Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the violence and said that Canada is 'heartbroken' at the situation the Afghan people find themselves in today. He also added that Canada remains committed to the Afghan people and to the country.

Canada ‘heartbroken’ over situation in Afghanistan says Justin Trudeau

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce Snap Polls barely 2 years after the country held its last general election. Why does Trudeau want mid-term polls? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Why is Trudeau pushing for mid-term polls?

The Canadian government announced Friday it will require all federal workers and most commercial rail, air and ship passengers to get vaccinated against COVID-19, amid a surge in virus cases due to the Delta variant.

"We know that vaccines are the best way to end this pandemic," said Dominic LeBlanc, a government minister in charge of Canada's federal bureaucracy.

"We expect federal public servants to want to comply with this mandatory requirement," he added.

A deadline for inoculations for some 300,000 public servants will be announced in the coming weeks.

The federal government is Canada's largest employer and LeBlanc said the vaccine mandate is "aimed at helping Canada reach a minimum level of coverage needed to fully reopen the economy, and keep it open as well as to protect thousands of workers."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/canada-to-accept-20000-vulnerable-afghans-such-as-women-leaders-human-rights-workers-405268">Also read |&nbsp;Canada to accept 20,000 vulnerable Afghans such as women leaders, human rights workers</a>

The vaccination requirement for the transport sector should be applied by the end of October at the latest, LeBlanc said at a press briefing.

It includes all commercial air passengers, as well as people traveling by rail between provinces and on large vessels such as cruise ships, local media cited Transport Minister Omar Alghabra as saying.

The country's largest carrier, Air Canada, said mandatory vaccinations was "a welcome step forward in the evolving measures to protect the health and safety of airline employees, customers and all Canadians."

As of Friday, 71 percent of Canada's 38 million population had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while nearly 62 percent were fully vaccinated.

The announcement comes less than a month before the reopening of Canada's borders to vaccinated foreign travelers, scheduled for September 7, a year and a half after their closure due to the pandemic.

The Canadian government announced Friday it will require all federal workers and most commercial rail, air and ship passengers to get vaccinated against COVID-19, amid a surge in virus cases due to the Delta variant.

The Canadian government announced Friday it will require all federal workers and most commercial rail, air and ship passengers to get vaccinated against COVID-19, amid a surge in virus cases due to the Delta variant. "We know that vaccines are the best way to end this pandemic," said Dominic LeBlanc, a government minister in charge of Canada's federal bureaucracy. "We expect federal public servants to want to comply with this mandatory requirement," he added. A deadline for inoculations for some 300,000 public servants will be announced in the coming weeks. The federal government is Canada's largest employer and LeBlanc said the vaccine mandate is "aimed at helping Canada reach a minimum level of coverage needed to fully reopen the economy, and keep it open as well as to protect thousands of workers." Also read | Canada to accept 20,000 vulnerable Afghans such as women leaders, human rights workers The vaccination requirement for the transport sector should be applied by the end of October at the latest, LeBlanc said at a press briefing. It includes all commercial air passengers, as well as people traveling by rail between provinces and on large vessels such as cruise ships, local media cited Transport Minister Omar Alghabra as saying. The country's largest carrier, Air Canada, said mandatory vaccinations was "a welcome step forward in the evolving measures to protect the health and safety of airline employees, customers and all Canadians." As of Friday, 71 percent of Canada's 38 million population had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while nearly 62 percent were fully vaccinated. The announcement comes less than a month before the reopening of Canada's borders to vaccinated foreign travelers, scheduled for September 7, a year and a half after their closure due to the pandemic.

Canada to mandate COVID-19 vaccine for government workers

Canada plans to resettle more than 20,000 vulnerable Afghans including women leaders, human rights workers and reporters to protect them from Taliban reprisals, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday. 
 
The effort is in addition to an earlier initiative to welcome thousands of Afghans, who worked for the Canadian government, such as interpreters, embassy workers and their families, he told a news conference. 
 
"As the Taliban continues to take over more of Afghanistan, many more Afghans' lives are under increasing threat," he said. He did not provide a timetable. 
 
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said some Canadian special forces were in Afghanistan taking part in the relocation effort but gave no details. 
 
"The challenges on the ground are quite immense," he said. 
 
Canada's new plan would focus on those who are particularly vulnerable, including women leaders, human rights defenders, reporters, persecuted religious minorities and members of the gay and lesbian community, Mendicino said. 
 
It covers both people who want to leave Afghanistan and those already in neighbouring countries. 
 
The Taliban have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities as resistance from government forces crumbled. 
 
"We know the situation is dire. It's getting worse by the hour," said Mendicino.

Canada plans to resettle more than 20,000 vulnerable Afghans including women leaders, human rights workers and reporters to protect them from Taliban reprisals, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday.

Canada plans to resettle more than 20,000 vulnerable Afghans including women leaders, human rights workers and reporters to protect them from Taliban reprisals, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday. The effort is in addition to an earlier initiative to welcome thousands of Afghans, who worked for the Canadian government, such as interpreters, embassy workers and their families, he told a news conference. "As the Taliban continues to take over more of Afghanistan, many more Afghans' lives are under increasing threat," he said. He did not provide a timetable. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said some Canadian special forces were in Afghanistan taking part in the relocation effort but gave no details. "The challenges on the ground are quite immense," he said. Canada's new plan would focus on those who are particularly vulnerable, including women leaders, human rights defenders, reporters, persecuted religious minorities and members of the gay and lesbian community, Mendicino said. It covers both people who want to leave Afghanistan and those already in neighbouring countries. The Taliban have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities as resistance from government forces crumbled. "We know the situation is dire. It's getting worse by the hour," said Mendicino.

Canada to accept 20,000 vulnerable Afghans such as women leaders, human rights workers

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a snap election for Sept. 20 to seek voter approval for the government's costly plans to combat COVID-19, four sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

Trudeau is set to make the announcement on Sunday, said the sources, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. Trudeau aides have said for months that the ruling Liberals would push for a vote before the end of 2021, two years ahead of schedule.

Trudeau only has a minority government and relies on other parties to push through legislation. In recent months he has complained about what he calls opposition obstruction.

The Liberals racked up record levels of debt as they spent heavily to shield individuals and businesses from COVID-19. They plan to inject an extra C$100 billion ($80 billion) - between 3 per cent and 4 per cent of GDP - into the economy over the next three years.

Trudeau came to power in 2015 with a majority of the 338 seats in the House of Commons, but in 2019 he was reduced to a minority after old photos emerged of him wearing blackface.

"Circumstances have changed massively since 2019. We need to know whether Canadians support our plans for economic recovery," said one of the sources.

Growth is set to rebound in the third quarter and Canada currently has one of the world's best inoculation records.

