Beijing's hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics offers concerned nations the chance to press China on its human rights record, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

Trudeau said China would only change its behaviour if faced with a united front, adding he would raise the matter at a Group of Seven leaders' summit next week.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/respect-human-rights-and-dignities-taiwans-former-defence-minister-to-china-at-wion-global-summit-372787">'Respect human rights and dignities': Taiwan's Former Defence Minister to China at WION Global Summit</a>

"The pressure on China right now from the international community ... is significantly acute, particularly with the Winter Olympics coming up in China next year," Trudeau told the Toronto Star in a video interview.

"It would be easy for China ... to shrug off what any one country, including just the United States alone, says. But when the global community comes together, that starts to shape their own calculations."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-solar-companies-tied-to-use-of-forced-labor-355576">Chinese solar companies tied to use of forced labor</a>

Canada, locked in a major diplomatic and trade dispute with China for more than two years, is one of the world's leading winter sports nations.

Trudeau did not raise the question of athletes staying away from the Games. The Canadian Olympic Committee opposes a boycott, saying it would not force a change to China's human rights record.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-human-rights-report-lambasts-china-over-uighur-atrocities-374537">US human rights report lambasts China over Uighur atrocities</a>

US&nbsp;House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi last month called for a US&nbsp;diplomatic boycott of the Games next year, citing the State Department's conclusion that genocide of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities is taking place in China.

Canada's parliament passed a nonbinding motion in February saying China's treatment of the Uighurs in the Xinjiang region constitutes genocide.

Beijing's hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics offers concerned nations the chance to press China on its human rights record, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

Beijing's hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics offers concerned nations the chance to press China on its human rights record, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday. Trudeau said China would only change its behaviour if faced with a united front, adding he would raise the matter at a Group of Seven leaders' summit next week. Also Read | 'Respect human rights and dignities': Taiwan's Former Defence Minister to China at WION Global Summit "The pressure on China right now from the international community ... is significantly acute, particularly with the Winter Olympics coming up in China next year," Trudeau told the Toronto Star in a video interview. "It would be easy for China ... to shrug off what any one country, including just the United States alone, says. But when the global community comes together, that starts to shape their own calculations." Also Read | Chinese solar companies tied to use of forced labor Canada, locked in a major diplomatic and trade dispute with China for more than two years, is one of the world's leading winter sports nations. Trudeau did not raise the question of athletes staying away from the Games. The Canadian Olympic Committee opposes a boycott, saying it would not force a change to China's human rights record. Also Read | US human rights report lambasts China over Uighur atrocities US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi last month called for a US diplomatic boycott of the Games next year, citing the State Department's conclusion that genocide of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities is taking place in China. Canada's parliament passed a nonbinding motion in February saying China's treatment of the Uighurs in the Xinjiang region constitutes genocide.

China's 2022 Olympics a chance to press Beijing on human rights: Canada

Pope Francis met both Canadian cardinals based in Vatican on Saturday as Canada reels from discovery of remains of 215 children at a former school for indigenous students run by the Church.

The pope met Cardinal Michael Czerny and Cardinal Marx Ouellet. The Vatican mentioned the meetings in its daily announcement of papal appointments.

Cardinal Ouellet meets the pope on Saturday every week in his capacity as head of the Vatican department. The department oversees bishops.

Cardinal Czerny the Vatican's expert on migrants and refugees, does not have a regular weekly meeting with the pope. He is a Czech-born Canadian national whose family emigrated to Montreal when he was two years old.

Vatican has not made details of discussion during the meeting public.

Many Canadians have called on the pope to make a formal apology for the Catholic Church's role in the residential schools, which operated between 1831 and 1996 and were run by a number of Christian denominations on behalf of the government.

Francis, who was elected pope in 2013, has already apologised for the Church's role in colonialism in the Americas but he has mostly chosen to make such apologies while visiting countries. No papal visit to Canada is scheduled.

Visiting Bolivia in 2015, Francis apologised for the "many grave sins were committed against the native people of America in the name of God".

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday the Catholic Church must take responsibility for its role in running many of the schools.

The residential school system forcibly separated about 150,000 children from their homes. Many were subjected to abuse, rape and malnutrition in what the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015 called "cultural genocide".

Run by the government and various Christian Churches, their stated aim was to assimilate indigenous children.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis met both Canadian cardinals based in Vatican on Saturday as Canada reels from discovery of remains of 215 children at a former school for indigenous students run by the Church.

Pope Francis met both Canadian cardinals based in Vatican on Saturday as Canada reels from discovery of remains of 215 children at a former school for indigenous students run by the Church. The pope met Cardinal Michael Czerny and Cardinal Marx Ouellet. The Vatican mentioned the meetings in its daily announcement of papal appointments. Cardinal Ouellet meets the pope on Saturday every week in his capacity as head of the Vatican department. The department oversees bishops. Cardinal Czerny the Vatican's expert on migrants and refugees, does not have a regular weekly meeting with the pope. He is a Czech-born Canadian national whose family emigrated to Montreal when he was two years old. Vatican has not made details of discussion during the meeting public. Many Canadians have called on the pope to make a formal apology for the Catholic Church's role in the residential schools, which operated between 1831 and 1996 and were run by a number of Christian denominations on behalf of the government. Francis, who was elected pope in 2013, has already apologised for the Church's role in colonialism in the Americas but he has mostly chosen to make such apologies while visiting countries. No papal visit to Canada is scheduled. Visiting Bolivia in 2015, Francis apologised for the "many grave sins were committed against the native people of America in the name of God". Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday the Catholic Church must take responsibility for its role in running many of the schools. The residential school system forcibly separated about 150,000 children from their homes. Many were subjected to abuse, rape and malnutrition in what the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015 called "cultural genocide". Run by the government and various Christian Churches, their stated aim was to assimilate indigenous children. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope meets Canadian cardinals month after indigenous school scandal

&nbsp;

Group of countries led by Canada said on Thursday that they've made reparation claim against Iran over its downing of a Ukrainian jetliner. The countries said that the claim had been made on behalf of victims' families.

Iran shot down Ukraine International Airlines flight PS 572 shortly after takeoff from Tehran. All 176 people onboard were killed. These included 85 Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The Islamic Republic admitted three days later that its forces had targetted the plane by mistake.

Britain, Canada, Sweden and Ukraine said in a joint statement that the two missile strikes on the plane, as well as Iran's "omissions" in an investigation report on the crash, "amount to breaches of international law."

"Our claim states that our respective countries, nationals and residents onboard flight PS752 were seriously and irreversibly harmed by the tragedy and Iran must fulfill its legal responsibility to make full reparations to the group of states," they said, calling on Iran to formally begin negotiations on reparations.

In a separate statement, the group also announced that Afghanistan would not take part in the upcoming talks as it focuses on domestic strife.

In a final report in March, the Iranian Civil Aviation Organisation (CAO) pointed to the "alertness" of its troops on the ground who shot the missiles amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States at the time.

Ukraine, which lost 11 citizens in the disaster, has said the report was "a cynical attempt to hide (the) true causes" of the tragedy, while Canada said it contained "no hard facts or evidence."

Canada and the other nations said they're seeking "equitable compensation for material and moral damages suffered by the victims and their families regardless of nationality and in an amount consistent with its obligations under international law."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Group of countries led by Canada said on Thursday that they've made reparation claim against Iran over its downing of a Ukrainian jetliner. The countries said that the claim had been made on behalf of victims' families.

Group of countries led by Canada said on Thursday that they've made reparation claim against Iran over its downing of a Ukrainian jetliner. The countries said that the claim had been made on behalf of victims' families. Iran shot down Ukraine International Airlines flight PS 572 shortly after takeoff from Tehran. All 176 people onboard were killed. These included 85 Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The Islamic Republic admitted three days later that its forces had targetted the plane by mistake. Britain, Canada, Sweden and Ukraine said in a joint statement that the two missile strikes on the plane, as well as Iran's "omissions" in an investigation report on the crash, "amount to breaches of international law." "Our claim states that our respective countries, nationals and residents onboard flight PS752 were seriously and irreversibly harmed by the tragedy and Iran must fulfill its legal responsibility to make full reparations to the group of states," they said, calling on Iran to formally begin negotiations on reparations. In a separate statement, the group also announced that Afghanistan would not take part in the upcoming talks as it focuses on domestic strife. In a final report in March, the Iranian Civil Aviation Organisation (CAO) pointed to the "alertness" of its troops on the ground who shot the missiles amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States at the time. Ukraine, which lost 11 citizens in the disaster, has said the report was "a cynical attempt to hide (the) true causes" of the tragedy, while Canada said it contained "no hard facts or evidence." Canada and the other nations said they're seeking "equitable compensation for material and moral damages suffered by the victims and their families regardless of nationality and in an amount consistent with its obligations under international law." (With inputs from agencies)

Canada-led group of nations demands reparations from Iran for Ukraine flight's downing

Canada's 'cultural genocide' has been unearthed. The remains of 215 indigenous children have been found buried inside a former catholic school in British Columbia. Justin Trudeau has expressed 'remorse'. But will that be enough?

Gravitas: Canada's 'cultural genocide' unearthed

Flowers and tributes were left outside the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia after the remains of 215 children were found at the site of a former residential school for indigenous children

'Horrific chapter in Canadian history'

Police in the Peel region near Toronto said on Saturday one person was killed and four were transported to hospitals in the Toronto area "in various conditions" after a shooting. 
 
Police said in a statement on Twitter they had no information on suspects in the shooting, adding that the homicide bureau would take over the investigation. There were no further details. 
 
Local reports said the shooting took place inside Chicken Land, a family-run take-out restaurant in a small strip mall. 
&nbsp;

Police in the Peel region near Toronto said on Saturday one person was killed and four were transported to hospitals in the Toronto area "in various conditions" after a shooting.

Police in the Peel region near Toronto said on Saturday one person was killed and four were transported to hospitals in the Toronto area "in various conditions" after a shooting. Police said in a statement on Twitter they had no information on suspects in the shooting, adding that the homicide bureau would take over the investigation. There were no further details. Local reports said the shooting took place inside Chicken Land, a family-run take-out restaurant in a small strip mall.

