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Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Feds to require negative COVID-19 test to enter Canada by air

By
True North Wire
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Air travellers will soon be required to test negative for COVID-19 before entering Canada.

The federal government announced Wednesday that it will require passengers to show a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within three days of boarding a plane to Canada. This new restriction will not replace the 14-day mandatory quarantine period for most people entering the country.

There is no set date for the implementation of mandatory testing for travellers, but Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic Leblanc said it would happen “quickly.”

Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said at a press conference these new measures are an “additional layer” to existing restrictions and contribute to some of the strongest border measures in the world.

“No government in Canada can prevent Canadians from travelling, but I want to be very clear, we strongly advise against all discretionary travel,” said Blair.

“If you must travel, upon your return you must follow guidelines and quarantine. Not because it is the right thing to do, but because it is the law.”

Blair asserted that compliance would be verified regularly, and cases could be passed to law enforcement, resulting in severe consequences for non-compliance.

As well as requiring testing, the number of Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at airports has been increased.

“We have significantly increased the presence of CBSA officers at our international airports to ensure that travellers understand their quarantine obligations,” said Blair.

While Canada has only reported 2 percent of COVID-19 cases coming from outside the border, the government is actively working to stem the flow of non-essential travel and has advised against it since the beginning of the pandemic.

High-profile instances of discretionary travel have been emerging, such as Ontario Finance Minister Rod Phillips taking a winter vacation in the Caribbean amidst calls – from his own government – for the public to avoid travel and gatherings.

Phillips has since been called back to Canada by Premier Doug Ford. 

SHEPHERD: The Top Canadian Stories of 2020

By
Lindsay Shepherd
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From the coronavirus pandemic to yet another Trudeau ethics scandal, 2020 was definitely an eventful and memorable year for Canadians.

As we wrap up the year, True North’s Lindsay Shepherd lists the top 10 Canadian stories of 2020.

What are your predictions for 2021? Let us know by commenting below!

John Tory defends “friend” Rod Phillips for vacationing during Ontario lockdown

By
True North Wire
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Toronto Mayor John Tory refused to condemn Finance Minister Rod Phillips after it was discovered he left Canada to vacation while Ontario was in lockdown.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Tory called Phillips’ actions a mistake, but added that he stands beside him as a friend.

“People who know me also know that I especially stand by my friends when they make mistakes and when they’re in trouble because I just think you have to do that,” he said. 

“It’s not about the actions, it’s about the person.”

On Monday, Phillips admitted to leaving Canada on December 8 for a “previously planned personal trip” to the Caribbean island of St. Barts.

Phillips made the trip abroad despite the Ontario government’s advice to “stay home as much as possible.” The Public Health Agency of Canada also advised the public not to leave the country.

On Christmas Eve, Phillips told Ontarians that “we all make sacrifices this Christmas” and acknowledged many will not be home for the holidays this year. Phillips also posted what appears to be a pre-recorded Christmas message from his house in Ajax.

In a statement, Phillips said he will be returning to Ontario as soon as possible and will begin 14 days of self-isolation upon arrival. 

In May, Tory was caught breaking his own lockdown rules when he was caught not social distancing and wearing his mask improperly while talking to Torontonians at Trinity Bellwoods Park. Tory had previously scolded those who violated the city’s pandemic restrictions.

14-year-old boy shot and killed in targeted holiday murder

By
True North Wire
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A 14-year-old boy from Surrey was shot and killed on Sunday night in what homicide police believe to be a targeted murder. 

The shooting marks the second fatal incident within 24 hours in the city over the holidays. Authorities do not believe that the two incidents were connected. 

Police describe the victim as “known to the police” and are continuing to investigate the matter. 

The boy was believed to have been shot shortly after leaving a taxi near 110 Avenue. The driver of the cab was a witness to the murder. 

“Most of us can’t begin to fathom that someone as young as 14 years old could be shot and murdered. It’s very disturbing,” said Sgt. Elenore Sturko.

“It’s likely the public has many questions about how someone so young could be involved in a lifestyle that would put them at risk for such a violent and tragic death. Regardless of their background or circumstances, the senseless loss of life is a tragedy.”

Police also discovered a burnt out vehicle believed to be related to the crime upon investigating the crime further. 

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a ban on 1,500 types of guns, including AR-15 and Mini-14 models.

Critics argue that the Trudeau government’s gun ban does little to target criminals and gangs, and unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners. 

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has been a vocal opponent of the federal government’s gun ban.

“We know that the overwhelming majority of firearms used criminally in Canada are smuggled in illegally from the United States. Instead of addressing this, Ottawa will instead spend vast sums of money to criminalize law-abiding Canadians,” Kenney said in response to the government’s announcement in May. 

Journalist who exposed China’s coronavirus lies sentenced to 4 years in jail

By
True North Wire
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A journalist who exposed the Chinese government’s failure to manage the coronavirus pandemic has been sentenced to four years in jail.

37-year-old Zhang Zhan, a citizen journalist and devout Christian, began her sentence in Shanghai earlier this week for “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” by reporting on the pandemic in Wuhan. 

“Zhang Zhan attended the trial in a wheelchair and was in poor health,” lawyer Zhang Keke said. 

“She did not immediately say if she would appeal [against the sentence].”

