Feds say all large provinces need stronger COVID-19 response 'now'

New federal forecasts say all large provinces need to strengthen their COVID-19 response "now," with data suggesting the death toll could hit nearly 15,000 on Christmas Day.

Updated modelling indicates that Canada remains on a "rapid growth trajectory," with daily cases expected to cross the 10,000 mark later this month.

The projections indicate that the total number of deaths related to the outbreak could reach between 14,410 to 14,920 by Christmas Day.

The data says infections continue to climb in the six provinces west of the Atlantic region, with rates rising precipitously Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Canada's chief public health officer says the national positivity rate is 6.5 per cent, with 49 of 99 health regions reporting more than 100 cases per 100,000 population.

Dr. Theresa Tam says there's been a troubling rise in infections among older Canadians who face a higher risk of COVID-19 complications, with long-term care homes sees a growing number of outbreaks.