Ontario issues stay-at-home order except for essentials
- Thread starter spaminator
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One thing to note is that if a person sites the same source often, those without subscriptions can only see what is posted after the free looks run out.
I wouldn't read the sun on my own but do appreciate seeing what they are telling their readers from time to time for perspective sake.
I wouldn't read the sun on my own but do appreciate seeing what they are telling their readers from time to time for perspective sake.
WARMINGTON: Don't kick officer for a hug. Give him a slap on wrist and pat on back
Author of the article:Joe Warmington
Publishing date:Apr 19, 2021 • 17 minutes ago • 3 minute read • 17 Comments
Peel Regional Police have suspended Sgt. Paul Brown after he was captured on video interacting with protesters outside of a Mississauga gym without wearing PPE on Friday, April 16, 2021.
Peel Regional Police Sgt. Paul Brown hugs protesters outside of a Mississauga gym without wearing PPE on Friday, April 16, 2021. PHOTO BY SEAN O'SHEA /Twitter
Article content
Shooting an unarmed suspect can get a cop suspended.
Punching and kneeling on, too.
But hugging? This is a new one.
During a pandemic, proximity is considered by some the same as carrying a loaded gun. It has landed popular Peel Regional Police Sgt. Paul Brown in hot water.
“Upon learning of the incident, I immediately directed that the sergeant be suspended and commenced an Internal Affairs investigation,” Peel Chief Nishan Duraiappah said in a news release Friday. “Peel Regional Police are committed to ensuring the safety of our members and the public. Our officers will enforce municipal and provincial regulations as required.”
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This was in response to Brown’s more lenient approach in handling anti-lockdown demonstrators which included several hugs and an offer of one to venerable Global TV reporter Sean O’Shea, who declined and called out the officer.
Now this 24-year, very good cop is off the road. But Brown has also become a folk hero among ‘open up Ontario’ advocates — more than 9,000 of which had signed a Change.org petition by early Monday afternoon.
“After viewing his actions demonstrating nothing short of care, kindness and true humanity,” writes organizer Lisa Hall. “We are deeply saddened that he is being penalized.”
She adds that with “growing cultivation of fear of police as measures of restrictions have tightened for small business, travel, and in our day to day lives, the act of showing human expression of hugging is exactly what brought tears to many of us” and “we are now calling (Brown) a hero.”
“He was just following Peel’s playbook. Defuse the situation,” said Adrian Woolley, Peel Regional Police Association president. “This has been the playbook of Peel management. Let the protesters throw paint at our memorial (or divisions). We are told to do nothing. Make nice.”
The sergeant was responding to Mississauga’s Huf Gym’s defiance of the provincial closure order when maskless Brown was captured on camera giving hugs to gym supporters. It was when one of the demonstrators aggressively approached O’Shea that things heated up.
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“Do you condone that, sergeant?” O’Shea asked.
“I don’t condone it. That is why I started to come over,” Brown responded. “You’re standing here videotaping and obviously you’re agitating this group.”
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Always professional O’Shea was merely covering the incident and said “I’m not agitating. I’m standing back here.”
Two good guys. It should have ended there. But senior police sources explain what is being investigated is not just alleged social distancing and mask protocol violations, but comments made to protesters.
“He’s a sergeant with dozens under his supervision,” said a source. “We have had many officers become infected with COVID-19. He has to set an example. He’s not there to support a protest.”
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
Peel Regional Police have suspended Sgt. Paul Brown after he was captured on video interacting with protesters outside of a Mississauga gym without wearing PPE on Friday, April 16, 2021.
Chummy Peel cop suspended for maskless antics
Ontario Premier Doug Ford puts his mask on after speaking at a press conference at Queen's Park, in Toronto, Friday, April 16, 2021.
EDITORIAL: Ford scraps COVID cops law
Deputy Chief James Ramer
WARMINGTON: Ontario police chiefs say 'no thanks' to Ford's new COVID random stop law
While true, such lines have been blurred before. Ontario police chiefs and members have kneeled or marched in solidarity many times. De-escalation tactics and methods to avoid ugly confrontations are encouraged. Officers in the street or in the command centres, like political leaders during this volatile time, can’t win no matter what they do.