Liberals acknowledge a call for an election now would be a gamble, given that recent opinion polls suggest the party is not yet guaranteed a majority and the risk posed by a fourth wave of COVID-19, which has already started.

Chief Public Health Officer Teresa Tam on Thursday reported a strong resurgence in cases of COVID-19. The number of people being treated in hospital has risen by 12 per cent compared to last week, she told a briefing.

"After several months of declining severity trends, we are now seeing early signs of increase in severe illness," she said. "Fortunately, the number of deaths remains low."

The official opposition Conservatives, Trudeau's main rivals, say his spending is excessive and will leave future generations hobbled by debt.

That said, a survey by Abacus on Thursday put the Liberals at 37 per cent and the Conservatives at 28 per cent.

The online poll of 3,000 people, conducted between Aug. 6 and 11, suggests Trudeau could well regain control of the House of Commons. The Liberals currently hold 155 of the 338 seats.

To formally launch the campaign Trudeau will need to visit Governor General Mary Simon, the personal representative of head of state Queen Elizabeth, to ask that Parliament be dissolved.

That visit is currently planned for Sunday morning, the sources said. Constitutional experts say Simon will agree to the request.

The Liberal party did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a snap election for Sept. 20 to seek voter approval for the government's costly plans to combat COVID-19, four sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a snap election for Sept. 20 to seek voter approval for the government's costly plans to combat COVID-19, four sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Trudeau is set to make the announcement on Sunday, said the sources, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. Trudeau aides have said for months that the ruling Liberals would push for a vote before the end of 2021, two years ahead of schedule. Trudeau only has a minority government and relies on other parties to push through legislation. In recent months he has complained about what he calls opposition obstruction. The Liberals racked up record levels of debt as they spent heavily to shield individuals and businesses from COVID-19. They plan to inject an extra C$100 billion ($80 billion) - between 3 per cent and 4 per cent of GDP - into the economy over the next three years. Trudeau came to power in 2015 with a majority of the 338 seats in the House of Commons, but in 2019 he was reduced to a minority after old photos emerged of him wearing blackface. "Circumstances have changed massively since 2019. We need to know whether Canadians support our plans for economic recovery," said one of the sources. Growth is set to rebound in the third quarter and Canada currently has one of the world's best inoculation records. Liberals acknowledge a call for an election now would be a gamble, given that recent opinion polls suggest the party is not yet guaranteed a majority and the risk posed by a fourth wave of COVID-19, which has already started. Chief Public Health Officer Teresa Tam on Thursday reported a strong resurgence in cases of COVID-19. The number of people being treated in hospital has risen by 12 per cent compared to last week, she told a briefing. "After several months of declining severity trends, we are now seeing early signs of increase in severe illness," she said. "Fortunately, the number of deaths remains low." The official opposition Conservatives, Trudeau's main rivals, say his spending is excessive and will leave future generations hobbled by debt. That said, a survey by Abacus on Thursday put the Liberals at 37 per cent and the Conservatives at 28 per cent. The online poll of 3,000 people, conducted between Aug. 6 and 11, suggests Trudeau could well regain control of the House of Commons. The Liberals currently hold 155 of the 338 seats. To formally launch the campaign Trudeau will need to visit Governor General Mary Simon, the personal representative of head of state Queen Elizabeth, to ask that Parliament be dissolved. That visit is currently planned for Sunday morning, the sources said. Constitutional experts say Simon will agree to the request. The Liberal party did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Canada PM Trudeau planning snap election, seeks approval for COVID response: Sources

After announcing restrictions for unvaccinated people, Canada is set to create a digital vaccine passport for citizens wanting to travel abroad.

Government officials revealed on Wednesday that a digital vaccine passport will be made available within the next few months.

This <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> passport will be "a key step forward in ensuring Canadians will have the documents they need once it is safe to travel again,"&nbsp;according to Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-canada-extends-travel-ban-on-direct-flights-from-india-404532">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-canada-extends-travel-ban-on-direct-flights-from-india-404532/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Canada has been urging locals to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. Recently, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had suggested compulsory vaccines for all government employees.

"We need to get vaccinated to get through this pandemic, particularly with all the real concerns around the Delta variant we are facing that is striking hardest, obviously, in under-vaccinated and non-vaccinated people," Trudeau said.

He also added that getting vaccinated is "no longer a matter of individual choice" and people should consider "community and our children who haven’t had the opportunity to be vaccinated".

Quebec had also discussed the idea of 'vaccine passports' after which all non-essential public spaces such as gyms, restaurants, clubs etc will be available only to those who have been fully vaccinated.

Till the end of July, nearly 81 per cent of the eligible population had received the first dose of the vaccine and 68 per cent have been fully vaccinated.

After announcing restrictions for unvaccinated people, Canada is set to create a digital vaccine passport for citizens wanting to travel abroad. Government officials revealed on Wednesday that a digital vaccine passport will be made available within the next few months.

After announcing restrictions for unvaccinated people, Canada is set to create a digital vaccine passport for citizens wanting to travel abroad. Government officials revealed on Wednesday that a digital vaccine passport will be made available within the next few months. This vaccine passport will be "a key step forward in ensuring Canadians will have the documents they need once it is safe to travel again," according to Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino. WATCH | Canada has been urging locals to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. Recently, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had suggested compulsory vaccines for all government employees. "We need to get vaccinated to get through this pandemic, particularly with all the real concerns around the Delta variant we are facing that is striking hardest, obviously, in under-vaccinated and non-vaccinated people," Trudeau said. He also added that getting vaccinated is "no longer a matter of individual choice" and people should consider "community and our children who haven’t had the opportunity to be vaccinated". Quebec had also discussed the idea of 'vaccine passports' after which all non-essential public spaces such as gyms, restaurants, clubs etc will be available only to those who have been fully vaccinated. Till the end of July, nearly 81 per cent of the eligible population had received the first dose of the vaccine and 68 per cent have been fully vaccinated.

International travel update: Canada set to launch digital vaccine passports soon

Having a sweet tooth can sometimes be of dire consequences, going by this odd development in Canada.

Residents in the town of Tisdale, Saskatchewan, were shaken after a bright red helicopter descended on the parking lot near the town’s only Dairy Queen.

Initially, some of them thought the chopper, which was painted the same colour as the province’s air ambulances, was on the scene for a medical emergency.

However, when the town’s mayor saw the passenger leave the restaurant with an ice cream cake, he realised the aircraft had a different objective all this while.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-youth-day-history-significance-and-this-years-theme-404794">Also read |&nbsp;International Youth Day: History, significance and this year's theme</a>

Mayor Al Jellicoe told CBC News, "Well, I thought somebody must be hungry". He added, "Initially, I thought that’s probably not the right thing to do".&nbsp;

Later, it was concluded that the entire mission was not an emergency and the 34-year-old pilot, who has not been named, was charged.

The man had a license to operate the helicopter but parked it in an illegal spot.

