A special virtual Canada Day ceremony today saw 19 people from 13 different countries becoming proud Canadian citizens. The new Canadians range in age from six to 66, with the swearing of the oath and remarks from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former governor general Adrienne Clarkson streamed on YouTube. Canada Day citizenship ceremonies are a hallmark of the holiday. But the COVID-19 pandemic has forced them online, with more than a thousand virtual events held since April 1st.

Health workers at BC's Surrey Memorial Hospital received a royal thank you today, as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spoke with them via video call about their experiences working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prince William and his wife Kate told Fraser Health staff their work is appreciated. William said he's proud of how frontline staff have led the way stoically and bravely, putting patient care at the ``top of the list.'' Kate also praised the workers, saying they are playing a ``hugely tough'' role.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Canada Day statement touches on issues confronting everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Large celebrations in many parts of the nation are being replaced with backyard barbecues and digital events due to COVID-19. That includes the annual pomp and pageantry on Parliament Hill. It's going online to keep crowds from gathering. The Ottawa shows will be streamed at midday and in the evening, followed by virtual fireworks. Trudeau's statement talks about the need to ensure "every senior has a safe place to live" after reports of appalling conditions in long-term c

Hong Kong police have made the first arrests under a new national security law imposed by mainland China, as thousands of people defied tear gas and pepper pellets to protest against it. Police say they arrested 10 people under the law, including at least one who was carrying a Hong Kong independence flag. The law, which took effect Tuesday night, makes activities deemed subversive or secessionist punishable by up to life in prison. It appears directly aimed at activities that occurred during anti-government demonstrations last year. The 10 people arrested under the new law are among about 37

Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra did not speak on India-China border tensions, unemployment, increasing price of petrol and diesel and "businesses going down" during his address to the nation."As expected, Prime Minister once again mute on China! Why?" IYC said in a tweet."Nothing on dispute with China, nothing on impact of petrol and diesel prices, nothing on businesses going down and nothing on young people who are unemployed. Modiji came and gave a rehearsed, prepared speech," it said in another tweet.Referring to government decision of banning 59 Chi

There are 104,204 confirmed cases in Canada. Quebec: 55,458 confirmed (including 5,503 deaths, 24,798 resolved) Ontario: 35,068 confirmed (including 2,672 deaths, 30,344 resolved) Alberta: 8,108 confirmed (including 154 deaths, 7,405 resolved) British Columbia: 2,916 confirmed (including 174 deaths, 2,590 resolved) Nova Scotia: 1,062 confirmed (including 63 deaths, 998 resolved) Saskatchewan: 785 confirmed (including 13 deaths, 684 resolved) Manitoba: 314 confirmed (including 7 deaths, 300 resolved), 11 presumptive Newfoundland and Labrador: 261 confirmed (including 3 deaths, 258 resolved) Ne

Police have released a photo of man charged in a historical child sexual assault investigation in Pemberton and Whistler in hopes of uncovering any further victims. RCMP say they began the investigation in March into alleged incidents that occurred between 2007 and 2018 in the two communities involving two victims. 50 year old Roger Amadio Molinaro of Whistler was charged in April with multiple offences including two counts of sexual assault under the age of 16. Staff Sergeant Paul Hayes says the Mounties are asking any additional victims to come forward.

Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued a joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia."Today, we are announcing 12 new cases, for a total of 2,916 cases in British Columbia."There are 152 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 2,590 people who tested positive have recovered."Of the total COVID-19 cases, 18 individuals are hospitalized, four of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation. "Tomorrow, as we all celebr

Starting July 7th, face coverings will be mandatory in all public indoor settings in Toronto. City council approved the temporary bylaw this afternoon on the recommendation of the city's medical officer of health to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Doctor Eileen de Villa will review the need for the bylaw on a monthly basis. Mayor John Tory says the temporary bylaw does not affect social gatherings but will apply to public spaces including stores and other businesses. Face coverings made mandatory on all public transit across Quebec Starting July 13th, face coverings will be mandatory on all p