Supply chain misinformation follows ‘Freedom Convoy’ headed to Ottawa

An Ottawa citizen has filed a lawsuit claiming up to $10 million in damages against the organizers of the trucker convoy that has parked itself in the city for over a week.

The 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing are officially underway after athletes marched through the Bird’s Nest stadium as part of the opening ceremony on Friday.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has made a significant shift over the past few days – going from saying COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted in late March, to much sooner.

WASHINGTON - The Republican National Committee (RNC) took a rare step on Friday to censure two GOP lawmakers in the House of Representatives for their participation in a Democratic dominated House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.In an overwhelming voice vote by committee members gathered for the general session of their winter meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, the RNC rebuked Reps.

wastewater surveillance from municipalities a little more as a potential alternative to track viral activity.Last March, the Ford government invested in just over a dozen research and academic institutions to create a surveillance network to test wastewater samples taken from communities across Ontario.“Together with clinical and public health data, wastewater monitoring can help local public health units identify potential COVID-19 outbreaks and enable more timely decisions about how and where to mobilize resources in response,” environment minister Jeff Yurek said after handing over $12 million in wastewater collecting initiatives. Toronto launches pilot project to collect COVID-19 data from wastewater Two years into the program, an estimated 75 per cent of Ontario’s population is now within the Ministry of the Environment’s (MOE) coverage area for the Wastewater Surveillance Initiative (WSI).In recent weeks, the director of the Ontario Science Advisory Table Dr.

Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly said on Friday that an additional 150 police officers will be deployed in the downtown area over the weekend for an anticipated trucker protest.

trucker convoy has now been removed from the platform.This news comes after the company previously stated it was suspended and under review after more than $10 million was raised.In a statement posted to the website, GoFundMe said it “supports peaceful protests and we believe that was the intention of the Freedom Convoy 2022 fundraiser when it was first created.“We now have evidence from law enforcement that the previously peaceful demonstration has become an occupation, with police reports of violence and other unlawful activity.” Trucker convoy GoFundMe suspended, ‘under review’ after raising over $10M The fundraiser, which listed Tamara Lich as an organizer and B.J. Dichter as a “team member,” was created to support the truckers that have travelled across Canada to Ottawa to participate in a protest against COVID-19 restrictions.The company said it works with local authorities to ensure it has an understanding of what is taking place in connection with any fundraiser.“Following a review of relevant facts and multiple discussions with local law enforcement and city officials, this fundraiser is now in violation of our Terms of Service (Term 8, which prohibits the promotion of violence and harassment) and has been removed from the platform,” the company said.

COVID-19 pandemic, British Columbia’s premier has said he’s looking for ways to balance public protection with individual freedom.In a Friday press conference after a meeting of all Canadian premiers, John Horgan said he and other provincial and territorial leaders, discussed interprovincial travel rights as the Omicron variant continues to impact public health restrictions.“As we come to this place of moving in the next number of weeks to potentially endemic rather than pandemic, we need to reimagine the tools at our disposal as citizens and as provinces, and as a federal government is,” said Horgan.“How do we maximize our ability to protect people, which is our obligation, but also to ensure that their liberties are intact and they can make choices for themselves? It’s a fine balance and we’re all working together on how do we get there?” Canadian premiers push for boost in health-care funding from Ottawa In a news conference Friday, Canada’s chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam said that as Canada emerges from the “Omicron wave,” it’s important for governments to recognize that the virus isn’t going to disappear.“We need to be able to address the ongoing presence of the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus in a more sustainable way,” she said.“The virus will continue to evolve so we need to also continue to evolve our measures, recognizing that further waves will occur.”Her comments come as two provinces, Alberta and Saskatchewan, have announced intentions to end most or all COVID-19 restrictions.

After watching what happened in Ottawa, health-care workers in Toronto now fear what could be in store as protesters plan to take to the streets near hospital row. Caryn Lieberman reports.