He is now facing one count of dangerous operation of an aircraft and is scheduled to appear in court on 7 September in the city of Melfort.

Having a sweet tooth can sometimes be of dire consequences, going by this odd development in Canada. Residents in the town of Tisdale, Saskatchewan, were shaken after a bright red helicopter descended on the parking lot near the town’s only Dairy Queen.

Having a sweet tooth can sometimes be of dire consequences, going by this odd development in Canada. Residents in the town of Tisdale, Saskatchewan, were shaken after a bright red helicopter descended on the parking lot near the town’s only Dairy Queen. Initially, some of them thought the chopper, which was painted the same colour as the province’s air ambulances, was on the scene for a medical emergency. However, when the town’s mayor saw the passenger leave the restaurant with an ice cream cake, he realised the aircraft had a different objective all this while. Also read | International Youth Day: History, significance and this year's theme Mayor Al Jellicoe told CBC News, "Well, I thought somebody must be hungry". He added, "Initially, I thought that’s probably not the right thing to do". Later, it was concluded that the entire mission was not an emergency and the 34-year-old pilot, who has not been named, was charged. The man had a license to operate the helicopter but parked it in an illegal spot. He is now facing one count of dangerous operation of an aircraft and is scheduled to appear in court on 7 September in the city of Melfort.

Sweet tooth trouble: Pilot charged after landing helicopter in Canada town centre to buy some ice cream cake

Canada has extended its ban on direct flights from India, but has opened its border to Americans at a time when Covid cases in the U.S. are surging. Americans can enter Canada by showing proof of vaccination, Indians have not been given that option. How is Canada justifying such arbitrary rules? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Canada extends travel ban on direct flights from India

After Canada's businessman, Michael Spavor, was sentenced to 11 years of jail time, France has also expressed disappointment over China’s decision.

"France firmly condemns the arbitrary nature of these verdicts," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "We reaffirm our full solidarity with the Canadian authorities."

This verdict was delivered by a court in Dandong on Wednesday, a little before a Canadian court is set to decide whether or not Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou will be facing criminal charges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unacceptable-and-unjust-justin-trudeau-slams-chinas-jail-sentence-for-canadian-michael-spavor-404592">'Unacceptable and unjust': Justin Trudeau slams China's jail sentence for Canadian Michael Spavor</a>

Spavor was detained in China in 2018, a few days after Wanzhou was arrested in Canada, as the world accused China of playing 'tit for tat'.

Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig was also detained by China in similar tones.

The two Canadians had already spent 975 days in detention without being put to a public trial and were also denied proper communication with their family and legal teams, as per local media. Global Times, China’s mouthpiece, had earlier claimed that Spavor was supplying information to Kovrig. However, Canada has claimed these accusations were completely baseless.

After the sentence was announced, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed dissatisfaction. "The verdict for Mr Spavor comes after more than two-and-a-half years of arbitrary detention, a lack of transparency in the legal process, and a trial that did not satisfy even the minimum standards required by international law,"&nbsp;he said in a statement.

After Canada's businessman, Michael Spavor, was sentenced to 11 years of jail time, France has also expressed disappointment over China’s decision. "France firmly condemns the arbitrary nature of these verdicts," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

After Canada's businessman, Michael Spavor, was sentenced to 11 years of jail time, France has also expressed disappointment over China’s decision. "France firmly condemns the arbitrary nature of these verdicts," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "We reaffirm our full solidarity with the Canadian authorities." This verdict was delivered by a court in Dandong on Wednesday, a little before a Canadian court is set to decide whether or not Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou will be facing criminal charges. Also read | 'Unacceptable and unjust': Justin Trudeau slams China's jail sentence for Canadian Michael Spavor Spavor was detained in China in 2018, a few days after Wanzhou was arrested in Canada, as the world accused China of playing 'tit for tat'. Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig was also detained by China in similar tones. The two Canadians had already spent 975 days in detention without being put to a public trial and were also denied proper communication with their family and legal teams, as per local media. Global Times, China’s mouthpiece, had earlier claimed that Spavor was supplying information to Kovrig. However, Canada has claimed these accusations were completely baseless. After the sentence was announced, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed dissatisfaction. "The verdict for Mr Spavor comes after more than two-and-a-half years of arbitrary detention, a lack of transparency in the legal process, and a trial that did not satisfy even the minimum standards required by international law," he said in a statement.

'Full solidarity with Canada': France expresses disappointment over Spavor verdict

Canada and China have hit rock bottom after a Chinese court jailed Canadian businessman Michael Spavor to 11 years in prison on charges of spying. Canada has said that the case is politically motivated.

Canada, China hit rock bottom after Chinese court jails Canadian businessman Michael Spavor

Canadian Ambassador Dominic Barton attended Spavor’s hearing in the city of Dandong, about 210 miles (340 kilometers) east of Beijing on the North Korean border.

Canada calls Michael Spavor's sentencing politically motivated

Canada reopened its border with the United States 16 months after all non-essential travel was halted as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-extends-macrons-covid-19-pass-despite-protests-404274">coronavirus </a>&nbsp;pandemic took hold worldwide last year.

The Justin Trudeau&nbsp;government has removed quarantine regulation for US citizens, with only proof of vaccination required.

There were several long queues as people waited for long hours in border checkpoints.&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-implements-covid-19-health-pass-despite-nationwide-protest-404232/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Reports say Canada may allow foreign travellers to enter the country from September if the coronavirus situation remains under control.

Meanwhile, the authorities opened five Canadian airports for international flights, however, quarantine for travellers is still a requirement in the country with international flights allowed to land only in Calgary, Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver.

According to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, tourism is the fifth-largest industry in the country which has taken a major hit due to the pandemic as cross-border exchanges between the two countries ended due to the border closure.

However, there are still several regulations in place. Americans who have taken both doses are allowed into the country after taking approval at least 14 days before arrival.

The US has fully<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-apartheid-research-suggests-uk-will-hoard-up-to-210-million-vaccines-404298"> vaccinated</a> half of its population with 68 per cent of Canadians having&nbsp;received both doses. Health officials say &nbsp;81 per cent of Canadians have received a single dose.

The US however is still reviewing its border policy for Canadians who want to enjoy their summer in the country with restrictions still in place for inbound travellers.

Canada's latest move comes as the US recorded over 100,000 daily average coronavirus cases due to the Delta variant hitting a six month high amid increased hospitalisations.

(With inputs from Agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Canada reopened its border with the United States 16 months after all non-essential travel was halted as the coronavirus pandemic took hold worldwide last year. The Justin Trudeau government has removed quarantine regulation for US citizens, with only proof of vaccination required.