There is nothing wrong with Brown’s superiors chewing him out like a coach would do to a star player who took a dumb penalty that in a way also helped the team. But a long suspension and potential charges is short sighted, unwarranted and a waste of time and resources. Officers are not independent, but these are special circumstances where a softer approach can work better than tough measures.
Police officers are under a lot of stress out there being the muscle for governments pushing bylaw conformity and a simple reminder to not cross over the line is all that’s needed.
jwarmington@postmedia.com
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Joe Warmington
Publishing date:Apr 19, 2021 • 17 minutes ago • 3 minute read • 17 Comments
Peel Regional Police have suspended Sgt. Paul Brown after he was captured on video interacting with protesters outside of a Mississauga gym without wearing PPE on Friday, April 16, 2021.
Peel Regional Police Sgt. Paul Brown hugs protesters outside of a Mississauga gym without wearing PPE on Friday, April 16, 2021. PHOTO BY SEAN O'SHEA /Twitter
Article content
Shooting an unarmed suspect can get a cop suspended.
Punching and kneeling on, too.
But hugging? This is a new one.
During a pandemic, proximity is considered by some the same as carrying a loaded gun. It has landed popular Peel Regional Police Sgt. Paul Brown in hot water.
“Upon learning of the incident, I immediately directed that the sergeant be suspended and commenced an Internal Affairs investigation,” Peel Chief Nishan Duraiappah said in a news release Friday. “Peel Regional Police are committed to ensuring the safety of our members and the public. Our officers will enforce municipal and provincial regulations as required.”
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This was in response to Brown’s more lenient approach in handling anti-lockdown demonstrators which included several hugs and an offer of one to venerable Global TV reporter Sean O’Shea, who declined and called out the officer.
Now this 24-year, very good cop is off the road. But Brown has also become a folk hero among ‘open up Ontario’ advocates — more than 9,000 of which had signed a Change.org petition by early Monday afternoon.
“After viewing his actions demonstrating nothing short of care, kindness and true humanity,” writes organizer Lisa Hall. “We are deeply saddened that he is being penalized.”
She adds that with “growing cultivation of fear of police as measures of restrictions have tightened for small business, travel, and in our day to day lives, the act of showing human expression of hugging is exactly what brought tears to many of us” and “we are now calling (Brown) a hero.”
“He was just following Peel’s playbook. Defuse the situation,” said Adrian Woolley, Peel Regional Police Association president. “This has been the playbook of Peel management. Let the protesters throw paint at our memorial (or divisions). We are told to do nothing. Make nice.”
The sergeant was responding to Mississauga’s Huf Gym’s defiance of the provincial closure order when maskless Brown was captured on camera giving hugs to gym supporters. It was when one of the demonstrators aggressively approached O’Shea that things heated up.
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“Do you condone that, sergeant?” O’Shea asked.
“I don’t condone it. That is why I started to come over,” Brown responded. “You’re standing here videotaping and obviously you’re agitating this group.”
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Always professional O’Shea was merely covering the incident and said “I’m not agitating. I’m standing back here.”
Two good guys. It should have ended there. But senior police sources explain what is being investigated is not just alleged social distancing and mask protocol violations, but comments made to protesters.
“He’s a sergeant with dozens under his supervision,” said a source. “We have had many officers become infected with COVID-19. He has to set an example. He’s not there to support a protest.”
Peel Regional Police have suspended Sgt. Paul Brown after he was captured on video interacting with protesters outside of a Mississauga gym without wearing PPE on Friday, April 16, 2021.
Chummy Peel cop suspended for maskless antics
Ontario Premier Doug Ford puts his mask on after speaking at a press conference at Queen's Park, in Toronto, Friday, April 16, 2021.
EDITORIAL: Ford scraps COVID cops law
Deputy Chief James Ramer
WARMINGTON: Ontario police chiefs say 'no thanks' to Ford's new COVID random stop law
While true, such lines have been blurred before. Ontario police chiefs and members have kneeled or marched in solidarity many times. De-escalation tactics and methods to avoid ugly confrontations are encouraged. Officers in the street or in the command centres, like political leaders during this volatile time, can’t win no matter what they do.
