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.

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.