Canada reopened its border with the United States 16 months after all non-essential travel was halted as the coronavirus pandemic took hold worldwide last year. The Justin Trudeau government has removed quarantine regulation for US citizens, with only proof of vaccination required. There were several long queues as people waited for long hours in border checkpoints. Watch: Reports say Canada may allow foreign travellers to enter the country from September if the coronavirus situation remains under control. Meanwhile, the authorities opened five Canadian airports for international flights, however, quarantine for travellers is still a requirement in the country with international flights allowed to land only in Calgary, Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver. According to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, tourism is the fifth-largest industry in the country which has taken a major hit due to the pandemic as cross-border exchanges between the two countries ended due to the border closure. However, there are still several regulations in place. Americans who have taken both doses are allowed into the country after taking approval at least 14 days before arrival. The US has fully vaccinated half of its population with 68 per cent of Canadians having received both doses. Health officials say 81 per cent of Canadians have received a single dose. The US however is still reviewing its border policy for Canadians who want to enjoy their summer in the country with restrictions still in place for inbound travellers. Canada's latest move comes as the US recorded over 100,000 daily average coronavirus cases due to the Delta variant hitting a six month high amid increased hospitalisations. (With inputs from Agencies)

International travel update: Canada reopens border for fully vaccinated Americans

In a rare attack by one of the world’s fiercest predators, a 26-year-old woman recently was mauled to death while planting trees after a logging operation by an adult black bear in remote Alberta Forest, Canada, a report by the Guardian said.&nbsp;

According to police, the woman used to work as a helicopter engineer in Alberta. The Alberta Forest lies in the north-west region of the province.&nbsp;

Before calling for help, a co-worker, who witnessed the attack, helped to scare off the bear.&nbsp;

RCMP spokesperson Cpl Troy Savinkoff said, “She was evacuated by her co-worker on a helicopter and brought back to the Swan Hills airport where they met up with an ambulance, emergency crews, and she was subsequently declared deceased at the airport.” &nbsp;

The family of the victim has asked that she should not be identified.&nbsp;

Several private companies hire tree planters to re-forest swaths of the taiga after logging operations are carried out in remote and rugged terrain areas.&nbsp;

While working in these areas, tree planters often come across wild animals, including wolves, cougars and bears.&nbsp;

Only five other fatal black bear attacks have occurred in Alberta since 1958.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a rare attack by one of the world’s fiercest predators, a 26-year-old woman recently was mauled to death while planting trees after a logging operation by an adult black bear in remote Alberta Forest, Canada, a report by the Guardian said.

In a rare attack by one of the world’s fiercest predators, a 26-year-old woman recently was mauled to death while planting trees after a logging operation by an adult black bear in remote Alberta Forest, Canada, a report by the Guardian said. According to police, the woman used to work as a helicopter engineer in Alberta. The Alberta Forest lies in the north-west region of the province. Before calling for help, a co-worker, who witnessed the attack, helped to scare off the bear. RCMP spokesperson Cpl Troy Savinkoff said, “She was evacuated by her co-worker on a helicopter and brought back to the Swan Hills airport where they met up with an ambulance, emergency crews, and she was subsequently declared deceased at the airport.” The family of the victim has asked that she should not be identified. Several private companies hire tree planters to re-forest swaths of the taiga after logging operations are carried out in remote and rugged terrain areas. While working in these areas, tree planters often come across wild animals, including wolves, cougars and bears. Only five other fatal black bear attacks have occurred in Alberta since 1958. (With inputs from agencies)

26-year-old woman dies after a rare attack by black bear in Canada 

Hundreds of&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;in&nbsp;Canada's capital called on Saturday for a&nbsp;probe&nbsp;into&nbsp;a boarding&nbsp;school&nbsp;system for&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;children, as outrage built after the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at several of the facilities.

Until the 1990s, some 150,000&nbsp;indigenous, Inuit and Metis youths were forcibly enrolled in the&nbsp;schools, where students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language.

"Indigenous&nbsp;Peoples need truth and justice," MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq wrote on Instagram.

"That means a special prosecutor and a fully-funded independent investigation, with international observers present,&nbsp;into&nbsp;Canada's crimes against&nbsp;Indigenous&nbsp;Peoples," she added, calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Justice Minister David Lametti "to stop making excuses" and launch a&nbsp;probe.

The demonstrators gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa after two lawmakers from the left-wing New Democratic Party (NDP) called for a protest.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-unmarked-graves-found-at-another-indigenous-school-in-canada-393533">Also read |&nbsp;Hundreds of unmarked graves found at another Indigenous school in Canada</a>

The NDP called on Trudeau's government in early July to appoint a special prosecutor to lead an independent investigation&nbsp;into&nbsp;the country's painful history of residential&nbsp;schools&nbsp;for&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;children.

"People have been shocked by the number of graves that have been found... These are not accidents, these are not tragedies they represent a policy that was about the destruction of a people," NDP lawmaker Charlie Angus told public broadcaster CBC.

Since late May, more than 1,000 unmarked graves were found near former residential&nbsp;schools&nbsp;-- discoveries that have outraged the country.

Thousands died at the&nbsp;schools, and many were subjected to physical and sexual abuse, according to an investigative commission that concluded the Canadian government engaged in "cultural genocide."

More than 4,000 died of disease and neglect in the&nbsp;schools, according to a commission of inquiry that concluded&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;had committed "cultural genocide

Hundreds of protesters in Canada's capital called on Saturday for a probe into a boarding school system for indigenous children, as outrage built after the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at several of the facilities.

Hundreds of protesters in Canada's capital called on Saturday for a probe into a boarding school system for indigenous children, as outrage built after the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at several of the facilities. Until the 1990s, some 150,000 indigenous, Inuit and Metis youths were forcibly enrolled in the schools, where students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language. "Indigenous Peoples need truth and justice," MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq wrote on Instagram. "That means a special prosecutor and a fully-funded independent investigation, with international observers present, into Canada's crimes against Indigenous Peoples," she added, calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Justice Minister David Lametti "to stop making excuses" and launch a probe. The demonstrators gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa after two lawmakers from the left-wing New Democratic Party (NDP) called for a protest. Also read | Hundreds of unmarked graves found at another Indigenous school in Canada The NDP called on Trudeau's government in early July to appoint a special prosecutor to lead an independent investigation into the country's painful history of residential schools for indigenous children. "People have been shocked by the number of graves that have been found... These are not accidents, these are not tragedies they represent a policy that was about the destruction of a people," NDP lawmaker Charlie Angus told public broadcaster CBC. Since late May, more than 1,000 unmarked graves were found near former residential schools -- discoveries that have outraged the country. Thousands died at the schools, and many were subjected to physical and sexual abuse, according to an investigative commission that concluded the Canadian government engaged in "cultural genocide." More than 4,000 died of disease and neglect in the schools, according to a commission of inquiry that concluded Canada had committed "cultural genocide

Protesters demand probe into Canada indigenous schools

Canada said on Friday that it would resettle Afghan interpreters, embassy stayy and their families as situation in Afghanistan was "dynamic and deteriorating".&nbsp;

"Canada is here to support those who supported us," said Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, adding that "several thousand" people would be eligible and the first arrivals would be landing in Canada very shortly.

