM Trudeau with smiling FM Zarif of Iran after Canadians killed at the hands of Iranian incompetence and malice on Ukrainian plane- not to mention the innocent Iranian protestors‘ killed.

In early January, European Union High Representative Joseph Borrell met with Zarif to discuss recent developments in Iraq, the need for de-escalation and the importance of preserving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal, said a press release on the EU’s website.

“The High Representative offered his full engagement to contribute to de-escalation,” the statement read.

Despite Iran’s continued malign activity in the region, Western governments continue to engage with Iranian officials. Some see this as a legitimization of Iran’s actions in the Middle East and meddling around the world.

Murphy, who allegedly met with Zarif during the Munich Security Conference, has been a vocal advocate of cooperating with Iran and backed the Iran nuclear deal. He also criticized America’s decision to kill Soleimani.

In 2017, before Trump officially withdrew from the JCPOA nuclear deal in May 2018, Murphy said in an interview “The President is about to impose on himself and this country a dramatic self-inflicted wound because by pulling out of this agreement, Iran will go back onto a path to develop a nuclear weapon.”

Murphy also condemned the decision to kill the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Quds Force, Qassem Soleimani, on January 3, 2020.

@ChrisMurphyCT
Soleimani was an enemy of the United States. That’s not a question.

The question is this - as reports suggest, did America just assassinate, without any congressional authorization, the second most powerful person in Iran, knowingly setting off a potential massive regional war?

In an interview with US news program “Face the Nation,” Murphy said: “We do not generally execute high-level political figures of sovereign nations, in part because we know that that opens a Pandora’s box that may expose American officials to assassination, but also because we know that ultimately that might get more Americans killed, as it likely will in this.”

No Americans have yet died in retaliatory Iranian strikes, but over 100 US troops were found to have traumatic brain injuries after a January 8 Iranian missile attack on an Iraqi military base that held US personnel.

Murphy has also been vocal in his calls for a restrained US approach to Iran and has spoken at the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), a pro-Iran lobby.

In January, three Republican senators, including Ted Cruz (TX) and Tom Cotton (Ark) asked the US Department of Justice to investigate NIAC, which they believe acts as a “foreign agent of the Islamic Republic.”

Canada's Trudeau demands from Iran independent probe into downed airliner

Canada's Trudeau demands from Iran independent probe into downed airliner

MUNICH (Reuters) - Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had “impressed upon” Iran’s foreign minister on Friday that a complete and independent investigation into the shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January had to be carried out.

“The promise I made to Canadians was to find answers for them and ensure that Iran leads a full investigation with the international community ... and holds to account the people responsible for this and that is my focus,” Trudeau told reporters after meeting Mohammad Javad Zarif earlier on Friday.
Iran has rejected Trudeau’s call to send the “black box” flight recorders from the plane abroad to be decoded. Trudeau said he had repeated that demand on Friday.

Many of the 176 who perished in the disaster were Iranians with dual citizenship, which is not recognised by Iran. Canada had 57 citizens on board.

Zarif said on Feb. 11 that Canada’s complaint about the plane that was mistakenly shot down by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in January had no legal basis.

Canadian lawyers, who previously successfully sued Iran, are seeking class action status in a lawsuit on behalf of relatives of victims aboard the plane, looking for at least C$1.5 billion ($1.1 billion) in compensation.

Trudeau added that he wanted to draw up something positive from the tragedy by working towards the implementation of international frameworks to prevent passenger aircraft flying near conflict zones.

Reuters - Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Chris Reese and Alex Richardson
MUNICH (Reuters) - Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had “impressed upon” Iran’s foreign minister on Friday that a complete and independent investigation into the shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January had to be carried out.

“The promise I made to Canadians was to find answers for them and ensure that Iran leads a full investigation with the international community ... and holds to account the people responsible for this and that is my focus,” Trudeau told reporters after meeting Mohammad Javad Zarif earlier on Friday.
Iran has rejected Trudeau’s call to send the “black box” flight recorders from the plane abroad to be decoded. Trudeau said he had repeated that demand on Friday.

Many of the 176 who perished in the disaster were Iranians with dual citizenship, which is not recognised by Iran. Canada had 57 citizens on board.

Zarif said on Feb. 11 that Canada’s complaint about the plane that was mistakenly shot down by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in January had no legal basis.

Canadian lawyers, who previously successfully sued Iran, are seeking class action status in a lawsuit on behalf of relatives of victims aboard the plane, looking for at least C$1.5 billion ($1.1 billion) in compensation.

Trudeau added that he wanted to draw up something positive from the tragedy by working towards the implementation of international frameworks to prevent passenger aircraft flying near conflict zones.

