Canada vowed on Thursday to make Facebook Inc pay for news content, seeking allies in the media battle with tech giants and pledging not to back down if the social media platform shuts off the country's news as it did in Australia.

Facebook blocked all Australian news content on its service over proposed legislation requiring it and Alphabet Inc's Google to pay fees to Australian publishers for news links.

Canadian Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault, in charge of drafting similar legislation to be unveiled in the coming months, condemned Facebook's action and said it would not deter Ottawa.

"Canada is at the forefront of this battle ... we are really among the first group of countries around the world that are doing this," he told reporters.

Last year, Canadian media organizations warned of a potential market failure without government action. They said the Australian approach would permit publishers to recover C$620 million a year. Without action, they warned, Canada would lose 700 print journalism jobs out of 3,100 total.

Guilbeault said Canada could adopt the Australian model, which requires Facebook and Google to reach deals to pay news outlets whose links drive activity on their services or agree on a price through binding arbitration.

Another option is to follow the example of France, which requires large tech platforms to open talks with publishers seeking remuneration for use of news content.

"We are working to see which model would be the most appropriate," he said, adding he spoke last week to his French, Australian, German and Finnish counterparts about working together on ensuring fair compensation for web content.

"I suspect that soon we will have five, 10, 15 countries adopting similar rules ... is Facebook going to cut ties with Germany, with France?" he asked, saying that at some point Facebook's approach would become "totally unsustainable".

University of Toronto professor Megan Boler, who specializes in social media, said the Facebook action marked a turning point that would require a common international approach.

"We could actually see a coalition, a united front against this monopoly, which could be very powerful," she said in a phone interview.

This week, Facebook said news makes up less than 4% of content people see on the platform but contended that it helped Australian publishers generate about AU $407 million last year.

Google has signed 500 deals worth around $1 billion over three years with publishers around the world for its new News Showcase service and is in talks with Canadian companies.

Guilbeault said Google would still be subject to the new Canadian new law since Ottawa wanted an approach that was fair, transparent and predictable.

"What's to say that Google - tomorrow, six months, a year from now - doesn't change its mind and says it doesn't want to do that anymore?" he said.

Lauren Skelly, a spokeswoman for Google in Canada, declined to comment on Guilbeault's remarks, saying the company did not know details of the legislation.

Michael Geist, Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law at the University of Ottawa, said Canada should aspire to Google's approach, where companies put money into content that provided added value.

"If we follow the Australian model ... we'll find ourselves in much the same spot," he said by phone. "Everybody loses. The media organizations lose ... Facebook loses."

Kevin Chan, head of public policy for Facebook in Canada, said there were "other options to support news in Canada that will more fairly benefit publishers of all sizes".

Canada vowed on Thursday to make Facebook Inc pay for news content, seeking allies in the media battle with tech giants and pledging not to back down if the social media platform shuts off the country's news as it did in Australia.

Canada vowed on Thursday to make Facebook Inc pay for news content, seeking allies in the media battle with tech giants and pledging not to back down if the social media platform shuts off the country's news as it did in Australia. Facebook blocked all Australian news content on its service over proposed legislation requiring it and Alphabet Inc's Google to pay fees to Australian publishers for news links. Canadian Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault, in charge of drafting similar legislation to be unveiled in the coming months, condemned Facebook's action and said it would not deter Ottawa. "Canada is at the forefront of this battle ... we are really among the first group of countries around the world that are doing this," he told reporters. Last year, Canadian media organizations warned of a potential market failure without government action. They said the Australian approach would permit publishers to recover C$620 million a year. Without action, they warned, Canada would lose 700 print journalism jobs out of 3,100 total. Guilbeault said Canada could adopt the Australian model, which requires Facebook and Google to reach deals to pay news outlets whose links drive activity on their services or agree on a price through binding arbitration. Another option is to follow the example of France, which requires large tech platforms to open talks with publishers seeking remuneration for use of news content. "We are working to see which model would be the most appropriate," he said, adding he spoke last week to his French, Australian, German and Finnish counterparts about working together on ensuring fair compensation for web content. "I suspect that soon we will have five, 10, 15 countries adopting similar rules ... is Facebook going to cut ties with Germany, with France?" he asked, saying that at some point Facebook's approach would become "totally unsustainable". University of Toronto professor Megan Boler, who specializes in social media, said the Facebook action marked a turning point that would require a common international approach. "We could actually see a coalition, a united front against this monopoly, which could be very powerful," she said in a phone interview. This week, Facebook said news makes up less than 4% of content people see on the platform but contended that it helped Australian publishers generate about AU $407 million last year. Google has signed 500 deals worth around $1 billion over three years with publishers around the world for its new News Showcase service and is in talks with Canadian companies. Guilbeault said Google would still be subject to the new Canadian new law since Ottawa wanted an approach that was fair, transparent and predictable. "What's to say that Google - tomorrow, six months, a year from now - doesn't change its mind and says it doesn't want to do that anymore?" he said. Lauren Skelly, a spokeswoman for Google in Canada, declined to comment on Guilbeault's remarks, saying the company did not know details of the legislation. Michael Geist, Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law at the University of Ottawa, said Canada should aspire to Google's approach, where companies put money into content that provided added value. "If we follow the Australian model ... we'll find ourselves in much the same spot," he said by phone. "Everybody loses. The media organizations lose ... Facebook loses." Kevin Chan, head of public policy for Facebook in Canada, said there were "other options to support news in Canada that will more fairly benefit publishers of all sizes".

After Australia, Canada vows to go after Facebook to pay for news

Indian-Canadian MP Ramesh Singh Sangha has hit out at few Sikhs MPs in the Canadian Parliament for protecting pro-Khalistanis, who are spewing venom against India and interfering in the country's internal affairs.&nbsp;

In his virtual speech in Parliament on Wednesday, Sangha said, "I am a proud Sikh by birth. Like Sikhs in Canada, I am not a Khalistani extremist or a sympathiser. However, there are few Sikhs in Canada as well as in this House (Parliament)."&nbsp;

While slamming the extremist elements, Sangha mentioned Canada's Intelligence Report 2018 in which 'Sikh (Khalistani) Extremism' was used initially. The Canadian MP also said, he and other members of the Sikh community were grateful as the government took away the word 'Sikh' from the report but it was shameful on part of some Sikh MPs and ministers that pressurised the government to remove the word 'Khalistan' from the report."&nbsp;

Furthermore, Sangha said that some Sikhs including MPs pressurised to remove the phrase 'Khalistani Extremism', thus compromising the security of Canada.&nbsp;

The 2018 Public Report on the 'Terrorist Threat to Canada' raised serious concerns over the grooming of pro-Khalistani outfits in Canada, who are also indulged in anti-India activities.&nbsp;

The report said, "Some individuals in Canada continue to support violent means to establish an independent state within India. These violent activities have fallen since their height during the 1982-1993 period when individuals and groups conducted numerous terrorist attacks. The 1985 Air India bombing, which killed 331 people, remains the deadliest terrorist plot ever launched in Canada".&nbsp;

"While attacks around the world in support of this movement have declined, support for the extreme ideologies of such groups remains. For example, in Canada, two organisations, Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation have been identified as being associated with terrorism and remain listed terrorist entities under the Criminal Code".&nbsp;

Sangha said that Sikh MPs in Canada are working to protect these extremists. "Their hidden agenda was to camouflage all the names from long-time links to the movement, even their own near and dear ones", he said in his virtual speech.&nbsp;

"Shame on them for pandering to extremists in Canada! History will not forgive them," said the Indian-Canadian MP. Ramesh Singh Sangha was serving his second term as a Liberal MP in Canadian Parliament but recently removed from the party due to the blunt criticism of his own government in terms of accommodating 'Khalistani Elements' in the government.&nbsp;

Indian-Canadian MP Ramesh Singh Sangha has hit out at few Sikhs MPs in the Canadian Parliament for protecting pro-Khalistanis, who are spewing venom against India and interfering in the country's internal affairs.