"We appreciate that there is a need to act quickly and decisively but that we must also do so safely given the very dynamic and deteriorating situation," Mendicino told a televised news conference in Ottawa.

He did not give a specific number of people who would be admitted or say when exactly they would arrive.

"Many Afghan citizens put themselves at risk to assist Canada ... now they face even greater threats from the Taliban," he said.

Taliban is on the offensive in Afghanistan and capturing more and more territory from overstretched Afghan forces. They have control or sizeable presence in half of Afghanistan's districts. Taliban claims that they have control of 90 per cent of Afghanistan's border with other countries. The claim is vehemently disputed by Afghan government.

As Taliban advanse, their is fear among Afghans who worked for the international coalition. They fear that there will be reprisal from the Taliban.

Canadian officials are identifying eligible Afghans, focusing on those who worked for Canada as interpreters or who provided "critical support," embassy staff and their families, Mendicino said.

Canada's combat mission in Afghanistan ended a decade ago, after which the country resettled about 800 Afghans who had worked for the country as interpreters or in other roles.

"The pace of the Taliban's advances over the course of the past month is troubling," Foreign Minister Marc Garneau told the news conference.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canada said on Friday that it would resettle Afghan interpreters, embassy stayy and their families as situation in Afghanistan was "dynamic and deteriorating". "Canada is here to support those who supported us," said Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, adding that "several thousand" people would be eligible and the first arrivals would be landing in Canada very shortly.

Canada said on Friday that it would resettle Afghan interpreters, embassy stayy and their families as situation in Afghanistan was "dynamic and deteriorating". "Canada is here to support those who supported us," said Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, adding that "several thousand" people would be eligible and the first arrivals would be landing in Canada very shortly. "We appreciate that there is a need to act quickly and decisively but that we must also do so safely given the very dynamic and deteriorating situation," Mendicino told a televised news conference in Ottawa. He did not give a specific number of people who would be admitted or say when exactly they would arrive. "Many Afghan citizens put themselves at risk to assist Canada ... now they face even greater threats from the Taliban," he said. Taliban is on the offensive in Afghanistan and capturing more and more territory from overstretched Afghan forces. They have control or sizeable presence in half of Afghanistan's districts. Taliban claims that they have control of 90 per cent of Afghanistan's border with other countries. The claim is vehemently disputed by Afghan government. As Taliban advanse, their is fear among Afghans who worked for the international coalition. They fear that there will be reprisal from the Taliban. Canadian officials are identifying eligible Afghans, focusing on those who worked for Canada as interpreters or who provided "critical support," embassy staff and their families, Mendicino said. Canada's combat mission in Afghanistan ended a decade ago, after which the country resettled about 800 Afghans who had worked for the country as interpreters or in other roles. "The pace of the Taliban's advances over the course of the past month is troubling," Foreign Minister Marc Garneau told the news conference. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada to resettle Afghan interpreters who fear reprisal from Taliban

The United States scored a 1-0 victory over Canada as US pitcher Monica Abbott dominated the Canadian batters from the start on the second day of softball at the Tokyo Games.

For seven innings, Canadian batters chased pitches off the plate and failed to make contact on 116 kilometres per hour tosses from one of the game's fastest throwers and a five-time Japanese league most valuable player.

Monica Abbott returned to the same spot on the bench with a toothful grin after her first six dazzling frames. She towelled sweat off her arms, placed a cold pack on the back of her neck and sipped fluids from her pink water bottle. The routine paid off.

Abbott struck out nine in all, walked three and gave up one hit.

After recording the game's final out, the 1.91-metre (6-foot, 3 inches) left-hander wrapped her arms around catcher Aubree Munro.

"For us to hold down a tough offence and let the defense work, it felt really good," Munro said afterwards.

U.S. center fielder Haylie McCleney reached on a bloop single and scored the lone run.

McCleney also threw out pinch runner Joey Lye to prevent her from scoring on a Sara Groenewegen double to right center.

Groenewegen, who returned after a four-inning, no-hit start on Wednesday, held the United States scoreless in the first two innings.

The second of five days of round-robin play leaves the U.S. at 2-0 in the standings and Canada 1-1. The top four out of six teams advance to medal games. Japan jumped to a 1-0 lead in Thursday's second game, with a few minutes of drizzle in the first innings forcing players to rush gear under tents. Play was not stopped.

Italy take on Australia later. The action breaks on Friday for the opening ceremony of the Games.

The United States scored a 1-0 victory over Canada as US pitcher Monica Abbott dominated the Canadian batters from the start on the second day of softball at the Tokyo Games.

The United States scored a 1-0 victory over Canada as US pitcher Monica Abbott dominated the Canadian batters from the start on the second day of softball at the Tokyo Games. For seven innings, Canadian batters chased pitches off the plate and failed to make contact on 116 kilometres per hour tosses from one of the game's fastest throwers and a five-time Japanese league most valuable player. Monica Abbott returned to the same spot on the bench with a toothful grin after her first six dazzling frames. She towelled sweat off her arms, placed a cold pack on the back of her neck and sipped fluids from her pink water bottle. The routine paid off. Abbott struck out nine in all, walked three and gave up one hit. After recording the game's final out, the 1.91-metre (6-foot, 3 inches) left-hander wrapped her arms around catcher Aubree Munro. "For us to hold down a tough offence and let the defense work, it felt really good," Munro said afterwards. U.S. center fielder Haylie McCleney reached on a bloop single and scored the lone run. McCleney also threw out pinch runner Joey Lye to prevent her from scoring on a Sara Groenewegen double to right center. Groenewegen, who returned after a four-inning, no-hit start on Wednesday, held the United States scoreless in the first two innings. The second of five days of round-robin play leaves the U.S. at 2-0 in the standings and Canada 1-1. The top four out of six teams advance to medal games. Japan jumped to a 1-0 lead in Thursday's second game, with a few minutes of drizzle in the first innings forcing players to rush gear under tents. Play was not stopped. Italy take on Australia later. The action breaks on Friday for the opening ceremony of the Games.

Tokyo Olympics: US beats Canada in Softball as Monica Abbott strikes out nine

Canada and Australia may be sending some of their biggest&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;teams to the Tokyo&nbsp;Games&nbsp;but only a small fraction will attend Friday's opening ceremony, officials said on Thursday.

Around 30-40 athletes from the 370-strong team will be at the event in a largely empty Tokyo Olympic stadium, bar a few hundred officials, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) said.

"Athletes are only arriving in the village five days before they compete," the COC said in a news release. "This means that there are less athletes in the village and that most of them are on the verge of competing.