Canadian police forces are ramping up how they will respond to convoy protests across the country this weekend. Ottawa’s police chief laid out a plan on how he thinks officers can limit unlawful activities in parts of the capital.

A cohort study of Americans tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection shows that new-onset shortness of breath, heart rhythm abnormalities, and type 2 diabetes were more common 31 to 150 days after testing positive for COVID-19 than among those with negative results.

Critical Infrastructure Defence Act is being applied differently to non-Indigenous protests than it is to Indigenous protests.In a statement, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation chief and council said if the Coutts protest was organized by Indigenous people, authorities would have responded quickly to remove it.“Over the past several days we have watched in dismay as the border blockade at Coutts, Alta., is allowed to continue without intervention from authorities.” Movement at Coutts border on 5th day of blockade, one lane open in each direction Demonstrators began parking their vehicles and blocked the highway between southern Alberta and the United States on Saturday in solidarity with similar events in Ottawa and countrywide — to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates and broader public health measures.The tie-up stranded travellers and cross-border truckers for days, compromising millions of dollars in trade and impeding access to basic goods and medical services for area residents.Police tried to peacefully break up the demonstration Tuesday, only to see others breach a nearby police barricade and join the blockade.Chad Williamson, a lawyer representing truckers blocking access to the border crossing, said Wednesday afternoon they spoke with Mounties and agreed to open some blocked lanes.However, on Thursday, a second protest on Highway 4 about 20 kilometres north of Coutts choked off traffic, RCMP said. New blockade pops up as Coutts border protest enters 6th day The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said that at about 12 p.m.

Canadians ought to be worried about whether crowdfunding websites could be used to finance hate groups and other extremist organizations, financial crime and security experts warn.

Karnataka show a consistent declining trend, the Karnataka government on Friday decided to ease restrictions further for gyms, swimming pools and cinema halls. 

BEIJING :

As protests drag on in Ottawa, disrupting the lives of the capital’s residents, pressure is mounting for law enforcement to step in. Though, as Eric Sorensen reports, there are growing concerns about the $10 million raised to support the demonstrations, where the money is coming from, and what it’s really being used for.

Candice Bergen says her goal as interim leader of Canada’s Official Opposition will be to strengthen the conservative movement and leave the next leader with a party that’s ready to win.The Conservative caucus elected the Manitoba MP and former deputy party leader on Wednesday to serve as interim head after a majority of MPs ousted Erin O’Toole from the top job. Conservatives elect Candice Bergen as interim party leader Bergen faces a caucus that has spent weeks divided and angry over O’Toole’s leadership since last year’s federal election loss.She also takes on the role at a time when anti-vaccine mandate protesters have jammed downtown Ottawa, honking into all hours of the night and forcing the closure of many businesses and services.Some Conservative MPs accused O’Toole of failing to take a clear stance on the protest, while Bergen has offered her full support to the group and dismissed reports of racism and harassment among the demonstrators as the actions of a small few.Bergen’s Tory colleagues greeted her with a standing ovation in the House of Commons Thursday as she made her debut as interim leader during question period, where she took aim at the Trudeau government for refusing to extend an “olive branch” to the demonstrators.“Can the prime minister please tell Canadians what role he thinks the government can play and what they can do to solve the impasse?” Bergen asked.The protesters have clogged the capital for nearly a week and say they won’t leave until vaccine mandates and other COVID-19 restrictions are abolished.

anti-COVID-19 restrictions protests in Ottawa, amid calls for a more aggressive response to the demonstrations.Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said in a statement Thursday night that RCMP had approved a request from the City of Ottawa for additional resources to help the Ottawa Police Service, including an increase in officers.“This request is in addition to RCMP resources and support already in place since the arrival of the convoy in Ottawa,” Mendicino said.A RCMP spokesperson could not confirm how many officers were being deployed or when they were expected to arrive. Canadian military ‘not a police force,’ Anand says amid frustration over Ottawa protest Protests against government mandates for COVID-19 vaccines and masks, as well as restrictions on certain businesses, have plagued the streets surrounding Parliament Hill for nearly a week.Organizers of the truck convoy have vowed not to leave until policymakers meet their demands to end public health mandates tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.At least four arrests have been made so far for uttering threats, mischief and weapons charges.Ottawa police said Thursday it has issued 30 tickets related to excessive noise created by truck horns as well as various traffic offences — marking a change in tactics after earlier refusing to pursue bylaw charges.