One dead, four taken to hospital after shooting near Toronto

A Canadian MP has stepped down from some of his duties and said he is seeking 'assistance' after being caught on camera urinating during a video conference in Parliament, a month after appearing naked in another virtual session.&nbsp;

"Last night, while attending House of Commons proceedings virtually, in a non-public setting, I urinated without realising I was on camera," MP William Amos wrote on his Twitter account on Thursday night. &nbsp;

"I am deeply embarrassed by my actions and the distress they may have caused anybody who witnessed them," he added. "While accidental and not visible to the public, this was completely unacceptable, and I apologise unreservedly." &nbsp;

In April, the MP was caught standing naked between the flags of Canada and Quebec, his private parts hidden by his phone, while connected by video to a Question Time session in Parliament. &nbsp;

Amos, a member of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party, also claimed that was an accident.&nbsp;

In the most recent episode, he was caught urinating into a coffee cup, the Conservative opposition said in a statement. &nbsp;

"This is the second time Mr Amos has been caught exposing himself to his colleagues in the House, and the House of Commons, virtual or otherwise, must be free of this type of unacceptable behaviour," said Conservative MP Karen Vecchio. &nbsp;

"This is a pattern of behavior from Mr Amos and it's now clear that Trudeau's Liberals failed in their duty to ensure a safe work environment following the first incident," she hammered in a statement. &nbsp;

Amos, 46, announced he was 'temporarily' stepping down from some of his parliamentary duties while continuing to represent his constituency. He added that he would seek 'assistance' but did not specify what that would be. &nbsp;

A Canadian MP has stepped down from some of his duties and said he is seeking 'assistance' after being caught on camera urinating during a video conference in Parliament, a month after appearing naked in another virtual session.

A Canadian MP has stepped down from some of his duties and said he is seeking 'assistance' after being caught on camera urinating during a video conference in Parliament, a month after appearing naked in another virtual session. "Last night, while attending House of Commons proceedings virtually, in a non-public setting, I urinated without realising I was on camera," MP William Amos wrote on his Twitter account on Thursday night. "I am deeply embarrassed by my actions and the distress they may have caused anybody who witnessed them," he added. "While accidental and not visible to the public, this was completely unacceptable, and I apologise unreservedly." In April, the MP was caught standing naked between the flags of Canada and Quebec, his private parts hidden by his phone, while connected by video to a Question Time session in Parliament. Amos, a member of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party, also claimed that was an accident. In the most recent episode, he was caught urinating into a coffee cup, the Conservative opposition said in a statement. "This is the second time Mr Amos has been caught exposing himself to his colleagues in the House, and the House of Commons, virtual or otherwise, must be free of this type of unacceptable behaviour," said Conservative MP Karen Vecchio. "This is a pattern of behavior from Mr Amos and it's now clear that Trudeau's Liberals failed in their duty to ensure a safe work environment following the first incident," she hammered in a statement. Amos, 46, announced he was 'temporarily' stepping down from some of his parliamentary duties while continuing to represent his constituency. He added that he would seek 'assistance' but did not specify what that would be.

Canadian MP caught naked during telework for second time in a month 

Canada has been increasingly urging citizens to get <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> against the deadly coronavirus that has sent the country into repeated lockdowns. However, a Canadian soldier decided to go against the government.

Ladislas Kenderesi, a Canadian officer cadet, will be facing rare mutiny charges for allegedly urging his fellow soldiers to not help the Canadian government in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-linked-agency-hires-influencers-to-spread-fake-news-about-pfizer-vaccine-387419" hreflang="en">Russia-linked agency hires influencers to spread fake news about Pfizer vaccine</a>

The Department of National Defence has charged him with “endeavoring to persuade another person to join in a mutiny” and “behaving in a scandalous manner unbecoming of an officer”.

Kenderesi had appeared in an anti-lockdown rally in Toronto in his military uniform and urged people to not get tempted by the “killer” vaccines. He also asked his fellow mates to directly disobey orders of distributing vaccines in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-says-covid-vaccine-highly-effective-among-adolescents-aged-12-and-above-387313" hreflang="en">Moderna says Covid vaccine 'highly effective' among adolescents aged 12 and above</a>

“I’m asking the military, right now serving, truck drivers, medical, engineers, whatever you are, do not take this unlawful order in distribution of this vaccine,” he was heard preaching at the rally. “I might get in a lot of shit for doing this. But I don’t care any more.”

He was relieved of his duties on May 12, as soon as the officials got a hint about his appearance at the anti-lockdown rally.

If proven guilty, Kenderesi might face life imprisonment or five years behind the bars. Charges of mutiny are very rare in Canada as nobody has been charged for the past few decades.

Meanwhile, supporters of Kenderesi have started a crowdfunding campaign to raise the legal fees for him, although a court martial date is still pending for the officer.

Canada has been increasingly urging citizens to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus that has sent the country into repeated lockdowns. However, a Canadian soldier decided to go against the government.

Canada has been increasingly urging citizens to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus that has sent the country into repeated lockdowns. However, a Canadian soldier decided to go against the government. Ladislas Kenderesi, a Canadian officer cadet, will be facing rare mutiny charges for allegedly urging his fellow soldiers to not help the Canadian government in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Also read | Russia-linked agency hires influencers to spread fake news about Pfizer vaccine The Department of National Defence has charged him with “endeavoring to persuade another person to join in a mutiny” and “behaving in a scandalous manner unbecoming of an officer”. Kenderesi had appeared in an anti-lockdown rally in Toronto in his military uniform and urged people to not get tempted by the “killer” vaccines. He also asked his fellow mates to directly disobey orders of distributing vaccines in the country. Also read | Moderna says Covid vaccine 'highly effective' among adolescents aged 12 and above “I’m asking the military, right now serving, truck drivers, medical, engineers, whatever you are, do not take this unlawful order in distribution of this vaccine,” he was heard preaching at the rally. “I might get in a lot of shit for doing this. But I don’t care any more.” He was relieved of his duties on May 12, as soon as the officials got a hint about his appearance at the anti-lockdown rally. If proven guilty, Kenderesi might face life imprisonment or five years behind the bars. Charges of mutiny are very rare in Canada as nobody has been charged for the past few decades. Meanwhile, supporters of Kenderesi have started a crowdfunding campaign to raise the legal fees for him, although a court martial date is still pending for the officer.

Canadian soldier charged with mutiny for blocking vaccine distribution

Canada has extended its ban on passenger flights from India and Pakistan by 30 days to June 21 as part of a campaign to fight <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said on Friday.

Alghabra said Canada had seen "a significant reduction" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> infections among arriving airline passengers since Ottawa first announced the bans on April 22 as the number of cases in India soared. The move does not affect cargo flights.

"These ongoing measures will remain in place to help protect Canadians and to manage the elevated risk of imported cases of COVID-19 and variants of concern," he told a briefing.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australia-suspends-direct-passenger-flights-from-india-amid-covid-19-outbreak-380686">Australia suspends direct passenger flights from India amid COVID-19 outbreak</a>

As vaccinations pick up across Canada, the number of daily new cases has dropped by 25 per cent since last week and it now averages around 5,000, deputy chief public health officer Howard Njoo told the briefing.

Canada has so far recorded a total of 25,111 deaths from COVID-19 and more than 1.3 million cases overall.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-restricts-travel-from-high-risk-india-379851">Germany restricts travel from 'high-risk' India</a>

The ban on Indian and Pakistani flights is part of a series of restrictions Canada has imposed to lower the transmission of the virus, including curbs on non-essential travel across the long land border with the United States.

Canada said on Thursday that the measure, first applied in March 2020, would be extended by another month to June 21. Government officials said they were in no hurry to open up travel across the border, citing the need to protect public health.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-bars-travellers-from-india-over-coronavirus-variant-386596">Colombia bars travellers from India over coronavirus variant</a>

Ontario, the most populous of the 10 provinces, announced on Friday that it would begin administering second doses of AstraZeneca Inc's COVID-19 vaccine after earlier halting roll out due to concerns about rare blood clots.

The province has tens of thousands of AstraZeneca doses set to expire at the end of May.

Canada has extended its ban on passenger flights from India and Pakistan by 30 days to June 21 as part of a campaign to fight COVID-19, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said on Friday.

Canada has extended its ban on passenger flights from India and Pakistan by 30 days to June 21 as part of a campaign to fight COVID-19, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said on Friday. Alghabra said Canada had seen "a significant reduction" in coronavirus infections among arriving airline passengers since Ottawa first announced the bans on April 22 as the number of cases in India soared. The move does not affect cargo flights. "These ongoing measures will remain in place to help protect Canadians and to manage the elevated risk of imported cases of COVID-19 and variants of concern," he told a briefing. Also Read | Australia suspends direct passenger flights from India amid COVID-19 outbreak As vaccinations pick up across Canada, the number of daily new cases has dropped by 25 per cent since last week and it now averages around 5,000, deputy chief public health officer Howard Njoo told the briefing. Canada has so far recorded a total of 25,111 deaths from COVID-19 and more than 1.3 million cases overall. Also Read | Germany restricts travel from 'high-risk' India The ban on Indian and Pakistani flights is part of a series of restrictions Canada has imposed to lower the transmission of the virus, including curbs on non-essential travel across the long land border with the United States. Canada said on Thursday that the measure, first applied in March 2020, would be extended by another month to June 21. Government officials said they were in no hurry to open up travel across the border, citing the need to protect public health. Also Read | Colombia bars travellers from India over coronavirus variant Ontario, the most populous of the 10 provinces, announced on Friday that it would begin administering second doses of AstraZeneca Inc's COVID-19 vaccine after earlier halting roll out due to concerns about rare blood clots. The province has tens of thousands of AstraZeneca doses set to expire at the end of May.

Canada extends ban on passenger flights from India, Pakistan

Canada has surpassed the grim landmark of recording 25,000 deaths due to the novel coronavirus on Tuesday.

The unfortunate landmark comes after the country's death toll&nbsp;with the third wave of the pandemic waning in the country amid the ongoing vaccination drive.

Canada had recorded its first coronavirus death on March 9. Health authorities are increasingly positive of a return to a semblance of normalcy over the summer and into autumn after&nbsp;three-quarters of eligible Canadians are fully vaccinated.

According to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, ''this summer once cases are low and at least 75 per cent&nbsp;of people have had one dose and 20% had a second, you can look forward to outdoor things.''

Approximately 55 per cent of its 37 million population had received at least one jab of the coronavirus vaccine, while 4 per cent have been completely inoculated.

Canada’s chief public health officer Dr Theresa Tam is&nbsp;also positive as she said Canada was ''making steady progress, with a 25 per cent&nbsp;decrease in reported active cases since the peak of the third&nbsp;wave in mid-April.''

However, she warned with regard to relaxation of restrictions: ''We’re not there yet, but I am really hopeful because of how fast some of the vaccines are going in the arms.''

More segments of the demographic&nbsp;in Canada are presently qualified for inoculations as the National Advisory Committee on Immunization or NACI has now suggested that the total two-jab&nbsp;regimen&nbsp;of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can be given to those aged somewhere in the range of 12 and 18.&nbsp;

Health experts have additionally said that the individuals who got a punch of the AstraZeneca immunization as their first portion could have the choice of picking an alternate antibody for their second.

Canada has surpassed the grim landmark of recording 25,000 deaths due to the novel coronavirus on Tuesday. The unfortunate landmark comes after the country's death toll with the third wave of the pandemic waning in the country amid the ongoing vaccination drive.

