Sunday, February 27, 2022

Toronto - Cats in the Snow


Wild cats and domesticated cats can go outside and walk in the snow. While so-called feral cats are adept at surviving outdoors, the harsh winter months can make it very difficult for them to find valuable food, water and good shelter (properly sized and well insulated). During heavy snowfalls, cats need cleared paths to walk on.

It seems that cats are adapted for cold weather. However, when the temperature drops below freezing they are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. Cats would prefer to go inside if they feel too cold.

In the winter months, a so-called feral cat spends most of its time hunting and scavenging for food and water, and finding warm, dry shelter wherever it can.

It seems that it is possible for cats to survive very cold conditions for up to 3 days, but then they will eventually freeze to death if they are left in this environment. Cats are most at risk of hypothermia when exposed to dangerous cold weather.

Signs that a cat is cold:

- Shivering
- Hunching Down & Puffed
- Seeking Warmer Places

It's not recommended to let your cat walk on snow or ice for more than an hour at a time. Check for frozen paws.

Hypothermia causes cats to lose consciousness and freeze to death. Cats can perish if their body temperature drops below 16°C (60°F) - it should typically be around 38°C (100°F) - according to experts.

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Canada Truckers Protest: Police arrest 77 demonstrators in Ottawa


WION Channel on Youtube shows that protesters in Canada clashed with police personnel amid the ongoing truckers’ protest in the country. Deputy Prime Minister of Canada said the protests are a foreign-funded threat.

COVID-19: Canada scrapping pre-arrival PCR test requirement for fully vaccinated travellers


Global News in Canada shows that Canada country will eliminate its pre-arrival COVID-19 PCR test requirements for fully vaccinated travellers at the end of the month, officials say. 

Federal Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos made the announcement alongside Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra, Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino, Minister of Tourism Randy Boissonnault, and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities Dominic LeBlanc during a news conference in Ottawa Tuesday afternoon. 

"It is time to adjust our approach," Duclos certainly said.

As of Feb. 28, a negative rapid antigen or PCR test result will be accepted to meet entry requirements. Only those randomly selected for a PCR test at the border will have to take one but will not have to quarantine while waiting for results, Duclos said. 

The government will also be lifting restrictions for children under 12 who are not fully vaccinated and travelling with fully vaccinated adults, meaning they will no longer need to wait before going to school or daycare. 

Unvaccinated travellers will really continue to be tested on arrival. 

Additionally, as the spread of Omicron continues to ease, Canada will lower its travel health notice from level three to level two, which means the government will no longer recommend Canadians avoid all travel for non---essential purposes.

COVID-19: Quebec announces vaccine passport system to end March 14


Global News in Canada shows that Quebec will slowly put an end to its COVID-19 vaccine passport system, the province’s health minister announced Tuesday.

"We are withdrawing it gradually as we learn to live with the virus," Christian Dubé told reporters in Quebec City.

The passport will no longer be used for big-box stores as well as the government-run liquor and cannabis stores starting Wednesday. Proof of vaccination will not be required to access places of worship and funeral homes as of Feb. 21.

Quebec’s vaccine passport system will be fully lifted for all settings --- including restaurants, bars and entertainment venues --- starting March 14.

COVID-19: BC to drop capacity limits, reopen nightclubs and bars as Omicron spread wanes


Global News in Canada shows that British Columbia health officials have announced B.C. will be dropping restrictions for indoor and outdoor gatherings while keeping the B.C. vaccine card in place.

Bars and nightclubs will be allowed to reopen and events can operate at 100 per cent capacity.

Dancing will be allowed at organized gatherings and mingling can resume at restaurants.

The change is expected to formally come into place at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday night.

"By following public health orders and advice we can do just about anything. These measures that have been in place to deal with the Omicron wave have been challenging for many," Premier John Horgan said.

The province will not be making any changes to the B.C. vaccine card program and masks will be required at organized events and gatherings.

Officers supporting Ottawa protest to be "dealt with accordingly," interim chief says


Global News in Canada shows that Ottawa's interim police chief Steve Bell said Tuesday that any officer who supports the ongoing protest in Ottawa against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and restrictions "has no place" in the police service and "will be dealt with accordingly."

Bell added that at this point no protesters have been charged with unlawful assembly, though some have been charged with other Criminal Code violations.

The interim chief also urged residents not to participate in counter-protests, stating he is worried about their "safety."

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Trish Ferguson told members of the police services board that while the department welcomes the federal government’s enactment of the Emergencies Act, they are waiting for "official details" before enforcing it.

Trucker protests: RCMP say they’ve reached peaceful end to blockade in Emerson, Man.


