Ontario is pausing social visits in and out of long-term care homes as the Omicron variant spreads rapidly in the province. Long-Term Care. Minister Rod Phillips says that as of Thursday visits to long-term care homes will be restricted to two designated caregivers per resident, while residents will still be allowed to leave for essential needs. Phillips says the measures are needed because long-term care homes are particularly vulnerable to community spread.The measure comes as 41 long-term care homes are facing outbreaks, and Ontario reported closed to nine-thousand new COVID-19 cases across

British Columbia health officials reported 6,288 COVID-19 cases for a three-day period. A news release Monday says the case numbers are ``preliminary.'' Officials say hospitalization, death and vaccination numbers related to COVID-19 will be given Wednesday. They say there were 2,552 cases on Christmas Eve, 2,023 on Christmas Day and 1,713 on Boxing Day. Health experts have said COVID-19 case numbers are likely to be higher than reported because several hospitals and sites have reached testing limits. Provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry had said testing sites across B.C. were seeing l

The RCMP in British Columbia are investigating a homicide in 70 Mile House. Police say officers were called to a residence on Komori Road just after 11:30 a.m. on Boxing Day and arrived to discover a 52-year-old man suffering critical injuries. Despite life-saving efforts, police say the man was pronounced dead at the scene. RCMP Sgt. Janelle Shoihet says a 62-year-old man, who was known to the victim, was arrested and has since been released. Shoihet says the 62-year-old man has not yet been charged as the investigation continues. Police say it is believed to be an isolated incident and tha

British Columbia is again extending its provincial state of emergency that's been in place after torrential rain caused severe flooding and mudslides last month. The province says in a news release that multiple highways are still damaged, so the emergency order, which gives the province additional powers, is being extended to Jan. 11. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says in the release that while significant progress has been made on repairs, there's still more to do to reopen highways and get people back into their homes. The order restricting travel on the Coquihalla Highway, or Hig

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Christmas:"Merry Christmas, Canada! Today, our family joins Christians across the country and around the world to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and his message of compassion, love, and selflessness."As a family, we usually gather for meals with loved ones, exchange gifts around the Christmas tree, and most importantly, create memories together. This is also a day to reflect on the many contributions that Christians have made – and continue to make – to communities across the country. This holiday season, like

Drivers are advised that the Alex Fraser Bridge is closed for public safety reasons.This full bridge closure is necessary to protect travellers due to snow buildup on the cables.With the high winds, rope technicians are unable to deploy the drop system that would normally clear the cables causing the likelihood that snow or ice may shed from the cables onto the lanes. Conditions are being closely monitored. It's not known how long the bridge closure will be.Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes.All travellers are reminded to follow signs and watch for traffic control personnel.Mot

British Columbia businesses that were mandated to temporarily shut down through public health orders because of surging COVID-19 cases will be eligible to receive a new one-time relief grant of up to $10,000.The COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant will supplement federal support programs and provide funding to help affected businesses alleviate some financial pressures and help with expenses including rent, employee wages, insurance, maintenance and utilities."We’re all exhausted by COVID-19, but unfortunately COVID-19 is not done with us," said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and

Another challenge could be looming for BC's poultry and egg producers as cases of the H-5-N-1 avian flu have been identified on a farm in Newfoundland. The president of the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council says members across Canada have been warned to watch for signs of the illness, while producers in Newfoundland are taking additional biosecurity measures to halt any spread. Matthew Miller describes the situation as ``concerning,'' but says he's reassured that the cases have been identified on an exhibition farm and not at a commercial operation, meaning Canada still retains its

A white suburban Minneapolis police officer has been found guilty of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter in the death of Daunte Wright, a Black man. Kim Potter said she meant to use her Taser to try to stop the 20 year old Wright from fleeing during an April 11 traffic stop but accidentally grabbed her gun instead. She was convicted on both counts Thursday. First-degree manslaughter requires prosecutors to prove that she acted recklessly, while second-degree manslaughter requires them to establish that she acted with culpable negligence.