Media

1. Statement from Minister Duclos on first cases of Omicron variant of concern in Canada

   Statement from Minister Duclos on first cases of Omicron variant of concern in Canada

2. Statement on the Omicron variant of concern found in Ontario

   Statement on the Omicron variant of concern found in Ontario

3. Government-Industry potato working group assembles to help affected farmers in Prince Edward Island

   The Government of Canada is working with the Province of Prince Edward Island (PEI) and industry to support PEI farmers following the recent suspension of certification of fresh potatoes from PEI to the United States. The newly formed Government-Industry Potato Working Group met on Wednesday, November 24 for initial discussions.

4. Government of Canada introduces legislation to support workers with ten days of paid sick leave, protect health care workers and finish the fight against COVID-19

   The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a number of issues facing Canadians in their workplaces. Too many Canadians have been forced to choose between staying home when they are sick or being able to afford rent and groceries. Too many health care workers, those who assist them and Canadians seeking medical care have experienced or feared intimidation while attempting to provide or access health services.

5. Backgrounder:  Amendments to the Criminal Code to protect health care workers and people seeking access to health services

   On November 26, 2021, the Government of Canada introduced amendments to the Criminal Code to enhance protections for health care workers and ensure everyone has safe and unobstructed access to health care.

6. Backgrounder: Amendments to the Canada Labour Code to provide ten days of paid sick leave

   Amendments to the Canada Labour Code to provide ten days of paid sick leave

7. Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada on November 26, 2021

   On November 26, 2021, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, issued the following statement on COVID-19.

8. CBSA Metro Vancouver Marine Operations officers seize over 2000 kg of khat, an illegal stimulant 

   CBSA Metro Vancouver Marine Operations officers seize over 2000 kg of khat, an illegal stimulant

9. Remarks from the Chief Public Health Officer on November 26, 2021

   Remarks from the Chief Public Health Officer on COVID-19, November 26, 2021

10. Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada - Importance of COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnant, Recently Pregnant and Breastfeeding People

    On November 26, 2021, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, issued the following statement on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant, recently pregnant and breastfeeding people.

11. The Minister of Health, the Minister of Transport and Government of Canada officials to hold a news conference on coronavirus disease (November 26, 2021)

    Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) update to be given by the Minister of Health, the Minister of Transport and Public Health Agency of Canada officials at November 26, 2021 news conference.

12. Government of Canada backs innovative company pioneering new wastewater treatment technology

    Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, announced an investment of $1.9 million in Charlottetown-based SENTRY Water Monitoring through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). This is the first SDTC investment in SENTRY Water Monitoring and part of a partnership that is advancing the company as an industry leader in wastewater treatment.

13. Government of Canada backs forward-looking company’s powerful initiative to reduce emissions through optimization of the dairy supply chain

    Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced an investment of $1.5 million in St. John’s-based Milk Moovement through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). This is the second SDTC investment in Milk Moovement and part of a continuing collaboration that is helping the company advance its cloud-based software to connect all players in the raw milk supply chain.

14. Stairway and pathway on Parliament Hill closed for the season

    Public Services and Procurement Canada wishes to advise pedestrians that the pathway behind the Centre Block and the stairway on the west escarpment of Parliament Hill are now closed for the winter.

15. POSTPONED - The Minister of Health and Government of Canada officials to hold a news conference on coronavirus disease (November 26, 2021)

    Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) update to be given by the Minister of Health and Public Health Agency of Canada officials at November 26, 2021 news conference.

16. Media technical briefing regarding upcoming severe weather in British Columbia

    Media representatives are advised that Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Warning Preparedness Meteorologist, Armel Castellan, will provide an update on more significant weather approaching British Columbia.

17. Ministers O’Regan and Lametti to hold a media availability

    The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., P.C., Minister of Labour and the Honourable David Lametti, P.C., Q.C., Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada will make an announcement.

18. Seizure of contraband at Drummond Institution 

    On November 20, 2021, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband items was seized on the perimeter of Drummond Institution, a medium security federal institution.

19. Backgrounder: Canada Emergency Response Benefit Advance Payment

    Canada Emergency Response Benefit Advance Payment

20. Statement by Minister Qualtrough on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit Advance Payments

    The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, today issued the following statement.

21. Statement by Minister Ien on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

    The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, today issued the following statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: “No one should face violence because of who they are. Yet, for far too many women, girls, youth, and people of diverse gender identities and expressions, this is their terrifying reality.

22. The Government of Canada and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority join together to address supply chain disruptions as a result of the British Columbia floods

    The Government of Canada continues to take action to support the transportation system of British Columbia after the recent floods.

23. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Beaver Creek Institution 

    On November 22, 2021, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, two packages containing contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Beaver Creek Institution, a multi-security facility. As a result, the Ontario Provincial Police investigated and recovered several more packages near the institution.

24. Government of Canada continues to help protect North Atlantic right whales

    The Government of Canada continues to take action to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale. For the second year in a row, there have been no reported deaths of North Atlantic right whales in Canadian waters. However, with recent estimates that only 336 North Atlantic right whales remain in the world, the Government of Canada continues to work with scientific experts, industry, Indigenous and non-Indigenous harvesters, environmental groups, and the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to protect and support the recovery of this species.