Global News in Canada shows that after nearly a week of blockades at the Emerson, Man. border prevented travellers and trade from passing through, the RCMP said Tuesday that an agreement has been reached with protesters and they’re expected to head home. 

The RCMP say they’ve had two negotiators on site at the blockade for up to 16 hours a day. 

Trucks, trailers and farm equipment have been sitting in the middle of Highway 75 for six days. But RCMP say they’ve reached a peaceful resolution with protesters. No charges or arrests were made.

The RCMP say they’re confident the area will be cleared by Wednesday.

Abigail Turner has more.

Weapons seizure, charges laid at Coutts border crossing protest brings end to blockade


Global News in Canada shows that protesters had vowed to continue blocking the Canada-U.S. border crossing at Coutts, Alta., until COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, but Tuesday morning the blockade came to an end.

Organizers say they agreed to "move out" after police seized a cache of weapons and ammunition and made several arrests.  13 people were arrested, most face charges of mischief and weapon possession. At least 3 have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

An investigation is underway into who brought the weapons and their reason for doing so. Heather Yourex-West reports.

Friday, February 18, 2022

Trucker protests: Traffic moving again at BC border after 12 protesters arrested


Global News in Canada shows that twelve people were arrested on Monday at a truckers' protest blocking the Pacific Highway border crossing in Surrey, B.C., one of the various demonstrations that had sprung up across the country since the so-called "Freedom Convoy" drove into Ottawa on Jan. 29.

It was the biggest crackdown at the border crossing since the protest against COVID-19 measures began there last week. Over the weekend, some drivers drove their trucks over a median, breaching a police blockade and leading to four people being taken into custody. Monday's arrests bring that total to 16. 

As Grace Ke reports, traffic is moving again but police will remain at the scene.

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Canada protests: Emergencies Act prohibits bringing children, food or fuel to blockades


Global News in Canada shows new details have been released on what the Emergencies Act, invoked Monday by the Canadian government in response to ongoing protests against COVID-19 mandates, will actually do. 

The emergency powers prohibit several activities that could result in fines including bringing children, food or fuel to the blockades.

Breaking this rule could result in a person getting a fine of $5,000 or five years in prison. 

The same punishment would also apply to anyone participating the protests directly, or bringing aid such as food or fuel to those involved. 

Abigail Bimman has more details on what we know so far about the orders under the Emergencies Act and what's happening with the protests outside Parliament in Ottawa, including the resignation of city's police chief.

Russia-Ukraine standoff: Experts "hopeful" about Putin’s claims of partial troop withdrawal


Global News in Canada shows that Ukraine has made an emergency request to NATO for supplies to prepare for what it calls "large scale crises" affecting its civilian population. De-mining equipment, explosives detection equipment and medical supplies are among the supplies they are requesting.

The request comes as Putin claims country of Russia has begun a pulling back some of its troops from its border with Ukraine - a move experts are "hopeful" about.

Jackson Proskow has the latest on the situation at the Russia-Ukraine border and the growing uncertainty over whether a peaceful solution is possible.

The so-called Russo-Ukrainian War ( Ukrainian: російсько-українська війна ) is an ongoing and protracted conflict that started in February 2014, primarily involving Russia and pro-Russian forces on one hand, and Ukraine on the other. The war has centered on the status of Crimea and parts of the Donbas, which are largely internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.

Some time ago, Russian soldiers took control of strategic positions and infrastructure within the Ukrainian territory of Crimea. On March 1, 2014, the great Federation Council of the Russian Federation unanimously adopted a resolution to petition Russian President Vladimir Putin to use military force in Ukraine. The resolution was adopted several days later, after the start of the Russian military operation on the "Returning of Crimea". Russia then annexed Crimea after a local referendum which was organized by Russia after the capturing of the Crimean Parliament whose outcome was for the Autonomous Republic of Crimea to join the great Russian Federation. In April, demonstrations by pro-Russian groups in the Donbas area of Ukraine escalated into a war between the Ukrainian government and the Russian-backed separatist forces of the self-declared Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics. In August, Russian military vehicles crossed the border in several locations of Donetsk Oblast. The so-called incursion by the Russian military was seen as responsible for the defeat of Ukrainian forces in early September.

In November 2014, the Ukrainian military reported intensive movement of troops and equipment from Russia into the separatist-controlled parts of the eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine ( Ukrainian: Україна ) is certainly a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest country by area in Europe after Russia, which it borders to the east and north-east. Ukraine also shares borders with Belarus to the north; Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west; Romania and Moldova to the south; and has a coastline along the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. It spans an area of 603,628 km squared. Ukraine has a population of 41.3 million. It is the eighth-most populous country in Europe. The nation's capital and largest city is Kyiv.