There is nothing wrong with Brown’s superiors chewing him out like a coach would do to a star player who took a dumb penalty that in a way also helped the team. But a long suspension and potential charges is short sighted, unwarranted and a waste of time and resources. Officers are not independent, but these are special circumstances where a softer approach can work better than tough measures.
Police officers are under a lot of stress out there being the muscle for governments pushing bylaw conformity and a simple reminder to not cross over the line is all that’s needed.
jwarmington@postmedia.com
WARMINGTON: Don't kick officer for a hug. Give him a slap on wrist and pat on back
Shooting an unarmed suspect can get a cop suspended.
Ontario government votes against paid sick-leave program
Author of the article:Canadian Press
Canadian Press
Publishing date:Apr 19, 2021 • 18 minutes ago • 2 minute read • 95 Comments
A Kenora OPP officer directs traffic entering Ontario at the rest stop at the provinical border with Manitoba on Monday, April 19. The Ontario government has placed restrictions on inter-provincial travel amid rising COVID-19 cases.
A Kenora OPP officer directs traffic entering Ontario at the rest stop at the provinical border with Manitoba on Monday, April 19. The Ontario government has placed restrictions on inter-provincial travel amid rising COVID-19 cases. PHOTO BY RYAN STELTER /Miner and News/Postmedia Network
Article content
The Ontario government has voted against a series of Opposition motions aimed at supporting essential workers, including one that sought to create a provincial paid sick-leave program.
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath presented the motions — which required unanimous consent of the legislature to pass — during a session Monday.
She called on Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives to pass the sick-leave motion, but the government voted against the measure.
Government House Leader Paul Calandra says he anticipates the federal government will announce further enhancements to their sick-day program today.
The province has thus far rejected calls for a provincial program saying it would be needless overlap of the federal supports.
The NDP also presented a motion to implement a full shutdown of non-essential businesses with high rates of COVID-19 and another to further roll back some pandemic enforcement powers granted to police Friday.
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Those motions were also rejected by the government.
Ontario is reporting 4,447 new cases of COVID-19 Monday and 19 more deaths linked to the virus.
Health Minister Christine Elliott says there are 1,299 new cases in Toronto, 926 in Peel Region, and 577 in York Region.
She also says there are 233 cases in Ottawa and 227 in Hamilton. Today’s data is based on nearly 42,900 tests completed.
The Ministry of Health reports that 2,202 people are hospitalized, although it notes that more than 10 per cent of hospitals did not submit data.
There are 755 people in intensive care units and 516 on a ventilator.
Ontario says 66,897 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine were administered in the province since Sunday’s report for a total of 3,904,778 given out so far.
Meanwhile, students across Ontario returned to the virtual classroom Monday as school buildings remain shuttered following the spring break.
The provincial government announced the move to remote learning early last week as it dealt with a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
It has also announced a suite of new measures meant to curb the spread of COVID-19, including limiting interprovincial travel.
Checkpoints have been set up at interprovincial border crossings and only those coming into Ontario for work, medical care, transportation of goods and exercising Indigenous treaty rights are allowed through.
Kenora OPP officers question motorists entering Ontario at the rest stop at the provinical border with Manitoba on Monday, April 19, 2021.
Kenora OPP officers question motorists entering Ontario at the rest stop at the provinical border with Manitoba on Monday, April 19, 2021. PHOTO BY RYAN STELTER /Miner and News/Postmedia Network
The province held firm to that measure over the weekend, despite walking back other public health rules that were announced at the same time Friday.
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Premier Doug Ford on Saturday reversed his decision to shutter playgrounds, following a swift backlash from parents and public health experts alike.
They said the move was unlikely to curb the spread of COVID-19, as evidence suggests most transmission happens indoors.
On Saturday the province also quickly rescinded new powers given to police officers, saying officers will no longer be able to stop any pedestrian or driver during the stay-at-home order to request their home address and their reason for being out of the house.
Instead, police must have “reason to suspect” that a person is out to participate in an organized public event or social gathering before stopping them.
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Canadian Press
Canadian Press
Publishing date:Apr 19, 2021 • 18 minutes ago • 2 minute read • 95 Comments
A Kenora OPP officer directs traffic entering Ontario at the rest stop at the provinical border with Manitoba on Monday, April 19. The Ontario government has placed restrictions on inter-provincial travel amid rising COVID-19 cases.