Canada has surpassed the grim landmark of recording 25,000 deaths due to the novel coronavirus on Tuesday. The unfortunate landmark comes after the country's death toll with the third wave of the pandemic waning in the country amid the ongoing vaccination drive. Canada had recorded its first coronavirus death on March 9. Health authorities are increasingly positive of a return to a semblance of normalcy over the summer and into autumn after three-quarters of eligible Canadians are fully vaccinated. According to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, ''this summer once cases are low and at least 75 per cent of people have had one dose and 20% had a second, you can look forward to outdoor things.'' Approximately 55 per cent of its 37 million population had received at least one jab of the coronavirus vaccine, while 4 per cent have been completely inoculated. Canada’s chief public health officer Dr Theresa Tam is also positive as she said Canada was ''making steady progress, with a 25 per cent decrease in reported active cases since the peak of the third wave in mid-April.'' However, she warned with regard to relaxation of restrictions: ''We’re not there yet, but I am really hopeful because of how fast some of the vaccines are going in the arms.'' More segments of the demographic in Canada are presently qualified for inoculations as the National Advisory Committee on Immunization or NACI has now suggested that the total two-jab regimen of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can be given to those aged somewhere in the range of 12 and 18. Health experts have additionally said that the individuals who got a punch of the AstraZeneca immunization as their first portion could have the choice of picking an alternate antibody for their second.

COVID-19 death toll in Canada surpasses grim mark of 25,000

Coronavirus is known to cause complications especially among the old, and spreads easily in places where a lot of people are constantly coming in contact with each other. It becomes dangerous when a low-risk asymptomatic patient transmits it to others who may have underlying health conditions.

Now, an investigation from Canada sheds light on how quickly and mercilessly the virus can take hold of a place if left unchecked.&nbsp; According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), at least 192 care home residents in Vancouver, Canada died of COVID-19. The report alleges that the care facilities deliberately withheld data about the pandemic.

Reportedly, the care facilities failed to officially declare the outbreaks on their premises after a worker first got infected. Now, the tally of infected has touched 1,000, SCMP reported. The report adds that Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and Fraser Health deliberately withheld data about its inability to actively manage the outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/covid-19-canadas-largest-province-halts-astrazeneca-first-doses-over-blood-clot-384495" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Canada's largest province halts AstraZeneca first doses&nbsp;over blood clot</a>

The data was reportedly only revealed after “freedom of information” requests were lodged with the authorities. Ontario, Canada’s most populous province recently extended its stay-at-home orders to June 2 after a surge took over the region.

Experts believe the province reopened prematurely and new variants that are more infectious may also be behind the increased number of cases. The country has reported 1,328,582 Cold infections and 24,948 deaths since the pandemic began.

In the last few weeks, the average number of cases in the country have declined. The largest surge in the country was witnessed on April 17.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/canadas-ontario-province-to-send-3000-ventilators-to-india-amid-covid-crisis-382606" hreflang="en">Canada's Ontario province to send 3,000 ventilators to India amid Covid crisis</a>

Coronavirus is known to cause complications especially among the old, and spreads easily in places where a lot of people are constantly coming in contact with each other.

Coronavirus is known to cause complications especially among the old, and spreads easily in places where a lot of people are constantly coming in contact with each other. It becomes dangerous when a low-risk asymptomatic patient transmits it to others who may have underlying health conditions. Now, an investigation from Canada sheds light on how quickly and mercilessly the virus can take hold of a place if left unchecked. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), at least 192 care home residents in Vancouver, Canada died of COVID-19. The report alleges that the care facilities deliberately withheld data about the pandemic. Reportedly, the care facilities failed to officially declare the outbreaks on their premises after a worker first got infected. Now, the tally of infected has touched 1,000, SCMP reported. The report adds that Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and Fraser Health deliberately withheld data about its inability to actively manage the outbreak. Also read: COVID-19: Canada's largest province halts AstraZeneca first doses over blood clot The data was reportedly only revealed after “freedom of information” requests were lodged with the authorities. Ontario, Canada’s most populous province recently extended its stay-at-home orders to June 2 after a surge took over the region. Experts believe the province reopened prematurely and new variants that are more infectious may also be behind the increased number of cases. The country has reported 1,328,582 Cold infections and 24,948 deaths since the pandemic began. In the last few weeks, the average number of cases in the country have declined. The largest surge in the country was witnessed on April 17. Also read: Canada's Ontario province to send 3,000 ventilators to India amid Covid crisis

Canadian care homes failed to report Covid outbreaks, killing 192 patients: Report

The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), along with 80-odd community bodies, launched its Oxygen for India marathon fundraiser to collect $2 million to send oxygen equipment to India, even as Ontario announced to send 2,000 more ventilators to the Covid-battered country. 
 
Almost $500,000 was raised during the very first session of the marathon fundraiser on Sunday.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Exclusive: Young scientists at ISRO’s VSSC develop ventilators, oxygen concentrators">Exclusive: Young scientists at ISRO’s VSSC develop ventilators, oxygen concentrators</a> 
 
It will be held for three hours every Sunday for four weeks. 
 
Surprisingly, the biggest contribution of $50,000 came from Canada's native or indigenous Metis people.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: More ventilators, oxygen cylinders arrive in India from Europe">COVID-19: More ventilators, oxygen cylinders arrive in India from Europe</a> 
 
"We have similarities with Indians even though we are from different parts of the world. India will be there for us when we need, and we should be there for them now. We will donate $50,000 to the ICCC and do more if needed," announced David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Metis Federation. 
 
ICCC president Vijay Thomas said their initiative aims at garnering donations not only from the 1.6 million Indo-Canadian community, but also businesses and cities across Canada. 
 
"The money will be used to send oxygen concentrators and generators and we will find new pathways to send oxygen to India. We want to ensure that oxygen reaches tier 2 and 3 cities and towns before they get severely hit by the virus," Thomas said. 
 
Top political leaders, including the Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Mayors, business owners and medical professionals took part in the marathon fundraiser. 
 
Ford announced that 2,000 additional ventilators are being sent to India, in addition to 3,000 already delivered. 
 
"The whole plane-load of Air Canada is filled from front to back and arriving (in India) by Tuesday with all sorts of supplies. The people of India have been there for us and we will be there for them," the Ontario Premier said, referring to India's delivery of one million vaccine doses to Canada earlier this year. 
 
Markham city's Frank Scarpitti, who has been to India many times and is very well respected in the Indo-Canadian community, announced to donate $10,000 to the initiative by the ICCC. 
 
The mayors of Brampton and Mississauga, the outlying cities which are home to the biggest concentration of the Indo-Canadian community in Canada, urged their residents to donate liberally to the initiative.

The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), along with 80-odd community bodies, launched its Oxygen for India marathon fundraiser to collect $2 million to send oxygen equipment to India, even as Ontario announced to send 2,000 more ventilators to the Covid-battered country.

The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), along with 80-odd community bodies, launched its Oxygen for India marathon fundraiser to collect $2 million to send oxygen equipment to India, even as Ontario announced to send 2,000 more ventilators to the Covid-battered country. Almost $500,000 was raised during the very first session of the marathon fundraiser on Sunday. Also read- Exclusive: Young scientists at ISRO’s VSSC develop ventilators, oxygen concentrators It will be held for three hours every Sunday for four weeks. Surprisingly, the biggest contribution of $50,000 came from Canada's native or indigenous Metis people. Also read- COVID-19: More ventilators, oxygen cylinders arrive in India from Europe "We have similarities with Indians even though we are from different parts of the world. India will be there for us when we need, and we should be there for them now. We will donate $50,000 to the ICCC and do more if needed," announced David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Metis Federation. ICCC president Vijay Thomas said their initiative aims at garnering donations not only from the 1.6 million Indo-Canadian community, but also businesses and cities across Canada. "The money will be used to send oxygen concentrators and generators and we will find new pathways to send oxygen to India. We want to ensure that oxygen reaches tier 2 and 3 cities and towns before they get severely hit by the virus," Thomas said. Top political leaders, including the Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Mayors, business owners and medical professionals took part in the marathon fundraiser. Ford announced that 2,000 additional ventilators are being sent to India, in addition to 3,000 already delivered. "The whole plane-load of Air Canada is filled from front to back and arriving (in India) by Tuesday with all sorts of supplies. The people of India have been there for us and we will be there for them," the Ontario Premier said, referring to India's delivery of one million vaccine doses to Canada earlier this year. Markham city's Frank Scarpitti, who has been to India many times and is very well respected in the Indo-Canadian community, announced to donate $10,000 to the initiative by the ICCC. The mayors of Brampton and Mississauga, the outlying cities which are home to the biggest concentration of the Indo-Canadian community in Canada, urged their residents to donate liberally to the initiative.

'Oxygen for India' marathon fundraiser to collect $2mn launched in Canada

Canada's largest province said on Tuesday it will stop giving out first doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine due to concerns over its link to rare blood clots.&nbsp;

Ontario's chief medical officer for health, Dr David Williams, said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution because of increased instances of the rare blood clotting disorder linked to the shot. &nbsp;

AstraZeneca is restricted in some European countries because of a potential link to extremely rare blood clots.&nbsp;

"Over the last few days, there have been increased reports," Williams said. "We are reviewing the data to consider options for the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for second doses and more broadly."&nbsp;

In Canada, at least 12 cases have been confirmed out of more than two million doses given, and three women have died.&nbsp;

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both received AstraZeneca first dose in recent weeks. Williams said people who got the first dose of AstraZeneca 'absolutely did the right thing’.&nbsp;

Dr Andrew Morris, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Toronto and the medical director of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme at Sinai-University Health Network, does not believe Canada should be using AstraZeneca any longer now that Canada has large supplies of other vaccines.&nbsp;

"It's the right thing to do," he said.&nbsp;

Morris said experts don't know yet what to do about people, who got only the first dose. Health officials are awaiting results of a clinical trial in the United Kingdom looking at giving a different vaccine for the second dose. That would allow people, who got AstraZeneca first to be given Pfizer or Moderna for their second dose.&nbsp;

Alberta is also no longer administrating first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine but only because of a lack of supply. &nbsp;

Pfizer and Moderna are sending more than enough doses to vaccinate every Canadian with two doses eventually.&nbsp;

Trudeau said almost 50% of eligible adults in Canada have received at least one shot of a coronavirus vaccine. Most of that is Pfizer and Moderna. &nbsp;

Trudeau said by the summer, Canada will have enough vaccines so that every eligible resident will have gotten their first dose and by September, it will have enough doses for everyone to be fully vaccinated. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Canada's largest province said on Tuesday it will stop giving out first doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine due to concerns over its link to rare blood clots.