The territory of modern Ukraine has been inhabited since 32,000 BC. During the Middle Ages, the area was a key centre of East Slavic culture, with the loose tribal federation great Kievan Rus' forming the basis of Ukrainian identity. Following its fragmentation into several principalities in the 13th century and the devastation created by the Mongol invasion, the territorial unity collapsed and the area was contested, divided, and ruled by a variety of powers, including the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Tsardom of Russia. A Cossack Hetmanate emerged and prospered during the 17th and 18th centuries, but its territory was eventually split between Poland and the Russian Empire. In the aftermath of the great Russian Revolution, a Ukrainian national movement for self-determination emerged, and the internationally recognized Ukrainian People's Republic was declared on 23 June 1917. Ukraine regained its independence in 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Trucker protests: European "Freedom Convoy" demonstrators gather near EU headquarters in Brussels


Global News in Canada shows that a small crowd of protesters from the so-called "Freedom convoy" gathered outside of the European Union headquarters in Brussels on Monday, in opposition to COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates.

The protesters, dubbed by some as a "European Freedom Convoy," modelled after similar protests in Canada, said they had one demand: "give us our freedom back."

Another crowd also gathered at the car park at the Heysel exhibition centre outside of Brussels, with people from France, Belgium and Germany waving flags and calling for the lifting of all restrictions. The crowd had hoped for a blockade of the EU capital, but with police checks imposed on city roads with police targeting foreign licence plates, the blockade never materialized.

Truckers protests: Some trucks move, others stay after Ottawa mayor's deadline


Global News in Canada shows that the deadline set for protesters in Ottawa to move their trucks out of residential areas has now passed, as negotiated by the capital's Mayor Jim Watson and the convoy organizers. 

The mayor outlined the proposal in a letter released on Sunday as part of a backchannel deal aimed at ending the ongoing protest against pandemic health measures. 

But as Abigail Bimman reports, not every one is honouring the deal, amid conflicted messaging among leaders.

Trucker protests: RCMP warn of “militant mindset” among protesters at Coutts blockade


Global News in Canada shows that after seizing what they call a cache of firearms and ammunition, RCMP say they’ve recently become aware of a small organized group within those involved in the larger Coutts border protests.

Thirteen people were arrested in the last 24 hours and RCMP say one of the protesters attempted to ram a police vehicle. 

Police called it an example of the "militant mindset" of a small group of the protesters. Heather Yourex-West reports.

RCMP seize weapons at border blockade as Emergencies Act declared


Global News in Canada shows that the Canadian government has invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time since the legislation was introduced in 1988. The move gives the federal government additional powers to help bring an end to disruptive blockades at Canada-U.S. border crossings. But as David Akin reports, critics say the move will only further divide an already discordant population.

Meanwhile, the RCMP have arrested 13 people and seized a cache of firearms, body armour and ammunition following an investigation at the Coutts border crossing. They allege one of the protesters attempted to ram a police vehicle. Heather Yourex-West reports.

The longest, most entrenched protest is in Canada’s capital city. Ottawa’s mayor had set a deadline of noon Monday for truckers encamped in the capital’s core to move out of residential streets in a bid to shrink the size of the protest’s footprint. Abigail Bimman explains how that unfolded. 

Traffic began flowing again today across the Ambassador Bridge between Ontario and Michigan. Though as Mike Drolet reports, there is still a heavy police presence in Windsor and some protesters are refusing to budge. 

Public health restrictions imposed because hospitals were overwhelmed with people sick with COVID-19 are being eased slowly across the country as hospitalizations decline. Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled his plans today, insisting the move wasn’t prompted by frustrated protesters. Caryn Lieberman explains what’s changing and when.

Russia-Ukraine standoff: Kremlin says some troops returning to base, but NATO skeptical over move


Global News in Canada shows that the Kremlin on Tuesday said some of its military units were returning to their bases after exercises near Ukraine, raising questions whether Russia was moving to de-escalate the situation, even as concerns still remain of a potential invasion. 

The news drew a cautious response from both Ukraine and Britain, but it remains unclear how many units were being withdrawn and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the organization has seen no evidence of this withdrawal. NATO also cautioned Russia is still planning military exercises in the Mediterranean, with the estimated 130,000 troops still surround Ukraine on all three sides.

Jackson Proskow explains why such a move could be a positive sign, but as of Monday there were still reports an invasion could happen as early as Wednesday.

Monday, February 14, 2022

Canadian-inspired French convoy protest leaves Paris, heads to Belgium


Global News in Canada shows that a convoy protesting COVID-19 restrictions left Paris on Sunday morning and headed towards Brussels.