Indian-Canadian MP Ramesh Singh Sangha has hit out at few Sikhs MPs in the Canadian Parliament for protecting pro-Khalistanis, who are spewing venom against India and interfering in the country's internal affairs. In his virtual speech in Parliament on Wednesday, Sangha said, "I am a proud Sikh by birth. Like Sikhs in Canada, I am not a Khalistani extremist or a sympathiser. However, there are few Sikhs in Canada as well as in this House (Parliament)." While slamming the extremist elements, Sangha mentioned Canada's Intelligence Report 2018 in which 'Sikh (Khalistani) Extremism' was used initially. The Canadian MP also said, he and other members of the Sikh community were grateful as the government took away the word 'Sikh' from the report but it was shameful on part of some Sikh MPs and ministers that pressurised the government to remove the word 'Khalistan' from the report." Furthermore, Sangha said that some Sikhs including MPs pressurised to remove the phrase 'Khalistani Extremism', thus compromising the security of Canada. The 2018 Public Report on the 'Terrorist Threat to Canada' raised serious concerns over the grooming of pro-Khalistani outfits in Canada, who are also indulged in anti-India activities. The report said, "Some individuals in Canada continue to support violent means to establish an independent state within India. These violent activities have fallen since their height during the 1982-1993 period when individuals and groups conducted numerous terrorist attacks. The 1985 Air India bombing, which killed 331 people, remains the deadliest terrorist plot ever launched in Canada". "While attacks around the world in support of this movement have declined, support for the extreme ideologies of such groups remains. For example, in Canada, two organisations, Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation have been identified as being associated with terrorism and remain listed terrorist entities under the Criminal Code". Sangha said that Sikh MPs in Canada are working to protect these extremists. "Their hidden agenda was to camouflage all the names from long-time links to the movement, even their own near and dear ones", he said in his virtual speech. "Shame on them for pandering to extremists in Canada! History will not forgive them," said the Indian-Canadian MP. Ramesh Singh Sangha was serving his second term as a Liberal MP in Canadian Parliament but recently removed from the party due to the blunt criticism of his own government in terms of accommodating 'Khalistani Elements' in the government.

Sikh MP accuses Canadian Parliament of accommodating Khalistanis

The Bank of Canada has said it will keep its key overnight rate at a record low 0.25% into 2023.

Canada's inflation accelerates in January

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Tuesday that Canada and other countries are mulling labelling China's treatment of Uighurs a genocide.&nbsp;

The comments come after former US president Donald Trump last month called the treatment of Uighurs living in China's Xinjiang genocide and crimes against humanity.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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"It's a word that is extremely loaded and is certainly something that we should be looking at in the case of the Uighurs," Trudeau was quoted as saying by news agency AFP in a news conference.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-bans-bbc-world-news-for-its-reporting-on-uighur-genocide-covid-19-363002">China bans BBC World News for its reporting on Uighur genocide, Covid-19</a>

"I know the international community is looking very carefully at that and we are certainly among them, and we will not hesitate from being part of the determinations around these sorts of things."

Trudeau also said there was "no question" of the immense human rights violations reported happening in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

"We are extremely concerned about that and have highlighted our concerns many times. But when it comes to the application of the very specific word 'genocide,' we simply need to ensure that all the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed in the processes before a determination like that is made," the Canadian CM said.&nbsp;

Human rights groups say at least a million Uighurs and Turkic-speaking Muslims are held in detention camps in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

Recently, media reports quoted Uighur women who said they were raped by Chinese authorities in these camps.&nbsp;

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Tuesday that Canada and other countries are mulling labelling China's treatment of Uighurs a genocide. The comments come after former US president Donald Trump last month called the treatment of Uighurs living in China's Xinjiang genocide and crimes against humanity.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Tuesday that Canada and other countries are mulling labelling China's treatment of Uighurs a genocide. The comments come after former US president Donald Trump last month called the treatment of Uighurs living in China's Xinjiang genocide and crimes against humanity. Watch | "It's a word that is extremely loaded and is certainly something that we should be looking at in the case of the Uighurs," Trudeau was quoted as saying by news agency AFP in a news conference. Also read | China bans BBC World News for its reporting on Uighur genocide, Covid-19 "I know the international community is looking very carefully at that and we are certainly among them, and we will not hesitate from being part of the determinations around these sorts of things." Trudeau also said there was "no question" of the immense human rights violations reported happening in Xinjiang. "We are extremely concerned about that and have highlighted our concerns many times. But when it comes to the application of the very specific word 'genocide,' we simply need to ensure that all the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed in the processes before a determination like that is made," the Canadian CM said. Human rights groups say at least a million Uighurs and Turkic-speaking Muslims are held in detention camps in Xinjiang. Recently, media reports quoted Uighur women who said they were raped by Chinese authorities in these camps.

Canada, other nations considering labeling Uighur treatment 'genocide': Trudeau

The Indian ministry of external affairs has confirmed the farmer's issues were discussed during the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau's phone call. external affairs ministry has said the Canadian government has lauded India's effort in handling the protest

Candian government has lauded India's effort in handling the Farmers Protest

A special investigation report has revealed that police shot dead a one-year-old boy after opening fire on his father's truck in rural Canada.&nbsp;

Ontario's special investigations unit in its first public finding on Thursday said a review of the evidence suggested that the child's death on November 26 was due to police gunfire.&nbsp;

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"Upon receipt and review of additional forensic evidence in this case, including the results of the postmortem examination performed on a child, and reports prepared by the Centre of Forensic Sciences of analyses conducted with respect to bloodstains in the pickup truck, the trajectory of shots that struck the truck, and firearms, cartridge cases and projectiles, the SIU can today confirm that the child's death … was the result of being shot by police," the watchdog was quoted as saying by The Guardian.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-lives-matter-after-george-floyd-jacob-blake-becomes-next-victim-of-police-brutality-323047">Black Lives Matter: After George Floyd, Jacob Blake becomes next victim of police brutality</a>

For the unversed, the incident began when police responded to a domestic dispute case and were told that the father had kidnapped his one-year-old son and was potentially armed.&nbsp;

As police attempted to stop the father's truck, it collided with a police car and another vehicle.&nbsp;

Three cops then fired on the vehicle, the SIU said.&nbsp;

The child who was sitting in the back seat was pronounced dead at the scene and his 33-year-old father, who was also injured by the bullet, lost his life a week later.&nbsp;

The SIU added that the investigation is being carried on and no charges were laid on Thursday.&nbsp;

"We are all devastated when a child tragically dies," the province's police said after the findings.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A special investigation report has revealed that police shot dead a one-year-old boy after opening fire on his father's truck in rural Canada. Ontario's special investigations unit in its first public finding on Thursday said a review of the evidence suggested that the child's death on November 26 was due to police gunfire.

A special investigation report has revealed that police shot dead a one-year-old boy after opening fire on his father's truck in rural Canada. Ontario's special investigations unit in its first public finding on Thursday said a review of the evidence suggested that the child's death on November 26 was due to police gunfire. Also read | Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige speak out against police brutality in powerful video "Upon receipt and review of additional forensic evidence in this case, including the results of the postmortem examination performed on a child, and reports prepared by the Centre of Forensic Sciences of analyses conducted with respect to bloodstains in the pickup truck, the trajectory of shots that struck the truck, and firearms, cartridge cases and projectiles, the SIU can today confirm that the child's death … was the result of being shot by police," the watchdog was quoted as saying by The Guardian. Also read | Black Lives Matter: After George Floyd, Jacob Blake becomes next victim of police brutality For the unversed, the incident began when police responded to a domestic dispute case and were told that the father had kidnapped his one-year-old son and was potentially armed. As police attempted to stop the father's truck, it collided with a police car and another vehicle. Three cops then fired on the vehicle, the SIU said. The child who was sitting in the back seat was pronounced dead at the scene and his 33-year-old father, who was also injured by the bullet, lost his life a week later. The SIU added that the investigation is being carried on and no charges were laid on Thursday. "We are all devastated when a child tragically dies," the province's police said after the findings.

Canada: Watchdog says one-year-old killed in police firing

Moderna and Pfizer vaccine's slow roll-out has affected the vaccination program in Canada. So, now Canada has placed a request for about a million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from India's Serum Institute.

Slow vaccine roll-out in Canada affects inoculation, asks India for COVID-19 Vaccine supply

During a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, PM Narendra Modi assured him of coronavirus vaccine supplies. India has already sent vaccines to around 20 countries. It has got requests from developing as well as developed nations.

A readout from Indian PM's office said during the talks Prime Minister Trudeau informed PM Modi about "Canada's requirements of COVID-19 vaccines from India" to which the latter "assured...that India would do its best to support Canada's vaccination efforts, just as it had done for many other countries already"

The readout said Canadian leader lauded New Delhi saying, "if the world managed to conquer COVID-19, it would be significantly because of India's tremendous pharmaceutical capacity" and "Prime Minister Modi's leadership in sharing this capacity with the world."

The vaccines will be supplied commercially from India to Canada. India has already supplied vaccines on a commercial basis to countries like Brazil, Morrocco, South Africa.&nbsp;

During the talks, India and Canada discussed issues such as the economic impact of the pandemic, climate change.