Canada's largest province said on Tuesday it will stop giving out first doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine due to concerns over its link to rare blood clots. Ontario's chief medical officer for health, Dr David Williams, said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution because of increased instances of the rare blood clotting disorder linked to the shot. AstraZeneca is restricted in some European countries because of a potential link to extremely rare blood clots. "Over the last few days, there have been increased reports," Williams said. "We are reviewing the data to consider options for the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for second doses and more broadly." In Canada, at least 12 cases have been confirmed out of more than two million doses given, and three women have died. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both received AstraZeneca first dose in recent weeks. Williams said people who got the first dose of AstraZeneca 'absolutely did the right thing’. Dr Andrew Morris, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Toronto and the medical director of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme at Sinai-University Health Network, does not believe Canada should be using AstraZeneca any longer now that Canada has large supplies of other vaccines. "It's the right thing to do," he said. Morris said experts don't know yet what to do about people, who got only the first dose. Health officials are awaiting results of a clinical trial in the United Kingdom looking at giving a different vaccine for the second dose. That would allow people, who got AstraZeneca first to be given Pfizer or Moderna for their second dose. Alberta is also no longer administrating first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine but only because of a lack of supply. Pfizer and Moderna are sending more than enough doses to vaccinate every Canadian with two doses eventually. Trudeau said almost 50% of eligible adults in Canada have received at least one shot of a coronavirus vaccine. Most of that is Pfizer and Moderna. Trudeau said by the summer, Canada will have enough vaccines so that every eligible resident will have gotten their first dose and by September, it will have enough doses for everyone to be fully vaccinated. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Canada's largest province halts AstraZeneca first doses over blood clot

A 43-year-old man has been charged with shooting dead his 19-year-old nephew and attempted murder of his wife. 
 
Gamdur Singh Brar, who shot dead his nephew Harmanjot Singh Bhattal and seriously injured his wife Satvir Kaur Brar in Edmonton at the weekend, has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. 
 
The victim Harmanjot Singh Bhattal came to Canada in December 2018 on a study visa from Bhattal village of Barnala district in Punjab. The only son of his parents, Bhattal was studying at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and was staying with his maternal aunt. 
 
The accused reportedly had a fight with his wife. He consequently opened fire at the vehicle in which his wife was travelling with Bhattal. After injuring Bhattal and Satvir, Gamdur fled from the spot. 
 
The incident took place in Sherwood Park area of Edmonton just after 6.30 a.m. on Friday. 
 
Soon after, officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police reached. Bhattal succumbed to gunshot wounds before paramedics could reach the spot. The woman was rushed to hospital where she remains critical. The accused wanted to kill her, but his 19-year-old nephew became the victim. 
 
The police had later arrested the accused and was presented before the court where he was denied bail. The next hearing of the case is scheduled on June 12. 
 
Meanwhile, a 'gofundme'&nbsp;campaign has been launched to raise money to send the body of Bhattal to India.

A 43-year-old man has been charged with shooting dead his 19-year-old nephew and attempted murder of his wife. Gamdur Singh Brar, who shot dead his nephew Harmanjot Singh Bhattal and seriously injured his wife Satvir Kaur Brar in Edmonton at the weekend, has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder.

A 43-year-old man has been charged with shooting dead his 19-year-old nephew and attempted murder of his wife. Gamdur Singh Brar, who shot dead his nephew Harmanjot Singh Bhattal and seriously injured his wife Satvir Kaur Brar in Edmonton at the weekend, has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. The victim Harmanjot Singh Bhattal came to Canada in December 2018 on a study visa from Bhattal village of Barnala district in Punjab. The only son of his parents, Bhattal was studying at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and was staying with his maternal aunt. The accused reportedly had a fight with his wife. He consequently opened fire at the vehicle in which his wife was travelling with Bhattal. After injuring Bhattal and Satvir, Gamdur fled from the spot. The incident took place in Sherwood Park area of Edmonton just after 6.30 a.m. on Friday. Soon after, officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police reached. Bhattal succumbed to gunshot wounds before paramedics could reach the spot. The woman was rushed to hospital where she remains critical. The accused wanted to kill her, but his 19-year-old nephew became the victim. The police had later arrested the accused and was presented before the court where he was denied bail. The next hearing of the case is scheduled on June 12. Meanwhile, a 'gofundme' campaign has been launched to raise money to send the body of Bhattal to India.

19-year-old student from Punjab's Barnala shot dead by uncle in Canada

As Canada begins sending its assistance to India amid the second wave of the pandemic, its High Commissioner Nadir Patel has called for a collective action to deal with the crisis. Speaking to WION Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Patel said, "Covid will only be defeated when all countries have defeated it. Therefore it is imperative that we all collaborate".

His comments came in as the first Canadian flight carrying essential medical supplies reached the country over the weekend. Canadian CC-150 Polaris aircraft deployed by Canadian Armed Forces brought in 25,000 vials of the antiviral Remdesivir and 50 ventilators. Another aircraft with more medical supplies from Canada will arrive next week.

WION: What kind of assistance Canada has sent to India? 
Nadir Patel: Our first consignment arrived on Saturday afternoon, we are sending 350 ventilators, 25,000 vials of Remdesivir. In addition, Canada has contributed to UNICEF to acquire 1450 oxygen concentrators, we also contributed $10 million to the Indian Red Cross through the Canadian Red Cross. This will help the Indian Red Cross to procure additional supplies. This was done a couple of weeks ago. In addition to this, there has been an outpouring of support right across Canada. Province of Ontario, Saskatchewan, private sector companies are active in India, they have donated millions to local organisations, the Red Cross, Care Canada, and individuals as part of a community of concern.

WION: Can we expect more assistance from Canada? 
Nadir Patel: The first shipment arrived on Saturday, we have another shipment arriving in a few days. Every day I am getting calls, or reached out from Canadian or Canadian companies or organisations wanting to do more. So we certainly expect more to come in the coming days.&nbsp;

WION: How both India and Canada fighting against the Covid crisis. How is the Canadian vaccination drive going in the country? Canada has become the first country to vaccinate children up to the age of 12 and above...any details?

Nadir Patel: So we have been cooperating on tackling Covid since last year since the beginning of the pandemic. Our foreign ministers have spoken a number of times over the past year, including very recently as well. Our prime ministers have spoken as well in addressing ways to collaborate to tackle Covid in Canada, in India, and around the world. Both countries feel that we will not defeat Covid in one country alone. It will only be defeated when all countries have defeated it. Therefore it is imperative that we all collaborate. Areas include pharma, vaccine, &nbsp;Canada was quite grateful for India's support around procuring vaccines. We continue to work on these initiatives, around the current situation, also multilaterally look at ways in which we could help other countries out and certainly the way we are doing. The vaccination drive in Canada is well underway, and our vaccination drive is based on a science and science-based approach. Any changes to our vaccine protocols are done based on science through our national advisory committee on vaccines.

WION: What is Canada's stance on Covid vaccine patent waiver? 
Nadir Patel: We also have spoken out. Our trade minister made a statement couple of days ago on this. We have indicated that we certainly look forward to exploring initiatives to combat COVID-19. On this particular issue, we would welcome an opportunity to look at any proposal specifically towards the WHO and that is where we are. Certainly, these initiatives are important for us to consider as our other countries as well. 
&nbsp;

As Canada begins sending its assistance to India amid the second wave of the pandemic, its High Commissioner Nadir Patel has called for a collective action to deal with the crisis.

As Canada begins sending its assistance to India amid the second wave of the pandemic, its High Commissioner Nadir Patel has called for a collective action to deal with the crisis. Speaking to WION Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Patel said, "Covid will only be defeated when all countries have defeated it. Therefore it is imperative that we all collaborate". His comments came in as the first Canadian flight carrying essential medical supplies reached the country over the weekend. Canadian CC-150 Polaris aircraft deployed by Canadian Armed Forces brought in 25,000 vials of the antiviral Remdesivir and 50 ventilators. Another aircraft with more medical supplies from Canada will arrive next week. WION: What kind of assistance Canada has sent to India? Nadir Patel: Our first consignment arrived on Saturday afternoon, we are sending 350 ventilators, 25,000 vials of Remdesivir. In addition, Canada has contributed to UNICEF to acquire 1450 oxygen concentrators, we also contributed $10 million to the Indian Red Cross through the Canadian Red Cross. This will help the Indian Red Cross to procure additional supplies. This was done a couple of weeks ago. In addition to this, there has been an outpouring of support right across Canada. Province of Ontario, Saskatchewan, private sector companies are active in India, they have donated millions to local organisations, the Red Cross, Care Canada, and individuals as part of a community of concern. WION: Can we expect more assistance from Canada? Nadir Patel: The first shipment arrived on Saturday, we have another shipment arriving in a few days. Every day I am getting calls, or reached out from Canadian or Canadian companies or organisations wanting to do more. So we certainly expect more to come in the coming days. WION: How both India and Canada fighting against the Covid crisis. How is the Canadian vaccination drive going in the country? Canada has become the first country to vaccinate children up to the age of 12 and above...any details? Nadir Patel: So we have been cooperating on tackling Covid since last year since the beginning of the pandemic. Our foreign ministers have spoken a number of times over the past year, including very recently as well. Our prime ministers have spoken as well in addressing ways to collaborate to tackle Covid in Canada, in India, and around the world. Both countries feel that we will not defeat Covid in one country alone. It will only be defeated when all countries have defeated it. Therefore it is imperative that we all collaborate. Areas include pharma, vaccine, Canada was quite grateful for India's support around procuring vaccines. We continue to work on these initiatives, around the current situation, also multilaterally look at ways in which we could help other countries out and certainly the way we are doing. The vaccination drive in Canada is well underway, and our vaccination drive is based on a science and science-based approach. Any changes to our vaccine protocols are done based on science through our national advisory committee on vaccines. WION: What is Canada's stance on Covid vaccine patent waiver? Nadir Patel: We also have spoken out. Our trade minister made a statement couple of days ago on this. We have indicated that we certainly look forward to exploring initiatives to combat COVID-19. On this particular issue, we would welcome an opportunity to look at any proposal specifically towards the WHO and that is where we are. Certainly, these initiatives are important for us to consider as our other countries as well.

Covid can be beaten only when all countries defeat it, says Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel

Canada has authorised the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of 12 and older. It is the first country to do so for this age group. The country's health ministry made the decision based on data from phase three clinical trials on children.

Canada authorises Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids age 12 and older

China&nbsp;on Thursday said it "strongly&nbsp;condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens.

Foreign ministers from&nbsp;G7&nbsp;countries Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan urged&nbsp;China&nbsp;to abide by its obligations under international and national law during their first face-to-face meeting in two years in London.

The group said they were "deeply concerned" by alleged&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;violations and abuses against the minority Uyghur Muslim population in&nbsp;China's western Xinjiang region and Tibet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-g7-biden-will-push-allies-to-act-on-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-report-379741">At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report</a>

They also urged an end to the targeting of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;protesters in Hong Kong.

Beijing was quick to hit back, railing against the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;for making "unfounded accusations against&nbsp;China&nbsp;and openly intervening in&nbsp;China's internal affairs", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

He said the group was engaged in the "wanton destruction of the norms of international relations", repeating Beijing's long-held line that those issues were&nbsp;China's own matters.

