As some provinces look to lift COVID-19 restrictions, Maritimes to keep vaccine mandate for now
Even though the COVID-19 Omicron wave continues to spread across the country, some provinces are looking at loosening public health measures in the near future.
On Monday, the premier of Saskatchewan announced he planned to scrap the proof of vaccination requirement, claiming current vaccines no longer reduce transmission of the variant.
"That is why the proof of vaccination or the proof of negative test requirement that we have in Saskatchewan will very soon come to an end,” said Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.
Dr. Lisa Barrett, a Halifax-based infectious disease specialist and scientist, said the purpose of a vaccine mandate is to decrease or limit the number of people who might be most infectious in a space where people are close together.
"Right now, if there is still a need in an area, province or population to keep the number of infections under quite strict control, then it would seem to make sense that things that would limit the number of people indoors together, with masks off, without vaccination would be a sensible thing to do,” said Barrett.
At a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Prince Edward Island said it hopes to ease public health restrictions in the coming weeks.
At this time, the province does not plan to lift the proof-of-vaccination requirement.
"I think we would be talking about things like ending the four-day isolation for people coming across, coming into our province, and as Dr. Morrison said, getting sports teams back to playing games and other activities such as that,” said P.E.I. Premier Dennis King.
"That would be one of the other measures that would be phased out over the next couple months but it wouldn't be the first thing we're trying to address,” added P.E.I. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison.
New Brunswick is currently in Level 2 of its COVID-19 Winter Plan. The province’s top doctor said Tuesday that the province has no plans to drop the vaccine mandate right now.
"It's not something that we're planning at this point in time. But you know, that could change in the future, but at this time, we're not having those discussions quite yet,” said New Brunswick Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell.
As for Nova Scotia, the province said the proof of vaccination protocol was established as a short-term measure to help businesses stay open and Nova Scotians stay safe through this wave of COVID-19.
How long it will stay in place is one of the things officials are considering as they look at how to eventually ease restrictions.
The province said there are many factors, risks and trends that are considered collectively before implementing or lifting public health restrictions, such as vaccine status and public health system capacity.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Toronto
-
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
-
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
-
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Calgary
-
'One of the brightest little girls I know': Family of Calgary toddler killed in 2022 speaks out
Calgary police say Winston Campbell, 45, has been charged in the death of a two-year-old girl in 2022.
-
Flames earn 5-1 season-ending victory over league-worst Sharks
Blake Coleman scored his 30th goal and MacKenzie Weegar got his 20th as the Calgary Flames set multiple personal milestones in a season-ending 5-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night.
-
Calgary Taylor Swift fans – and 'Calgary Taylor Swift' – celebrate album drop
Calgary fans of pop superstar Taylor Swift were among the millions of 'Swifties' celebrating the release of 'The Tortured Poets Department', and they were doing it in style.
Edmonton
-
Alberta introducing legislation to stabilize electricity rates, educate customers about RRO
Alberta is introducing new legislation aimed at preventing spikes in electricity prices.
-
'It hurts': Edmonton man frustrated after false Roll up the Rim win
An Edmonton man is feeling let down after Tim Hortons mistakenly told him he'd won a boat.
-
Worker dies after fall at north Edmonton construction site
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is investigating after a worker fell to their death earlier this week.
Montreal
-
Quebec judge suspends parts of Bill 96 that apply to English school boards
The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is celebrating what it calls a 'significant win' in court after a judge stayed parts of Quebec's language laws that apply to English school boards across the province.
-
Quebec to follow Ottawa's lead on capital gains taxation
Quebec intends to follow Ottawa's lead and increase its capital gains tax rate. The Quebec government announced late on Thursday that its tax system will be adjusted to bring it into line with five measures proposed in the latest federal budget.
-
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ottawa
-
NEW THIS MORNINGNEW THIS MORNING What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: April 19-21
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa this weekend.
-
1 dead following wrong-way crash on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa's east end
The driver killed in a head-on crash on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa's east end was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes when the vehicle collided with a second vehicle, according to Ontario Provincial Police.
-
Rainy Friday in the forecast for Ottawa, but the sun returns this weekend
Another rainy day is in the forecast for the city of Ottawa, but sunshine will return for the weekend.
London
-
Man arrested after police locate stolen vehicle
A Lucan man is facing a number of charges after police said they recovered a stolen truck.
-
'Mistakes happen': Health minister says patients have recourse if charged inappropriately
The provincial government is advising there is recourse for those who believe they've been wrongfully billed for healthcare services.
-
Witness alleges years of severe abuse at the hands of parents
A jury heard some horrific evidence Thursday at the trial of a London, Ont. couple charged with physically and sexually abusing their children.
Barrie
-
Driver suffers life-threatening injuries in Hwy 12 collision
One person suffered life-threatening injuries after a collision with a commercial vehicle on Highway 12 at Forest Avenue in Orillia early Thursday afternoon.
-
Surviving the economic vortex: How restaurants can weather inflation's storm
As inflation tightens its grip on the economy, many people are feeling the pinch, from housing to transportation to retail and services, including restaurants.
-
Discreditable conduct Police Services Act hearing for Barrie police veteran
The hearing for a Barrie police officer charged with discreditable conduct following an OPP investigation continued Thursday morning over teleconference.