The talks assume significance since ties between the two countries were impacted in December after Canadian PM commented on the farmer protests in India.&nbsp;

Back then, an angry New Delhi had summoned the Canadian envoy to Delhi Nadir Patel and handed over a strong demarche. In fact, the matter was taken up with Canadian authorities both in Ottawa and New Delhi and conveyed that such comments pertaining to the internal affairs of India are "unwarranted and unacceptable".

During a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, PM Narendra Modi assured him of coronavirus vaccine supplies. India has already sent vaccines to around 20 countries.

During a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, PM Narendra Modi assured him of coronavirus vaccine supplies. India has already sent vaccines to around 20 countries. It has got requests from developing as well as developed nations. A readout from Indian PM's office said during the talks Prime Minister Trudeau informed PM Modi about "Canada's requirements of COVID-19 vaccines from India" to which the latter "assured...that India would do its best to support Canada's vaccination efforts, just as it had done for many other countries already" The readout said Canadian leader lauded New Delhi saying, "if the world managed to conquer COVID-19, it would be significantly because of India's tremendous pharmaceutical capacity" and "Prime Minister Modi's leadership in sharing this capacity with the world." The vaccines will be supplied commercially from India to Canada. India has already supplied vaccines on a commercial basis to countries like Brazil, Morrocco, South Africa. During the talks, India and Canada discussed issues such as the economic impact of the pandemic, climate change. The talks assume significance since ties between the two countries were impacted in December after Canadian PM commented on the farmer protests in India. Back then, an angry New Delhi had summoned the Canadian envoy to Delhi Nadir Patel and handed over a strong demarche. In fact, the matter was taken up with Canadian authorities both in Ottawa and New Delhi and conveyed that such comments pertaining to the internal affairs of India are "unwarranted and unacceptable".

PM Modi assures Canada's Trudeau of COVID vaccine supplies

Canada has secure over 380 million doses of vaccine for the mass inoculation drive. It will be 10 doses of vaccine per person. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a telephonic conversation with PM Narendra Modi urges to provide covid vaccine supplies.

Canada secures over 380 Million doses of vaccine

Indian Diaspora took out a 'Tiranga Yatra rally’ from Strawberry Hill in Surrey to Consulate General of India in Vancouver on February 07.

Indian Diaspora takes out 'Tiranga Yatra rally’ in Canada’s Vancouver

Canada has a population of around 38 million. But it has some 200 million shots. One assessment says, it may take 7 years for the pandemic to end, if the rate of vaccination doesn't pick up.

Gravitas: It could take 7 years for the Wuhan Virus Pandemic to end

Canda has designated Proud Boys as a 'terror entity' calling the group an 'active threat' to National security. What does the move mean for the group's future? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Canada declares 'Proud Boys' terrorists

A boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics would not bring home two Canadian men detained in China for more than two years or force a change to China`s human rights record but would only punish athletes, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) said on Thursday. 
 
With the Feb. 4-20 Beijing Winter Games scheduled to start in exactly one year, the COC put out an op-ed confirming a commitment to take part in the 2022 Games as calls grow to boycott the event or have it moved from China. 
 
"My regular communication with athletes is via athletes commissions and we have had a few conversations on this topic but I must confess they don`t last very long," COC chief executive officer David Shoemaker told Reuters. 
 
"Our Canadian athletes are very much looking forward to the next two Olympic Games in Tokyo and Beijing. 
 
"Calls for boycotts aren`t new. Having said that, we do have a heightened level of concern." 
 
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) echoed a similar position on Wednesday saying they oppose boycotts because "they have been shown to negatively impact athletes while not effectively addressing global issues". 
 
A group of U.S. Senators, however, have a very different view, introducing a resolution calling on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to move the Beijing Olympics following the U.S.’ designation the Chinese government was perpetrating a genocide by repressing Uighur Muslims in its Xinjiang region. 
 
GET TOUGH 
 
Canada`s participation at the Beijing Games has been further put in the spotlight by China`s detention of businessman Michael Spavor and former diplomat Michael Kovrig in what Canada views as retribution for the arrest of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou on a U.S. warrant. 
 
As Kovrig and Spavor languish in prison, calls for the Canadian government to get tough with China have grown. 
 
A July poll found more than half of Canadians believe Ottawa should take more aggressive action to persuade Beijing to release the two men who face spying charges. 
 
The COC underlined that it supports that effort but not at the expense of athletes, who too often have been the pawns in geo-political disputes. 
 
"We referenced the two Michaels in our op ed and we have had conversations with the government and directly with the Canadian ambassador to China," said Shoemaker. 
 
"We understand all of the issues of concern to Canadians in China and they are being addressed by the Canadian government as the highest priority. 
 
"It is our view that this is where we should place our trust and confidence and the Canadian Olympic Committee and Paralympic Committee focus should be on delivering inspiring teams." 
 
PAST BOYCOTTS 
 
The IOC is no stranger to boycotts or the threat of one. 
 
The U.S. led a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Summer Games over the Soviet Union`s presence in Afghanistan. 
 
Four years later in a tit-for-tat response the Soviet Union led a boycott of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. 
 
Canada`s senior IOC member Dick Pound says in both instances nothing was accomplished. 
 
"If the Canadian government is mad at the Chinese government, it knows how to get that message to them," Pound told Reuters. "There are all kinds of recognised international measures available. 
 
"In 1980, the Canadian government leaned all over the COC and, over my dead body, capitulated, and it turned out the boycott was the only significant measure they took. 
 
"They know it is an ineffective gesture." 
 
 
 
(Reporting by Steve Keating in Toronto. Editing by Ken Ferris) 
&nbsp;

A boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics would not bring home two Canadian men detained in China for more than two years or force a change to China`s human rights record but would only punish athletes, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) said on Thursday.

A boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics would not bring home two Canadian men detained in China for more than two years or force a change to China`s human rights record but would only punish athletes, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) said on Thursday. With the Feb. 4-20 Beijing Winter Games scheduled to start in exactly one year, the COC put out an op-ed confirming a commitment to take part in the 2022 Games as calls grow to boycott the event or have it moved from China. "My regular communication with athletes is via athletes commissions and we have had a few conversations on this topic but I must confess they don`t last very long," COC chief executive officer David Shoemaker told Reuters. "Our Canadian athletes are very much looking forward to the next two Olympic Games in Tokyo and Beijing. "Calls for boycotts aren`t new. Having said that, we do have a heightened level of concern." The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) echoed a similar position on Wednesday saying they oppose boycotts because "they have been shown to negatively impact athletes while not effectively addressing global issues". A group of U.S. Senators, however, have a very different view, introducing a resolution calling on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to move the Beijing Olympics following the U.S.’ designation the Chinese government was perpetrating a genocide by repressing Uighur Muslims in its Xinjiang region. GET TOUGH Canada`s participation at the Beijing Games has been further put in the spotlight by China`s detention of businessman Michael Spavor and former diplomat Michael Kovrig in what Canada views as retribution for the arrest of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou on a U.S. warrant. As Kovrig and Spavor languish in prison, calls for the Canadian government to get tough with China have grown. A July poll found more than half of Canadians believe Ottawa should take more aggressive action to persuade Beijing to release the two men who face spying charges. The COC underlined that it supports that effort but not at the expense of athletes, who too often have been the pawns in geo-political disputes. "We referenced the two Michaels in our op ed and we have had conversations with the government and directly with the Canadian ambassador to China," said Shoemaker. "We understand all of the issues of concern to Canadians in China and they are being addressed by the Canadian government as the highest priority. "It is our view that this is where we should place our trust and confidence and the Canadian Olympic Committee and Paralympic Committee focus should be on delivering inspiring teams." PAST BOYCOTTS The IOC is no stranger to boycotts or the threat of one. The U.S. led a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Summer Games over the Soviet Union`s presence in Afghanistan. Four years later in a tit-for-tat response the Soviet Union led a boycott of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Canada`s senior IOC member Dick Pound says in both instances nothing was accomplished. "If the Canadian government is mad at the Chinese government, it knows how to get that message to them," Pound told Reuters. "There are all kinds of recognised international measures available. "In 1980, the Canadian government leaned all over the COC and, over my dead body, capitulated, and it turned out the boycott was the only significant measure they took. "They know it is an ineffective gesture." (Reporting by Steve Keating in Toronto. Editing by Ken Ferris)

Beijing boycott not the answer says Canadian Olympic Committee

Canada named the far-right Proud Boys a terrorist entity on Wednesday, saying it posed an active security threat and played a "pivotal role" in last month's attack on the U.S. Capitol that left five people dead.

Canada puts Proud Boys on the terror list, cites active security threat

As frustration mounts in Canada at the leaden weight of lockdowns and the glacial pace of vaccinations, a consortium of some of the country’s largest companies has launched a rapid testing program with the aim of protecting their 350,000 employees and publishing a playbook for businesses across Canada on how to reopen safely.