A Kenora OPP officer directs traffic entering Ontario at the rest stop at the provinical border with Manitoba on Monday, April 19. The Ontario government has placed restrictions on inter-provincial travel amid rising COVID-19 cases. PHOTO BY RYAN STELTER /Miner and News/Postmedia Network
Article content
The Ontario government has voted against a series of Opposition motions aimed at supporting essential workers, including one that sought to create a provincial paid sick-leave program.
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath presented the motions — which required unanimous consent of the legislature to pass — during a session Monday.
She called on Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives to pass the sick-leave motion, but the government voted against the measure.
Government House Leader Paul Calandra says he anticipates the federal government will announce further enhancements to their sick-day program today.
The province has thus far rejected calls for a provincial program saying it would be needless overlap of the federal supports.
The NDP also presented a motion to implement a full shutdown of non-essential businesses with high rates of COVID-19 and another to further roll back some pandemic enforcement powers granted to police Friday.
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Those motions were also rejected by the government.
Ontario is reporting 4,447 new cases of COVID-19 Monday and 19 more deaths linked to the virus.
Health Minister Christine Elliott says there are 1,299 new cases in Toronto, 926 in Peel Region, and 577 in York Region.
She also says there are 233 cases in Ottawa and 227 in Hamilton. Today’s data is based on nearly 42,900 tests completed.
The Ministry of Health reports that 2,202 people are hospitalized, although it notes that more than 10 per cent of hospitals did not submit data.
There are 755 people in intensive care units and 516 on a ventilator.
Ontario says 66,897 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine were administered in the province since Sunday’s report for a total of 3,904,778 given out so far.
Meanwhile, students across Ontario returned to the virtual classroom Monday as school buildings remain shuttered following the spring break.
The provincial government announced the move to remote learning early last week as it dealt with a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
It has also announced a suite of new measures meant to curb the spread of COVID-19, including limiting interprovincial travel.
Checkpoints have been set up at interprovincial border crossings and only those coming into Ontario for work, medical care, transportation of goods and exercising Indigenous treaty rights are allowed through.
Kenora OPP officers question motorists entering Ontario at the rest stop at the provinical border with Manitoba on Monday, April 19, 2021.
Kenora OPP officers question motorists entering Ontario at the rest stop at the provinical border with Manitoba on Monday, April 19, 2021. PHOTO BY RYAN STELTER /Miner and News/Postmedia Network
The province held firm to that measure over the weekend, despite walking back other public health rules that were announced at the same time Friday.
Advertisement
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Article content
Premier Doug Ford on Saturday reversed his decision to shutter playgrounds, following a swift backlash from parents and public health experts alike.
They said the move was unlikely to curb the spread of COVID-19, as evidence suggests most transmission happens indoors.
On Saturday the province also quickly rescinded new powers given to police officers, saying officers will no longer be able to stop any pedestrian or driver during the stay-at-home order to request their home address and their reason for being out of the house.
Instead, police must have “reason to suspect” that a person is out to participate in an organized public event or social gathering before stopping them.
Ontario government votes against paid sick-leave program
The Ontario government has voted against a series of Opposition motions aimed at supporting essential workers, including one that sought to create a provincial paid…
Public health, not police state, NDP tells Ford
Author of the article:Antonella Artuso
Publishing date:Apr 19, 2021 • 21 hours ago • 1 minute read • 30 Comments
Andrea Horwath says reopening could lead to a third wave of COVID-19.
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath PHOTO BY FILES /Postmedia
Article content
The Doug Ford government never intended to have police officers just randomly stop people on the street and in their cars, Health Minister Christine Elliott says.
The new police powers announced Friday — and walked back somewhat Saturday — were meant to give officers the authority to break up large illegal social gatherings, she said.
Public health officials had also raised concerns about excessive mobility, as people moved around the province raising the possibility of greater spread of the COVID-19 variants, she said.
However, the government heard from Ontario residents who were worried about the new police powers and opposed the decision to close playgrounds, so those orders were amended, she said.
“We certainly understand those concerns that have been expressed,” Elliott said Monday.
Opposition MPPs roasted the government in the legislature Monday, accusing it of offering a police state instead of public health measures.
