The parliamentary budget office says it could cost more than $98 billion to provide almost all Canadians with a basic income for six months beginning this fall.That figure is the upper range of the scenarios the budget watchdog was asked to research as part of a report out this morning.The idea of providing a basic income to Canadians has taken on more steam as millions have watched their jobs or earnings evaporate in the COVID-19 pandemic, and the federal spending of about $174 billion to provide a financial floor for individuals and businesses.The cost for the federal government could range

British Columbia is reporting six more deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic with all those who died in long term care. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says four deaths were in the Vancouver Coastal health region and two were in Fraser Health. One person died in June but that death has now been attributed to the virus. The total number of people who have died due to COVID-19 in B.C. stands at 183. There have been 31 new cases of the novel coronavirus since Friday. The province has recorded a total of 2,978 cases of COVID-19.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is taking a pass on a meeting this week with U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.Trudeau's office says he wishes the two countries and their leaders well but Trudeau will remain in Ottawa for a cabinet retreat and a scheduled sitting of Parliament.Lopez Obrador is travelling to D.C. in part to celebrate the entry-into-force of the new North American free-trade deal and had expressed hope Trudeau would join as well.Trudeau's office says the prime minister will continue to work with both countries to ensure the agreement be

The B.C. government reported an additional 13 cases of COVID-19 on Friday. The additions bring the total number of cases in the province to 2,947, with 162 listed as active. The province did not report any additional deaths. There have been a total of 177 deaths in British Columbia related to the novel coronavirus. The government says six cases that were previously reported in the overall total have been removed from B.C.'s statistics because they were identified as residents of another province. It says those cases will be reported in their home province, which is consistent with regular pro

A man who allegedly drove a pickup truck through the gates of Rideau Hall in Ottawa now faces charges, but police are still not saying anything about his motive. He is identified as 46 year old Corey Hurren, a member of the military reserves. He was arrested by RCMP not far from the front door of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's current residence. Trudeau was not there when the alleged incident occurred on Thursday morning. The RCMP say Hurren had several weapons on him, including at least one gun. He faces 22 charges, including one for uttering threats. The rest are weapons charges. He appears

BC is reporting three more deaths due to COVID-19, bringing the death toll to 177. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says two deaths occurred at Holy Family Hospital and one at Mission Memorial Hospital. Henry says there have been 24 new cases of COVID-19 over past two days, bringing the total to 2,940. 17 people are in hospital, including two in intensive care.

Governor General Julie Payette has sent out a tweet thanking the RCMP after police arrested an armed man on the grounds of Rideau Hall this morning. A large number of police officers responded to the area just after 6:30 am. Payette tweeted that all of her staff are safe. Neither she nor Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were on the property this morning. Trudeau and his family have lived in a home on the property since he was elected prime minister

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

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