The program, believed to be the first of its kind among the Group of 7 industrialized nations, has already attracted the attention of the Biden administration.

The 12 companies, including Canada’s biggest airline and grocery chain, have worked together for four months, creating a 400-page operating manual on how to run rapid antigen tests in various work settings. They began piloting the tests in their workplaces this month and expect to expand the program to 1,200 small and medium-sized businesses.

They also plan to share their test results with government health authorities, greatly raising test counts in the country and providing an informal study of the virus’s spread among asymptomatic people.

“It’s like wartime — people get together to do something that’s in the interest of everybody,” said Marc Mageau, senior vice president of refining and logistics with Suncor Energy, the country’s largest oil producer, which introduced the testing to its employees this month.

The program faces some inherent challenges — after an outbreak last year at the White House, antigen tests became known for generating both false negatives and a false sense of security. They are also in short supply in Canada, with some experts arguing they should be reserved for schools and nursing homes rather than nonessential businesses.

While vaccines are considered the world’s best weapon for defeating the pandemic, most experts believe it will take months, if not a full year, for Canada to reach vaccination levels that allow workplaces to safely return to their pre-COVID operations.

Canada is in the grip of a second pandemic wave that has driven infections to record levels and deaths to about 19,800. In response, many parts of the country are in lockdown, with restaurants, theaters and nonessential retail shops closed.

The Canadian economy has contracted about 5% during the pandemic. Some industries, like real estate and manufacturing, have done well, but employment has plummeted at others, like entertainment and hospitality, which depend on public crowds.

“Think about downtown Toronto: No one is there anymore. Entertainment — it’s all stopped,” said Joshua Gans, a professor of strategic management at the University of Toronto who acted as an adviser on the project and is the author of “The Pandemic Information Gap: The Brutal Economics of COVID-19.”

“The time has come to work out how to actually reopen the sectors that have been closed,” he said.

The companies in the consortium were brought together in the spring by Ajay Agrawal, founder of the University of Toronto’s Creative Destruction Lab, which helps science and technology startups. They were inspired by the most Canadian of muses: author Margaret Atwood.

“How soon can we have a cheap, buy-it-at-the-drugstore, self-administered test?” Atwood asked last May during a virtual meeting of business leaders and others tasked with brainstorming ideas for economic recovery during the pandemic.

The problem, the group posited, was the “information gap” — since there was no way to tell who might be an asymptomatic carrier, everyone was treated as a potential threat.

Atwood envisioned something like a home pregnancy test.

“That would be a game changer,” she said.

Realizing that the government was overwhelmed by the health crisis, the group decided to take on the task itself, forming a consortium led by Creative Destruction Lab.

The group focused on antigen tests because of their speed, price and utility: They can produce results in minutes, don’t require a laboratory and, in Canada, can cost between $5 and about $20.

But they are less accurate, and produce more false negatives, than the gold-standard polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests, which can cost 20 times as much. The three antigen tests approved for use in Canada flag between 84% and 96.7% of the people infected with the virus.

In Britain, antigen tests used in a mass testing campaign identified just two-fifths of the coronavirus cases detected by PCR tests.

For that reason, many experts in Canada and elsewhere initially argued it was wiser to expand PCR testing. But, as the pandemic stretched on and the country failed to reach its testing targets, that thinking has changed, said Dr. Irfan Dhalla, co-chair of the Canadian advisory panel on testing and screening for COVID-19, which recommended the country increase the use of rapid tests.

“A rapid antigen test is clearly better than no test at all, as long as it is not used as a free pass,” Dhalla said. “Whether it’s a workplace or a school, you still have to wear a mask and you still have to physically distance as much as you can.”

Consortium members hope in the long run that the testing program will help reduce infection rates enough to permit a return to crowded restaurants and boardroom meetings. But in the meantime, they plan on using the tests as an added layer of protection — on top of wearing masks, engaging in social distancing and pre-screening employees so those with symptoms stay home.

The companies in the consortium are also testing their employees twice a week, increasing the chances of picking up positive cases.

“Everyone is looking for a silver bullet. We’ve realized it doesn’t exist. This isn’t it either,” conceded Laura Rosella, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University o

In September, more than 100 employees from the consortium began working together, at their companies’ expense, to draft a plan. Two retired generals volunteered to help manage logistics.

In November, the group registered as a nonprofit organization called CDL Rapid Screening Consortium, with each company contributing $230,000 for operational costs.

Working in teams, the employees researched some 50 different antigen tests emerging around the world, analyzed what was needed for a screening program — from staffing to the number of gowns — and estimated the overall cost.

The resulting 400-page operating manual includes everything from an example of an employee invitation to join the program and a standard consent form, to the detailed shopping list of materials required to run a program.

One hurdle has been acquiring tests. They have had to get them from the government because they are not widely available in Canada yet, and there is a great demand from schools and nursing homes.

“Let’s get tests there first,” Dhalla said, referring to schools, nursing homes and essential workplaces. “As we gain experience, then we can talk about getting people back to work, where working from home is an option.”

In January, five of the companies began to pilot the program in settings as different as pharmacies and radio stations. So far, some 400 employees have volunteered, and almost 1,900 tests have been conducted. Only three have come back positive, according to Sonia Sennik, executive director of the Creative Destruction Lab and the enthusiastic quarterback of the project.

“They didn’t go into the workplace and potentially spread something,” Sennik said. “We broke the chain of transmission three times.”

The companies have found the program reduces employee anxiety not only about coming to work, but also about returning home each day, she said.

“I feel relief,” said Mohamed Gaballa, an Air Canada employee who completed the test during a break at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Within 15 minutes, this popped up on email: “Your screening result is negative. You may carry on with your day.”

“This has been a missing piece in Canada for far too long,” said Dan Kelly, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, which represents 110,000 small and medium-sized businesses.

Small businesses face many more hurdles to implement a program like this, even given the leg up from a 400-page manual, he said. There is the cost of the tests, but more important, of the staff to administer them.

Kelly imagined the program wouldn’t work at restaurants and busy stores — places where unscreened customers far outnumber screened employees, unless the plan was to test them too. But, in kitchens, small warehouses, small manufacturing shops and offices, “this testing could be quite helpful,” he said.

“Under normal circumstances, the idea of small companies doing employee-based testing for anything would be a fantasy,” said Kelly, who sits on the federal government’s industry advisory group on COVID-19 testing. “But in this case, given the degree of desperation to get or stay open among small-business owners, there is a potential appetite for it.”

As frustration mounts in Canada at the leaden weight of lockdowns and the glacial pace of vaccinations, a consortium of some of the country’s largest companies has launched a rapid testing program with the aim of protecting their 350,000 employees and publishing a playbook for businesses across Canada on how to reopen safely.