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“The experts were very clear what we need in Ontario to save lives and save the health of our people: paid sick days, not carding; essential workers being vaccinated, not being stopped for checks; shutting down of workplaces where COVID-19 is spreading, and not shutting down playgrounds,” NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said.
Police across the province and even PC MPPs objected to the new regulation that would allow officers to stop people, essentially a return of carding, the NDP said.
Horwath proposed her own legislative agenda, calling for paid sick days, paid time off to get a vaccine, the shutdown of all non-essential workplaces, financial support for impacted businesses and workers, and the end of extraordinary police powers.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
Ontario Premier Doug Ford puts his mask on after speaking at a press conference at Queen's Park, in Toronto, Friday, April 16, 2021.
EDITORIAL: Ford scraps COVID cops law
It was no surprise that Ontario Premier Doug Ford walked back some of his earlier rules, writes Anthony Furey.
FUREY: The Ford government backed down — but where was the apology?
Crowds were small at the Beach and a few people used the playground near the Olympic pool as the Ford government walked back its latest province-wide stay-at-home restrictions and allowed parks to remain open.
LILLEY: Ford government walks back increased police powers, allows parks to stay open
“This government chose a police state over public health,” NDP MPP Dolly Begum said.
The Ford government opposed the motion for paid sick days, arguing a federal program that already exists should be improved.
aartuso@postmedia.com
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Antonella Artuso
Publishing date:Apr 19, 2021 • 21 hours ago • 1 minute read • 30 Comments
Andrea Horwath says reopening could lead to a third wave of COVID-19.
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath PHOTO BY FILES /Postmedia
Article content
The Doug Ford government never intended to have police officers just randomly stop people on the street and in their cars, Health Minister Christine Elliott says.
The new police powers announced Friday — and walked back somewhat Saturday — were meant to give officers the authority to break up large illegal social gatherings, she said.
Public health officials had also raised concerns about excessive mobility, as people moved around the province raising the possibility of greater spread of the COVID-19 variants, she said.
However, the government heard from Ontario residents who were worried about the new police powers and opposed the decision to close playgrounds, so those orders were amended, she said.
“We certainly understand those concerns that have been expressed,” Elliott said Monday.
Opposition MPPs roasted the government in the legislature Monday, accusing it of offering a police state instead of public health measures.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
“The experts were very clear what we need in Ontario to save lives and save the health of our people: paid sick days, not carding; essential workers being vaccinated, not being stopped for checks; shutting down of workplaces where COVID-19 is spreading, and not shutting down playgrounds,” NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said.
Police across the province and even PC MPPs objected to the new regulation that would allow officers to stop people, essentially a return of carding, the NDP said.
Horwath proposed her own legislative agenda, calling for paid sick days, paid time off to get a vaccine, the shutdown of all non-essential workplaces, financial support for impacted businesses and workers, and the end of extraordinary police powers.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford puts his mask on after speaking at a press conference at Queen's Park, in Toronto, Friday, April 16, 2021.
EDITORIAL: Ford scraps COVID cops law
It was no surprise that Ontario Premier Doug Ford walked back some of his earlier rules, writes Anthony Furey.
FUREY: The Ford government backed down — but where was the apology?
Crowds were small at the Beach and a few people used the playground near the Olympic pool as the Ford government walked back its latest province-wide stay-at-home restrictions and allowed parks to remain open.
LILLEY: Ford government walks back increased police powers, allows parks to stay open
“This government chose a police state over public health,” NDP MPP Dolly Begum said.
The Ford government opposed the motion for paid sick days, arguing a federal program that already exists should be improved.
aartuso@postmedia.com
Public health, not police state, NDP tells Ford
The Doug Ford government apparently never intended to have police officers just randomly stop people on the street and in their cars.
WARMINGTON: Peel police probing OPP interaction with boy in wake of video
Author of the article:Joe Warmington
Publishing date:Apr 20, 2021 • 1 hour ago • 4 minute read • 163 Comments
OPP officers with a boy at the Gravenhurst Skate Park.
OPP officers with a boy at the Gravenhurst Skate Park. PHOTO BY SCREENGRAB /Muskoka411/Twitter
Article content
You know the wheels are coming off lockdown enforcement when the police are targeting a “12-year-old” potential violator in a skateboard park.
