Indigenous leaders and school survivors on Sunday dismissed Pope Francis' expressions of pain at the discovery of 215 children's remains at a former Catholic residential school in Canada, saying the church needed to do much more. 
 
In his weekly blessing in St&nbsp;Peter's Square on Sunday, Francis said he was pained by the news about the former school for indigenous students and called for respect for the rights and cultures of native peoples. But he stopped short of the direct apology some Canadians had demanded.&nbsp; 
 
"We're all pained and saddened. Who isn't? This is a worldwide travesty," Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations in Saskatchewan, Bobby Cameron, said. 
 
"How hard is it for the Pope to say: 'I'm very sorry for the way our organisation treated the First Nations people, the First Nations students during those times, we are sorry, we pray.'" 
 
The discovery last month at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, which closed in 1978, reopened old wounds in Canada about the lack of information and accountability around the residential school system, which forcibly separated indigenous children from their families. 
 
On Sunday, demonstrators tore down a statue of Egerton Ryerson, one of the architects of the residential school system, at the Toronto university named for him. 
 
Kamloops survivor Saa Hiil Thut, 72, said people have not been held responsible for the suffering he endured during his years at the school. 
 
"The culprits sort of get off scot-free," he said. 
 
"The Pope won't say, 'You know what? I heard there was (thousands of) cases of physical and sexual abuse in those residential schools run by our church.' He won't say that. He won't say 'There's 215 children in an unmarked grave in Kamloops and probably every residential school in Canada.'" 
 
The system, which operated between 1831 and 1996, forcibly separated about 150,000 indigenous children from their homes, with many subjected to abuse, rape and malnutrition. Most were run by the Catholic Church on behalf of the government. 
 
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday, the church must take responsibility for its role in the schools. A spokesman for Trudeau declined further comment on Sunday. 
 
The Pope's statement "does not go far enough," said a spokesperson for Crown-Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett on Sunday. 
 
"(The) government calls again upon the Pope and Church to apologise for their role." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Indigenous leaders and school survivors on Sunday dismissed Pope Francis' expressions of pain at the discovery of 215 children's remains at a former Catholic residential school in Canada, saying the church needed to do much more.

Indigenous leaders and school survivors on Sunday dismissed Pope Francis' expressions of pain at the discovery of 215 children's remains at a former Catholic residential school in Canada, saying the church needed to do much more. In his weekly blessing in St Peter's Square on Sunday, Francis said he was pained by the news about the former school for indigenous students and called for respect for the rights and cultures of native peoples. But he stopped short of the direct apology some Canadians had demanded. "We're all pained and saddened. Who isn't? This is a worldwide travesty," Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations in Saskatchewan, Bobby Cameron, said. "How hard is it for the Pope to say: 'I'm very sorry for the way our organisation treated the First Nations people, the First Nations students during those times, we are sorry, we pray.'" The discovery last month at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, which closed in 1978, reopened old wounds in Canada about the lack of information and accountability around the residential school system, which forcibly separated indigenous children from their families. On Sunday, demonstrators tore down a statue of Egerton Ryerson, one of the architects of the residential school system, at the Toronto university named for him. Kamloops survivor Saa Hiil Thut, 72, said people have not been held responsible for the suffering he endured during his years at the school. "The culprits sort of get off scot-free," he said. "The Pope won't say, 'You know what? I heard there was (thousands of) cases of physical and sexual abuse in those residential schools run by our church.' He won't say that. He won't say 'There's 215 children in an unmarked grave in Kamloops and probably every residential school in Canada.'" The system, which operated between 1831 and 1996, forcibly separated about 150,000 indigenous children from their homes, with many subjected to abuse, rape and malnutrition. Most were run by the Catholic Church on behalf of the government. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday, the church must take responsibility for its role in the schools. A spokesman for Trudeau declined further comment on Sunday. The Pope's statement "does not go far enough," said a spokesperson for Crown-Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett on Sunday. "(The) government calls again upon the Pope and Church to apologise for their role." (With inputs from agencies)

'We're all pained': Canada indigenous leaders dismiss Pope remarks on chidren's remains in school

After the remains of 215 children were discovered at a former Catholic residential school in Canada, people toppled down a statue of Egerton Ryerson, an architect of the residential school system.

In this residential school, run between 1831 and 1996, more than 150,000 indigenous children were forcibly separated from their homes and subjected to rape, abuse and were malnourished. The school was earlier run by the Church.

Now, Pope Francis on Sunday said he was "pained" by the discovery of the remains of 215 children at a former Catholic school for indigenous students in Canada.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pope-francis-expresses-sorrow-over-discovery-of-canada-school-childrens-remains-389904">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pope-francis-expresses-sorrow-over-discovery-of-canada-school-childrens-remains-389904/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the community is not happy with the apology and says ‘we are all pained’ by the tragedy.

