Category Archives: Labour
End of CERB means uncertainty for some, new system for others
OTTAWA — In mid-March, Christine Ilott's manager broke some bad news to her: she was losing her job in live theatre as a result of the pandemic. The 47-year-old went home to her basement apartment north of Toronto, walked down the
Alberta to review concerns of four mayors who oppose 911 EMS dispatch consolidation
EDMONTON — Alberta's health minister says he will review the concerns of four mayors who say the government's plan to consolidate 911 emergency medical service dispatch services will put lives at risk. Tyler Shandro met Thursday with Calgary Mayo...
Doctors, pharmacies explore drive-thrus, outdoor clinics to meet flu shot demand
TORONTO — Anticipating increased demand for the flu shot this season, pharmacist Sean Simpson has invested in a few unorthodox supplies that go well beyond extra face masks: street signage, traffic cones, a pop-up tent and hard hats. He'll need
No safe mask option for bearded members, RCMP says, but force is exploring solutions
OTTAWA — The RCMP says there is no safe and proven face covering for officers with beards, but it is working to find one for Sikh members temporarily sidelined from front-line policing. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has publicly expressed disappointmen...
Liberals propose upping value of new COVID-19 benefits to match sunsetting CERB
OTTAWA — The Liberals are proposing to increase the value of benefits for unemployed workers to $500 a week under newly tabled legislation that lands days before aid runs out for millions. It follows a demand from the New Democratic Party,
More than 100 staff isolating as COVID-19 outbreaks at Calgary hospital grow
CALGARY — More than a hundred staff are isolating as a busy Calgary hospital confirmed 26 cases of COVID-19. Alberta Health Services says the infections include 17 patients and nine staff at the Foothills Medical Centre. The cases are in two card...
Liberals vow wage-subsidy extension to 2021, revamp of EI system in throne speech
OTTAWA — The Liberals are reversing course on a decision to wind down a federal wage subsidy, vowing in their throne speech to extend the program for businesses harmed by COVID-19 into next year. Over the summer the government decided to
Rekindle efforts with Canada, allies on Pacific Rim plan, congressman urges U.S.
WASHINGTON, Wash. — It's long past time for the United States to work with Canada and other allies on a new strategy for the Pacific Rim, and the path to the new NAFTA would make an excellent road map, says
With throne speech pledge, Liberals signal new approach on child care
OTTAWA — It was in a recent meeting with child-care experts that Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland made some heads turn. For years, advocates of broader federal involvement in a provincially regulated sector have been used to hearing questions about f...
Liberal effort to reset policy agenda panned by rivals as too much talk, not action
OTTAWA — The minority Liberal government unveiled sweeping goals Wednesday to expand or extend supports for Canadians from nearly every sector of society in a throne speech billed as their “ambitious plan for an unprecedented reality.” But the plan h...