Around 150 cars had gathered in a car park in the north of capital in Villepinte. Their plan was to stop outside the northern city of Lille and head on to the Belgian capital after that.

On Saturday, the convoy had breached police defences and drove into central Paris, snarling traffic around the Arc de Triomphe and on the Champs Elysees, as police fired tear gas at demonstrators.

Inspired by horn-blaring "Freedom Convoy" demonstrations in Canada, dozens of vehicles slipped through the police cordon, impeding traffic around the 19th-century arch and the top of the boutique-lined Champs-Élysées, a magnet for tourists.

Protests grip Ottawa for a third weekend, counter-rallies grow


CBC News in Canada shows that thousands of protesters gathered for a third weekend in Ottawa to demonstrate against COVID-19 public health rules and vaccine mandates. But resistance from local residents appears to be growing as counter-rallies take place in the city.

Some provinces lift restrictions, parts of Canada ready to live with the virus


Global News in Canada shows that the Omicron virus variant passes its peak and provinces begin easing their health restrictions. Canadians may be ready to learn to live with COVID-19.

Starting Monday, proof of vaccination is no longer required in Saskatchewan businesses and in Quebec, gyms, spas and other venues are at half capacity. And in Alberta, masks are being dropped in schools. 

Infectious diseases physician Dr. Isaac Bogoch joins Global News to discuss whether we are in a situation where we can live without public health restrictions, while not seeing a significant impact on morbidity and mortality on society.

Canada police clear 'Freedom Convoy' trucks from Ambassador Bridge


DW News on Youtube shows that Canadian police have broken up protests against coronavirus restrictions, which had been blocking an important trade route with the USA. A blockade of trucks and cars had stopped the flow of commerce across Windsor's Ambassador Bridge - North America's busiest border crossing. But, demonstrators at a larger protest are still occupying parts of the Canadian capital Ottawa.

After a week-long standoff at the Ambassador Bridge, police in Windsor, Ontario, have arrested dozens of protesters and cleared away vehicles that had blocked the vital highway.

The situation in Canada's capital, Ottawa, remains far from resolved. Trucks block the city center and protesters camp out in front of Parliament.

Ambassador Bridge blockade cleared, police remove remaining protesters


CBC News in Canada shows that earlier Sunday, police cleared the Ambassador Bridge blockade near Windsor, Ont., but they continue to remove some protesters opposed to COVID-19 health measures. Twelve people were arrested and about seven to 10 vehicles were towed.

Saturday, February 12, 2022

Trucker protests: Alberta blockade adamant, demands nationwide COVID-19 mandates lifted


Global News in Canada shows that there are no signs the protest blockade at the Canada-USA Border crossing near Coutts, Alberta, will let up anytime soon. 

Alberta's COVID-19 vaccine passport program will already cease to exist starting Feb. 9, and Premier Jason Kenney says almost all public health restrictions are planned to lift March 1 if the situation in hospitals continues to improve. 

But as Heather Yourex-West reports, even with provincial COVID-19 restrictions lifted, protesters say they'll stand their ground until all mandates across Canada are gone.

Manitoba to drop vaccine requirements, lifting all restrictions by March 15


Global News in Canada shows that Manitoba’s Premier Heather Stefanson announced on Friday the province's accelerated plan to ease public health restrictions that will see the elimination of all COVID-19 restrictions by March 15.

"Manitobans have put their lives on hold and it’s time we give them their lives back,"  Stefanson said during a press conference Friday.

In Canada, Manitoba is certainly to be latest province lifting mask mandates, vaccine passports.

The Manitoba government really plans to lift its COVID-19 restrictions by mid-March, easing them in stages starting next week, Premier Heather Stefanson said Friday.

The current 50-per-cent capacity limits in restaurants, concert venues, cinemas, hockey arenas and other venues will be eliminated Tuesday. Caps on gatherings in people’s homes will also be removed at that time.

Friday, February 11, 2022

Ottawa - Why towing companies are refusing to lug protesters trucks away


CTV News in Canada on Youtube shows that towing companies are refusing to haul trucks away that are blocking the streets in Ottawa. Annie Bergeron-Oliver reports.

A so-called tow truck (also called a wrecker, a breakdown truck, recovery vehicle or a breakdown lorry) is a truck used to move disabled, improperly parked, impounded, or otherwise indisposed motor car vehicles. This may involve recovering a vehicle damaged in an accident, returning one to a drivable surface in a mishap or inclement weather, or towing or transporting one via flatbed to a repair shop or other such location.
























































A tow truck is distinct from a car carrier trailer, which is used to move multiple new or used vehicles simultaneously in certain routine transport operations.