As frustration mounts in Canada at the leaden weight of lockdowns and the glacial pace of vaccinations, a consortium of some of the country’s largest companies has launched a rapid testing program with the aim of protecting their 350,000 employees and publishing a playbook for businesses across Canada on how to reopen safely. The program, believed to be the first of its kind among the Group of 7 industrialized nations, has already attracted the attention of the Biden administration. The 12 companies, including Canada’s biggest airline and grocery chain, have worked together for four months, creating a 400-page operating manual on how to run rapid antigen tests in various work settings. They began piloting the tests in their workplaces this month and expect to expand the program to 1,200 small and medium-sized businesses. They also plan to share their test results with government health authorities, greatly raising test counts in the country and providing an informal study of the virus’s spread among asymptomatic people. “It’s like wartime — people get together to do something that’s in the interest of everybody,” said Marc Mageau, senior vice president of refining and logistics with Suncor Energy, the country’s largest oil producer, which introduced the testing to its employees this month. The program faces some inherent challenges — after an outbreak last year at the White House, antigen tests became known for generating both false negatives and a false sense of security. They are also in short supply in Canada, with some experts arguing they should be reserved for schools and nursing homes rather than nonessential businesses. While vaccines are considered the world’s best weapon for defeating the pandemic, most experts believe it will take months, if not a full year, for Canada to reach vaccination levels that allow workplaces to safely return to their pre-COVID operations. Canada is in the grip of a second pandemic wave that has driven infections to record levels and deaths to about 19,800. In response, many parts of the country are in lockdown, with restaurants, theaters and nonessential retail shops closed. The Canadian economy has contracted about 5% during the pandemic. Some industries, like real estate and manufacturing, have done well, but employment has plummeted at others, like entertainment and hospitality, which depend on public crowds. “Think about downtown Toronto: No one is there anymore. Entertainment — it’s all stopped,” said Joshua Gans, a professor of strategic management at the University of Toronto who acted as an adviser on the project and is the author of “The Pandemic Information Gap: The Brutal Economics of COVID-19.” “The time has come to work out how to actually reopen the sectors that have been closed,” he said. The companies in the consortium were brought together in the spring by Ajay Agrawal, founder of the University of Toronto’s Creative Destruction Lab, which helps science and technology startups. They were inspired by the most Canadian of muses: author Margaret Atwood. “How soon can we have a cheap, buy-it-at-the-drugstore, self-administered test?” Atwood asked last May during a virtual meeting of business leaders and others tasked with brainstorming ideas for economic recovery during the pandemic. The problem, the group posited, was the “information gap” — since there was no way to tell who might be an asymptomatic carrier, everyone was treated as a potential threat. Atwood envisioned something like a home pregnancy test. “That would be a game changer,” she said. Realizing that the government was overwhelmed by the health crisis, the group decided to take on the task itself, forming a consortium led by Creative Destruction Lab. The group focused on antigen tests because of their speed, price and utility: They can produce results in minutes, don’t require a laboratory and, in Canada, can cost between $5 and about $20. But they are less accurate, and produce more false negatives, than the gold-standard polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests, which can cost 20 times as much. The three antigen tests approved for use in Canada flag between 84% and 96.7% of the people infected with the virus. In Britain, antigen tests used in a mass testing campaign identified just two-fifths of the coronavirus cases detected by PCR tests. For that reason, many experts in Canada and elsewhere initially argued it was wiser to expand PCR testing. But, as the pandemic stretched on and the country failed to reach its testing targets, that thinking has changed, said Dr. Irfan Dhalla, co-chair of the Canadian advisory panel on testing and screening for COVID-19, which recommended the country increase the use of rapid tests. “A rapid antigen test is clearly better than no test at all, as long as it is not used as a free pass,” Dhalla said. “Whether it’s a workplace or a school, you still have to wear a mask and you still have to physically distance as much as you can.” Consortium members hope in the long run that the testing program will help reduce infection rates enough to permit a return to crowded restaurants and boardroom meetings. But in the meantime, they plan on using the tests as an added layer of protection — on top of wearing masks, engaging in social distancing and pre-screening employees so those with symptoms stay home. The companies in the consortium are also testing their employees twice a week, increasing the chances of picking up positive cases. “Everyone is looking for a silver bullet. We’ve realized it doesn’t exist. This isn’t it either,” conceded Laura Rosella, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University o In September, more than 100 employees from the consortium began working together, at their companies’ expense, to draft a plan. Two retired generals volunteered to help manage logistics. In November, the group registered as a nonprofit organization called CDL Rapid Screening Consortium, with each company contributing $230,000 for operational costs. Working in teams, the employees researched some 50 different antigen tests emerging around the world, analyzed what was needed for a screening program — from staffing to the number of gowns — and estimated the overall cost. The resulting 400-page operating manual includes everything from an example of an employee invitation to join the program and a standard consent form, to the detailed shopping list of materials required to run a program. One hurdle has been acquiring tests. They have had to get them from the government because they are not widely available in Canada yet, and there is a great demand from schools and nursing homes. “Let’s get tests there first,” Dhalla said, referring to schools, nursing homes and essential workplaces. “As we gain experience, then we can talk about getting people back to work, where working from home is an option.” In January, five of the companies began to pilot the program in settings as different as pharmacies and radio stations. So far, some 400 employees have volunteered, and almost 1,900 tests have been conducted. Only three have come back positive, according to Sonia Sennik, executive director of the Creative Destruction Lab and the enthusiastic quarterback of the project. “They didn’t go into the workplace and potentially spread something,” Sennik said. “We broke the chain of transmission three times.” The companies have found the program reduces employee anxiety not only about coming to work, but also about returning home each day, she said. “I feel relief,” said Mohamed Gaballa, an Air Canada employee who completed the test during a break at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Within 15 minutes, this popped up on email: “Your screening result is negative. You may carry on with your day.” “This has been a missing piece in Canada for far too long,” said Dan Kelly, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, which represents 110,000 small and medium-sized businesses. Small businesses face many more hurdles to implement a program like this, even given the leg up from a 400-page manual, he said. There is the cost of the tests, but more important, of the staff to administer them. Kelly imagined the program wouldn’t work at restaurants and busy stores — places where unscreened customers far outnumber screened employees, unless the plan was to test them too. But, in kitchens, small warehouses, small manufacturing shops and offices, “this testing could be quite helpful,” he said. “Under normal circumstances, the idea of small companies doing employee-based testing for anything would be a fantasy,” said Kelly, who sits on the federal government’s industry advisory group on COVID-19 testing. “But in this case, given the degree of desperation to get or stay open among small-business owners, there is a potential appetite for it.”

‘Like wartime’: Canadian companies unite to start mass virus testing

How badly do you want coronavirus vaccine? Well, majority of people would express their eagerness. After all, the world is eager to break coronavirus shackles and lead life just like old times.

But would you deprive someone of their right to vaccine by taking it out of turn? Falsify identity? Such a deed would definitely not find any approval. But a rich couple in Canada is facing heat for hogging coronavirus vaccines meant for the elderly among indigenous group. The couple is looking at jailtime as well.

Casino executive Rodney Baker and his wife Ekaterina Baker secretly travelled to Yukon territory in Canada, posed as someone else in order to get the vaccine.

Authorities had sent a vaccination team to Beaver Creek. This area has a population that has many elderly persons of White River First Nation indigenous population.

The Bakers took a chartered flight to reach Beaver Creek. Then they post as local motel employees in order to get vaccinated. There is an outrage in the local community due to the incident. As per media reports, the couple has not made any attempt to apologise to the community.

The couple was fined USD 1800. However, locals are not happy as they point out that the millionaire couple can easily pay this amount and go about their lives as if nothing had happened. The police are carrying out further investigation.

How badly do you want coronavirus vaccine? Well, majority of people would express their eagerness. After all, the world is eager to break coronavirus shackles and lead life just like old times.

How badly do you want coronavirus vaccine? Well, majority of people would express their eagerness. After all, the world is eager to break coronavirus shackles and lead life just like old times. But would you deprive someone of their right to vaccine by taking it out of turn? Falsify identity? Such a deed would definitely not find any approval. But a rich couple in Canada is facing heat for hogging coronavirus vaccines meant for the elderly among indigenous group. The couple is looking at jailtime as well. Casino executive Rodney Baker and his wife Ekaterina Baker secretly travelled to Yukon territory in Canada, posed as someone else in order to get the vaccine. Authorities had sent a vaccination team to Beaver Creek. This area has a population that has many elderly persons of White River First Nation indigenous population. The Bakers took a chartered flight to reach Beaver Creek. Then they post as local motel employees in order to get vaccinated. There is an outrage in the local community due to the incident. As per media reports, the couple has not made any attempt to apologise to the community. The couple was fined USD 1800. However, locals are not happy as they point out that the millionaire couple can easily pay this amount and go about their lives as if nothing had happened. The police are carrying out further investigation.

Millionaire couple takes COVID vaccine meant for indigenous people, faces jailtime

Canada’s Governor General Julie Payette stepped down from her post following allegations of severe workplace harassment. This came after senior officials received the results of an independent investigation into reports that suggested Payette had verbally abused and bullied members of her staff.

Canada's Governor General resigns after reports of bullying & harassments

TC Energy, the Canadian company behind Keystone XL pipeline hs suspended work in anticipation of a block from US President Joe Biden. The company has stopped construction of an oil conduit. Joe Biden was expected to block the keystone pipeline &nbsp;on the very first day of his presidency.

The company said it was "disappointed" with the expected US action, claiming it would mean thousands of lost jobs.

"The decision would overturn an unprecedented, comprehensive regulatory process that lasted more than a decade and repeatedly concluded the pipeline would transport much-needed energy in an environmentally responsible way while enhancing North American energy security," it added.

Canadian regulators approved the project in 2010 but it was then blocked by US president Barack Obama in 2015 due to environmental concerns -- a decision that his successor Donald Trump reversed in 2017.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has said that he will press Biden in coming days to reconsider decision to scrap Keystone pipeline.

The 1,210-mile (1,947-kilometer) pipeline, starting in 2023, was to transport up to 830,000 barrels of oil per day from the Alberta oil sands, which Biden has lambasted as producing a "very, very high pollutant," to Nebraska, and then through an existing system to refineries in coastal Texas.

(With AFP inputs)

TC Energy, the Canadian company behind Keystone XL pipeline hs suspended work in anticipation of a block from US President Joe Biden. The company has stopped construction of an oil conduit.