"The focus of Team Canada remains on safety, performance, and adhering to the letter and spirit of the Tokyo 2020 playbooks."

Basketball player Miranda Ayim and rugby sevens co-captain Nathan Hirayama will be the flag bearers for Canada's biggest Olympic team since the 1984 Los Angeles Summer&nbsp;Games.

The Rio de Janeiro&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;had more than 12,000 athletes and team officials marching in the opening ceremony but with Tokyo's draconian COVID-19 measures it will be a far smaller number.

For&nbsp;Olympics-mad Australia, who have sent their biggest ever team to a&nbsp;Games&nbsp;held overseas, only some 50 athletes from their 470-plus delegation will march.

Team chief Ian Chesterman told athletes to still enjoy the moment despite a lack of spectators and the absence of the usual celebratory atmosphere in the stadium.

"My instruction to the team is to enjoy yourself. It has been a hell of a ride getting here," he told a news conference.

"Just enjoy the moment and soak it up. We are expecting around about 50 athletes to march and we are limited to six officials."

With COVID-19 restrictions having cut athletes' stay short in Tokyo -- they arrive shortly before their competition and leave soon after -- every team must accept a reduction of its team parade numbers.

For triple and long jump Olympic medallist Will Claye it means many fellow American athletes will miss out on a unique experience.

"Just (to) meet and take pictures with some of my idols in the sport," the 30-year-old told reporters, noting that in the past&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;he enjoyed getting the opportunity to spend some time with idols like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

"I think those are the memories that last a lifetime."

Canada and Australia may be sending some of their biggest Olympics teams to the Tokyo Games but only a small fraction will attend Friday's opening ceremony, officials said on Thursday.

Canada and Australia may be sending some of their biggest Olympics teams to the Tokyo Games but only a small fraction will attend Friday's opening ceremony, officials said on Thursday. Around 30-40 athletes from the 370-strong team will be at the event in a largely empty Tokyo Olympic stadium, bar a few hundred officials, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) said. "Athletes are only arriving in the village five days before they compete," the COC said in a news release. "This means that there are less athletes in the village and that most of them are on the verge of competing. "The focus of Team Canada remains on safety, performance, and adhering to the letter and spirit of the Tokyo 2020 playbooks." Basketball player Miranda Ayim and rugby sevens co-captain Nathan Hirayama will be the flag bearers for Canada's biggest Olympic team since the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games. The Rio de Janeiro Olympics had more than 12,000 athletes and team officials marching in the opening ceremony but with Tokyo's draconian COVID-19 measures it will be a far smaller number. For Olympics-mad Australia, who have sent their biggest ever team to a Games held overseas, only some 50 athletes from their 470-plus delegation will march. Team chief Ian Chesterman told athletes to still enjoy the moment despite a lack of spectators and the absence of the usual celebratory atmosphere in the stadium. "My instruction to the team is to enjoy yourself. It has been a hell of a ride getting here," he told a news conference. "Just enjoy the moment and soak it up. We are expecting around about 50 athletes to march and we are limited to six officials." With COVID-19 restrictions having cut athletes' stay short in Tokyo -- they arrive shortly before their competition and leave soon after -- every team must accept a reduction of its team parade numbers. For triple and long jump Olympic medallist Will Claye it means many fellow American athletes will miss out on a unique experience. "Just (to) meet and take pictures with some of my idols in the sport," the 30-year-old told reporters, noting that in the past Olympics he enjoyed getting the opportunity to spend some time with idols like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. "I think those are the memories that last a lifetime."

Tokyo Olympics: Canada, Australia to assemble with 10 percent of team at opening ceremony

Thousands of residents fled blazes in western Canada on Wednesday with several hundred soldiers scheduled to deploy to fight this year's virulent and early fires, which are wreaking havoc across portions of western North America.

"I have a holiday trailer that is my new home," said Margo Wagner, head of a district in the western province of British Columbia, who has found herself among the evacuees.

The fire marks the second time in four years that her home in the province's central Canim Lake rural area has been threatened by a blaze.

South of the border, a number of communities in the United States are being threatened by wildfires, creating conditions so extreme that the blazes have generated their own weather, according to experts.

Nearly 80 huge fires are currently ravaging hundreds of thousands of acres (hectares) in California, Oregon, Montana and Nevada.

The largest among these is still the Bootleg Fire in Oregon, which has burned through a section of land the same size as the city of Los Angeles, in just two weeks.

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"The fire got so big and it creates so much energy that it started to create its own weather," Marcus Kauffman, a specialist with the Oregon Department of Forestry, told AFP, adding that the blaze "feeds on itself" and has even been making its own lightning.

Firefighters' work over the past two weeks "has undoubtedly protected hundreds of homes and we remain vigilant to the task at hand," said Ian Yocum of the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

In neighboring California, several towns were evacuated as they faced rising flames from the Dixie Fire, a conflagration that may have been caused by a tree falling on Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&amp;E) lines.

Last year the company pleaded guilty to manslaughter and causing a fire that devastated the nearby town of Paradise, California in 2018, due to faulty lines.

On Wednesday, it announced its intention to bury thousands of miles (kilometers) of power lines, starting with those located in areas prone to fires.

'Absolutely' scary

Back in Canada, British Columbia declared a state of emergency on Monday, with more than 5,700 people under an evacuation order.

"We did it in 2017 and we will do it again in 2021. Is it stressful? Is it scary? Absolutely it is," Wagner said.

Other neighboring areas are preparing for the worst since weather conditions -- particularly wind and heat -- are not expected to give the more than 3,000 firefighters already battling the blazes a break anytime soon.

"I have been living here in Ashcroft for almost 25 years now and I have never seen anything like this before," said Mayor Barbara Roden, whose municipality in the center of the province has been on high alert since July 14.

"The most frightening thing in a lot of ways is that we're all looking at the calendar and this is only half way through July," she said.

Climate change amplifies droughts which dry out regions, creating ideal conditions for wildfires.

The Canadian armed forces are preparing to deploy 350 additional troops to British Columbia and 120 to Manitoba, a central province also struggling with large fire outbreaks, according to the Canadian Joint Operations Command.

In Ontario, some 75 military personnel are helping firefighters.

Thousands of residents fled blazes in western Canada on Wednesday with several hundred soldiers scheduled to deploy to fight this year's virulent and early fires, which are wreaking havoc across portions of western North America.