And a free society is skating on thin ice when videos show up appearing to show a kid being pushed to the ground by a police officer.
What occurred in Gravenhurst is exactly what people were afraid would happen when the province brought in new guidelines to give police power to randomly stop people during the Ontario-wide stay-at-home order. Since those powers were backed off on, and most police services indicated they had no interest in enforcing them, no one dreamed something as ugly as this appears would still happen.
But it did at Youth Park at 275 Winewood Ave. E. on Sunday.
Perhaps the OPP didn’t get the memo? Or maybe their instructions are to still to do random stops?
Most people thought such interactions could happen on the highways or at border points. Not at a skateboard park. Not in playgrounds. And not involving police in confrontations with kids.
The video appears to show a boy on a scooter being knocked down during a conversation with an OPP officer. The audio of the incident offers some insight.
“Don’t touch me,” a youth can be heard saying. “What are you doing?”
Another young person can be heard saying “he’s 12 years old” and “we are trying to leave, man.”
The audio is believed to be one of the officers saying, “He failed to identify” and “You don’t talk to an adult like this.”
It has not been confirmed if the boy is 12, but in the video, it is clear this is a youth that is much smaller than the police officer. Whether the boy was thrown from the scooter or there is another explanation will be part of the investigation. A fair probe to gain all context from all sides of this is necessary.
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OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique has asked Peel Regional Police to conduct an investigation into the incident.
In a statement, OPP said “Officers stopped to speak to a group of young people, none of whom were wearing masks or social distancing. Officers attempted to interact with the youths which led to a physical confrontation between one officer and one young person.”
The officer involved has been reassigned to administrative duties while the investigation is conducted.
“We understand the concerns being expressed by members of the public, and I want to assure everyone that the Ontario Provincial Police holds its members to highest levels of professionalism and accountability,” Carrique said.
However this shakes out, there is a climate in Ontario that has to change. It’s too tense out there. Too angry.
People need to keep their cool.
“It is clear that police enforcing the stay-at-home order creates situations for our officers and the community none of us wish to be in,” the Ontario Provincial Police Association said in a statement. “Public trust is the foundation of effective policing and our members strive to maintain and improve that trust every day. Frustration for all is at a boiling point. Our members are under extraordinary stress, as are everyone during these trying times.”
Gravenhurst Mayor Paul Kelly said he alerted police to the video as soon as he received it Monday. He said he was pleased the OPP handed the issue over to Peel police to investigate.
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“The relationship between the OPP in Gravenhurst and youth is tremendous and I hope that doesn’t change because of this, “said Kelly.
As a former school principal, he said he understands things can happen but hopes it’s settled to everybody’s satisfaction.
In the meantime, residents of the area say children using the park had been told to disperse several times before this incident. While clearly marked as off limits at the time, signs had been torn down Sunday. “There may have been some confusion, “said Kelly.
A neighbour said the boy is a regular at the park and at the YMCA it sits next to, and is not known as a trouble maker.
The Youth Park at 275 Winewood Ave. E. in Gravenhurst where OPP officers had a controversial encounter with a boy, is pictured on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Joe Warmington/Toronto Sun
The Youth Park at 275 Winewood Ave. E. in Gravenhurst where OPP officers had a controversial encounter with a boy, is pictured on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Joe Warmington/Toronto Sun
It’s important for authority and public servants to be reminded the people who live here are not the enemy and government is in place to serve the citizens and not the other way around. They work for Ontarians and this is a free country where having kids on scooters or in playgrounds is a good thing. Let the kids skate. Let them play. Keep them happy because the adults are struggling through an unhappy time where the future is unclear.
In fairness to authorities, Muskoka has had 350 positive COVID cases over the pandemic and there have been cases among a few children in schools. Law enforcement is asked to keep people away from public spaces with a view to ensuring safety and preventing virus spread. But there has to be common sense applied. Yes, there is a battle against the coronavirus and its variants. But there is also a battle for keeping the sanity of the province together, as well. This is why getting out to the park is important for people.
This video offers a glimpse of what Ontario could look like if we allow it to skate down the path toward a dystopian state.
jwarmington@postmedia.com
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Joe Warmington
Publishing date:Apr 20, 2021 • 1 hour ago • 4 minute read • 163 Comments
OPP officers with a boy at the Gravenhurst Skate Park.