25. Seizures of contraband and unauthorized items at the Regional Reception Centre 

    As a result of the vigilance of staff members, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at the Regional Reception Centre, a federal multi-level security institution.

26. Government of Canada launches Call for Proposals for community projects to support seniors 

    As Canada recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to continue to support community service organizations that help seniors stay active and engaged.

27. Backgrounder: New Horizons for Seniors Program 

    The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program.

28. Death of an inmate from Warkworth Institution 

    On November 22, 2021, Christopher Anderson, an inmate from Warkworth Institution, died while in our custody of apparent natural causes.

29. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Drumheller Institution

    On November 16 and 17, 2021, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Drumheller Institution.

30. Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan continue support for the Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship Program

    The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are pleased to announce applications for the Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship Program (Next Gen) are now being accepted. Next Gen is delivered by Canadian Western Agribition (CWA).

31. Indigenous Services Canada providing funding to support First Nations in British Columbia affected by recent flooding

    The Minister of Indigenous Services announced today that Indigenous Services Canada has received and approved a funding request through the Emergency Management Assistance Program for $4.4 million in additional funding to the British Columbia First Nations' Emergency Services Society.

32. Governments Protecting the Mental Health of Ontario Farmers

    The governments of Canada and Ontario are protecting the mental health of farmers and their families by investing more than $7 million dollars through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to launch two, new multi-year mental health initiatives that are specialized to support those in the agriculture sector.

33. Government of Canada announces partnership with the European Commission to examine the use of digital credentials 

    That is why the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, today announced a partnership between the Government of Canada and the European Commission to examine the use of digital credentials. A digital credential is a portable digital record of a claim made by a business, an organization or an individual. It can be held in and shared through a digital wallet, serving as a digital representation of traditionally physical certificates or information, like driver’s licences or business permits.

34. Media technical briefing regarding upcoming severe weather in British Columbia

    Media representatives are advised that Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Warning Preparedness Meteorologist, Armel Castellan, will provide an update on more significant weather approaching British Columbia.

35. Recapture of inmate from Willow Cree Healing Lodge

    At approximately 1:30 a.m. on November 21, 2021, inmate Norman Cardinal was apprehended by the Saskatoon Police Service.

36. Statement by Minister Marci Ien on Transgender Day of Remembrance 

    The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, today issued the following statement: “Her name was Rita Hester. She was a Black transgender woman who was brutally murdered in her own apartment and still today her case remains unsolved.

37. Media advisory - Montréal, Quebec

    From sunset until 1 a.m. tonight, the Samuel De Champlain Bridge will be lit up in blue, echoing World Children’s Day.

38. Death of an inmate from Stony Mountain Institution

    On November 19, 2021, Jesse Thomas, an inmate from Stony Mountain Institution, died while in our custody.

39. Information about COVID-19 at Dorchester Penitentiary

    Correctional Service Canada (CSC) advises that 34 inmates and three staff members from Dorchester Penitentiary medium-security unit in New Brunswick have tested positive for COVID-19 on either a rapid test or a PCR test. We are closely monitoring the situation, and measures are in place to minimize the spread of the virus within the institution.

40. Governments invest in innovation to help increase competitiveness and sustainability of pork producers

    The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing $2.2 million in three agricultural research projects, to be conducted by Topigs Norsvin Canada (TN), that will enhance the competitiveness of Manitoba pork producers by improving the precision feeding of sows and promoting higher welfare standards, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler announced today.

41. Improvements to the Wage Earner Protection Program will ensure Canadian workers are paid more of what they are owed when they need it most

    The Government of Canada is committed to supporting those who need it when they need it most.

42. Remarks from the Chief Public Health Officer on November 19, 2021

    Remarks from the Chief Public Health Officer on COVID-19, November 19, 2021

43. Newfoundland residents recognized for their volunteer service to Veterans

    Canadians have many reasons to show gratitude to our Veterans. Whether for the freedoms and peace that we enjoy at home today, or for the peace they helped establish and maintain around the world.

44. Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada on November 19, 2021

    On November 19, 2021, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, issued the following statement on COVID-19.

45. Statement by Minister Ng on Women’s Entrepreneurship Day

    Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, issued the following statement in celebration of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day:

46. Recapture of inmate from Mission Institution

    On November 10, 2021, Roderick Muchikekwanape was returned to the custody of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC).

47. Ministers Blair, Anand, Alghabra and Wilkinson to provide an update on the state of emergency in British Columbia

    The Honourable Bill Blair, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, and the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources will provide an update regarding the situation in British Columbia.

48. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Dorchester Penitentiary

    On November 4, 2021, at approximately 7:30 p.m., correctional officers in the minimum-security unit at Dorchester Penitentiary intercepted an inmate who was attempting to bring contraband and unauthorized items into the institution.

49. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Drummond Institution 

    On November 11, 2021, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized on the perimeter of Drummond Institution, a federal medium security institution.

50. Cancellation of planned closure of Alexandra Bridge 

    Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise motorists that the Alexandra Bridge will remain open to vehicular traffic from Wednesday, November 17, to Friday, November 19, from 9:30 am to 3 pm following the cancellation of a planned closure.