Thousands of residents fled blazes in western Canada on Wednesday with several hundred soldiers scheduled to deploy to fight this year's virulent and early fires, which are wreaking havoc across portions of western North America. "I have a holiday trailer that is my new home," said Margo Wagner, head of a district in the western province of British Columbia, who has found herself among the evacuees. The fire marks the second time in four years that her home in the province's central Canim Lake rural area has been threatened by a blaze. South of the border, a number of communities in the United States are being threatened by wildfires, creating conditions so extreme that the blazes have generated their own weather, according to experts. Nearly 80 huge fires are currently ravaging hundreds of thousands of acres (hectares) in California, Oregon, Montana and Nevada. The largest among these is still the Bootleg Fire in Oregon, which has burned through a section of land the same size as the city of Los Angeles, in just two weeks. Also read | To cheer up children, window cleaners become ‘superheroes’ in Canada "The fire got so big and it creates so much energy that it started to create its own weather," Marcus Kauffman, a specialist with the Oregon Department of Forestry, told AFP, adding that the blaze "feeds on itself" and has even been making its own lightning. Firefighters' work over the past two weeks "has undoubtedly protected hundreds of homes and we remain vigilant to the task at hand," said Ian Yocum of the Oregon State Fire Marshal. In neighboring California, several towns were evacuated as they faced rising flames from the Dixie Fire, a conflagration that may have been caused by a tree falling on Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) lines. Last year the company pleaded guilty to manslaughter and causing a fire that devastated the nearby town of Paradise, California in 2018, due to faulty lines. On Wednesday, it announced its intention to bury thousands of miles (kilometers) of power lines, starting with those located in areas prone to fires. 'Absolutely' scary Back in Canada, British Columbia declared a state of emergency on Monday, with more than 5,700 people under an evacuation order. "We did it in 2017 and we will do it again in 2021. Is it stressful? Is it scary? Absolutely it is," Wagner said. Other neighboring areas are preparing for the worst since weather conditions -- particularly wind and heat -- are not expected to give the more than 3,000 firefighters already battling the blazes a break anytime soon. "I have been living here in Ashcroft for almost 25 years now and I have never seen anything like this before," said Mayor Barbara Roden, whose municipality in the center of the province has been on high alert since July 14. "The most frightening thing in a lot of ways is that we're all looking at the calendar and this is only half way through July," she said. Climate change amplifies droughts which dry out regions, creating ideal conditions for wildfires. The Canadian armed forces are preparing to deploy 350 additional troops to British Columbia and 120 to Manitoba, a central province also struggling with large fire outbreaks, according to the Canadian Joint Operations Command. In Ontario, some 75 military personnel are helping firefighters.

More residents flee as fires ravage western Canada

New&nbsp;York&nbsp;and parts of the eastern United States and Canada were shrouded in a gray smoky haze Tuesday from fires burning in western United States and Canada.

New&nbsp;York&nbsp;state's environmental protection services issued an air quality advisory, which is automatically triggered when fine particle matter is expected to rise above 35 micrograms per cubic metre of air.

An expert from the agency said it is not uncommon for smoke from fires in the west of the country to reach the&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;area, but they usually remain high enough to not affect air quality.&nbsp;This time, the smoke was lower than usual, the expert said.

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The phenomenon was set to dissipate on Wednesday with the arrival of a cold front in the&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;region, said a spokesperson for the US National Weather Service.

Several large fires have ravaged the western United States in recent days -- notably in California, Nevada and Oregon, where the dangerous Bootleg Fire is still raging, even though the fire season has only just begun.&nbsp;

In Canada, more than 2,000 people have been evacuated in recent days in the province of Ontario, the most populous in the country, and more than 200 fires were active in the province and neighboring Manitoba, according to official figures Tuesday.

New York and parts of the eastern United States and Canada were shrouded in a gray smoky haze Tuesday from fires burning in western United States and Canada. New York state's environmental protection services issued an air quality advisory, which is automatically triggered when fine particle matter is expected to rise above 35 micrograms per cubic metre of air.

New York and parts of the eastern United States and Canada were shrouded in a gray smoky haze Tuesday from fires burning in western United States and Canada. New York state's environmental protection services issued an air quality advisory, which is automatically triggered when fine particle matter is expected to rise above 35 micrograms per cubic metre of air. An expert from the agency said it is not uncommon for smoke from fires in the west of the country to reach the New York area, but they usually remain high enough to not affect air quality. This time, the smoke was lower than usual, the expert said. Also read | 'Day of mourning': Death toll from flooding in western Europe hits 200 The phenomenon was set to dissipate on Wednesday with the arrival of a cold front in the New York region, said a spokesperson for the US National Weather Service. Several large fires have ravaged the western United States in recent days -- notably in California, Nevada and Oregon, where the dangerous Bootleg Fire is still raging, even though the fire season has only just begun. In Canada, more than 2,000 people have been evacuated in recent days in the province of Ontario, the most populous in the country, and more than 200 fires were active in the province and neighboring Manitoba, according to official figures Tuesday.

New York issues pollution alert amid smoke from wildfires in west and Canada

Canada is all set to lift non-essential travel restrictions for fully vaccinated US citizens from August 9. The country will then reopen its borders to all vaccinated foreign travelers from September 7.

Canada to open border to fully vaccinated Americans from August 9

Wildfires are scorching vast areas of drought-hit western United States and Canad and firefighting resources are being severely stretched, authorities said on Saturday.

2,200 firefighters are struggling to control the vast Bootleg Fire that's raging in southern Oregon near the border with California. Some firefighters were forced to retreat.

California has vowed to send firefighters to help in Oregon. California itself is hit by wildfires.

And Canada was bringing in some 100 firefighters from Mexico to bolster their exhausted counterparts in northwestern Ontario, provincial authorities announced.

The Bootleg Fire, by far the biggest active blaze in the US, is covering 274,000 acres. It is an area larger than New York City. The fire remains just seven per cent controlled, as per Inciweb website.

"(The) fire remains very active with significant acreage increases due to hot, dry, and breezy conditions," the official site said.

It has destroyed at least 20 homes.

Authorities said the huge blaze had generated ominous and dangerous "fire clouds" reaching miles in the air, able to spawn huge outbreaks of dry lightning and "fire tornadoes."&nbsp;

Firefighter commander Rob Allen noted that the fire's 200-mile (320-kilometer) perimeter is "an enormous amount of line to build and hold."

"We are continuing to use every resource, from dozers to air tankers," he said Friday.

"We have had record heat, and just all the worst possible conditions at one time," Suzanne Flory, a US Forest Service spokesperson, told the Oregonian newspaper.

Meantime, dangerous dry lightning storms were forecast in California.

(With inputs from agencies)

Wildfires are scorching vast areas of drought-hit western United States and Canad and firefighting resources are being severely stretched, authorities said on Saturday.