"We're all pained and saddened. Who isn't? This is a worldwide travesty," Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations in Saskatchewan, Bobby Cameron said. "How hard is it for the Pope to say: 'I'm very sorry for the way our organization treated the First Nations people, the First Nations students during those times, we are sorry, we pray."

The statue was toppled a month after the remains of 215 indigenous students were discovered at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.

This demonstration was fueled by Pope’s apology that the indigenous community believes is not enough.

After the remains of 215 children were discovered at a former Catholic residential school in Canada, people toppled down a statue of Egerton Ryerson, an architect of the residential school system.

After the remains of 215 children were discovered at a former Catholic residential school in Canada, people toppled down a statue of Egerton Ryerson, an architect of the residential school system. In this residential school, run between 1831 and 1996, more than 150,000 indigenous children were forcibly separated from their homes and subjected to rape, abuse and were malnourished. The school was earlier run by the Church. Now, Pope Francis on Sunday said he was "pained" by the discovery of the remains of 215 children at a former Catholic school for indigenous students in Canada. WATCH | However, the community is not happy with the apology and says ‘we are all pained’ by the tragedy. "We're all pained and saddened. Who isn't? This is a worldwide travesty," Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations in Saskatchewan, Bobby Cameron said. "How hard is it for the Pope to say: 'I'm very sorry for the way our organization treated the First Nations people, the First Nations students during those times, we are sorry, we pray." The statue was toppled a month after the remains of 215 indigenous students were discovered at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia. This demonstration was fueled by Pope’s apology that the indigenous community believes is not enough.

Egerton Ryerson's statue toppled after indigenous school scandal

After successfully rolling out vaccines all over the world, Moderna is now seeking approval for the usage of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus vaccines</a> for teenagers in the European&nbsp;Union (EU) and Canada.

"We are pleased to announce that we have submitted for conditional marketing approval of our <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</a> with the European Medicines Agency for use in adolescents in the European Union," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said.

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The US pharmaceutical company is also planning to file for emergency approval in the US with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"We are encouraged that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was highly effective at preventing Covid-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection in adolescents," Bancel said. "We have filed for authorization with Health Canada and we will file for an Emergency Use Authorization with the US FDA and regulatory agencies around the world for this important younger age population."

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It has come after a few countries started vaccinating children from the age of 18 and above. The decision has been taken to make sure the transmission rate decreases in children.

Moderna is a two-shot vaccine against coronavirus and is 90 per cent effective against symptomatic COVID-19 and 95 per cent effective against severe disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

After successfully rolling out vaccines all over the world, Moderna is now seeking approval for the usage of coronavirus vaccines for teenagers in the European Union (EU) and Canada.

After successfully rolling out vaccines all over the world, Moderna is now seeking approval for the usage of coronavirus vaccines for teenagers in the European Union (EU) and Canada. "We are pleased to announce that we have submitted for conditional marketing approval of our COVID-19 vaccine with the European Medicines Agency for use in adolescents in the European Union," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said. Also read | Joe Biden made commitment to send vaccines to India, says US NSA The US pharmaceutical company is also planning to file for emergency approval in the US with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "We are encouraged that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was highly effective at preventing Covid-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection in adolescents," Bancel said. "We have filed for authorization with Health Canada and we will file for an Emergency Use Authorization with the US FDA and regulatory agencies around the world for this important younger age population." Also read | Putin plans to offer vaccinations to visiting foreigners for a fee It has come after a few countries started vaccinating children from the age of 18 and above. The decision has been taken to make sure the transmission rate decreases in children. Moderna is a two-shot vaccine against coronavirus and is 90 per cent effective against symptomatic COVID-19 and 95 per cent effective against severe disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Moderna awaiting approval of coronavirus vaccine for teens in EU, Canada

Pope Francis on Sunday said he was pained by the discovery of the remains of 215 children at a former Catholic school for indigenous students in Canada and called for respect of the rights and culture of native people.

Pope Francis expresses sorrow over discovery of Canada school children's remains

Pope Francis on Sunday said he was pained by the discovery of the remains of 215 children at a former Catholic school for indigenous students in Canada and called for respect of the rights and culture of native peoples.

He urged Canadian political and religious leaders to "cooperate with determination" to shed light on the finding and to seek reconciliation and healing.

He stopped short of the direct apology that many Canadians had demanded, however, when speaking in St. Peter's Square.

Pope Francis on Sunday said he was pained by the discovery of the remains of 215 children at a former Catholic school for indigenous students in Canada and called for respect of the rights and culture of native peoples.

Pope Francis on Sunday said he was pained by the discovery of the remains of 215 children at a former Catholic school for indigenous students in Canada and called for respect of the rights and culture of native peoples. He urged Canadian political and religious leaders to "cooperate with determination" to shed light on the finding and to seek reconciliation and healing. He stopped short of the direct apology that many Canadians had demanded, however, when speaking in St. Peter's Square.

Pope calls for reconciliation, healing over Canada school grave discovery

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.

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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.

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“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

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