Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he will be speaking with the premiers today about how Ottawa can help provinces massively scale up their COVID-19 testing capacity to fend off a potential second wave of the novel coronavirus. He says testing needs to increase immediately in Ontario and Quebec, where the economies are starting to reopen but the number of new COVID-19 cases remains high. Trudeau first offered provinces a national framework on testing and contact tracing last week. He says he's received positive responses from across Canada so far and is set to further discuss the offer during

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is sending $75 million to organizations that help Indigenous people living in urban areas and off reserves through the COVID-19 pandemic. The government had previously promised $15 million in funding for services such as counselling, health care, food and supportive housing.More than a million Indigenous people live in cities or off reserves, Trudeau says, and they deserve good services that are culturally appropriate.The Liberals have promised $290 million for organizations representing First Nations, Metis and Inuit people, primarily

Autism Canada and Asthma Canada are just two of the organizations raising issues about the wearing of face masks. Even as she was encouraging people to wear masks in public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam warned people not to judge those who can't wear them. Asthma Canada's president says wearing a mask can trigger asthma symptoms.Autism Canada says adults and children who have trouble with sensory processing, as well as tactile, olfactory and nervous-system hypersensitivity could face serious challenges in wearing a mask.Deaf and hearing-impair

BC health officials say the use of non-medical masks in public settings is a good way to protect those around you. A joint statement from Health Minister Adrian Dix and public health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says masks should be used when it's difficult to keep a physical distance. Canada's public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam also says Canadians should wear masks as an added layer of protection. Dix and Henry say face coverings keep the users' droplets in but won't prevent the virus from being transmitted by others. There have been 21 new cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in the province today, u

Canada's chief public health officer says there has been a social, cultural shift around the wearing of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. After first suggesting wearing a mask, Dr. Theresa Tam is now recommending covering your face when maintaining physical distance might not be possible. She says thinking it of as protecting each other from being exposed to the virus is a key concept for Canadians. Dr. Tam is again stressing that for summer, outside activities are better than inside and keeping a physical distance and hand washing will continue to be key.

The City of Surrey has announced Surrey Canada Day will be hosted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic and consideration for public health and safety. Virtual Surrey Canada Day will take place on July 1 and will be broadcasted on Facebook and YouTube Live. Hosted by four-time Olympic gold medalist, Hayley Wickenheiser, this year’s free family-friendly virtual event will feature a series of segments including, musical entertainment, virtual tours, indigenous and cultural acts, a “Family Hour” for kids and seniors, dance lessons, a rodeo tribute, and a virtual firework finale to end the

Large companies that receive bridge financing through a new federal loan program will have to give the government the option to take an ownership stake, or provide a cash equivalent.Finance Minister Bill Morneau says the terms will be the same for any company asking for help through the program that opens for applications today.He says the terms are designed to make sure companies using the program receive bridge loans, not bailouts, to get through COVID-19's economic disruptions.The Liberals have said the loans would be on commercial terms, and require companies to have already gone to banks

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,

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