Northern Ontario
-
Private Northern Ont. college accused of taking tuition, but not offering courses
A private career college in North Bay is under intense scrutiny from students for taking tuition but not offering courses, and from former teachers who say they haven't been paid.
-
State of emergency still in effect in northern communities
Some communities in northeastern Ontario remain under a state of emergency due to last Friday’s rain.
-
Parry Sound man among those falsely told by Tim Hortons that they won a boat
Tim Hortons says human error is to blame for some customers thinking they had won a boat in a recent digital roll up to win contest.
Kitchener
-
Landlords reporting increase in tenants refusing to pay rent or leave
A property management company in Fergus is still cleaning up after they say a tenant trashed one of their units and refused to pay rent -- and they say it's not the only similar case they've dealt with recently.
-
Gas price hike blamed on change in seasons, motorists 'shocked'
Gas prices across Ontario have spiked to levels not seen in nearly two years as the switch from winter fuel to a more expensive summer blend pushes the price at the pumps.
-
What are these things doing in Waterloo Park?
Don’t be alarmed if you see some strange new creatures in Waterloo Park.
Windsor
-
Store employee threatened with knife during robbery
Police said a person went to a market in the 2100 block of Huron Church Road near McKay Avenue and left the store without paying for about $200 worth of items.
-
Police in Windsor looking for Ramtin Bayat
Windsor police are asking the public to keep an eye out for a man last seen in the downtown area.
-
10-year-old Essex girl sells handmade bracelets for Parkinson’s research
Like many 10 year olds, Brenna Tonon loves to make Rainbow Loom bracelets – but she doesn’t just make them for fun.
Winnipeg
-
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden pain killer drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
-
'This is an eyesore': City charting plan to clean giant debris left for two years on Sherbrook Street
The City of Winnipeg is finally moving ahead with a plan to clear away a large pile of debris on a private lot.
-
'This program has saved lives': New report highlights success of Mobile Overdose Prevention Site during first year of operation
The Mobile Overdose Prevention Site operated by Sunshine House has been in operation since late 2022, and now a report is being released sharing the results of its first year.
Regina
-
'Poor choice of words': Education Minister apologizes for remarks made to Sask. mother
On Thursday, Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill apologized for remarks he made to a mother who had advocated for better classroom supports earlier this week.
-
Sask. dental providers and seniors raise concerns over federal dental care plan
With the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) set to roll out on May 1, many dental care providers have concerns and unanswered questions about the plan.
-
'Bad taste in your mouth': Regina man mistakenly told he won $50K boat through Roll up the Rim
Chris Ross was pleasantly surprised when Tim Hortons sent him an email summarizing his "Roll up the Rim" winnings for the season. The email claimed Ross had won a boat valued at over $50,000 – but it was a mistake.
Saskatoon
-
Final offer or tentative agreement? Teachers, province differ on what latest deal means
Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) President Samantha Becotte says two days of "difficult" negotiations has led to a "final offer" with slight improvements to salary and the inclusion of a line in the collective agreement – promising to address classroom complexity issues.
-
Saskatoon police committing three officers to curb crime in Pleasant Hill
The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) is dedicating three officers to a specialized unit to help curb crime in the Pleasant Hill neighbourhood.
-
Sask. village, contractor fined $42,000 for illegal dumping
A Saskatchewan village and a contractor it hired are facing significant fines after conservation officers discovered they dumped demolition waste at an illegal landfill.
Vancouver
-
B.C. premier defends drug decriminalization as controversy grows, feds scrutinize program
The premier of British Columbia is continuing to defend the three-year pilot program underway in his province that’s decriminalized personal possession of hard drugs, even as the federal government sends its minister responsible to discuss growing concerns and controversies.
-
UBC football star turning heads in lead up to NFL draft
At 6'8" and 350 pounds, there is nothing typical about UBC offensive lineman Giovanni Manu, who was born in Tonga and went to high school in Pitt Meadows.
-
Delta police seek witnesses to rollover crash
Police in Delta are appealing for witnesses and information after a mid-afternoon rollover crash into the front yard of a home last week.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. premier defends drug decriminalization as controversy grows, feds scrutinize program
The premier of British Columbia is continuing to defend the three-year pilot program underway in his province that’s decriminalized personal possession of hard drugs, even as the federal government sends its minister responsible to discuss growing concerns and controversies.
-
$60K worth of Indigenous art stolen in Saanich, B.C., police say
A large collection of First Nations art worth more than $60,000 was stolen in Saanich earlier this month, police announced Thursday.
-
B.C.'s short-term rental regulations include $10K daily penalties for Airbnb, other platforms
Short-term rental platforms that violate B.C.'s pending regulations can face administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per day, officials announced Thursday.
Kelowna
-
Stolen snake named Milkshake returned to Kelowna pet store
A banana ball python that was stolen from a Kelowna pet store on Saturday has been returned unharmed, Mounties said.
-
Nurses rally at B.C. Interior hospital over security, staffing concerns
Nurses held a rally Wednesday at a hospital in the B.C. Interior that closed its emergency department more than a dozen times last year due to insufficient staff.
-
B.C. to add 240 complex-care housing units throughout province
British Columbia is planning to add 240 new units to its complex-care housing program, providing homes for people with mental-health and addictions challenges that overlap with other serious conditions.
