Sophie Grégoire Trudeau was tested for COVID-19; PM Justin Trudeau working from home.
EU, Canada say they weren’t informed ahead of time about U.S. travel ban.
1st known Canadian case of a child testing positive in Calgary.
Juno Awards, scheduled for Sunday in Saskatoon, have been cancelled.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie, are in self-isolation as she awaits COVID-19 test results, the Prime Minister’s Office announced Thursday. Meanwhile, international fallout poured in over what is being characterized as a unilateral U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic after the country restricted travel from Europe.
“The doctor’s advice to the Prime Minister is to continue daily activities while self-monitoring, given he is exhibiting no symptoms himself. However, out of an abundance of caution, the Prime Minister is opting to self-isolate and work from home until receiving Sophie’s results,” the statement read.
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau began exhibiting mild flu-like symptoms, including a low fever, late [Wednesday] night,” the statement said.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also announced he is self-isolating, though he is not currently exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms.
Also Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland told CBC News Network that the U.S. did not notify Canada before announcing travel restrictions on Europe.
“This is absolutely something that we need to discuss with our friends and neighbours, and we will be doing that,” said Freeland.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday evening that all European travel would be cut off, but U.S. officials later clarified that restrictions would apply only to most foreign citizens who have been in Europe’s passport-free travel zone at any point for 14 days prior to their arrival to the United States.
Trump initially caused confusion by incorrectly stating in his address that the ban would apply to cargo, which the White House later corrected.
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in the Oval Office on Thursday. Trump said there was no time to give European officials a headsup about the administration’s surprising decision regarding travel from the continent. (Evan Vucci/The Associated Press)
Trump said he had excluded the U.K. from the curbs because it was doing a good job in tackling the coronavirus. He said he was unable to consult with European officials before implementing the restrictions because he had to move quickly.
“I don’t want people dying; that’s what I’m all about,” said Trump.
“I made a very tough decision last night, and a very tough decision a long time ago,” he said, referring to an earlier restriction on travel to and from China.
U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence told ABC News that the Trump administration is also requesting travellers returning to the U.S. from Europe “voluntarily quarantine” themselves for 14 days.
Here’s what’s happening in provinces with COVID-19 cases
As of midday Thursday, there were at least 137 presumptive and confirmed cases reported in Canada, with one death.
46 patients in B.C., including one death and four listed as recovered.
59 cases in Ontario, including five listed as recovered.
19 cases in Alberta.
9 cases in Quebec.
1 presumptive case in New Brunswick.
1 case in Manitoba.
1 case in Saskatchewan.
1 case among the Grand Princess passengers under quarantine at CFB Trenton, Ont.
In Calgary, a child who attended a daycare located in the building that houses Suncor’s headquarters tested positive for COVID-19. It is the first known Canadian case of a child testing positive for the virus.
Manitoba and Saskatchewan each announced their first presumptive cases on Thursday. The Manitoba case involved a woman who had travelled to the Philippines, while the Saskatchewan case involved a person who had been in Egypt.
Saskatchewan premier ends speculation, rules out spring election. Scott Moe says the government must remain focused on the ‘health and economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.’ Previous story: <a href=”https://t.co/SInkbylM5M”>https://t.co/SInkbylM5M</a> <a href=”https://t.co/htSK1yJthZ”>pic.twitter.com/htSK1yJthZ</a>
In Ontario, the province is updating its count of cases at 10:30 a.m. and 5: 30 p.m. ET daily, but regional health authorities have been providing their own updates throughout the day. As of midday Thursday, the province of Ontario reported 42 cases — including five that were counted as resolved. There were also reports of two cases in Kitchener-Waterloo area, as well as another in the Halton Region, Hamilton and Ottawa.
It was not immediately clear whether any of these had previously been counted in the provincial tally.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said that everyone needs to work together to tackle COVID-19.
