14.95°C Vancouver

Mar 21, 2020 1:42 AM -

Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland is asking Canadians for patience

Share On
deputy-pm-chrystia-freeland-is-asking-canadians-for-patience
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Chrystia Freeland responds to a question during Question Period in the House of Commons Monday March 9, 2020 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland is asking Canadians for patience as the Liberal government hammers out the details of the major moves they are making to respond to the global pandemic of COVID-19.

She says officials are doing things that would normally take several months in a matter of days and that they are aiming for speed, rather than perfection.

She says that sometimes means making an announcement about the actions they are taking and then filling in the details after the fact.

Freeland says that is not how they would normally operate, but she hopes Canadians understand the extraordinary situation.

Latest news

westjet-flight-attendants-sign-operational-wind-down-agreement-as-aug-2-strike-deadline-approaches
CanadaJul 29, 2026

WestJet, flight attendants sign operational wind-down agreement as Aug. 2 strike deadline approaches

WestJet and the union representing approximately 4,400 flight attendants have signed an operational wind-down agreement outlining procedures to safely land aircraft and return cabin crew home in the event of a strike. Flight attendants could begin strike action as early as Aug. 2 if the two sides fail to reach a new collective agreement. A work stoppage could disrupt travel plans for thousands of passengers during the August long weekend. Under Canada's labour rules, the union must provide at least 72 hours' strike notice before any job action can begin. If notice is issued, some flight cancel
manslaughter-charge-laid-after-fatal-assault-outside-nanaimo-nightclub
BCJul 29, 2026

Manslaughter charge laid after fatal assault outside Nanaimo nightclub

A 33-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal assault outside a downtown Nanaimo nightclub, according to the Nanaimo RCMP. Police said the incident occurred at approximately 1 a.m. on July 17 outside the Sweet Spot Lounge, where an altercation left a 27-year-old man with serious injuries. The victim was taken to hospital in critical condition and later died despite medical efforts. The investigation was led by the Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crime Unit. Following the investigation, officers arrested a 33-year-old suspect, who has since been charged with manslaughter. The char
about-10-000-federal-public-servants-apply-for-early-retirement-program
CanadaJul 29, 2026

About 10,000 federal public servants apply for early retirement program

About 10,000 federal public servants have applied for the federal government's early retirement program, introduced as part of its plan to reduce the size of the public service. According to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, 10,006 applications had been received as of Tuesday, following last week's application deadline. The program was offered to eligible employees after the government began sending information packages to about 68,000 public servants in December. Employees aged 50 and older with at least 10 years of federal employment and a minimum of two years of pensionable service
gordie-howe-international-bridge-sees-7-500-vehicle-crossings-in-first-12-hours
CanadaJul 29, 2026

Gordie Howe International Bridge sees 7,500 vehicle crossings in first 12 hours

Approximately 7,500 vehicles crossed the Gordie Howe International Bridge during the first 12 hours after the new Canada–U.S. border crossing opened to traffic, according to bridge officials. The bridge officially opened on Monday. The first private vehicle to cross carried members of hockey legend Gordie Howe's family, while an Onfreight Logistics truck became the first commercial vehicle to use the new crossing. Most of the traffic on opening day consisted of private and local vehicles. Officials said many commercial truck operators are still completing the required customs and border docu
AlbertaJul 29, 2026

Edmonton sets record for wettest summer before August begins

Edmonton has already recorded its wettest summer on record before the start of August, following weeks of persistent rainfall that has caused localized flooding and forced the cancellation of several events across the city. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Edmonton had received 580 millimetres of precipitation by Tuesday morning. The total surpasses the previous summer record of 417 millimetres, set between June and August in 1953. Environment Canada says Edmonton typically receives an average of 213.3 millimetres of precipitation during the three-month period from June thro

Related News