WestJet is cutting staff and flights, saying new federal COVID-19 testing rules for air passengers have led to a wave of cancellations. The airline's CEO is laying the blame squarely on "incoherent" policy from Ottawa around the new rules. Passengers returning to Canada are now required to obtain a negative PCR test at least 72 hours before boarding their flight. The Calgary-based airline says about one-thousand employees will be furloughed, temporarily laid off, put on unpaid leave or have their hours cut. Trip cancellations and reductions in new bookings began immediately after the federal

Governor General Julie Payette says it's the duty of every Canadian to adhere to public health measures.She said these measures are aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. She says in a video statement we owe it to front-line health workers, seniors, our loved ones and other people's loved ones to make the necessary sacrifices. Payette says vaccines give hope but there aren't yet enough to go around. She says keeping apart, minimizing movements and following restrictions are still the only ways to get the pandemic under control.

Transport Minister Marc Garneau says as of midnight tonight, air travellers coming from abroad will have to show proof of negative COVID-19 test results. He says this new interim order will provide an additional layer of protection for Canadians and travellers. At the same time, a ban on people flying in from the UK is being lifted. The ban came in after a new more contagious strain of COVID-19 appeared in Britain.But Health Minister Patty Hajdu acknowledges some people may have difficulty in getting tested for the illness within the required time frame. Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Phil

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has taken a low-key approach to the pro-Trump violence in Washington. Trudeau spoke about the situation in a radio interview today on News 1130 in Vancouver. He says his government will continue to make sure Canadians are well served in their relationship with the US. Trudeau also expressed hope that everything will return to normal shortly. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by what is happening. World leaders are condemning the storming of the US Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump. Leaders expressed shock

Transport Minister Marc Garneau is expected to unveil more details today on COVID-19 testing requirements for passengers returning to Canada. Garneau announced last week that air travellers coming from abroad will have to show proof of negative test results, starting this Thursday at 12:01 a.m. He said the PCR test — distinct from a rapid test, and taking up to several days to process must occur less than 72 hours before takeoff.Airlines and passengers say the plan leaves a swirl of unanswered questions and threatens to leave travellers stranded overseas.Carriers say they were not consulted

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc says the federal government will look at just about any measure to discourage people from travelling internationally. But he says Canada doesn't want to join the short list of countries that require government approval for travel, with measures such as exit visas. He says the federal government has been crystal clear since early last year that travelling abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic is a bad idea. Starting Thursday, Canada is requiring incoming air travellers to present evidence of a recent negative COVID-19 test before being allowed t

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canadians who have travelled abroad should not expect to collect a benefit for people who have to isolate themselves. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is making changes to the $1,000 sickness benefit. He says the program is for workers who have to quarantine because they are sick or have had close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Trudeau says the point was never to subsidize vacations and he's frustrated and angry that non-essential travellers might have claimed the benefit. The government will revise the rules t

Canada's chief public health officer says she's concerned at how quickly Canada's COVID-19 case numbers are growing. Doctor Theresa Tam says over the past week, the number of infections has been increasing by almost 7,500 per day. She notes that it took five months for Canada to reach its first 100,000 cases, and just over two weeks to go from 500- to 600,000. Dr. Tam says this rapid accumulation of cases will continue until we can make significant progress in interrupting the spread of the virus. More than 617,000 case have been reported in Canada since the start of pandemic. At present 79,5

The family of a Calgary police officer killed while attempting a traffic stop last week says he was looking forward to becoming a father for the first time. Sgt. Andrew Harnett, who was 37, had pulled over an SUV on New Year's Eve and was hit and dragged when the vehicle took off. Two teens have been charged with first-degree murder and made first court appearances today. The Harnett family has issued a statement saying the last few days have been indescribable and overwhelming , but adding that an outpouring of support from the public has been helpful. The statement says Harnett and his part