Speaking Thursday, he addressed the urgency of the outbreak, but also reiterated a call for increased health transfers to the provinces. He said in Ontario, officials are planning for “every single scenario possible.”
Ontario announced Wednesday that it has said aside $100 million as a contingency fund to deal with COVID-19.
How the Canadian government is responding
When asked how many people in Canada may become infected, federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu said Wednesday that the evidence is still not firm. But she noted that current reports are “somewhere in the 30 to 70 per cent” range.
Canada’s chief public health officer is urging people to take precautions and make efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus, which WHO now describes as a pandemic.
Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, urged people to take control measures, including proper hand hygiene, staying home if sick and social distancing.
5/5 <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Socialdistancing?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Socialdistancing</a> and other measures that public health officials are recommending now may seem extreme – but robust action now can help avert extreme pressure on our health system and across society. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlattenTheCurve?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#FlattenTheCurve</a>
The Public Health Agency of Canada, which has been assessing the risks associated with the outbreak, says the risk from the novel coronavirus to the general population in Canada is currently low, but that could change. PHAC says people who are over 65, have underlying medical issues or a compromised immune system face “an increased risk of more severe outcomes.”
Trudeau earlier announced a $1-billion fund to help fight COVID-19, with funding for a range of initiatives, including provincial health systems, procurement of essential equipment and protective gear, as well as research into the novel coronavirus.
What’s happening in the rest of the world
The European Union lashed out at Trump’s “unilateral” travel decision, saying that the illness does not respect borders.
“The European Union disapproves of the fact that the U.S. decision to impose a travel ban was taken unilaterally and without consultation,” EU Council President Charles Michel and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint statement.
“The coronavirus is a global crisis, not limited to any continent and it requires co-operation rather than unilateral action.”
They rejected Trump’s suggestion that Europe is not doing enough to combat COVID-19, saying the 27-nation bloc “is taking strong action to limit the spread of the virus.”
WATCH | Doctors answer your questions about COVID-19:
Infectious disease experts and a doctor specializing in the elderly answer your questions about the COVID-19 pandemic. 9:03
British scientists are not recommending the government introduce a U.S.-style travel ban to stop the spread of coronavirus, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Thursday.
As the virus spreads, more European countries are adopting drastic measures. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Thursday that child-care centres, schools and universities are being closed until March 29, with the employed advised to work from home if possible.
In Italy, the epicentre of Europe’s coronavirus outbreak, roughly 23 per cent of the population is over 65. In France, medical units are common in assisted living facilities for those over 60 who need daily nursing care.
Travellers wait for registration and a health check at the border between Austria and Italy. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced his country is turning away people arriving from Italy, except those with a doctor’s certificate, in a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. (Jan Hetfleisch/Getty Images)
Most people have only mild or moderate symptoms from the novel coronavirus, such as fever and cough, but symptoms can be severe, including pneumonia, especially in older adults and people with existing health problems. The vast majority of people recover from the virus, but 126,000 people have been infected worldwide, with 4,600 dead, most of them in China. More than 68,000 people have recovered.
Meanwhile, the U.S. army decided to cut down the number of troops taking part in The Defender-Europe 2020 war games that have been planned across Europe over the next six months because of the virus. No details on numbers were provided; the exercises were set to involve around 20,000 American personnel.
In Washington, Congress said it would shut the Capitol, House and Senate office buildings to the public as of 5 p.m. ET Thursday until April 1 in reaction to the coronavirus. Only lawmakers, staff, journalists and visitors with official business will be permitted to enter the buildings.
For the second straight day, lawmakers were asking hard questions of top-ranked health officials about American preparedness to handle any significant increase in infections.
Anthony Fauci, who heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, gave a sobering update.
“The system is not really geared to what we need right now.… That is a failing. Let’s admit it,” Fauci said. “The idea of anybody getting it easily, the way people in other countries are doing it, we’re not set up for that. Do I think we should be? Yes. But we’re not.”