The&nbsp;G7&nbsp;statement also said the group supports Taiwan's participation in World Health Organization forums and the World Health Assembly, which prompted&nbsp;China&nbsp;to retort that the island's participation must be handled in line with the one-China&nbsp;principle.

Wang added the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;should do more to boost global economic recovery rather than causing "contradictions and differences" in the international community.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-slams-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-doesnt-label-it-genocide-382930">New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide'</a>

"We urge the relevant countries to face up to their own problems... and stop generalising on the concept of national security as well as other wrong practices," he said.

Beijing's latest rebuke comes as tensions with Western nations grow and international&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;mounts over issues including Xinjiang, where&nbsp;rights&nbsp;groups estimate at least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-slams-uighurs-treatment-in-china-stops-short-of-calling-it-genocide-383155/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Authorities in the area are also said to have forcibly sterilised women and imposed forced labour.

The United States has since accused&nbsp;China&nbsp;of genocide and British MPs last month approved a symbolic parliamentary motion declaring that Uyghur Muslims in&nbsp;China&nbsp;were "suffering crimes against humanity and genocide".

But&nbsp;China&nbsp;has decried the&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;over Xinjiang as lies, claiming that testimonies in news reports have been made by "a few fake actors".

The country has since ramped up its propaganda, holding dozens of press briefings on the subject, while state-owned outlet CGTN released a four-part documentary series looking to justify the government's policies in the region.

Although the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;members reserved their strongest&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;for&nbsp;China, they also targeted Russia over "irresponsible and destablising behaviour" on the Ukrainian border where it has amassed troops.&nbsp;

The group also called on Iran to release foreign and duals nations from its jails.

But they held the door open to&nbsp;China&nbsp;for future cooperation.

The&nbsp;G7&nbsp;maintained they would look for ways to work with the world's second-largest economy "to promote regional and global peace, security and prosperity".

China on Thursday said it "strongly condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens.

China on Thursday said it "strongly condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens. Foreign ministers from G7 countries Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan urged China to abide by its obligations under international and national law during their first face-to-face meeting in two years in London. The group said they were "deeply concerned" by alleged human rights violations and abuses against the minority Uyghur Muslim population in China's western Xinjiang region and Tibet. Also read | At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report They also urged an end to the targeting of rights protesters in Hong Kong. Beijing was quick to hit back, railing against the G7 for making "unfounded accusations against China and openly intervening in China's internal affairs", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. He said the group was engaged in the "wanton destruction of the norms of international relations", repeating Beijing's long-held line that those issues were China's own matters. The G7 statement also said the group supports Taiwan's participation in World Health Organization forums and the World Health Assembly, which prompted China to retort that the island's participation must be handled in line with the one-China principle. Wang added the G7 should do more to boost global economic recovery rather than causing "contradictions and differences" in the international community. Also read | New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide' "We urge the relevant countries to face up to their own problems... and stop generalising on the concept of national security as well as other wrong practices," he said. Beijing's latest rebuke comes as tensions with Western nations grow and international criticism mounts over issues including Xinjiang, where rights groups estimate at least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps. Authorities in the area are also said to have forcibly sterilised women and imposed forced labour. The United States has since accused China of genocide and British MPs last month approved a symbolic parliamentary motion declaring that Uyghur Muslims in China were "suffering crimes against humanity and genocide". But China has decried the criticism over Xinjiang as lies, claiming that testimonies in news reports have been made by "a few fake actors". The country has since ramped up its propaganda, holding dozens of press briefings on the subject, while state-owned outlet CGTN released a four-part documentary series looking to justify the government's policies in the region. Although the G7 members reserved their strongest criticism for China, they also targeted Russia over "irresponsible and destablising behaviour" on the Ukrainian border where it has amassed troops. The group also called on Iran to release foreign and duals nations from its jails. But they held the door open to China for future cooperation. The G7 maintained they would look for ways to work with the world's second-largest economy "to promote regional and global peace, security and prosperity".

Persecution of Uyghur Muslims: China hits back at G7 rights criticism

A Canadian government advisory panel on Monday recommended the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for people aged 30 years and over, despite blood clotting fears. Shelley Deeks of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) said the J&J jab has proven to be 'highly effective' in preventing severe COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.

Canada recommends J&J jab for 30 years and over, despite blood clot fears

Canada on Wednesday approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in children aged 12 years and up, becoming the first nation to do so.

"This is the first vaccine authorized in Canada for the prevention of Covid-19 in children and marks a significant milestone in Canada's fight against the pandemic," Health Canada chief medical advisor Supriya Sharma told a news conference.

Data from clinical trials show the vaccine is as safe for adolescents as it is for adults, she said.

The US&nbsp;Food and Drug Administration is also expected to authorise Pfizer's vaccine for young by next week, setting up shots for many before the beginning of the next school year. The announcement comes barely a month after the company found that its shot, which is already authorized for those age 16 and older, also provided protection for the younger group.

Pfizer in late March released preliminary results from a vaccine study of 2,260 US&nbsp;volunteers ages 12 to 15 showing there were no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared with 18 among those given dummy shots.

Kids had side effects similar to young adults, the company said. The main side effects are pain, fever, chills and fatigue, particularly after the second dose. The study will continue to track participants for two years for more information about long-term protection and safety.

Vaccinations have ramped in Canada in months and expects to receive at least 10 million vaccines this month. More than 34 per cent of Canadians have received at least one dose.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Canada on Wednesday approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in children aged 12 years and up, becoming the first nation to do so. "This is the first vaccine authorized in Canada for the prevention of Covid-19 in children and marks a significant milestone in Canada's fight against the pandemic," Health Canada chief medical advisor Supriya Sharma told a news conference.

Canada on Wednesday approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in children aged 12 years and up, becoming the first nation to do so. "This is the first vaccine authorized in Canada for the prevention of Covid-19 in children and marks a significant milestone in Canada's fight against the pandemic," Health Canada chief medical advisor Supriya Sharma told a news conference. Data from clinical trials show the vaccine is as safe for adolescents as it is for adults, she said. The US Food and Drug Administration is also expected to authorise Pfizer's vaccine for young by next week, setting up shots for many before the beginning of the next school year. The announcement comes barely a month after the company found that its shot, which is already authorized for those age 16 and older, also provided protection for the younger group. Pfizer in late March released preliminary results from a vaccine study of 2,260 US volunteers ages 12 to 15 showing there were no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared with 18 among those given dummy shots. Kids had side effects similar to young adults, the company said. The main side effects are pain, fever, chills and fatigue, particularly after the second dose. The study will continue to track participants for two years for more information about long-term protection and safety. Vaccinations have ramped in Canada in months and expects to receive at least 10 million vaccines this month. More than 34 per cent of Canadians have received at least one dose. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada becomes first country to authorise Pfizer Covid vaccine for kids age 12 and up

India is currently witnessing its worst surge in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic and countries have stepped up efforts to assist India to deal with shortages.&nbsp;

The Canadian government is currently identifying equipment which may be sent to India to help with the crisis. The Canadian province of Ontario is sending a consignment of ventilators worth&nbsp;₹144 crore.

“Ontario will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends,” the premier of Ontario Doug Ford said in a tweet. Doug mentioned that Ontario will send 3,000 medical ventilators made in the province worth&nbsp;$8,000 Canadian dollars each.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/covid-aid-to-india-oxygen-production-plant-20-ventilators-arrive-from-italy-382569" hreflang="en">Covid aid to India: Oxygen production plant, 20 ventilators arrive from Italy</a>

The ventilators being dispatched are manufactured by the company called O-Two Medical Technologies Inc which is headquartered in Brampton in the Greater Toronto Area.

Earlier, India had sent 500,000 AstraZeneca vaccines to Ontario in March when the province was witnessing a supply crunch.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/one-of-most-important-partners-uk-envoy-alex-ellis-says-on-covid-aid-to-india-382390" hreflang="en">'One of most important partners', UK envoy Alex Ellis says on Covid aid to India</a>

The Canadian federal government is also sending equipment, including the donation of 10 million Canadian dollars to the Canadian Red Cross to India. Currently, the country identifying the material which may be sent from its emergency stockpile. These include ventilators, oxygen concentrators and generators.

The Canadian Red Cross has launched its India Covid Response and is currently coordinating with the Indian Red Cross Society.

India is currently witnessing its worst surge in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic and countries have stepped up efforts to assist India to deal with shortages.

India is currently witnessing its worst surge in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic and countries have stepped up efforts to assist India to deal with shortages. The Canadian government is currently identifying equipment which may be sent to India to help with the crisis. The Canadian province of Ontario is sending a consignment of ventilators worth ₹144 crore. “Ontario will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends,” the premier of Ontario Doug Ford said in a tweet. Doug mentioned that Ontario will send 3,000 medical ventilators made in the province worth $8,000 Canadian dollars each. Also read: Covid aid to India: Oxygen production plant, 20 ventilators arrive from Italy The ventilators being dispatched are manufactured by the company called O-Two Medical Technologies Inc which is headquartered in Brampton in the Greater Toronto Area. Earlier, India had sent 500,000 AstraZeneca vaccines to Ontario in March when the province was witnessing a supply crunch. Also read: 'One of most important partners', UK envoy Alex Ellis says on Covid aid to India The Canadian federal government is also sending equipment, including the donation of 10 million Canadian dollars to the Canadian Red Cross to India. Currently, the country identifying the material which may be sent from its emergency stockpile. These include ventilators, oxygen concentrators and generators. The Canadian Red Cross has launched its India Covid Response and is currently coordinating with the Indian Red Cross Society.

Canada's Ontario province to send 3,000 ventilators to India amid Covid crisis

Researchers from the University of Toronto have discovered the world’s oldest sample of water, a finding that could offer clues about the possibility of life on Mars.

Professor Barbara Sherwood Lollar and her team found the water three kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface at a base metal mine in Timmins, Ontario in 2009.

Tests conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford found that the mean age of the samples was 1.6 billion years old, making it the oldest water sample ever found on Earth.

This discovery might just solve one of humanity’s biggest unanswered questions, that is, “could there be life on other planets?”

The 58-year-old Canadian geologist is also a professor at the University of Toronto in the Department of Earth Sciences. She was recently honoured with the Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering from the Research Council of Canada.

“This water is full of all kinds of dissolved elements, dissolved chemicals and it’s those chemicals that allow life to eke out an existence in these deep, dark places,” Sherwood Lollar said.

Oliver Warr, a postdoctoral researcher and the leader of the team, said that this discovery could have significant ramifications on how life might exist and survive in such depths.

An article in Maclean's reported that the musty smell of the oldest water is its dead giveaway. "It literally is following your nose right up to the rock, to find the crack or the fractures where the water is discharging," says Lollar.

She noted that the water is highly saline, which is ten times saltier than seawater. But despite its musty smell, it required more than a gifted schnozz to locate it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers from the University of Toronto have discovered the world’s oldest sample of water, a finding that could offer clues about the possibility of life on Mars.

