First Nations health officials say the COVID-19 pandemic has had only a modest effect on BC's Indigenous communities, and the reason is rooted in history. Dr. Shannon McDonald, acting chief medical officer for the First Nations Health Authority and Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC's provincial health officer, made those comments during a news conference this morning. They say First Nations suppressed the spread of COVID-19 by relying on lessons learned centuries ago as diseases carried by outsiders decimated Indigenous populations. McDonald says 87 cases of the virus have been reported among B-C's Indige

WestJet Airlines Ltd. says it will end its seat distancing policy on board its aircraft starting July 1.The carrier has blocked the purchase of middle seats and adjacent seats for the past few months to prevent the spread of COVID-19.With domestic air travel starting to nudge higher, WestJet says it will revert to health recommendations from the International Air Transport Association.The trade group called last month for an end to in-flight physical distancing rules, proposing a range of measures including some that run counter to federal government policies.Transport Canada listed physical

Microsoft said Friday it is permanently closing nearly all of its physical stores around the world. Like other retailers, the software and computing giant had to temporarily close all of its stores in late March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to its website, Microsoft has 83 stores worldwide, including 72 stores in the U.S., and several others abroad where it showcases and sells laptops and other hardware. Friday's announcement reflects what the company calls a "strategic change" for its retail business as sales increasingly shift online. Microsoft said it would "reimagine" the physic

The Supreme Court of Canada has cleared the way for Uber drivers to take the next step in their fight to be recognized as employees. In a decision today, the high court upheld an Ontario Court of Appeal decision that opened the door to a class-action suit aimed at securing a minimum wage, vacation pay and other benefits for drivers. The man behind the planned class action, David Heller, is an Ontario driver for UberEats, a service that delivers food from restaurants to customers at home. He argues that Uber drivers are employees, which entitles them to protections under Ontario's Employmen

At least 83 people died due to thunderstorms in Bihar in the last 24 hours, according to Chief Minister's Office.Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced Rs 4 lakhs each for the families of deceased.Thirteen people died in Gopalganj, 8 each in Madhubani and Nawada, 6 each in Baghalpur and Siwan, 5 each in Darbhanga, Banka, East Champaran and 3 each in Khagaria and Aurangabad.Due to thunderstorms, two people each lost their lives in West Champaran, Kishanganj, Jamui, Jahanabad, Purnia, Supaul, Buxar, Kaimur while one death each was reported in Samastipur, Shivhar, Saran, Sitamarhi and Madhep

There are 102,622 confirmed and presumptive cases in Canada. Quebec: 55,079 confirmed (including 5,448 deaths, 23,786 resolved) Ontario: 34,205 confirmed (including 2,641 deaths, 29,528 resolved) Alberta: 7,851 confirmed (including 154 deaths, 7,191 resolved) British Columbia: 2,869 confirmed (including 173 deaths, 2,517 resolved) Nova Scotia: 1,061 confirmed (including 63 deaths, 998 resolved) Saskatchewan: 759 confirmed (including 13 deaths, 648 resolved) Manitoba: 305 confirmed (including 7 deaths, 294 resolved), 11 presumptive Newfoundland and Labrador: 261 confirmed (including 3 deaths,

BC is reporting 20 new cases of COVID-19 and two more deaths, both residents of long-term care centres. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says one of the new cases is a teacher in the Fraser Health region but she says no students were exposed to the virus. It's the second case linked to a school since classes resumed earlier this month. Henry notes today is the last day of classes for the current school year and congratulates students for making it through one of the most challenging years anyone can remember. The new cases push the total in the province to 2,869 including 173 deaths

The federal Conservatives are proposing a "bonus" be paid to recipients of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to convince them to get back to work and eventually off the CERB. Opposition Leader Andrew Scheer also today gave Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a failing grade for his ability to handle the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Conservative "back to work bonus" plan, Canadians who lost their jobs through no fault of their own during the pandemic would continue to receive their full 2,000 dollars per month CERB. In addition, as businesses reopen, workers who make bet

A funeral was held this afternoon for a woman and her three young daughters who were killed in a crash in Brampton, Ontario. Four white caskets were brought before the altar as mourners spread out in the pews in keeping with physical distancing guidelines. Karolina Ciasullo was a 37 year old elementary school teacher. Her daughters were aged six, four and one. 20 year old man is facing four counts of dangerous driving causing death A 20 year old man is facing charges in a crash in Brampton, Ontario, that killed a mother and her three young daughters. Karolina Ciasullo died last week along wit