Wildfires are scorching vast areas of drought-hit western United States and Canad and firefighting resources are being severely stretched, authorities said on Saturday. 2,200 firefighters are struggling to control the vast Bootleg Fire that's raging in southern Oregon near the border with California. Some firefighters were forced to retreat. California has vowed to send firefighters to help in Oregon. California itself is hit by wildfires. And Canada was bringing in some 100 firefighters from Mexico to bolster their exhausted counterparts in northwestern Ontario, provincial authorities announced. The Bootleg Fire, by far the biggest active blaze in the US, is covering 274,000 acres. It is an area larger than New York City. The fire remains just seven per cent controlled, as per Inciweb website. "(The) fire remains very active with significant acreage increases due to hot, dry, and breezy conditions," the official site said. It has destroyed at least 20 homes. Authorities said the huge blaze had generated ominous and dangerous "fire clouds" reaching miles in the air, able to spawn huge outbreaks of dry lightning and "fire tornadoes." Firefighter commander Rob Allen noted that the fire's 200-mile (320-kilometer) perimeter is "an enormous amount of line to build and hold." "We are continuing to use every resource, from dozers to air tankers," he said Friday. "We have had record heat, and just all the worst possible conditions at one time," Suzanne Flory, a US Forest Service spokesperson, told the Oregonian newspaper. Meantime, dangerous dry lightning storms were forecast in California. (With inputs from agencies)

Wildfires in US, Canada stretch firefighter resources

Ocugen Inc., Bharat Biotech's partner for the USA and Canada for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</a> Covaxin has initiated a rolling submission to Health Canada for the jab, the US company said in a regulatory filing.

The move follows the release by Bharat Biotech of Phase 3 clinical trial results, which demonstrated efficacy and safety in nearly 25,800 adults, it said on Thursday.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bharat-biotech-announces-covaxins-efficacy-rate-after-final-stage-trials-395623/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Often referred to as a rolling review, this allows Health Canada to start its review right away, as information continues to come in, to accelerate the overall review process.

Ocugen initiated the rolling submission through its affiliate, Vaccigen, Ltd.

Health Canada will make a decision upon review of the evidence submitted that supports its safety, efficacy and quality.

The rolling submission process was recommended and accepted under the Minister of Health's Interim Order Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use in Relation to COVID-19 and transitioned to a new drug, Ocugen said.

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"We thank Health Canada for their upcoming review of Covaxin and look forward to working with them so that we can offer the possibility of another safe and effective option to be used in their fight against COVID-19 and its Delta variant," Dr Shankar Musunuri, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ocugen said.

Covaxin was developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) National Institute of Virology (NIV)

Ocugen Inc., Bharat Biotech's partner for the USA and Canada for COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin has initiated a rolling submission to Health Canada for the jab, the US company said in a regulatory filing.

Ocugen Inc., Bharat Biotech's partner for the USA and Canada for COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin has initiated a rolling submission to Health Canada for the jab, the US company said in a regulatory filing. The move follows the release by Bharat Biotech of Phase 3 clinical trial results, which demonstrated efficacy and safety in nearly 25,800 adults, it said on Thursday. Often referred to as a rolling review, this allows Health Canada to start its review right away, as information continues to come in, to accelerate the overall review process. Ocugen initiated the rolling submission through its affiliate, Vaccigen, Ltd. Health Canada will make a decision upon review of the evidence submitted that supports its safety, efficacy and quality. The rolling submission process was recommended and accepted under the Minister of Health's Interim Order Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use in Relation to COVID-19 and transitioned to a new drug, Ocugen said. "We thank Health Canada for their upcoming review of Covaxin and look forward to working with them so that we can offer the possibility of another safe and effective option to be used in their fight against COVID-19 and its Delta variant," Dr Shankar Musunuri, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ocugen said. Covaxin was developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) National Institute of Virology (NIV)

Bharat Biotech's partner seeks approval for India-made Covaxin in Canada

A brutal start to the wildfire season in the western United States and Canada worsened Thursday as a massive Oregon blaze exploded in dry, windy conditions and a new California blaze threatened communities devastated by the 2018 Camp Fire.

A brutal start to the wildfire season in the western United States and Canada worsened Thursday as a massive Oregon blaze exploded in dry, windy conditions and a new California blaze threatened communities devastated by the 2018 Camp Fire. Wildfire officials raised their preparedness level to the highest tier -- the earliest such move in a decade -- and Canada's military joined evacuation efforts, as the region reels from the effects of consecutive heat waves that experts say have been worsened by global warming. "This fire is going to continue to grow -- the extremely dry vegetation and weather are not in our favour," said Joe Hessel, who is leading a team tackling Oregon's 227,000-acre Bootleg Fire. We have 15 large wildfires burning over 360,000 acres w/5,000+ firefighters addressing the fires throughout Oregon & Washington. Get the most updated information about wildfires burning in the Pacific NW, please check: https://t.co/C2sliXNvCa pic.twitter.com/lGMvcBmXcR — Forest Service NW (@ForestServiceNW) July 15, 2021 × Burning through the equivalent of 130,000 soccer fields, the Bootleg Fire some 250 miles south of Portland is the largest active blaze in the US, bellowing heavy smoke visible from space that is blanketing parts of neighbouring Washington and Idaho. Firefighters have been dispatched from as far away as San Francisco to tackle the massive blaze, which is showing "extreme" growth through drought-affected brush and due to hot, dry and breezy conditions. It began more than a week ago and is just seven per cent contained, has destroyed 21 homes and threatening almost 2,000 more. Also read | Wildfire ravages Canada amid record heat The inferno is just one of around 70 large fires burning some one million acres (400,000 hectares) in the US alone. 'Deja vu' The governor of the northwestern state of Montana on Wednesday declared a statewide wildland fire emergency. And in California, the newly ignited Dixie Fire began ripping through land near the town of Paradise which was razed by the notorious 2018 Camp Fire -- the deadliest in the state's modern history, killing 86 people. "The fire started just a couple of miles [away], on the same road, as the Camp Fire in 2018," David Little of the North Valley Community Foundation, set up to help Camp Fire victims, told the Los Angeles Times. "It's really a sense of deja vu that's uneasy." The Dixie Fire doubled in size overnight and was zero per cent contained, but was moving away from populated areas such as Paradise. Elsewhere in California the much larger Beckwourth Complex -- a combination of two blazes sparked by lightning last week -- neared 100,000 acres Thursday. Last year was the worst in California's modern history by acres burnt, but 2021 is currently outpacing even that record destruction. The fire season is starting earlier and ending later each year, while much of the state is in the grip of a severe multi-year drought. In Canada, the armed forces are now participating in wildfire evacuations in British Columbia for the first time since the fires began, a military source told AFP. Air quality alerts have been issued in many parts of British Columbia due to smoke from forest fires. As of Thursday afternoon, the province had 309 fires, 23 of which started in the last two days. Scientists say heatwaves arriving in the western US and Canada in late June would have been "virtually impossible" without human-caused climate change. Human activity has driven global temperatures up, stoking increasingly fierce storms, extreme heatwaves, droughts and wildfires.

'Extreme' wildfires and heavy smoke grip western US and Canada

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