Researchers from the University of Toronto have discovered the world’s oldest sample of water, a finding that could offer clues about the possibility of life on Mars. Professor Barbara Sherwood Lollar and her team found the water three kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface at a base metal mine in Timmins, Ontario in 2009. Tests conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford found that the mean age of the samples was 1.6 billion years old, making it the oldest water sample ever found on Earth. This discovery might just solve one of humanity’s biggest unanswered questions, that is, “could there be life on other planets?” The 58-year-old Canadian geologist is also a professor at the University of Toronto in the Department of Earth Sciences. She was recently honoured with the Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering from the Research Council of Canada. “This water is full of all kinds of dissolved elements, dissolved chemicals and it’s those chemicals that allow life to eke out an existence in these deep, dark places,” Sherwood Lollar said. Oliver Warr, a postdoctoral researcher and the leader of the team, said that this discovery could have significant ramifications on how life might exist and survive in such depths. An article in Maclean's reported that the musty smell of the oldest water is its dead giveaway. "It literally is following your nose right up to the rock, to find the crack or the fractures where the water is discharging," says Lollar. She noted that the water is highly saline, which is ten times saltier than seawater. But despite its musty smell, it required more than a gifted schnozz to locate it. (With inputs from agencies)

Oldest water on earth found in a Canadian mine

Canada is all set to suspend entry of international students, including from India, to Ontario, the worst-hit province which is battling the third wave of the coronavirus.&nbsp;

According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), an education service provider based in Ottawa, there were 530,540 international students in Canada in 2020, of which the maximum were from India (34 per cent) followed by China (22 per cent).&nbsp;

Ontario has the maximum number of foreign students at 242,825 or 46 per cent, it said.&nbsp;

During a press conference on Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government is considering halting the arrival of international students in Ontario, following a request from the province's premier Doug Ford to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the globalnews.ca reported.&nbsp;

“Because currently Ontario is the only province to request it, we are happy to work more closely with them," he said.&nbsp;

Trudeau said they will be reaching out to their officials to formalise the request. However, there is no clarity as yet on when the change will take effect or how long it will last.&nbsp;

International students are currently exempt from Canada's COVID-19 travel rules. All students must be able to provide a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows they were approved for a permit, according to CTV news.&nbsp;

Ford also called on the federal government to ban non-essential travel after 36 cases of the B.1.617 variant, originally found in India, were identified in the province, the report said. &nbsp;

Trudeau reiterated his intentions of working closely with the provinces to quell the spread of the coronavirus and cautioned against any kind of non-essential travel.&nbsp;

"We're engaging with other provinces that are hit hard by this third wave to see how we can help," he said.&nbsp;

Canada has so far reported 1.22 million coronavirus cases, including 463,000 in Ontario. Of the total 24,219 fatalities, 8,050 were reported from Ontario.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Canada is all set to suspend entry of international students, including from India, to Ontario, the worst-hit province which is battling the third wave of the coronavirus.

Canada is all set to suspend entry of international students, including from India, to Ontario, the worst-hit province which is battling the third wave of the coronavirus. According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), an education service provider based in Ottawa, there were 530,540 international students in Canada in 2020, of which the maximum were from India (34 per cent) followed by China (22 per cent). Ontario has the maximum number of foreign students at 242,825 or 46 per cent, it said. During a press conference on Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government is considering halting the arrival of international students in Ontario, following a request from the province's premier Doug Ford to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the globalnews.ca reported. “Because currently Ontario is the only province to request it, we are happy to work more closely with them," he said. Trudeau said they will be reaching out to their officials to formalise the request. However, there is no clarity as yet on when the change will take effect or how long it will last. International students are currently exempt from Canada's COVID-19 travel rules. All students must be able to provide a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows they were approved for a permit, according to CTV news. Ford also called on the federal government to ban non-essential travel after 36 cases of the B.1.617 variant, originally found in India, were identified in the province, the report said. Trudeau reiterated his intentions of working closely with the provinces to quell the spread of the coronavirus and cautioned against any kind of non-essential travel. "We're engaging with other provinces that are hit hard by this third wave to see how we can help," he said. Canada has so far reported 1.22 million coronavirus cases, including 463,000 in Ontario. Of the total 24,219 fatalities, 8,050 were reported from Ontario. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada to ban entry of international students to Ontario province to combat COVID-19 surge 

Provinces across Canada report single day records of new COVID 19 cases. Tens of thousands of protesters marched in Montreal against restrictions imposed by the government to stem a third wave of the virus in Canada.

Coronavirus Update: No masks, social distancing in Montreal protest

Tiny Hummingbirds have successfully halted construction on the multibillion-dollar project of Trans Mountain Corporation for the next four months.&nbsp;

The Canadian government has ordered the company to pause some construction including felling trees, through mid-August.

The C$12.6 billion ($10.17 billion) Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) project will nearly the triple capacity of the pipeline, which runs from Edmonton, Alberta, to the coast of British Columbia, to ship 890,000 barrels per day of crude and refined products when it is completed late 2022.

Trans Mountain said the order applies to a one-kilometre stretch along its pipeline right-of-way and work continues on all other areas of the 1,150-kilometre (715-mile) route. There has been no change to the expected in-service date.

An Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) enforcement officer visited the site in a Burnaby forest twice this month after complaints about construction activity affecting nests including those of a species known as Anna’s hummingbird, which are migratory birds protected under Canadian law.

Migratory birds are particularly vulnerable during nesting season. ECCC issued a written order on April 16 to halt any activity including tree felling with heavy machinery on the site. The order lasts until Aug. 20 when nesting season ends.

“Cutting vegetation and trees or carrying out other disruptive activities such as bulldozing or using chainsaws and heavy machinery in the vicinity of active nests will likely result in disturbance or destruction of those nests,” ECCC spokeswoman Samantha Bayard said in a statement.

Environmental campaigners and some indigenous groups oppose the project, which has been beset by years of regulatory delay and cost overruns. In 2018 Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government bought the pipeline from Kinder Morgan Canada to ensure the expansion proceeded, making Trans Mountain a government corporation.

Sara Ross, a member of the Community Nest Finding Network, which raised the alarm about hummingbird nests being affected, said more government monitoring was needed along the entire pipeline route.

“When the government is the owner as well as the regulator, it means groups like ours are imperative,” Ross said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tiny Hummingbirds have successfully halted construction on the multibillion-dollar project of Trans Mountain Corporation for the next four months. The Canadian government has ordered the company to pause some construction including felling trees, through mid-August.

Tiny Hummingbirds have successfully halted construction on the multibillion-dollar project of Trans Mountain Corporation for the next four months. The Canadian government has ordered the company to pause some construction including felling trees, through mid-August. The C$12.6 billion ($10.17 billion) Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) project will nearly the triple capacity of the pipeline, which runs from Edmonton, Alberta, to the coast of British Columbia, to ship 890,000 barrels per day of crude and refined products when it is completed late 2022. Trans Mountain said the order applies to a one-kilometre stretch along its pipeline right-of-way and work continues on all other areas of the 1,150-kilometre (715-mile) route. There has been no change to the expected in-service date. An Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) enforcement officer visited the site in a Burnaby forest twice this month after complaints about construction activity affecting nests including those of a species known as Anna’s hummingbird, which are migratory birds protected under Canadian law. Migratory birds are particularly vulnerable during nesting season. ECCC issued a written order on April 16 to halt any activity including tree felling with heavy machinery on the site. The order lasts until Aug. 20 when nesting season ends. “Cutting vegetation and trees or carrying out other disruptive activities such as bulldozing or using chainsaws and heavy machinery in the vicinity of active nests will likely result in disturbance or destruction of those nests,” ECCC spokeswoman Samantha Bayard said in a statement. Environmental campaigners and some indigenous groups oppose the project, which has been beset by years of regulatory delay and cost overruns. In 2018 Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government bought the pipeline from Kinder Morgan Canada to ensure the expansion proceeded, making Trans Mountain a government corporation. Sara Ross, a member of the Community Nest Finding Network, which raised the alarm about hummingbird nests being affected, said more government monitoring was needed along the entire pipeline route. “When the government is the owner as well as the regulator, it means groups like ours are imperative,” Ross said. (With inputs from agencies)

Hummingbirds stop controversial pipeline construction in Canada

As cases spike, here's a list of countries that have banned travellers from India

To fight the ongoing wave of COVID-19 infections, Canada will send its armed forces and the Red Cross to Ontario. The province is facing a surge in the number of cases and hospitalisations due to COVID-19, Canada’s public safety minister said on Monday.

Toronto has emerged as the epicentre of Ontario’s third COVID-19 wave, and the federal government recently approved a request to airlift medical personnel from the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, a spokesperson for Public Safety Canada said in a statement.

The country’s Minister of Public Safety, Bill Blair on Twitter said that the government has given its nod to providing support.

On Monday alone, Ontario reported 877 cases that required intensive care. Scientific modelling suggests that the virus could put 1,500 people in the ICU by the beginning of May.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/canada-says-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccines-from-suspended-us-plant-are-safe-380467" hreflang="en">Canada says AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines from suspended US plant are safe</a>

Alberta currently has highest rate of COVID-19 cases in the country, and on Tuesday said that it would offer vaccination to over 15,000 workers at meat-packing plants across the province where the highest number of cases were recorder during the first wave.

Canada’s Ontario recently announced sweeping police powers in a bid to enforce stay-at-home orders.&nbsp;Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and has witnessed a record number of coronavirus cases, with health experts worried about the effects of healthcare system being overwhelmed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/canada-to-suspend-passenger-flights-from-india-pakistan-over-covid-19-fears-379365" hreflang="en">Canada to suspend passenger flights from India, Pakistan over COVID-19 fears</a>

“We’re losing the battle between the variants and vaccines… We’re on our heels. If we dig in, remain steadfast, we can turn this around,’’ Doug Ford, Ontario’s premier announced on April 16.

A new model predicts Ontario will have 15,000 new cases everyday by June if the current trajectory of daily cases continues. This model has taken into account vaccinations. In addition, the province could see 30,000 cases a day.

(With inputs from agencies)

To fight the ongoing wave of COVID-19 infections, Canada will send its armed forces and the Red Cross to Ontario. The province is facing a surge in the number of cases and hospitalisations due to COVID-19, Canada’s public safety minister said on Monday.

