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WorldMar 19, 2020

COVID-19 has now infected more than 200,000 people around the world

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 207,000 people and killed more than 8,200. The COVID-19 illness causes mild or moderate symptoms in most people, but severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or those with existing health problems. More than 82,000 people have recovered so far, mostly in China.
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BCMar 19, 2020

45 new cases of COVID-19 in BC, Total cases-231

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has announced 45 new cases of COVID-19 in BC bringing the total to 231. Dr. Bonnie Henry says most are at home in self isolation and there have been no additional deaths. But Henry says it's extremely important that people and businesses follow social distancing rules aimed at slowing the spread of the virus. She says legal orders are a measure of last resort but people are expected to follow voluntary recommendations to stay a safe distance away from each other.
dr-theresa-tam-we-need-to-be-prepared-for-more-than-one-wave-of-the-novel-coronavirus
CanadaMar 18, 2020

Dr. Theresa Tam: We need to be prepared for more than one wave of the novel coronavirus

Canada's top public health doctor says to expect the virus that causes COVID-19 to stick around for a long time. Dr. Theresa Tam says we need to be prepared for more than one wave of the novel coronavirus. She says we don't know whether COVID-19 will fade and resurge as seasons pass. But Tam says we can expect to learn a great deal from the current fight and get better and better prepared.
CanadaMar 18, 2020

State of Emergency declared in B.C. and Saskatchewan

BC and Saskatchewan are the latest provinces to declare states of emergency in the face of the global novel coronavirus pandemic. BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth says it will better protect the public. He says the legislature will resume on Monday with a reduced number of members to pass legislation to ensure continuity of government and response to COVID-19. In Saskatchewan, fitness centres, casinos and bingo halls have been ordered to close until further notice.
CanadaMar 18, 2020

Number of confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases in Canada goes past 700

The latest numbers of confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases in Canada as of 6:40 p.m. on March 18, 2020. There are 705 confirmed and presumptive cases in Canada. British Columbia: 231 confirmed (including 7 deaths, 5 resolved) Ontario: 212 confirmed (including 1 death, 5 resolved) Alberta: 97 confirmed Quebec: 94 confirmed (including 1 death) Saskatchewan: 2 confirmed, 14 presumptive Manitoba: 8 confirmed, 7 presumptive Nova Scotia: 3 confirmed, 9 presumptive New Brunswick: 2 confirmed, 9 presumptive Canadians quarantined at CFB Trenton: 8 confirmed Newfoundland and Labrador: No confirmed
BCMar 18, 2020

Mayor Kennedy Stewart is convening a special virtual council meeting on Thursday, for declaration of a local state of emergency

In Vancouver, Mayor Kennedy Stewart is convening a special virtual council meeting on Thursday aimed at getting support for the declaration of a local state of emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stewart says the measure would allow the city to take action against people who are hoarding. It would also let the city act on businesses that have remained open when they should be closed to prevent the spread of the disease.
WorldMar 18, 2020

Vancouver man in northern Italy gives suggestions on social distancing

A Vancouver man in northern Italy says social distancing directives from the Italian government felt like ``suggestions'' when they were first made several weeks ago as the COVID-19 pandemic flared. But with Italy now within the European epicentre of the outbreak, Alex Grant says Italians now consider self-isolation a ``sacred responsibility.'' Grant and his partner live in a one-bedroom apartment in Milan and he says they are both practising self-isolation. He says he goes out once a week to grocery shop, there are no shortages, no hoarding, and his advice is ``take the situation seriously,
patty-hajdu-says-canada-is-working-to-increase-the-number-of-ventilators
CanadaMar 18, 2020

Patty Hajdu says Canada is working to increase the number of ventilators

Health Minister Patty Hajdu says Canada is working to increase the number of ventilators it has to meet an expected urgent need as a result of required treatment for COVID-19. She says both in Canada and abroad, officials are also working on figuring out the best treatments for the illness, and finding a vaccine. Hajdu says procurement efforts for medical equipment need to take into account making sure all countries have access to what they need, and those demands are evolving in real-time.
CanadaMar 18, 2020

WestJet warning recent passengers of possible exposure to COVID-19

Westjet Airlines says some of its passengers may have been exposed to people infected with the novel coronavirus on recent flights.The Calgary-based company made the announcement on their website and social media Tuesday, listing the flights and affected rows.It says passengers in affected rows are considered close contacts to those infected and could be at risk of exposure.The company says a total of 14 flights between March 12 and Feb. 28 had passengers on board who tested positive for COVID-19.

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AlbertaOct 19, 2026

Alberta Votes in Historic Referendum on Separation from Canada

Albertans are voting today in a historic referendum that will determine whether the province should begin a legal process and formal voting on separating from Canada in the future. Around 1.3 million Albertans have already cast their ballots through mail-in voting or advance polls. Premier Danielle Smith has voted in favour of Alberta remaining part of Canada. The ballot paper contains 10 questions. Nine relate to immigration, constitutional issues and demands for greater provincial powers from the federal government, while the 10th concerns separation from Canada. Last week, Prime Minister Ma
four-canadian-soldiers-killed-in-explosion-at-alberta-military-training-base
FeaturedOct 19, 2026

Four Canadian Soldiers Killed in Explosion at Alberta Military Training Base

Four Canadian Armed Forces personnel were killed in an explosion following a wildfire at the Wainwright military training base in Alberta on Saturday, while 39 other soldiers suffered serious burn injuries. Nineteen of the injured remain in critical condition. Military officials acknowledged that they had been aware of the fire but initially did not consider it a threat, as it was approximately one kilometre away and appeared to be under control. Live-fire training was therefore allowed to continue. However, strong gusts of wind suddenly changed the fire’s direction in the evening, allowing
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AlbertaOct 16, 2026

Three Dead, 16 Injured in Calgary Bus Crash and Explosion

Three people have died and 16 others, including a police officer, were injured in a bus collision and fire in Calgary on Thursday. All three deceased were passengers on the same bus. Two of the victims have been identified, while the identity of the third is still being confirmed. According to police, the crash involved two transit buses and several other vehicles in the northeastern part of the city. A bus carrying compressed natural gas tanks caught fire, followed by a powerful explosion within seconds. One bus driver managed to escape unharmed, while the driver of the second bus was taken t
punjab-and-haryana-high-court-clears-bhagwant-manns-proposed-france-visit
IndiaOct 16, 2026

Punjab and Haryana High Court Clears Bhagwant Mann’s Proposed France Visit

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has overturned the Centre’s decision to deny political clearance for Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s proposed visit to France. According to reports, Mann may now leave for France tomorrow. The Union Ministry of External Affairs had refused permission, citing security concerns and the absence of a formal invitation from the French government. The Punjab government challenged the Centre’s decision in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The court’s ruling today has provided relief to the state government. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is scheduled to
burnaby-man-sentenced-to-3-5-years-in-prison-for-online-sextortion-of-teenage-girls
BCOct 16, 2026

Burnaby Man Sentenced to 3.5 Years in Prison for Online Sextortion of Teenage Girls

A 22-year-old man from Burnaby has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for online sextortion involving underage girls. The accused, Anwar Jelassi, obtained nude images from eight or nine girls aged 15 to 18 whom he met on social media between October 2022 and December 2023. The victims were from Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. He threatened to expose their images to extort money from them. According to reports, Jelassi sent an online message to a 17-year-old victim from Ontario who refused to pay him, threatening to ruin her life until her entire family had seen her nude images