TC Energy, the Canadian company behind Keystone XL pipeline hs suspended work in anticipation of a block from US President Joe Biden. The company has stopped construction of an oil conduit. Joe Biden was expected to block the keystone pipeline on the very first day of his presidency. The company said it was "disappointed" with the expected US action, claiming it would mean thousands of lost jobs. "The decision would overturn an unprecedented, comprehensive regulatory process that lasted more than a decade and repeatedly concluded the pipeline would transport much-needed energy in an environmentally responsible way while enhancing North American energy security," it added. Canadian regulators approved the project in 2010 but it was then blocked by US president Barack Obama in 2015 due to environmental concerns -- a decision that his successor Donald Trump reversed in 2017. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has said that he will press Biden in coming days to reconsider decision to scrap Keystone pipeline. The 1,210-mile (1,947-kilometer) pipeline, starting in 2023, was to transport up to 830,000 barrels of oil per day from the Alberta oil sands, which Biden has lambasted as producing a "very, very high pollutant," to Nebraska, and then through an existing system to refineries in coastal Texas. (With AFP inputs)

Canadian company stops work on Keystone XL pipeline anticipating block from Biden

Canada and other nations whose citizens died in Iran's downing of a Ukrainian jetliner one year ago on Friday called on Tehran to come clean about the tragedy and "deliver justice" for the victims' families.

"We urgently call on Iran to provide a complete and thorough explanation of the events and decisions that led to this appalling plane crash," the coordination and response group made up of Canada, Britain, Ukraine, Sweden and Afghanistan said in a statement.

They also said they "will hold Iran to account to deliver justice and make sure Iran makes full reparations to the families of the victims and affected countries."

In Toronto, in Canada's Ontario province, nearly 200 people gathered under cloudy skies Friday afternoon in front of the University of Toronto before holding a march in honor of the crash victims, according to an AFP photographer at the scene.

Many people carried signs depicting the victims' photos and names. Other people wore black face masks printed with the word "Justice."

Among the marchers was Hamid Niazi, who lost his wife, daughter and son in the crash.

"I am not sure how I can explain that, I am still in (a) state of denial and disbelief. I can't believe that that happened to my family," he told AFP.

"Sometimes I think I am having a nightmare, that this couldn't happen."

In Kiev, where the doomed plane was bound, wreaths of flowers were laid on the site of a future memorial dedicated to the victims. A giant screen showed photos of the passengers and crew members.

- 'Thorough, transparent and credible investigation' -

At the end of December, Iran offered to pay US$150,000 to each of the families of the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, acknowledging that its forces had mistakenly shot it down on January 8, 2020, killing all 176 people on board, including 85 Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

On Thursday, Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne rejected the offer, saying: "The issue of compensation will not be set through unilateral statements by Iran but rather be subject to state-to-state negotiations."

In a separate statement on Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau once again demanded from Iran a "thorough, transparent and credible investigation into the cause of this tragedy."

He also vowed "to hold Iran accountable, including by ensuring that Iran makes full reparations for the victims of PS752 and their grieving families, and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice."

In mid-December, Canada's special counsel into the tragedy, former minister Ralph Goodale, issued a 70-page report arguing that Iran should not be "investigating itself" over the matter, emphasizing that many of the key details surrounding the crash remained unknown.

Trudeau, Champagne and several other members of the government spoke with victims' families on Thursday during a private virtual commemoration.

The prime minister also recently announced that January 8 would become known as Canada's National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters.

Canada and other nations whose citizens died in Iran's downing of a Ukrainian jetliner one year ago on Friday called on Tehran to come clean about the tragedy and "deliver justice" for the victims' families.

Canada and other nations whose citizens died in Iran's downing of a Ukrainian jetliner one year ago on Friday called on Tehran to come clean about the tragedy and "deliver justice" for the victims' families. "We urgently call on Iran to provide a complete and thorough explanation of the events and decisions that led to this appalling plane crash," the coordination and response group made up of Canada, Britain, Ukraine, Sweden and Afghanistan said in a statement. They also said they "will hold Iran to account to deliver justice and make sure Iran makes full reparations to the families of the victims and affected countries." In Toronto, in Canada's Ontario province, nearly 200 people gathered under cloudy skies Friday afternoon in front of the University of Toronto before holding a march in honor of the crash victims, according to an AFP photographer at the scene. Many people carried signs depicting the victims' photos and names. Other people wore black face masks printed with the word "Justice." Among the marchers was Hamid Niazi, who lost his wife, daughter and son in the crash. "I am not sure how I can explain that, I am still in (a) state of denial and disbelief. I can't believe that that happened to my family," he told AFP. "Sometimes I think I am having a nightmare, that this couldn't happen." In Kiev, where the doomed plane was bound, wreaths of flowers were laid on the site of a future memorial dedicated to the victims. A giant screen showed photos of the passengers and crew members. - 'Thorough, transparent and credible investigation' - At the end of December, Iran offered to pay US$150,000 to each of the families of the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, acknowledging that its forces had mistakenly shot it down on January 8, 2020, killing all 176 people on board, including 85 Canadian citizens and permanent residents. On Thursday, Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne rejected the offer, saying: "The issue of compensation will not be set through unilateral statements by Iran but rather be subject to state-to-state negotiations." In a separate statement on Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau once again demanded from Iran a "thorough, transparent and credible investigation into the cause of this tragedy." He also vowed "to hold Iran accountable, including by ensuring that Iran makes full reparations for the victims of PS752 and their grieving families, and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice." In mid-December, Canada's special counsel into the tragedy, former minister Ralph Goodale, issued a 70-page report arguing that Iran should not be "investigating itself" over the matter, emphasizing that many of the key details surrounding the crash remained unknown. Trudeau, Champagne and several other members of the government spoke with victims' families on Thursday during a private virtual commemoration. The prime minister also recently announced that January 8 would become known as Canada's National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters.

One year after plane downed, victims' governments demand justice from Iran

Medical companies and shippers in Canada are racing to transport time-sensitive radiochemical materials used to treat cancer, as a pandemic-induced drop in passenger flights has narrowed transportation options and created cargo delays. 
 
Half of air cargo normally travels in the belly of passenger jets rather than dedicated freighters. But flight cancellations as traffic plummeted during the pandemic have left some companies scrambling to ship treatments that decay over time, pushing up overall transportation costs. 
 
Before the pandemic, the McMaster Nuclear Reactor in the Canadian province of Ontario could ship its iodine-125 isotope anywhere in a couple of days. 
 
But since spring, deliveries of the isotope, used to treat about 70,000 patients a year with a procedure called brachytherapy, have been delayed as long as 10 days. 
 
"There`s fewer flights, so it`s creating longer routes,” said Karin Stephenson, manager of commercial operations at the reactor. "It`s been really challenging trying to get our product around." 
 
It is a problem in Canada, where a limited domestic market and restrictions on international travel, like a 14-day quarantine for arrivals, have hit air passenger traffic harder than in some other countries like the United States. Travel volumes are down 90% at Canadian airports on an annual basis, according to the government. 
 
U.S. cancer specialists and the American College of Radiology said they had not heard of any widespread concerns over shipping isotopes. 
 
For the broader industry, moving medical isotopes is a challenge because they decay over time. In 10 days, iodine-125 loses about 20% of its radioactivity, said Stephenson. 
 
Another product shipped by McMaster, holmium-166, the key raw material in a liver cancer therapy used in Europe called QuiremSpheres, has a half life of only 27 hours. 
 
"Timing is extremely critical," said Jan Sigger, chief executive of Netherlands-based Quirem Medical, recently acquired by Japan`s Terumo Corp.&nbsp; 
 
Quirem supply chain manager Jerfaas Haalboom said some patients` treatments were rescheduled because of delayed shipments. 
 
 
FEWER OPTIONS 
 
Airlines are also moving to smaller planes with less cargo capacity which can lead to some goods being bumped. 
 
"Shipments get bumped all the time because of aircraft capacity," said Mike Stopay, director of Pacer Air Freight, a Toronto-area cargo specialist. 
 
The recent pickup in transport of COVID-19 vaccines, equivalent to about 0.3% of global air freight, is not likely to displace time-sensitive medical products in cargo planes, said Marco Bloemen, managing director of Seabury Consulting, a division of Accenture Plc. 
 
Falling plane values, and a rise in e-commerce due to the pandemic, are also fueling a boom in converting passenger planes to freighters. Freighters have greater capacity but fly less frequently, creating a potential headache for some shippers of time-sensitive cargo. 
 
Roy Bekic, logistic manager at the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization in Ontario, said he depends on passenger flights to ship products to Australia via a connection in Vancouver. Delays have led him to lose a handful of shipments. 
 