according to the Nova Scotia RCMP.Although police did not identify the accused in a news release, a court document identified him as Jeremy MacKenzie, who was in Ottawa for the so-called truckers’ protest against COVID-19 measures.The host of an anti-authority podcast and YouTube channel, MacKenzie is a Canadian military veteran who served in Afghanistan. The RCMP alleged in a search warrant application that he had post-traumatic stress disorder.The police investigation began on Jan.

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Ontario on Thursday Keith Wilson, an attorney representing the trucker protesters in Ottawa, confirmed to the media that GoFundMe continues to hold the “bulk” of the money donated over recent days and weeks to the trucker protest movement as it conducts “heightened” diligence to determine where the money is going or what is is intended for.

Canadian military ‘not a police force,’ Anand says amid frustration over Ottawa protest “The FSIN Executive strongly opposes the actions and tactics of the ‘Freedom Convoy’ protestors, some of whom have been openly sharing ignorant acts of cultural appropriation of First Nations culture and spirituality, publicly and online,” read the statement.“The FSIN condemns such open acts of racism and ignorance, which are being committed across our traditional Treaty territories.”FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron shared his frustration with the convoy.“Our First Nations communities have been some of the hardest hit since the beginning of the pandemic.  We have been working tirelessly to distribute PPE and supplies to our First Nations because we are highly vulnerable to COVID-19,” said Cameron.“Our families and communities have suffered insurmountable losses because of this horrible virus and our First Nations Chiefs have implemented some of the strictest protocols in the country to keep their membership safe.” Trudeau: Ottawa residents need their ‘lives back,’ won’t commit to negotiate with truckers He went on to call the way the drums were used in the protest videos that surfaced a ‘disgrace’.“This convoy is an insult to our Chiefs, our communities, and to the hundreds of loved ones we’ve lost through this pandemic.  Not only are these protestors risking lives and spreading false information, but they’re also disrespecting our traditional drums, pipes, and medicines,” stated Cameron.“It’s a disgrace to see our culturally sacred items being used improperly, without proper protocol, in support of anti-vaccine protests.”The FSIN statement finished with a reminder about Indigenous culture.“The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations

Protestors remain in the capital with demands for the federal government to lift COVID-19 health measures. The Prime Minister is holding firm and says the government will support the city and its police force.

COVID-19: Quebec health system remains ‘fragile,’ says public health director Bernard “Rambo” Gauthier, a well-known union leader from Quebec’s Côte-Nord region, posted a video to Facebook on Thursday morning, stating he was departing with about 50 vehicles toward the provincial capital and promising to stay there.“We’re doing this for the next generation — our kids — but also for ourselves,” Gauthier said in the video. “I’m tired of not being able to see my friends, go out for a beer with my friends, go out to the restaurant with my girlfriend — a normal life.

Canadians are paying more for milk this week.

As disruptive protesters demanding an end to COVID-19 restrictions refuse to leave Ottawa, residents are questioning why the city’s police are not taking more action to clear them out. Abigail Bimman explains what’s causing police to hesitate and what options they are considering, as residents’ frustrations boil.

Truck convoy draws large crowd in London, Ont. on Thursday Organizers had originally expected between 250 to 300 vehicles to participate in the convoy, according to Horvat.Prior to the convoy’s arrival, Elgin County OPP had posted on their Twitter account that Culloden Road, Talbot Line, Rogers Road, Glencolin Line and Imperial Road/John Street would be impacted.Hundreds of trucks and cars just finished a slow roll convoy through my hometown Aylmer, Ontario.