Reuters - Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Chris Reese and Alex Richardson

G7 countries to discuss joint response to coronavirus crisis: Germany

G7 countries to discuss joint response to coronavirus crisis: Germany

G7 countries will discuss a joint response to the coronavirus epidemic, Germany’s health minister says.

Jens Spahn says he has talked on the phone with his US counterpart and “we agreed that there should be a conference call, a discussion by G7 health ministers about this question with the aim of dealing with it together.”

Spahn adds: “There is no point in each country deciding on measures alone.”

The Group of Seven (G7) is made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

China imposed a lockdown Sunday on a major city far from the epicenter of the coronavirus epidemic, as its death toll from the disease soared to 304 and the first fatality outside the country was reported in the Philippines.

Since emerging out of Wuhan late last year, the coronavirus has infected nearly 14,500 people across China and reached 24 countries.

The United States, Australia, New Zealand and Israel have banned foreign nationals from visiting if they have been in China recently, and they have also warned their own citizens against travelling there.

Mongolia, Russia and Nepal have closed their land borders.

The number of countries reporting infections rose to 24 after Britain, Russia and Sweden confirmed their first cases this weekend.

— AFP
G7 countries will discuss a joint response to the coronavirus epidemic, Germany’s health minister says.

Jens Spahn says he has talked on the phone with his US counterpart and “we agreed that there should be a conference call, a discussion by G7 health ministers about this question with the aim of dealing with it together.”

Spahn adds: “There is no point in each country deciding on measures alone.”

The Group of Seven (G7) is made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

China imposed a lockdown Sunday on a major city far from the epicenter of the coronavirus epidemic, as its death toll from the disease soared to 304 and the first fatality outside the country was reported in the Philippines.

Since emerging out of Wuhan late last year, the coronavirus has infected nearly 14,500 people across China and reached 24 countries.

The United States, Australia, New Zealand and Israel have banned foreign nationals from visiting if they have been in China recently, and they have also warned their own citizens against travelling there.

Mongolia, Russia and Nepal have closed their land borders.

The number of countries reporting infections rose to 24 after Britain, Russia and Sweden confirmed their first cases this weekend.

— AFP

Canada's Trudeau to visit Africa next week, his office says

Canada's Trudeau to visit Africa next week, his office says

Montreal (AFP) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau heads to Africa next Thursday, aiming to tighten relations as the country campaigns for a United Nations Security Council seat, his office said on Saturday.

Trudeau is to visit Ethiopia and Senegal, as well as Germany, before his trip ends on February 14.

In Addis Ababa he is to meet Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner appointed after several years of anti-government protests, and Sahle-Work Zewde, the country's first female president.

He will additionally meet leaders attending the African Union summit.

On the other side of the continent, in Senegal, he will meet President Macky Sall and "participate in a series of events to further our two countries' already strong ties through La Francophonie," his office said.

The final leg of the tour will take Trudeau to Germany for the Munich Security Conference.

"As we pursue our candidacy for election to the United Nations Security Council, we will continue to advance shared global interests, and unlock new opportunities for people and businesses in Canada and around the world," the prime minister's office said in a statement.

It added the visits "will focus on economic opportunity and prosperity, climate change, democracy, and gender equality".

Canada is seeking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, a position it has not held since the year 2000.

"In a rapidly changing world, Canada needs to be a leader on the international stage," Trudeau said in the statement.

Source
Montreal (AFP) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau heads to Africa next Thursday, aiming to tighten relations as the country campaigns for a United Nations Security Council seat, his office said on Saturday.

Trudeau is to visit Ethiopia and Senegal, as well as Germany, before his trip ends on February 14.

In Addis Ababa he is to meet Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner appointed after several years of anti-government protests, and Sahle-Work Zewde, the country's first female president.

He will additionally meet leaders attending the African Union summit.

On the other side of the continent, in Senegal, he will meet President Macky Sall and "participate in a series of events to further our two countries' already strong ties through La Francophonie," his office said.

The final leg of the tour will take Trudeau to Germany for the Munich Security Conference.

"As we pursue our candidacy for election to the United Nations Security Council, we will continue to advance shared global interests, and unlock new opportunities for people and businesses in Canada and around the world," the prime minister's office said in a statement.

It added the visits "will focus on economic opportunity and prosperity, climate change, democracy, and gender equality".

Canada is seeking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, a position it has not held since the year 2000.

"In a rapidly changing world, Canada needs to be a leader on the international stage," Trudeau said in the statement.

Source

Poster Speaks

Poster Speaks/box

Trending

randomposts