"For some of my Australian clients I have only about 90 hours before (the treatment) expires," Bekic said. 
 
The challenges are leading to higher transport costs, either to compensate for products lost due to delays, or because companies have fewer options to ship the materials. 
 
Stephenson said McMaster, which has to transport more material to account for longer travel times, recently raised its shipping charges, after absorbing extra costs for months. 
 
Gabriel Freitas, an executive at Vancouver-based isoSolutions, which specializes in sourcing and distributing products in nuclear medicine, said the company has faced increases in shipping prices ranging from around 20% to 30%. 
 
Before COVID-19, Freitas could secure lower prices by searching competing flights. 
 
"Now you go with whatever option you get."

Medical companies and shippers in Canada are racing to transport time-sensitive radiochemical materials used to treat cancer, as a pandemic-induced drop in passenger flights has narrowed transportation options and created cargo delays.

Medical companies and shippers in Canada are racing to transport time-sensitive radiochemical materials used to treat cancer, as a pandemic-induced drop in passenger flights has narrowed transportation options and created cargo delays. Half of air cargo normally travels in the belly of passenger jets rather than dedicated freighters. But flight cancellations as traffic plummeted during the pandemic have left some companies scrambling to ship treatments that decay over time, pushing up overall transportation costs. Before the pandemic, the McMaster Nuclear Reactor in the Canadian province of Ontario could ship its iodine-125 isotope anywhere in a couple of days. But since spring, deliveries of the isotope, used to treat about 70,000 patients a year with a procedure called brachytherapy, have been delayed as long as 10 days. "There`s fewer flights, so it`s creating longer routes,” said Karin Stephenson, manager of commercial operations at the reactor. "It`s been really challenging trying to get our product around." It is a problem in Canada, where a limited domestic market and restrictions on international travel, like a 14-day quarantine for arrivals, have hit air passenger traffic harder than in some other countries like the United States. Travel volumes are down 90% at Canadian airports on an annual basis, according to the government. U.S. cancer specialists and the American College of Radiology said they had not heard of any widespread concerns over shipping isotopes. For the broader industry, moving medical isotopes is a challenge because they decay over time. In 10 days, iodine-125 loses about 20% of its radioactivity, said Stephenson. Another product shipped by McMaster, holmium-166, the key raw material in a liver cancer therapy used in Europe called QuiremSpheres, has a half life of only 27 hours. "Timing is extremely critical," said Jan Sigger, chief executive of Netherlands-based Quirem Medical, recently acquired by Japan`s Terumo Corp. Quirem supply chain manager Jerfaas Haalboom said some patients` treatments were rescheduled because of delayed shipments. FEWER OPTIONS Airlines are also moving to smaller planes with less cargo capacity which can lead to some goods being bumped. "Shipments get bumped all the time because of aircraft capacity," said Mike Stopay, director of Pacer Air Freight, a Toronto-area cargo specialist. The recent pickup in transport of COVID-19 vaccines, equivalent to about 0.3% of global air freight, is not likely to displace time-sensitive medical products in cargo planes, said Marco Bloemen, managing director of Seabury Consulting, a division of Accenture Plc. Falling plane values, and a rise in e-commerce due to the pandemic, are also fueling a boom in converting passenger planes to freighters. Freighters have greater capacity but fly less frequently, creating a potential headache for some shippers of time-sensitive cargo. Roy Bekic, logistic manager at the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization in Ontario, said he depends on passenger flights to ship products to Australia via a connection in Vancouver. Delays have led him to lose a handful of shipments. "For some of my Australian clients I have only about 90 hours before (the treatment) expires," Bekic said. The challenges are leading to higher transport costs, either to compensate for products lost due to delays, or because companies have fewer options to ship the materials. Stephenson said McMaster, which has to transport more material to account for longer travel times, recently raised its shipping charges, after absorbing extra costs for months. Gabriel Freitas, an executive at Vancouver-based isoSolutions, which specializes in sourcing and distributing products in nuclear medicine, said the company has faced increases in shipping prices ranging from around 20% to 30%. Before COVID-19, Freitas could secure lower prices by searching competing flights. "Now you go with whatever option you get."

In Canada, shippers race to move cancer treatments as COVID-19 grounds flights

The snow was falling outside Ali Haberstroh’s apartment in late November when the idea came to her.

At the time, Canada was nearing a second lockdown to curb rising coronavirus cases. In anticipation, the owner of a vintage clothing store in Toronto who is a friend of Haberstroh’s had put together a list of other local vintage shops offering curbside pickup and deliveries in lieu of being able to open their doors.

“It was a wake-up call,” Haberstroh, 27, said of the list, which reminded her how enormous retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon had thrived during the pandemic while many smaller, local businesses had been shut. “I thought if there is one tiny thing I can do to help, then I should get on it.”

Inspired to build a more comprehensive list, Haberstroh promptly created an Instagram post, tagging independent businesses and shopkeepers across Toronto. Included was a new website, Not-Amazon.ca — a URL that she had bought for $2.99.

Introduced as a local list to help keep small businesses alive, Not Amazon was created “so you don’t have to give any money to Amazon this year!” the post read.

What began as a Google spreadsheet with more than 160 businesses collated initially from Haberstroh’s memory and research became a directory of hundreds that have a website and a high-quality photo and offer nationwide shipping, curbside pickup or delivery.

So far, the website has garnered more than half a million page views and grown to include 4,000 businesses across Toronto, Calgary, Halifax and Vancouver. The site is now submission-based, and thousands of businesses are awaiting Haberstroh’s approval.

“In a big city like Toronto, where it feels like most businesses are local, I think it’s so easy to think these things will be here forever,” said Haberstroh, who works as a social media manager at a marketing firm and plans to expand Not Amazon to even more cities. “You don’t think that they’re going to go anywhere.”

Small and medium-size businesses contribute more than 50% to Canada’s gross domestic product. But since the pandemic lockdowns, 40% of small businesses have reported layoffs while 20% have deferred rent payments, according to government data.

At the same time, Amazon and big-box retailers with more robust e-commerce platforms have far outpaced small competitors, turning online shopping from a convenience into a necessity for consumers worldwide.

Haberstroh’s attempt to even the playing field has been welcomed by small-business owners like Tannis and Mara Bundi, twin sisters who opened the Green Jar in Toronto last December. The store specializes in bulk items, like soap and honey, that customers buy to refill their own containers, reducing single-use plastics and household waste.

When the pandemic took hold in March, the sisters swiftly focused on their online operations and offered pickup and delivery, but even as restrictions eased, business remained touch and go. Since being on the Not Amazon site, the Green Jar has seen online orders rise 500% and has been “incredibly busy,” Tannis Bundi said.

“This type of initiative really gave an opportunity for small businesses to be seen and appreciated,” she said. “Large corporations, like Amazon, they’re making millions and millions of dollars, and there’s a disconnect and a detachment. As a small business I have a much smaller carbon footprint, I have a vested interest in my community, and I’m more likely to invest back into my community through charity and hiring locally.”

Amazon declined to comment for this article.

Local campaigns by independent sellers have also popped up in the United States, with bookstores in particular fearing that they won’t survive the pandemic. In France, there was a nationwide backlash against Amazon and other big retailers as “nonessential” businesses closed in November. In August, Canada’s competition watchdog started an investigation into the company’s business practices.

While there have been some shifts in consumer behavior, Daniel Kelly, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, estimated that 1 in 7 Canadian businesses, or 225,000, will close because of the pandemic.

“While I’m thrilled the movement is there, it’s competing against a pretty significant crosswind, and that is the business restrictions pushing newer customers into big-box and Amazon,” Kelly said. “I think coming out of this, the ‘buy local’ initiatives will have stemmed some of the losses, but it will sadly not be enough to help most small retailers survive.”

Not all is grim. One Toronto business, Stainsby Studios, was astonished by the threefold increase in pottery sales after being featured on Not Amazon. Another, Glad Day Bookshop, offering a variety of LGBTQ titles, said the initiative had increased holiday sales 30%.

Like many other store owners, Mary Oliveira was scared when the country’s first lockdown took effect in March. But her 5-year-old Toronto chocolate shop, Mary’s Brigadeiro, was fortunate to have an existing online presence that brought in steady income throughout the pandemic, she said.

In recent weeks, numerous new customers informed Oliveira that they had found her store through Not Amazon, which she had been added to but had never heard of.

“We noticed more people had the impetus to shop local,” said Oliveira, 30, who was surprised to find 27% of her online shoppers had come through Not Amazon. “With that, we sold out for the entire season a week ago. That’s never happened before.”

