Canada column for Sunday, April 25/21
THE CANADIAN REPORT
By Jim Fox
Canada has begun a 30-day halt to flights from COVID-19 hotspots of India and Pakistan in an attempt to counter the virus variants.
“We’ve been saying for over a year, now is not the time to travel,” said Transportation Minister Omar Alghabra.
“Our government continues to take unprecedented action to protect the health and safety of all Canadians,” he added.
As well, the land border between Canada and the United States has been closed to non-essential travel for a year.
It will continue to be shut at least until May 21 with more extensions possible.
“As cases rise and variants of concern continue to emerge across the country, we will continue to do what it takes-for as long as it takes-to keep Canadians safe,” said Public Safety Minister Bill Blair.
Along with that, COVID testing and quarantine measures are in place for those flying to Canada.
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Across Canada, provinces are enforcing a variety of lock-down rules including Quebec and now strict measures in Halifax and Nova Scotia to battle the virus.
Ontario’s stay-at-home rules continue as Premier Doug Ford emotionally apologized
and removed his earlier order to have police stop people to see if they are complying.
Ford also said he shouldn’t have ordered playgrounds closed as of last weekend and removed the order.
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News in brief:
- Canada has secured tens of millions of COVID-19 booster doses and a pledge from the U.S. government to share more. Prime Minister Trudeau, who received his vaccination last week, said Pfizer will supply 35-million booster doses next year and 30 million the year after. About 30 percent of Canadian adults have received at least one shot. The federal forecast suggests an easing of lockdowns could happen this summer if 75 percent of Canadians receive vaccinations.
- The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has ordered the three major telecom companies to lower their rates by increasing competition. Known for their high charges, the Liberal government wants the companies to reduce bills by 25 percent. The commission said the companies should offer wholesale wireless access to smaller competitors.
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Facts and figures:
Canada’s dollar is higher at 80 cents U.S. while the U.S. dollar is worth $1.247 Canadian before exchange fees.
The Bank of Canada key interest rate remains at 0.25 percent while the prime lending rate is 2.45 percent.
Canadian stock markets are lower, with the Toronto index at 19,102 points and the TSX Venture index 930 points.
The average price for gas in Canada is higher at $1.278 a liter (Canadian) or $4.85 for a U.S. gallon.
Lotto Max: (April 20) 7, 10, 11, 19, 22, 30 and 37; bonus 18. (April 16) 1, 13, 19, 27, 42, 49 and 50; bonus 32.
Lotto 6/49: (April 21) 15, 18, 23, 32, 38 and 47; bonus 19. (April 17) 7, 13, 32, 38, 39 and 48; bonus 23.
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Regional briefs:
- The famed Vancouver Aquarium has been sold to Herschend Enterprises of Atlanta as it copes with mounting costs while being closed due to the pandemic. This is “fantastic news,” said current operator Ocean Wise president Lasse Gustavsson. Even with emergency funds from the government and donors, the non-profit facility couldn’t survive, he said. It costs $1 million a month to feed and care for the 70,000 animals.
- Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors’ National Basketball Association star player, will soon be known as Dr. Lowry after being honored by Acadia University. The Nova Scotia university will present Lowry with an honorary doctorate on May 9 during convocation. Lowry said he will be the “second greatest doctor from Philadelphia after Dr. J. (Julius Erving).” Along with his basketball skills, the university noted that Lowry and his wife, Ayahna Cornish-Lowry, are involved in charitable work in Canada.
Jim Fox can be reached at canadareport@hotmail.com
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