Many of the top musicians in the industry are making their voices heard – by taking their voices away.

Home Hardware in Strathroy, Ont., west of London, has been shared hundreds of times online after the message was changed to express support for the controversial trucker convoy.On Feb. 2, the sign read, “We support the truckers — end the mandates.” The message was changed the following day, returning to the typical signage announcing store deals or other shopping information.Global News has requested comment from the owner of the Strathroy location but had yet to hear back by publication time.

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trucker protests following days of criticism that noise bylaws and the rules of the road were not being enforced.The OPS laid 30 traffic tickets while patrolling the Centretown, Sandy Hill, Glebe and the ByWard Market/Lowertown neighbourhoods on Wednesday, all areas surrounding the convoy’s footprint on Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill.The tickets fell as follows:Ottawa police say one driver was charged for driving while criminally prohibited and the vehicle was impounded for 45 days. A police spokesperson couldn’t immediately say what kind of vehicle this was when asked Thursday morning.

investigation into the origins of Covid-19.

The World Health Organization has offered Europe hope of a "long period of tranquility" and even "enduring peace" in the war on coronavirus, with a growing list of nations lifting almost all Covid curbs.

BTS member Jimin has updated fans on his condition following his recent COVID-19 diagnosis and surgery.On Monday (January 31), Big Hit Music confirmed that the idol had tested positive for the coronavirus and had undergone surgery for appendicitis after being admitted to hospital for abdominal pain and with a mild sore throat the previous day.Several days later, on Wednesday evening (February 2), Jimin took to fan community app Weverse to give an update on his condition. “I’m sorry for making you worry,” wrote the star.

trucker protest in the nation’s capital as officials brace for a resurgence in demonstrators in the downtown core this coming weekend.“We will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that people are protected and to ensure that this protest, which is now becoming illegal, does come to an end,” Trudeau said in French in the House of Commons on Wednesday, when asked what the federal government is doing to remove truckers from downtown Ottawa as the demonstration stretches into its sixth day. Ottawa police make 3rd arrest in day 6 of trucker protest While the RCMP and Parliamentary Protective Service have offered resources to OPS in managing the demonstration — composed of both convoy truckers and their supporters seeking an end to COVID-19 public health mandates — Trudeau said he wouldn’t personally step in to ensure the demonstration ends.“One of the important issues with a situation like this is to respect our institutions, systems and laws … politicians are not the ones who order law enforcement agencies to take any particular action,” he said.“We are here to provide resources if law enforcement agencies request them but they are the ones who are doing the work on the ground and we want to see a peaceful resolution for this conflict.”Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly said Wednesday in a briefing with city council that the prospect of asking for support from the military is not off the table.‘We’re looking at every single option, including military aid to civil power.

COVID-19 pandemic. Others are protesting the vaccine mandate for cross-border truckers, some showing support for the trucker convoy in Ottawa.

trucker convoy that has raised over $10 million to date.A warning that the fundraiser is “under review” has been posted to its page and donation buttons and a list of previous donors have been removed.“This fundraiser is currently paused and under review to ensure it complies with our terms of service and applicable laws and regulations,” GoFundMe’s warning reads.“Our team is working 24/7 and doing all we can to protect both organizers and donors. Thank you for your patience.” Organizer of GoFundMe campaign for trucker convoy withdraws $1M, company confirms The fundraiser, which lists Tamara Lich as an organizer and B.J.

The 2022 Winter Olympics are set to kick off in Beijing in a matter of days, yet the games may already be facing less global enthusiasm than usual. As Eric Sorensen reports, China’s severe COVID-19 restrictions and a slew of human rights controversies are souring the mood around the upcoming competition.

