Ontario and Quebec both reported record-breaking numbers of new COVID-19 infections today. Ontario reported 57-hundred and 90 new cases and Quebec 9,397 new infections. Health officials in Montreal report one-fifth of residents getting tested are positive and that 90 per cent of infections are the Omicron variant. Contact tracers in the city can no longer keep up with the crush of new infections. A doctor who advises the Ontario government on COVID-19 says as high as today's number was, the real total is likely three to four times higher.

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser says some changes to Canada's immigration system could be here to stay.Last month the government welcomed a record number of permanent residents, putting the Liberals on track to meet an ambitious immigration target of 401,000 new permanent residents by the end of the year.Some of the new arrivals have been immigrants who arrived in Canada through traditional means.But others have been temporary residents allowed to make the country their permanent home because of pandemic-related restrictions at the border.Fraser says that pathway could remain open beyond the

Canadian swimmers have given their best performance in the short course world championships. Canada won a total of 15 medals at the world championships played at Abu Dhabi. Canadian swimmers ended the championship with 7 gold, 6 silver and 2 bronze medals. US won the most medals and ended the championship with 30 medals that included 9 gold medals. Swimming Canada on Twitter: With 15 medals, this is Canada’s most medals won ever at any World Championships or Olympic Games!

The federal government is temporarily expanding eligibility for two COVID-19 benefit programs to aid those affected by capacity limits imposed in response to the spread of the Omicron variant.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is making the announcement today as provinces tighten restrictions on businesses in response to a countrywide surge of COVID-19 cases.Last week Parliament passed the new Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit, a program that grants $300 a week to anyone who can't work because of a COVID-19 lockdown.The law also includes targeted aid for businesses that are ordered close as part of a

Canadian Maggie Mac Neil has won the gold medal in the women's 100 metre butterfly at the world short course swimming championships in Abu Dhabi. She did it in a Canadian record time of 55.04 seconds. Mac Neil was also part of the team that earned silver in the women's four-by-100 medley today, and yesterday she set a world record in the 50 metre backstroke. FINA on Twitter: 4 gold medals and a WR for Maggie Macneil at the World Swimming Championship 🤩"If you would have told me my first world record would be backstroke, I wouldn’t have believed you" said MacneilHow would you describ

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has tested positive for COVID-19. She shared the information on Twitter. Her rapid test has ben found positive as she waits for the results of a PCR test. Mélanie Joly on Twitter: I have taken a rapid test and tested positive for #COVID19. Following public health guidelines, I am in isolation and will continue my work virtually, as I have been for a number of days, until I get the results of my PCR test. 1/3 I’m grateful for the protection that vaccines offer us and encourage everyone to get vaccinated and boosted. It’s the best thing we c

Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube says the situation in his province is critical, so new restrictions are necessary. Dube has announced the complete closure of bars and casinos and says restaurants can open only between 5 and 10 pm. Schools will also close as of today and until January 10th. Quebec reported a single-day record of 4,571 new COVID-19 infections today. Ontario reported 3,784 new cases today as many newly-eligible residents 18 and up scrambled to try to book a vaccine booster shot.

Ontario is reintroducing capacity limits at restaurants, bars and retailers, and capping indoor social gatherings at 10 people in an effort to slow the spread of the Omicron variant. The province is also limiting outdoor gatherings to 25, and prohibiting food and drink consumption at sports arenas, cinemas and other large venues. The new rules come into effect first thing Sunday morning, and don't apply to facilities hosting weddings, funerals or religious services. Premier Doug Ford is making the announcement a day after the province's science advisers said a ramped-up booster campaign would

Canada's chief public health officer says all confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in Canada are mild or asymptomatic. But Dr. Theresa Tam says most of the 300 plus Canadians who have contracted the variant are younger, and even a milder version of COVID-19 version could wreak havoc at a societal level. Tam says both vaccinated and unvaccinated people have tested positive for the Omicron variant. But she stresses that being fully vaccinated and then getting a booster is expected to provide reasonable protection against infection and likely strong protection against severe illness.