To fight the ongoing wave of COVID-19 infections, Canada will send its armed forces and the Red Cross to Ontario. The province is facing a surge in the number of cases and hospitalisations due to COVID-19, Canada’s public safety minister said on Monday. Toronto has emerged as the epicentre of Ontario’s third COVID-19 wave, and the federal government recently approved a request to airlift medical personnel from the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, a spokesperson for Public Safety Canada said in a statement. The country’s Minister of Public Safety, Bill Blair on Twitter said that the government has given its nod to providing support. On Monday alone, Ontario reported 877 cases that required intensive care. Scientific modelling suggests that the virus could put 1,500 people in the ICU by the beginning of May. Also read: Canada says AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines from suspended US plant are safe Alberta currently has highest rate of COVID-19 cases in the country, and on Tuesday said that it would offer vaccination to over 15,000 workers at meat-packing plants across the province where the highest number of cases were recorder during the first wave. Canada’s Ontario recently announced sweeping police powers in a bid to enforce stay-at-home orders. Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and has witnessed a record number of coronavirus cases, with health experts worried about the effects of healthcare system being overwhelmed. Also read: Canada to suspend passenger flights from India, Pakistan over COVID-19 fears “We’re losing the battle between the variants and vaccines… We’re on our heels. If we dig in, remain steadfast, we can turn this around,’’ Doug Ford, Ontario’s premier announced on April 16. A new model predicts Ontario will have 15,000 new cases everyday by June if the current trajectory of daily cases continues. This model has taken into account vaccinations. In addition, the province could see 30,000 cases a day. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada to send army to Ontario as cases continue to rise

US taxi and limousine services are seeing a boom in business from customers seeking to enter Canada by land to avoid a restriction on international travel that applies only to air traffic.

While both Canadian land and air travellers are required to take a test within three days of departure, and again on arrival, only those flying to Canada must spend up to three days of the country's 14-day required quarantine period in a hotel.

That has led to a surge of calls for taxi and limousine services from Canadians who fly through US&nbsp;airports in states like New York and then cross over the land border, representatives of four companies told Reuters.

Watch |

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"They call from six in the morning to 12 at night," John Arnet, general manager of 716 Limousine in Buffalo, N.Y. said.

"We`ve had so many requests for border crossings that we`re turning them down."

The company now does more business driving Canadians to their homes in Ontario than with U.S. clients.

A taxi trip across the border can cost around $200 or $250 compared with a three-day hotel stay of more than C$1,200 ($961), Canadian travel insurance broker Martin Firestone said.

With the Canada-U.S. land border mostly closed for more than a year due to the pandemic, and overall tourism down, the recent surge in business has come as a relief to some struggling taxi operators.

Boccio, general manager of Buffalo Limousines, said the Canadian clientele has helped the company bring back chauffeurs.

On Friday, Boccio said the company gave nine different rides to Canadian passengers on just one flight from Florida.

Canada has imposed tough restrictions since the start of the pandemic, including a ban on most foreigners from entering the country. Canadians can fly out of the country and return either by land or air.

But concerns are mounting due to a surge in virus variants, with the once temporary hotel quarantine now mandatory for air travelers through late May, and a ban introduced this week on direct flights from India and Pakistan.

Will the boom last?

Firestone said some of his clients who spent the winter in Florida are returning by land to avoid hotels. Some get rides; others who usually get their cars shipped are driving them north.

"Every single limousine company has got on the bandwagon," Firestone said.

Some Canadians ask to be driven home, while others take rides to the border, cross on foot and get another ride in Canada, drivers said.

Non-commercial land border crossings were 60% higher during one week at the end of March and beginning of April than in the same week in 2020, according to data from the Canada Border Services Agency. Air travel for that same week, meanwhile, increased 18.8%.

The discrepancy between the rules at the land border and by air is a sore point for Canada`s hard-hit carriers. (Full Story)

Unlike land travelers who can choose where to quarantine, air passengers who test positive at a hotel must self-isolate at a government-mandated facility.

According to Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) data for Feb. 22 through March 25, 1.5% of air passengers to the country tested positive for the virus on arrival compared with 0.3% of land travellers.

The boom for U.S. taxis could soon be muted as premiers from Canada`s two most populous provinces, Quebec and Ontario, have urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take further action at the land border.

Tighter requirements might help, such as a mandatory hotel stay for those entering Canada at certain land crossings, said Customs and Immigration Union president Jean-Pierre Fortin, but would be logistically challenging given the vast border.

“It would be very hard to enforce without having clear places for them to go.”

US taxi and limousine services are seeing a boom in business from customers seeking to enter Canada by land to avoid a restriction on international travel that applies only to air traffic.

US taxi and limousine services are seeing a boom in business from customers seeking to enter Canada by land to avoid a restriction on international travel that applies only to air traffic. While both Canadian land and air travellers are required to take a test within three days of departure, and again on arrival, only those flying to Canada must spend up to three days of the country's 14-day required quarantine period in a hotel. That has led to a surge of calls for taxi and limousine services from Canadians who fly through US airports in states like New York and then cross over the land border, representatives of four companies told Reuters. Watch | "They call from six in the morning to 12 at night," John Arnet, general manager of 716 Limousine in Buffalo, N.Y. said. "We`ve had so many requests for border crossings that we`re turning them down." The company now does more business driving Canadians to their homes in Ontario than with U.S. clients. A taxi trip across the border can cost around $200 or $250 compared with a three-day hotel stay of more than C$1,200 ($961), Canadian travel insurance broker Martin Firestone said. With the Canada-U.S. land border mostly closed for more than a year due to the pandemic, and overall tourism down, the recent surge in business has come as a relief to some struggling taxi operators. Boccio, general manager of Buffalo Limousines, said the Canadian clientele has helped the company bring back chauffeurs. On Friday, Boccio said the company gave nine different rides to Canadian passengers on just one flight from Florida. Canada has imposed tough restrictions since the start of the pandemic, including a ban on most foreigners from entering the country. Canadians can fly out of the country and return either by land or air. But concerns are mounting due to a surge in virus variants, with the once temporary hotel quarantine now mandatory for air travelers through late May, and a ban introduced this week on direct flights from India and Pakistan. Will the boom last? Firestone said some of his clients who spent the winter in Florida are returning by land to avoid hotels. Some get rides; others who usually get their cars shipped are driving them north. "Every single limousine company has got on the bandwagon," Firestone said. Some Canadians ask to be driven home, while others take rides to the border, cross on foot and get another ride in Canada, drivers said. Non-commercial land border crossings were 60% higher during one week at the end of March and beginning of April than in the same week in 2020, according to data from the Canada Border Services Agency. Air travel for that same week, meanwhile, increased 18.8%. The discrepancy between the rules at the land border and by air is a sore point for Canada`s hard-hit carriers. (Full Story) Unlike land travelers who can choose where to quarantine, air passengers who test positive at a hotel must self-isolate at a government-mandated facility. According to Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) data for Feb. 22 through March 25, 1.5% of air passengers to the country tested positive for the virus on arrival compared with 0.3% of land travellers. The boom for U.S. taxis could soon be muted as premiers from Canada`s two most populous provinces, Quebec and Ontario, have urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take further action at the land border. Tighter requirements might help, such as a mandatory hotel stay for those entering Canada at certain land crossings, said Customs and Immigration Union president Jean-Pierre Fortin, but would be logistically challenging given the vast border. “It would be very hard to enforce without having clear places for them to go.”

Canadians avoiding hotel quarantines for air travellers fuel taxi boom on US border

A Canadian judge on Wednesday adjourned Chinese Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's extradition hearing until August, giving her team time to review newly obtained documents from investment bank HSBC they say are key to her defense.

The delay requested by Meng upends the scheduled resumption on Monday of the British Columbia Supreme Court proceedings, which were to last three weeks and be the final leg of her two-and-a-half-year legal fight to forestall being sent to the United States to face charges of bank fraud.

"This application has been granted," Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes told the court. "The remainder of the proceedings... will be rescheduled to begin on or around August 3, 2021."

She added that her reasons for the ruling would be released in writing next week.

Meng, the daughter of the company's founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei, is accused by US prosecutors of misrepresenting to HSBC links between Huawei and a company that sold telecoms equipment to Iran in violation of US sanctions.

She has denied hiding Huawei's relationship with Skycom, a former subsidiary, from HSBC.

Earlier this month Huawei said it had reached an agreement with HSBC in Hong Kong to secure the documents. The company had previously failed to get the documents from a court in the UK, where HSBC is headquartered.

According to the original Huawei summons, seen by AFP, Meng was seeking HSBC bank documents on compliance, sanctions and risk evaluation, as well as records linked to a PowerPoint presentation she made to HSBC executives at a Hong Kong tea house in a bid to secure loans.

'Unreasonable request'

Wednesday's British Columbia Supreme Court decision is a small but key victory for Meng.

The delay, however, will come as little relief to the families of two Canadians jailed in China for what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said are "trumped-up" espionage charges.

The pair, former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor, were detained nine days after Meng's December 2018 arrest during a Vancouver stopover, in apparent retaliation.

Their detention and Meng's extradition battle has plunged Canada-China relations into a deep freeze. 
On Monday, Meng's lawyers petitioned the court for an adjournment to provide Meng the opportunity to review the HSBC documents for possible "relevant evidence" in her extradition case.

Lawyers for the Canadian government, acting on behalf of the United States, opposed the request, saying it was an effort to inappropriately stretch out the case, and that her arguments belong only before a US trial judge.

"They are requesting this court be turned into a trial court," government lawyer Robert Frater shot back. "This is an unreasonable request because it is not based on anything but unsubstantiated, redacted allegations."

Meng remains under night-time house arrest in her Vancouver mansion, supervised by guards at all times, and required to wear a wireless tracking device.&nbsp;

The case was supposed to have wrapped up May 14, barring any appeals, but the adjournment means it will not finish until at least the end of August.&nbsp;

"Any additional applications arising from the documents Ms. Meng will be receiving from HSBC will need to have been made and determined before (August)," Holmes also ruled.

A Canadian judge on Wednesday adjourned Chinese Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's extradition hearing until August, giving her team time to review newly obtained documents from investment bank HSBC they say are key to her defense.

A Canadian judge on Wednesday adjourned Chinese Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's extradition hearing until August, giving her team time to review newly obtained documents from investment bank HSBC they say are key to her defense. The delay requested by Meng upends the scheduled resumption on Monday of the British Columbia Supreme Court proceedings, which were to last three weeks and be the final leg of her two-and-a-half-year legal fight to forestall being sent to the United States to face charges of bank fraud. "This application has been granted," Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes told the court. "The remainder of the proceedings... will be rescheduled to begin on or around August 3, 2021." She added that her reasons for the ruling would be released in writing next week. Meng, the daughter of the company's founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei, is accused by US prosecutors of misrepresenting to HSBC links between Huawei and a company that sold telecoms equipment to Iran in violation of US sanctions. She has denied hiding Huawei's relationship with Skycom, a former subsidiary, from HSBC. Earlier this month Huawei said it had reached an agreement with HSBC in Hong Kong to secure the documents. The company had previously failed to get the documents from a court in the UK, where HSBC is headquartered. According to the original Huawei summons, seen by AFP, Meng was seeking HSBC bank documents on compliance, sanctions and risk evaluation, as well as records linked to a PowerPoint presentation she made to HSBC executives at a Hong Kong tea house in a bid to secure loans. 'Unreasonable request' Wednesday's British Columbia Supreme Court decision is a small but key victory for Meng. The delay, however, will come as little relief to the families of two Canadians jailed in China for what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said are "trumped-up" espionage charges. The pair, former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor, were detained nine days after Meng's December 2018 arrest during a Vancouver stopover, in apparent retaliation. Their detention and Meng's extradition battle has plunged Canada-China relations into a deep freeze. On Monday, Meng's lawyers petitioned the court for an adjournment to provide Meng the opportunity to review the HSBC documents for possible "relevant evidence" in her extradition case. Lawyers for the Canadian government, acting on behalf of the United States, opposed the request, saying it was an effort to inappropriately stretch out the case, and that her arguments belong only before a US trial judge. "They are requesting this court be turned into a trial court," government lawyer Robert Frater shot back. "This is an unreasonable request because it is not based on anything but unsubstantiated, redacted allegations." Meng remains under night-time house arrest in her Vancouver mansion, supervised by guards at all times, and required to wear a wireless tracking device. The case was supposed to have wrapped up May 14, barring any appeals, but the adjournment means it will not finish until at least the end of August. "Any additional applications arising from the documents Ms. Meng will be receiving from HSBC will need to have been made and determined before (August)," Holmes also ruled.

