COVID

Alberta's top doctor is defending the province's plan to lift all its COVID-19 public health restrictions despite mounting concerns from physicians and political leaders across Canada, including federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu.

Warning the province appears to be entering a fourth wave of the novel coronavirus, Premier François Legault announced Thursday his government is imposing a vaccine passport system to curb the spread of COVID-19.

“A fully vaccinated individual is much, much, much less likely to be represented in health care, is much less likely to be represented as a fatality, or an ICU,” said Dr. Zain Chagla, an infectious disease specialist at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.

Ontario’s long-awaited back-to-school plan requires students and staff to wear masks indoors but does not mandate being vaccinated against COVID-19.

Canada’s top doctors say Alberta’s decision to end isolation requirements for those who test positive for COVID-19, or who have been in close contact with someone who has, could have ripple effects across the country.

What the average person rarely thinks about is the massive impact PPE is having on the already vast waste stream of plastic, particularly in industrialized societies, writes columnist Warren Bell.

Alberta's health minister says it was the idea of the province's chief medical health officer to end isolation requirements for those who test positive for COVID-19 or who have been in close contact with someone who has.

The gentle approach is not going to get us to herd immunity. It's time to impose stronger measures to encourage vaccinations, writes columnist Max Fawcett.

Procurement Minister Anita Anand says after talking to provinces, it was determined these COVID-19 doses were excess supply, as demand for this vaccine had been met. 

For those who fetishize freedom and worship at the altar of liberty, the removal of mask restrictions is probably worth celebrating. But for the rest of us, it marks the beginning of an uncomfortable experiment, writes columnist Max Fawcett.

Two friends interested in coding and helping others have built a prototype device to turn the basics of American Sign Language into speech. It cost $40 (and took thousands of hours) to build, and with science fair winnings, they plan to tweak it and make more.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is back on the road doling out hundreds of millions of dollars in climate spending from his Liberal government.

A new poll suggests about two-thirds of Canadians believe that governments should not lift all restrictions related to COVID-19.

Also: A prize winner from Vancouver, more mischief from Loki, and matching retro horror.