Zhang arrived in Wuhan in early February to report on the coronavirus situation in the city. Through video reporting, Zhang exposed the government’s poor management of the pandemic and the silencing of whistleblowers.

In May, Zhang disappeared after accusing the government of operating on “intimidation and threats.” Her family later found out she had been arrested later.

According to Zhang’s friend Li Dawei, she was motivated by her Christian faith to tell the world the truth about what was going on in Wuhan, saying journalism was God’s calling for her.

“I warned her about going to Wuhan when everyone else was trying to leave. She is a staunch Christian and said it was God’s will — she had to do this and tell everyone the truth.”

Zhang began a hunger strike in June to protest her treatment. According to her lawyer, Zhang is “physically fragile” and is being force-fed by authorities.

“When I met her days ago, her hands were tied to the waist and a nasogastric tube was inserted in her nose,” her lawyer said.

“She has a strong will.” 

Numerous journalists and organizations suggested that China downplayed the coronavirus and intentionally hid the true extent of the pandemic before allowing the virus to spread globally. 

ESKENASI: Are religious services an essential service?

By
Sam Eskenasi
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In recent weeks, governments across Canada have cracked down on a number of churches who have attempted to hold in-person services. The government claims this is being done to prevent the spread of the coronavirus despite the fact that all safety protocols are being followed.

However, under Canada’s Criminal Code — it’s actually illegal to obstruct or prevent a religious service. In addition, under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canadians have the right to freedom of conscience and religion.

Sam Eskenasi wonders if the government should make religious services an essential service.

Ontario woman charged for hosting religious service

By
True North Wire
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A 48-year-old Woodstock, Ontario woman was charged over the weekend for hosting a church service contrary to the province’s lockdown orders. 

Authorities charged the woman under the Reopening Act after she held a gathering with more people than were permitted by the public health rules. 

According to Ontario’s province-wide lockdown order, church services are limited to 10 or fewer people both in indoor and outdoor settings – regardless of the size of the building. 

Police claim that a group substantially larger than 10 attended the indoor religious service, some of whom were not wearing masks or properly socially distancing. 

This is not the first instance where people have received charges for hosting religious services in the province. 

A church in Windsor and another in Aylmer, Ont. are also facing charges for holding services.

In addition, police in Chatham-Kent say they charged a 50-year-old man following a church service in Wheatley, Ont., on Sunday

Despite pressure from authorities, the church plans to continue holding services throughout the lockdown.

Ontario finance minister vacationing abroad while province is in lockdown

By
True North Wire
-

Ontario’s finance minister admitted to leaving on a holiday vacation with his wife right before his government forced the province into a lockdown. 

Rod Phillips is currently still abroad while Ontarians are advised to stay at home and avoid family gatherings. 

According to Phillips, right after legislation shut down for the holidays, he packed his bags and boarded a flight out of Canada. 

“Immediately following the end of the legislative session, which occurred on December 8th, my wife and I departed on a previously planned personal trip outside of the country,” said Phillips on Tuesday. 

His office claims that Phillips and his wife departed the country on December 13th.

“Had I been aware then of the eventual December 26th provincewide shutdown, we would have cancelled the trip,” said Phillips.

“I have continued my work daily as the Minister of Finance and MPP for Ajax including dozens of digital ministry, constituency and cabinet committee calls and meetings.”

“We will continue to observe public health directives, including the 14-day quarantine.”

Phillips made the trip abroad despite the Ontario government’s advice to “stay home as much as possible.”

Further, orders from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) call on Canadians to avoid non-essential travel abroad. 

“Those who choose to travel may be forced to remain outside of Canada longer than expected,” wrote PHAC in a news release. 

California Catholic murdered for praying in hospital

By
True North Wire
-

An 82 year-old California man was murdered by another patient for praying while being treated for the coronavirus.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), both the suspect and the victim shared a hospital room at the Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster, Ca. when the attack took place on December 17.

“The suspect became upset when the victim started to pray. He then struck the victim with an oxygen tank.” LASD said in a statement.

“The victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on December 18, 2020 at approximately 10:20 a.m.”

The victim David Hernandez-Garcia has been identified by police as a devout Roman Catholic.

The accused, 37 year-old Jesse Martinez, has been charged with murder, elder abuse and a hate crime. Martinez has been transferred to a prison with bail set at US$1,000,000.

If convicted, Martinez could face 28 years to life in jail according to authorities.

Quebec police ticketed 41 Canadians for Christmas gatherings over the weekend

By
True North Wire
-

Over the Christmas break, Quebec police have been busy ticketing families for gathering to celebrate Christmas together. 

According to the Canadian Press, 41 people have already received fines for breaking public health orders by hosting holiday gatherings. 

Quebec public health directives prohibit all gatherings for residents living in red zones with several exceptions. 

Those living alone are allowed to join another family, single-parent families with one or more minor children can join another family as well. The same applies for “a person who lives with his or her minor or adult dependent children and is a member of a couple with someone who does not live with them may have that other member and his or her dependent children visit them inside his or her private residence.”

Meanwhile, those living in orange alert regions can have gatherings up to six people, but people are recommended to isolate for one week before and after the gathering. 

On Sunday, 14 people were ticketed by the Service de police de la Ville de Québec (SPVQ) for hosting an illegal gathering. 

In total, the SPVQ responded to 164 calls regarding COVID-19 violations over the weekend, according to spokesman Étienne Doyon.

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