CanadaMay 19, 2020
PM Trudeau says virtual and reduced in-person House of Commons sittings have been effective
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the re-opening of Canada amid the COVID-19 pandemic needs to be cautious and responsible, and that goes for the resumption of the House of Commons too. Opposition leader Andrew Scheer has repeatedly called for a return to in-person sittings, saying the existing thrice-weekly meetings of a special COVID-19 committee aren't enough to properly scrutinize the government's handling of the pandemic. Trudeau says the two virtual sittings combined with a single, reduced in-person sitting have been very effective in allowing MPs from across the country to participate
CanadaMay 19, 2020
Canada turns to U.S. Navy for help to recover downed military helicopter
The Canadian Armed Forces is turning to the U.S. military for assistance in recovering the downed Cyclone helicopter off the coast of Greece.The helicopter crashed on April 29 within sight of the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Fredericton while participating in a NATO training mission.The remains of two Armed Forces members on board have been recovered, while four others are missing and presumed dead.While the voice and flight-data recorder were recovered, the main wreckage is beneath about 3,000 metres of water.Lt.-Gen. Mike Rouleau, who overseas all Canadian military missions at home and abroad,
CanadaMay 19, 2020
Canada's greenhouse gas emissions have fallen during the COVID-19 pandemic
A new study finds Canada's greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by about 20 per cent during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the research published today in the journal Nature points out that percentage is less than many countries such as Great Britain or the US. Co-author Corinne Le Quere says that's because Canada brought in mobility restrictions later and those were also less-strict than other countries. Globally, emissions have dropped 17 per cent.
CanadaMay 19, 2020
Facebook pays $9-million penalty over federal probe of privacy claims
Facebook will pay a $9-million penalty after the federal Competition Bureau found the company made false or misleading claims about the privacy of Canadians' personal information.The social media firm will pay an additional $500,000 to cover the costs of the bureau's investigation.In a settlement registered today, the company has agreed not to make misleading representations about the extent to which users can control access to their personal data on Facebook and the Messenger app.Following an investigation that took into account Facebook's practices between August 2012 and June 2018, the bure
CanadaMay 19, 2020
U.S. agrees to Canada's request to extend non-essential travel ban into June
The United States has agreed to Canada's request to extend the mutual ban on non-essential cross-border travel until June 21.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the extension today.He calls it an important decision that will protect citizens in both countries.The deal, which prohibits discretionary travel while permitting trade shipments, commerce and essential workers to continue to move in both directions, was first reached in mid-March and extended for 30 days last month.Officials and stakeholders on both sides of the border have hailed the agreement as a successful measure in curbing t
BCMay 19, 2020
Businesses, customers urged to 'take it slow' as B.C. reopens
Business owners are encouraged to "take it slow" as B.C. begins the second phase of its restart plan.Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says she understands there will be anxiety as B.C. businesses open their doors for potentially the first time in several months.Starting today, restaurants, cafes and pubs, retail and personal service establishments, libraries, museums and galleries, office spaces and child care facilities may reopen.Parks, beaches and recreational facilities are reopening, too.Henry says she knows people are a "little bit afraid" and says they should "take it slow" du
BCMay 19, 2020
16 new COVID-19 cases and 2 more deaths reported in B.C.
British Columbia is announcing two new deaths and 16 new cases of COVID-19 over the Victoria Day long weekend. There have been 2,444 total cases of COVID-19 in the province with 1,966 fully recovering. These cases represent figures for two days, from Saturday to Monday. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the latest deaths both occurred in long-term care homes.
CanadaMay 19, 2020
Officer calls Snowbirds crash 'nightmare' as probe begins
A team of military investigators has arrived in British Columbia to begin searching for answers into Sunday's deadly Snowbirds jet crash. The aerobatic team's commander described as a confluence of ``worst-case scenarios, and it became our absolute worst nightmare.'' The Snowbirds had been in the midst of a cross-country tour aimed at boosting morale during the COVID-19 pandemic. One Canadian Armed Forces member, Capt. Jennifer Casey, a spokesperson, was killed while another, Capt. Richard MacDougall, who was piloting the aircraft, sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries.
WorldMay 18, 2020
Man kills 3 family members, then himself in South Carolina
Authorities say a man shot and killed three members of his family and then killed himself after an argument in their South Carolina home. Calhoun County deputies said two children escaped from the home in St. Matthews during the shooting around 7 p.m. Sunday. Authorities say a 37 year old man killed a 37 year old woman and 16 year old and 12 year old sisters teenagers before killing himself. One of the two children who escaped was shot in the arm and treated at the hospital. Deputies say the shooting happened after an argument, but didn't release additional details on the dispute.