The Democratic debate between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders scheduled for Phoenix on Sunday is being moved to Washington, D.C.
Here’s what’s happening in business
Another alarming slide on Wall Street also began Thursday, triggering a brief, automatic shutdown in trading for the second time this week.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down about 1,800 points, or nearly eight per cent at midmorning, while the broader S&P 500 was off 6.2 per cent.
Traders work on the floor at the opening bell of the Dow Industrial Average at the New York Stock Exchange. Markets took a beating Thursday, amid global concern about the growing coronavirus outbreak and oil prices. (Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty Images)
Canada’s main stock index plunged more than 1,000 points. The Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index fell 1,309.13 points, to 12,960.96.
Princess Cruises announced early Thursday that its 18 cruise ships will not sail for two months, for trips departing March 12 to May 10. Voyages currently underway and originally scheduled to extend past March 17 will be “ended at the most convenient location for guests, factoring in operational requirements,” the company said.
The European Central Bank said it would buy up 120 billion euros ($186B Cdn) more in bonds, money that is newly created and injected into the financial system. It is also providing cheap loans to banks to ensure their liquidity.
Here’s what’s happening in the world of sports
The NBA suspended its season Wednesday night “until further notice” after a Utah Jazz player tested positive Wednesday for the coronavirus. The NBA said in a statement the league would “use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”
The Utah Jazz hosted the Toronto Raptors on Monday. The Raptors said on Thursday morning that members of the organization have been tested for the virus.
“Our players, coaches and travelling staff have all been advised to go into self-isolation for 14 days, which means minimizing contact in accordance with public health guidelines,” the organization said. “Our team doctors remain in communication with infection control specialists and public health authorities, and we will continue to abide by their advice.”
The NHL was expected to provide another update at 1 p.m. ET today.
“Given the uncertainty regarding next steps regarding the coronavirus, clubs are advised not to conduct morning skates, practices or team meetings today,” the league said.
Empty seats are shown at the Amway Center on Thursday, home of the NBA’s Orlando Magic. The NBA has suspended its season ‘until further notice’ after a Utah Jazz player tested positive Wednesday for the coronavirus. (Stephen M. Dowell /Orlando Sentinel via AP)
The ATP announced it was suspending the men’s professional tennis tour for six weeks, and Major League Soccer is taking a 30-day break.
Speculation continues to mount about the status of the Summer Olympics in Japan, scheduled to begin July 24. The International Olympic Committee said Thursday it is continuing to monitor the situation..
” … with 19 weeks before the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the many measures being taken now by authorities all around the world give us confidence and keep us fully committed to delivering Olympic Games that can bring the world together in peace,” the statement read.
Here’s what’s happening in arts and culture
Junos organizers announced that the 49th edition of the celebration, honouring the best in the Canadian music industry and scheduled for Sunday, is off.
“We are devastated to cancel this national celebration of music, but at this time of global uncertainty, the health, safety and well-being of all Canadians must stand at the forefront of any decisions that impact our communities,” organizers said in a statement.
As Trump was speaking on Wednesday night, Tom Hanks and his wife, actress-singer Rita Wilson, revealed they have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Hanks said the couple are in Australia on a movie shoot and will be “tested, observed and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires.”
VANCOUVER – Contract negotiations resume today in Vancouver in a labour dispute that has paralyzed container cargo shipping at British Columbia’s ports since Monday.
The BC Maritime Employers Association and International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 are scheduled to meet for the next three days in mediated talks to try to break a deadlock in negotiations.
The union, which represents more than 700 longshore supervisors at ports, including Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Nanaimo, has been without a contract since March last year.
The latest talks come after employers locked out workers in response to what it said was “strike activity” by union members.
The start of the lockout was then followed by several days of no engagement between the two parties, prompting federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon to speak with leaders on both sides, asking them to restart talks.
