National News

OTTAWA — The federal information commissioner has come out swinging against Public Safety Minister Bill Blair and the RCMP for what she says is a complete disregard for transparency and accountability.

Simple, direct messaging from officials is necessary to clear up confusion about shifting public health restrictions amid skyrocketing COVID-19 infections in Canada, experts in health and communications say.

OTTAWA — At this point during last year's flu season, Canada had already recorded 711 positive cases of influenza. So far this year, there have been just 17. "Influenza is way behind the eight ball here," said Dr.

Ottawa could buy two converted civilian vessels from a Quebec shipyard to serve as support ships for the Royal Canadian Navy for a fraction of the cost of building brand new ones, according to Parliament’s budget watchdog.

CALGARY — Lexi Hilderman hopes the dark, storm clouds in the background of the 2021 Calgary Stampede poster are in the past.

HALIFAX — Only about 25 per cent of Canada's fish populations are considered healthy and the federal government is missing data on more than one-third of the country's fisheries, according to an ocean conservation group.

MONTREAL — The Quebec government will create a new political working group that will hold regular "nation-to-nation" meetings with First Nations leaders on issues that concern them, Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafreniere announced on Tuesday.

TORONTO — Canada deserves praise for its efforts to fight COVID-19 both at home and abroad as well as for its commitment to public health, the head of the World Health Organization said on Tuesday. In a speech to the Empire Club of Canada, Dr.

COVID-19 cases in Nunavut have more than doubled with 34 new infections. There are now 60 active cases in the territory.

FREDERICTON — Premier Blaine Higgs' government congratulated itself Tuesday for handling the COVID-19 pandemic better than most jurisdictions, saying in a throne speech that New Brunswick had received "positive reviews from across Canada.