Federal and provincial governments have agreed to extend a commercial rent relief program to help cover July costs for eligible small businesses, with a few changes. The Finance Department says the program will no longer clawback the costs of insurance proceeds and provincial rent supports from the forgivable loans for current and new applicants. Previous clawback amounts will be given back to landlords that previously received loans through the program. As well, those who qualified for loans by showing revenue declines of 70 per cent in April, May or June will qualify anew without being reas

Fireworks companies say they're experiencing a surge in consumer sales as people try to recreate Canada Day displays that were cancelled because of COVID-19.Gary Colquhoun, owner of Fireworks Atlantic in Yarmouth, N.S., said he's received five months worth of orders in the past two weeks after a slow start to the year.Colquhoun, who sells across the country, says he's running three shifts a day to fill orders for stock that has since sold out.Many Canada Day celebrations, and the fireworks that go with them, have been cancelled as officials across the country limit gatherings during the COVID-

Traditionally, Governor General Julie Payette would use Canada Day to announce new Order of Canada members, but the COVID-19 pandemic prevented members of the Order of Canada advisory panel from meeting. So instead, Payette is recognizing 123 Canadians for their skills, courage or dedication to service. The list of "remarkable Canadians" includes five people who tried to stop a gunman who opened fire inside a Quebec City mosque in January of 2017. Azzedine Soufiane, who died trying to stop the attacker, is being posthumously awarded the Star of Courage, the second-highest award for bravery

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.

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

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

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

Air Canada is indefinitely suspending service on 30 domestic regional routes and closing eight stations at regional airports. The airline says the cuts are being made as a result of continuing weak demand for both business and leisure travel due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and border closures. The regional airports where Air Canada is closing its stations include four in Quebec and two in Ontario plus one in New Brunswick and one in Newfoundland and Labrador. Air Canada also says other changes to its network and schedule, as well as further service suspensions, will be considered over the

Three mayors in the Greater Toronto Area are asking their city councils to approve bylaws to make masks mandatory in public indoor settings.Toronto Mayor John Tory, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown all support the move.Tory announced at a news conference this morning that he would vote in favour of a temporary bylaw recommended by Toronto's medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa.The proposed bylaw will be voted on by Toronto city council today and, if approved, will come into effect in a week's time.