MacKinnon had said that the talks were “progressing at an insufficient pace, indicating a concerning absence of urgency from the parties involved” — a sentiment echoed by several business groups across Canada.
In a joint letter, more than 100 organizations, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Business Council of Canada and associations representing industries from automotive and fertilizer to retail and mining, urged the government to do whatever it takes to end the work stoppage.
“While we acknowledge efforts to continue with mediation, parties have not been able to come to a negotiated agreement,” the letter says. “So, the federal government must take decisive action, using every tool at its disposal to resolve this dispute and limit the damage caused by this disruption.
“We simply cannot afford to once again put Canadian businesses at risk, which in turn puts Canadian livelihoods at risk.”
In the meantime, the union says it has filed a complaint to the Canada Industrial Relations Board against the employers, alleging the association threatened to pull existing conditions out of the last contract in direct contact with its members.
“The BCMEA is trying to undermine the union by attempting to turn members against its democratically elected leadership and bargaining committee — despite the fact that the BCMEA knows full well we received a 96 per cent mandate to take job action if needed,” union president Frank Morena said in a statement.
The employers have responded by calling the complaint “another meritless claim,” adding the final offer to the union that includes a 19.2 per cent wage increase over a four-year term remains on the table.
“The final offer has been on the table for over a week and represents a fair and balanced proposal for employees, and if accepted would end this dispute,” the employers’ statement says. “The offer does not require any concessions from the union.”
The union says the offer does not address the key issue of staffing requirement at the terminals as the port introduces more automation to cargo loading and unloading, which could potentially require fewer workers to operate than older systems.
The Port of Vancouver is the largest in Canada and has seen a number of labour disruptions, including two instances involving the rail and grain storage sectors earlier this year.
A 13-day strike by another group of workers at the port last year resulted in the disruption of a significant amount of shipping and trade.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 9, 2024.
The Royal Canadian Legion says a new partnership with e-commerce giant Amazon is helping boost its veterans’ fund, and will hopefully expand its donor base in the digital world.
Since the Oct. 25 launch of its Amazon.ca storefront, the legion says it has received nearly 10,000 orders for poppies.
Online shoppers can order lapel poppies on Amazon in exchange for donations or buy items such as “We Remember” lawn signs, Remembrance Day pins and other accessories, with all proceeds going to the legion’s Poppy Trust Fund for Canadian veterans and their families.
Nujma Bond, the legion’s national spokesperson, said the organization sees this move as keeping up with modern purchasing habits.
“As the world around us evolves we have been looking at different ways to distribute poppies and to make it easier for people to access them,” she said in an interview.
“This is definitely a way to reach a wider number of Canadians of all ages. And certainly younger Canadians are much more active on the web, on social media in general, so we’re also engaging in that way.”
Al Plume, a member of a legion branch in Trenton, Ont., said the online store can also help with outreach to veterans who are far from home.
“For veterans that are overseas and are away, (or) can’t get to a store they can order them online, it’s Amazon.” Plume said.
Plume spent 35 years in the military with the Royal Engineers, and retired eight years ago. He said making sure veterans are looked after is his passion.
“I’ve seen the struggles that our veterans have had with Veterans Affairs … and that’s why I got involved, with making sure that the people get to them and help the veterans with their paperwork.”
But the message about the Amazon storefront didn’t appear to reach all of the legion’s locations, with volunteers at Branch 179 on Vancouver’s Commercial Drive saying they hadn’t heard about the online push.
Holly Paddon, the branch’s poppy campaign co-ordinator and bartender, said the Amazon partnership never came up in meetings with other legion volunteers and officials.
“I work at the legion, I work with the Vancouver poppy office and I go to the meetings for the Vancouver poppy campaign — which includes all the legions in Vancouver — and not once has this been mentioned,” she said.
Paddon said the initiative is a great idea, but she would like to have known more about it.
The legion also sells a larger collection of items at poppystore.ca.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 9, 2024.
