Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says vaccinated travellers will no longer need a molecular COVID-19 test to enter Canada starting Feb. 28 because the COVID-19 situation in Canada has improved. Travellers can instead opt for a rapid antigen test approved by the country they are coming from. Unvaccinated children travelling with vaccinated adults who come to Canada will no longer have to isolate from school or daycare for 14 days. Some fully vaccinated travellers might still be randomly selected for a molecular test at the airport, but they will not be required to quarantine while they wait fo

Conservative interim leader Candice Bergen says she will be taking a look at the Emergencies Act invoked Monday by the federal government. She blamed the ongoing blockade of Parliament Hill and different border crossings on the divisive language she says Trudeau has used throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Conservative MPs, including Bergen, supported protesters who travelled to Ottawa more than three weeks ago. Many of them have not left. Bergen says Conservatives are the party of law and order and want the blockades to be removed and people to protest peacefully. Conservative leader Cand

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he has invoked the Emergencies Act to bring to an end to antigovernment blockades he says are illegal and not about peaceful protest. Trudeau says the act will be used to protect critical infrastructure such as borders and airports from the blockades, and is creating time-limited powers that do not already exist. This is the first time the Emergencies Act has been invoked since it came into force in 1988. Trudeau says the act will be used to protect critical infrastructure such as borders and airports, and is creating time-limited powers that do not already

Ontario is declaring a state of emergency in response to the ongoing protests against public health measures in Ottawa and Windsor. Premier Doug Ford says he will use legal measures to enact orders that make it clear that it's illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure. Ford says that includes protecting international border crossings like the Ambassador Bridge that links Windsor to Detroit, 400-series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways. The premier notes that fines for non-compliance will be up to $100,000

Canada’s chief public health officer says as we continue to take action to limit the impact of COVID-19 on our healthcare system, health authorities across the country are now looking ahead to longer-term, sustainable management of the virus. Dr. Theresa Tam says this includes transition plans for the immediate future as the level of virus activity continues to improve.Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says the federal government will announce changes to pandemic measures at Canada's borders next week, adding the worst of the latest wave of the pandemic is now behind us.

Crowdfunding site GoFundMe will speak to members of Parliament about what measures it has in place to prevent the funding of extremism. NDP MP Alistair MacGregor announced today representatives from the site have accepted a request to appear before the House of Commons standing committee on public safety and national security. MacGregor brought forward the motion and says they will appear March 3. It comes as a protest against vaccine mandates and COVID-19 health restrictions drags on well into its second week on Parliament Hill, clogging up surrounding streets. Donors raised more than $10 mi

Liberal MP Joel Lightbound says he has resigned as the party's Quebec caucus chairman. Lightbound announced the move on Twitter this afternoon after he criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He says he will be happy to support his successor in the continuation of the work of the caucus. Quebec Liberal MP Joel Lightbound says it's time his government stops dividing Canadians on the COVID-19 pandemic. Lightbound broke publicly with his political party today, telling reporters the government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues

Interim Conservative leader Candice Bergen is calling for the Liberal government to end all COVID-19-related restrictions and vaccine mandates, the same demand made by protesting truckers. During question period in the House of Commons today, Bergen said the measures have caused division among Canadians. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded by saying that all Canadians are frustrated by the pandemic, but the government will continue to protect public health.

Advisory issued by High Commission of India: The Canadian capital city of Ottawa and several other major cities including Toronto are currently witnessing protests with road blockages, demonstrations, large gatherings, and general strikes. This has led to disruptions to traffic, public transportation, and shortages of essential items, including food and water.Owing to the prevailing situation, a state of emergency has been declared for the City of Ottawa. The impact on traffic and services is likely to continue and local authorities in other major cities of Canada may also impose curfews or ot