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has found success in a new domain, as BBC One Wales has provided her with her own solo slot.The "thrilled" 31-year-old took to Instagram to reveal all about Dare To Dance.The Caerphilly beauty will be choreographing dance routines for individuals or groups on the show to practise, perfect, and then unveil to "surprise family and friends".She will be uniting people through the power of performance, showcasing a message or major milestone in life via each dance.Amy, who has her own inspiring message to deliver by battling Crohn's disease while pursuing her dazzling dance career, was filled with excitement at the prospect of filming the new series.Now a star beyond the Strictly stage, she shared with her Instagram followers: "I'm soooooo excited one of the projects I'm working on this year has finally been announced today!"Amy had previously won a BAFTA Award for her emotive documentary Strictly Amy: Crohn's And Me, which revealed the trials and tribulations of finding widespread national fame while battling an invisible chronic illness behind-the-scenes at the same time.The star sadly had to drop out of her Strictly tour performances earlier this week due to being hospitalised with a flare-up of the condition.In an earlier statement, she had elaborated: "I’m thrilled to be fronting my own series for BBC Wales.Dance can have such a positive impact on physical and mental health, socialising and self-confidence so it’ll be a privilege to share my passion with people and help them experience their own special moment on the dancefloor.“It’s going to be such a joyous and uplifting show and I can’t wait to take people on their own dance journey."Excitement is long overdue for Amy, after the

COVID vaccines.The actor hit out at the podcaster in light of COVID misinformation spreading on his podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, which Rogan works on in an exclusive deal with Spotify.More than 270 members of the science and medical community signed an open letter, which called Rogan’s actions “not only objectionable and offensive but also medically and culturally dangerous”.“COVID is not an opinion-based situation and Mr Rogan thinking that his opinion or disclaimer for the lives he personally has affected and caused losses of – it’s not an opinion,” Stone said to TMZ.“Mr Rogan is risking people’s lives with his idiocy and his professing that his thoughts about COVID are opinions.“Infectious diseases are science, and they are fact-based situations, so the pretence that these are opinions is dangerous.“He should put a disclaimer that he’s an asshole and that his behaviour is dangerous and affecting people’s lives and deaths.”Rogan publicly responded to the situation earlier this week (January 31), as many artists have started removing their music from Spotify in protest.In a video clip posted to Instagram, Rogan addressed “some of the controversy that’s been going on over the past few days”.He told fans: “I don’t always get it right. I will do my best to try to balance out these more controversial viewpoints with other people perspectives so we can maybe find a better point of view.”Admitting that it is a “strange responsibility to have this many views and listeners,” he promised “to do my best in the future to balance things out”.

LONDON :

Anxiety and frustration are growing among Ottawa residents, as throngs of truckers and other demonstrators who arrived last week to protest Canada’s COVID-19 restrictions continue to disrupt life in the capital. From traffic jams and shuttered businesses, to noise-polluted nights and people urinating in the streets, Abigail Bimman looks at why Ottawans are calling for action on the demonstrators.

Ottawa police say two men connected to the ongoing anti-COVID-19 restriction demonstrations have been arrested and face criminal charges, while the crowd of truckers and other protesters continues to thin out.

Sharon Stone was critical of Joe Rogan amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the spread of COVID-19 misinformation, and Spotify's decision to add a warning to all podcasts on its platform discussing the ongoing virus.Stone, 63, spoke Tuesday in Beverly Hills, California with TMZ, where she was asked about the ongoing developments over Rogan and his podcast, which drew attention last month after rock icon Neil Young pulled his music from the platform in protest of Rogan's content in regards to the pandemic.Rogan, 54, garnered controversy after a December 31 podcast of The Joe Rogan Experience in which he chat with Dr. Robert Malone, an anti-vaccine proponent who was previously banned from Twitter over the spread of COVID misinformation.

FILE - Whoopi Goldberg attends Tyler Perry Studios grand opening gala at Tyler Perry Studios on Oct. 05, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.

₹265 per dose, applicator offered at ₹93 per dose excluding GST.

After days of noisy protests, Ontario’s premier says they have been heard and that it’s time to leave. Matthew Bingley reports.

Photo taken on Oct. 26, 2020 shows the Tesla China-made Model 3 vehicles at its gigafactory in Shanghai, east China.