National News

WASHINGTON — "America First" rhetoric and disdain for free trade are old news in the Donald Trump era, but with countries in a life-or-death scramble to stockpile gowns, gloves, masks and ventilators, protectionism these days isn't such a dirty word.

NORTH BATTLEFORD, Sask. — A family grieving the COVID-related death of a Saskatchewan senior is urging the provincial government to be more transparent on the location of active cases.

OTTAWA — Canada and the countries that lost citizens when Iran shot down a commercial airliner aren't accepting COVID-19 as an "excuse" for not handing over vital flight recorders, the government's new adviser said Tuesday.

MONTREAL — Despite years of discussions between politicians and doctors, the Quebec government couldn't find a way to pay its general practitioners for phone and video consultations with patients. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

OTTAWA — Governments must be as transparent as possible with Canadians about response measures for COVID-19, says former Liberal public safety minister Ralph Goodale.

In The News is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to kickstart your day. Here is what's on the radar of our editors for the morning of March 31 ... COVID-19 in Canada ...

OTTAWA — Most Canadians are doing what they're told to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and would support harsher measures to punish those who aren't, a new poll suggests.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every province and territory. Medical officers of health and Canada's chief public health officer are encouraging people to wash their hands, give each other space and wear a mask if they're sick.

REGINA — A father whose son was killed in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash says he's worried Saskatchewan's move to relax some trucking rules during the COVID-19 outbreak may mean drivers will be pushed past their limits.

DELTA, B.C. — Walkers offer a nod, a smile or a "hello" to each other but only after stepping aside to leave a wide berth on trails at a park they've escaped to in the age of physical distancing.