In November, she hired four more employees and now is considering opening other locations in Toronto. Oliveira, a native of Brazil, said the “buy local” initiative had brought a renewed sense of belonging, especially as she saw the numerous Amazon deliveries happening while local businesses struggled.

Oliveira said dealing with shipping delays as a small-business owner was frustrating while hearing customers say Amazon is much faster.

Her store’s success also coincided with more public awareness of and support for Black- and Indigenous-owned businesses, she said, after Black Lives Matter protests to address racism and police brutality in Canada this summer. Giving a boost to businesses with Black, Indigenous or queer owners is also one of the goals of Not Amazon.

“I think people realized that we are here as well, and we struggle with a bunch of things people don’t see,” said Oliveira, “being Black and being an immigrant in Canada.”

The snow was falling outside Ali Haberstroh’s apartment in late November when the idea came to her. At the time, Canada was nearing a second lockdown to curb rising coronavirus cases.

The snow was falling outside Ali Haberstroh’s apartment in late November when the idea came to her. At the time, Canada was nearing a second lockdown to curb rising coronavirus cases. In anticipation, the owner of a vintage clothing store in Toronto who is a friend of Haberstroh’s had put together a list of other local vintage shops offering curbside pickup and deliveries in lieu of being able to open their doors. “It was a wake-up call,” Haberstroh, 27, said of the list, which reminded her how enormous retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon had thrived during the pandemic while many smaller, local businesses had been shut. “I thought if there is one tiny thing I can do to help, then I should get on it.” Inspired to build a more comprehensive list, Haberstroh promptly created an Instagram post, tagging independent businesses and shopkeepers across Toronto. Included was a new website, Not-Amazon.ca — a URL that she had bought for $2.99. Introduced as a local list to help keep small businesses alive, Not Amazon was created “so you don’t have to give any money to Amazon this year!” the post read. What began as a Google spreadsheet with more than 160 businesses collated initially from Haberstroh’s memory and research became a directory of hundreds that have a website and a high-quality photo and offer nationwide shipping, curbside pickup or delivery. So far, the website has garnered more than half a million page views and grown to include 4,000 businesses across Toronto, Calgary, Halifax and Vancouver. The site is now submission-based, and thousands of businesses are awaiting Haberstroh’s approval. “In a big city like Toronto, where it feels like most businesses are local, I think it’s so easy to think these things will be here forever,” said Haberstroh, who works as a social media manager at a marketing firm and plans to expand Not Amazon to even more cities. “You don’t think that they’re going to go anywhere.” Small and medium-size businesses contribute more than 50% to Canada’s gross domestic product. But since the pandemic lockdowns, 40% of small businesses have reported layoffs while 20% have deferred rent payments, according to government data. At the same time, Amazon and big-box retailers with more robust e-commerce platforms have far outpaced small competitors, turning online shopping from a convenience into a necessity for consumers worldwide. Haberstroh’s attempt to even the playing field has been welcomed by small-business owners like Tannis and Mara Bundi, twin sisters who opened the Green Jar in Toronto last December. The store specializes in bulk items, like soap and honey, that customers buy to refill their own containers, reducing single-use plastics and household waste. When the pandemic took hold in March, the sisters swiftly focused on their online operations and offered pickup and delivery, but even as restrictions eased, business remained touch and go. Since being on the Not Amazon site, the Green Jar has seen online orders rise 500% and has been “incredibly busy,” Tannis Bundi said. “This type of initiative really gave an opportunity for small businesses to be seen and appreciated,” she said. “Large corporations, like Amazon, they’re making millions and millions of dollars, and there’s a disconnect and a detachment. As a small business I have a much smaller carbon footprint, I have a vested interest in my community, and I’m more likely to invest back into my community through charity and hiring locally.” Amazon declined to comment for this article. Local campaigns by independent sellers have also popped up in the United States, with bookstores in particular fearing that they won’t survive the pandemic. In France, there was a nationwide backlash against Amazon and other big retailers as “nonessential” businesses closed in November. In August, Canada’s competition watchdog started an investigation into the company’s business practices. While there have been some shifts in consumer behavior, Daniel Kelly, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, estimated that 1 in 7 Canadian businesses, or 225,000, will close because of the pandemic. “While I’m thrilled the movement is there, it’s competing against a pretty significant crosswind, and that is the business restrictions pushing newer customers into big-box and Amazon,” Kelly said. “I think coming out of this, the ‘buy local’ initiatives will have stemmed some of the losses, but it will sadly not be enough to help most small retailers survive.” Not all is grim. One Toronto business, Stainsby Studios, was astonished by the threefold increase in pottery sales after being featured on Not Amazon. Another, Glad Day Bookshop, offering a variety of LGBTQ titles, said the initiative had increased holiday sales 30%. Like many other store owners, Mary Oliveira was scared when the country’s first lockdown took effect in March. But her 5-year-old Toronto chocolate shop, Mary’s Brigadeiro, was fortunate to have an existing online presence that brought in steady income throughout the pandemic, she said. In recent weeks, numerous new customers informed Oliveira that they had found her store through Not Amazon, which she had been added to but had never heard of. “We noticed more people had the impetus to shop local,” said Oliveira, 30, who was surprised to find 27% of her online shoppers had come through Not Amazon. “With that, we sold out for the entire season a week ago. That’s never happened before.” In November, she hired four more employees and now is considering opening other locations in Toronto. Oliveira, a native of Brazil, said the “buy local” initiative had brought a renewed sense of belonging, especially as she saw the numerous Amazon deliveries happening while local businesses struggled. Oliveira said dealing with shipping delays as a small-business owner was frustrating while hearing customers say Amazon is much faster. Her store’s success also coincided with more public awareness of and support for Black- and Indigenous-owned businesses, she said, after Black Lives Matter protests to address racism and police brutality in Canada this summer. Giving a boost to businesses with Black, Indigenous or queer owners is also one of the goals of Not Amazon. “I think people realized that we are here as well, and we struggle with a bunch of things people don’t see,” said Oliveira, “being Black and being an immigrant in Canada.”

A Canadian ‘buy local’ effort fights Amazon on its own turf

Dec 31 in history: From naming of Canada's capital to Putin's ascension to power

Health officials in Canada's Ontario have said that two confirmed cases of the new coronavirus variant first detected in the United Kingdom have appeared in the province.

Scientists say the variant is about 40%-70% more transmissible than the original strain. Several other countries, including Australia, Italy and the Netherlands say they detected cases of the new strain.

The Canadian cases, identified in a couple in southern Ontario with no known travel history, exposure or high-risk contact, came as the province went into a lockdown on Saturday.

Ontario reported 4,301 new cases over the past two days on Saturday, with the province seeing more than 2,000 cases per day for 12 consecutive days.

Last week, Canada extended to January 6 a ban on passenger flights arriving from Britain and expanded enhanced screening and monitoring measures to travellers arriving from South Africa, citing the rise of the more infectious variant.

Scientists say there is no evidence that vaccines currently being deployed - including one made by Pfizer and BioNtech - or other COVID-19 shots in development will not protect against this variant.

Canada began rolling out the Pfizer vaccine earlier this month and started distributing Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine across the country last Thursday.

Canada has so far reported 541,616 cases of COVID-19, including 14,800 deaths.

Health officials in Canada's Ontario have said that two confirmed cases of the new coronavirus variant first detected in the United Kingdom have appeared in the province.

Health officials in Canada's Ontario have said that two confirmed cases of the new coronavirus variant first detected in the United Kingdom have appeared in the province. Scientists say the variant is about 40%-70% more transmissible than the original strain. Several other countries, including Australia, Italy and the Netherlands say they detected cases of the new strain. The Canadian cases, identified in a couple in southern Ontario with no known travel history, exposure or high-risk contact, came as the province went into a lockdown on Saturday. Ontario reported 4,301 new cases over the past two days on Saturday, with the province seeing more than 2,000 cases per day for 12 consecutive days. Last week, Canada extended to January 6 a ban on passenger flights arriving from Britain and expanded enhanced screening and monitoring measures to travellers arriving from South Africa, citing the rise of the more infectious variant. Scientists say there is no evidence that vaccines currently being deployed - including one made by Pfizer and BioNtech - or other COVID-19 shots in development will not protect against this variant. Canada began rolling out the Pfizer vaccine earlier this month and started distributing Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine across the country last Thursday. Canada has so far reported 541,616 cases of COVID-19, including 14,800 deaths.

Canada confirms two cases of coronavirus variant first seen in UK

Health officials in Ontario said on Saturday that two confirmed cases of the new coronavirus variant first detected in the United Kingdom have appeared in the Canadian province.

Canada's Ontario finds two cases of virus variant first seen in UK

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