Canada judge adjourns Huawei exec's extradition hearing to August

Police in cities across Ontario, Canada`s most populous province, on Saturday refused to make random stops greenlighted by the provincial government seeking to impose a stay-at-home order amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Toronto, the country`s largest city, Ottawa, Hamilton, Windsor and at least 19 other municipal police forces said they would not conduct random vehicle or individual stops though they had been given the power to do so.

"The Toronto Police Service will continue to engage, educate and enforce, but we will not be doing random stops of people or cars," the force said on Twitter. Mayor John Tory supported the move.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-ontario-gives-police-sweeping-powers-to-enforce-stay-at-home-orders-378122">Canada's Ontario gives police sweeping powers to enforce stay-at-home orders</a>

Ontario, home to 38% of Canada`s population, had 4,362 new infections on Saturday after a record of 4,812 cases on Friday, and projections indicate the virus could spike to 10,000 per day in June without more strict health restrictions.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, increasingly under fire for mishandling the province`s pandemic response, on Friday gave police the authority to stop anyone driving or walking to ask them to explain their reason for leaving home and ticket them if in breach of the rules.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-ontario-imposes-1-month-lockdown-amid-fears-of-covid-19-third-wave-375982">Canada: Ontario imposes 1-month lockdown amid fears of COVID-19 third wave</a>

Steven Del Duca, the opposition Liberal Party leader in Ontario, said Ford was imposing "martial law" and that the move was a "dangerous attack on racialized Ontarians" who would be unfairly targeted.

The expanded police powers risk causing "a rash of racial profiling and overbroad police powers, presuming everyone outside guilty until proven otherwise," Canada`s Civil Liberties Association said.

Ford also said he would block non-essential travel from neighbouring provinces from Monday. Ontario`s Provincial Police on Saturday said they were preparing to enforce that order.

In recent weeks, Ontario has closed schools, restaurants, limited in-store shopping, and cancelled elective surgeries as a surge of admissions threatened to overwhelm hospitals. On Friday it also shut down some construction work, but not warehouses or factories.

Critics say Ford abandoned a previous stay-at-home order too soon, allowing current spike in cases that is putting hospitals under pressure. On Friday, Ford blamed the federal government for the third wave, saying it had been too slow to ramp up vaccinations and too lenient at the borders.

Police in cities across Ontario, Canada`s most populous province, on Saturday refused to make random stops greenlighted by the provincial government seeking to impose a stay-at-home order amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Police in cities across Ontario, Canada`s most populous province, on Saturday refused to make random stops greenlighted by the provincial government seeking to impose a stay-at-home order amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. Toronto, the country`s largest city, Ottawa, Hamilton, Windsor and at least 19 other municipal police forces said they would not conduct random vehicle or individual stops though they had been given the power to do so. "The Toronto Police Service will continue to engage, educate and enforce, but we will not be doing random stops of people or cars," the force said on Twitter. Mayor John Tory supported the move. Also read | Canada's Ontario gives police sweeping powers to enforce stay-at-home orders Ontario, home to 38% of Canada`s population, had 4,362 new infections on Saturday after a record of 4,812 cases on Friday, and projections indicate the virus could spike to 10,000 per day in June without more strict health restrictions. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, increasingly under fire for mishandling the province`s pandemic response, on Friday gave police the authority to stop anyone driving or walking to ask them to explain their reason for leaving home and ticket them if in breach of the rules. Also read | Canada: Ontario imposes 1-month lockdown amid fears of COVID-19 third wave Steven Del Duca, the opposition Liberal Party leader in Ontario, said Ford was imposing "martial law" and that the move was a "dangerous attack on racialized Ontarians" who would be unfairly targeted. The expanded police powers risk causing "a rash of racial profiling and overbroad police powers, presuming everyone outside guilty until proven otherwise," Canada`s Civil Liberties Association said. Ford also said he would block non-essential travel from neighbouring provinces from Monday. Ontario`s Provincial Police on Saturday said they were preparing to enforce that order. In recent weeks, Ontario has closed schools, restaurants, limited in-store shopping, and cancelled elective surgeries as a surge of admissions threatened to overwhelm hospitals. On Friday it also shut down some construction work, but not warehouses or factories. Critics say Ford abandoned a previous stay-at-home order too soon, allowing current spike in cases that is putting hospitals under pressure. On Friday, Ford blamed the federal government for the third wave, saying it had been too slow to ramp up vaccinations and too lenient at the borders.

Canadian police refuse provincial order to make random stops amid COVID-19 surge

Canada’s special immigration programme for residents of Hong Kong has received over 500 applications in just three weeks.

The initiative was heralded by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In November, the Canadian government had said that it would make it easier for people from Hong Kong to work and study in Canada after China imposed fresh security rules in the semi-autonomous territory.

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The numbers for the programme were revealed by Canada’s immigration ministry.

"In the first three weeks that the program was open (Feb. 8 to Feb. 28), IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) received 503 applications for work permits and 10 applications for work permit extensions," press secretary Alexander Cohen was cited as saying in an emailed statement by Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/jailing-of-hong-kong-activists-impacts-eu-china-ties-eu-official-378061" hreflang="en">Jailing of Hong Kong activists impacts EU-China ties: EU official</a>

"Canada shares the grave concerns of the international community over China's National Security Legislation and strongly supports the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly", the statement added.

In February, Canada said that Hong Kong graduates from Canadian universities are eligible to apply for a new category of a three-year work permit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hong-kong-court-sentences-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-to-12-months-prison-377963" hreflang="en">Hong Kong court sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 12 months prison</a>

In June 2020, China imposed a new national security law in Hong Kong to limit anything that qualifies as “subversion, terrorism, and secession”. While China imposed the new law, many residents of the city reportedly moved billions of dollars to Canada.

Last year, capital flowing out of Hong Kong banks into Canada rose to high levels with over $34.87 billion in electronic funds transfers, which lodged by FINTRAC - Canada’s anti-money-laundering agency.

In 2020, Canadian visa applications from Hong Kong, not including visitors’ visas increased by 10 per cent to 8,121 in 2020.

Canada’s special immigration programme for residents of Hong Kong has received over 500 applications in just three weeks. The initiative was heralded by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Canada’s special immigration programme for residents of Hong Kong has received over 500 applications in just three weeks. The initiative was heralded by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In November, the Canadian government had said that it would make it easier for people from Hong Kong to work and study in Canada after China imposed fresh security rules in the semi-autonomous territory. The numbers for the programme were revealed by Canada’s immigration ministry. "In the first three weeks that the program was open (Feb. 8 to Feb. 28), IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) received 503 applications for work permits and 10 applications for work permit extensions," press secretary Alexander Cohen was cited as saying in an emailed statement by Reuters. Also read: Jailing of Hong Kong activists impacts EU-China ties: EU official "Canada shares the grave concerns of the international community over China's National Security Legislation and strongly supports the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly", the statement added. In February, Canada said that Hong Kong graduates from Canadian universities are eligible to apply for a new category of a three-year work permit. Also read: Hong Kong court sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 12 months prison In June 2020, China imposed a new national security law in Hong Kong to limit anything that qualifies as “subversion, terrorism, and secession”. While China imposed the new law, many residents of the city reportedly moved billions of dollars to Canada. Last year, capital flowing out of Hong Kong banks into Canada rose to high levels with over $34.87 billion in electronic funds transfers, which lodged by FINTRAC - Canada’s anti-money-laundering agency. In 2020, Canadian visa applications from Hong Kong, not including visitors’ visas increased by 10 per cent to 8,121 in 2020.

Canada's immigration programme for Hong Kongers received 500 applications in 3 weeks

Canadian health authority on Tuesday reported the nation's first blood clotting case related to the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab.&nbsp;

Health Canada said a Quebec woman who had received the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>prepared by the Serum Institute of India was Canada's first case of blood clotting with low platelets.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/denmark-stops-use-of-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-377651/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"The person is at home now recovering," the authority said in a statement as reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;</div>

However, Health Canada said that the country would continue to use the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab since its benefits against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid-19 </a>"outweigh the potential risks."&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Denmark became the first European nation to stop using the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine over safety fears, despite the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) insisting that the drug is safe to use. &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explainer-why-is-second-jab-of-coronavirus-vaccine-more-painful-377737">Explainer: Why is second jab of coronavirus vaccine more painful</a>

"Denmark's vaccination campaign will go ahead without the AstraZeneca vaccine," Danish Health Authority director Soren Brostrom told reporters.&nbsp;

Some European countries have reported a few blood clot cases after people received the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, but WHO and EMA have insisted that these cases form a very small number among millions who have received the drug and no link between blood clots and the drug has been established.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Canadian health authority on Tuesday reported the nation's first blood clotting case related to the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab. Health Canada said a Quebec woman who had received the coronavirus vaccine prepared by the Serum Institute of India was Canada's first case of blood clotting with low platelets.

Canadian health authority on Tuesday reported the nation's first blood clotting case related to the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab. Health Canada said a Quebec woman who had received the coronavirus vaccine prepared by the Serum Institute of India was Canada's first case of blood clotting with low platelets. Watch | "The person is at home now recovering," the authority said in a statement as reported by news agency AFP. However, Health Canada said that the country would continue to use the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab since its benefits against Covid-19 "outweigh the potential risks." On Wednesday, Denmark became the first European nation to stop using the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine over safety fears, despite the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) insisting that the drug is safe to use. Also read | Explainer: Why is second jab of coronavirus vaccine more painful "Denmark's vaccination campaign will go ahead without the AstraZeneca vaccine," Danish Health Authority director Soren Brostrom told reporters. Some European countries have reported a few blood clot cases after people received the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, but WHO and EMA have insisted that these cases form a very small number among millions who have received the drug and no link between blood clots and the drug has been established. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada reports first blood clot case linked to AstraZeneca vaccine

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