OPP officers with a boy at the Gravenhurst Skate Park. PHOTO BY SCREENGRAB /Muskoka411/Twitter
Article content
You know the wheels are coming off lockdown enforcement when the police are targeting a “12-year-old” potential violator in a skateboard park.
And a free society is skating on thin ice when videos show up appearing to show a kid being pushed to the ground by a police officer.
What occurred in Gravenhurst is exactly what people were afraid would happen when the province brought in new guidelines to give police power to randomly stop people during the Ontario-wide stay-at-home order. Since those powers were backed off on, and most police services indicated they had no interest in enforcing them, no one dreamed something as ugly as this appears would still happen.
But it did at Youth Park at 275 Winewood Ave. E. on Sunday.
Perhaps the OPP didn’t get the memo? Or maybe their instructions are to still to do random stops?
Most people thought such interactions could happen on the highways or at border points. Not at a skateboard park. Not in playgrounds. And not involving police in confrontations with kids.
The video appears to show a boy on a scooter being knocked down during a conversation with an OPP officer. The audio of the incident offers some insight.
“Don’t touch me,” a youth can be heard saying. “What are you doing?”
Another young person can be heard saying “he’s 12 years old” and “we are trying to leave, man.”
The audio is believed to be one of the officers saying, “He failed to identify” and “You don’t talk to an adult like this.”
It has not been confirmed if the boy is 12, but in the video, it is clear this is a youth that is much smaller than the police officer. Whether the boy was thrown from the scooter or there is another explanation will be part of the investigation. A fair probe to gain all context from all sides of this is necessary.
Advertisement
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Article content
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique has asked Peel Regional Police to conduct an investigation into the incident.
In a statement, OPP said “Officers stopped to speak to a group of young people, none of whom were wearing masks or social distancing. Officers attempted to interact with the youths which led to a physical confrontation between one officer and one young person.”
The officer involved has been reassigned to administrative duties while the investigation is conducted.
“We understand the concerns being expressed by members of the public, and I want to assure everyone that the Ontario Provincial Police holds its members to highest levels of professionalism and accountability,” Carrique said.
However this shakes out, there is a climate in Ontario that has to change. It’s too tense out there. Too angry.
People need to keep their cool.
“It is clear that police enforcing the stay-at-home order creates situations for our officers and the community none of us wish to be in,” the Ontario Provincial Police Association said in a statement. “Public trust is the foundation of effective policing and our members strive to maintain and improve that trust every day. Frustration for all is at a boiling point. Our members are under extraordinary stress, as are everyone during these trying times.”
Gravenhurst Mayor Paul Kelly said he alerted police to the video as soon as he received it Monday. He said he was pleased the OPP handed the issue over to Peel police to investigate.
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“The relationship between the OPP in Gravenhurst and youth is tremendous and I hope that doesn’t change because of this, “said Kelly.
As a former school principal, he said he understands things can happen but hopes it’s settled to everybody’s satisfaction.
In the meantime, residents of the area say children using the park had been told to disperse several times before this incident. While clearly marked as off limits at the time, signs had been torn down Sunday. “There may have been some confusion, “said Kelly.
A neighbour said the boy is a regular at the park and at the YMCA it sits next to, and is not known as a trouble maker.
The Youth Park at 275 Winewood Ave. E. in Gravenhurst where OPP officers had a controversial encounter with a boy, is pictured on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Joe Warmington/Toronto Sun
The Youth Park at 275 Winewood Ave. E. in Gravenhurst where OPP officers had a controversial encounter with a boy, is pictured on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Joe Warmington/Toronto Sun
It’s important for authority and public servants to be reminded the people who live here are not the enemy and government is in place to serve the citizens and not the other way around. They work for Ontarians and this is a free country where having kids on scooters or in playgrounds is a good thing. Let the kids skate. Let them play. Keep them happy because the adults are struggling through an unhappy time where the future is unclear.
In fairness to authorities, Muskoka has had 350 positive COVID cases over the pandemic and there have been cases among a few children in schools. Law enforcement is asked to keep people away from public spaces with a view to ensuring safety and preventing virus spread. But there has to be common sense applied. Yes, there is a battle against the coronavirus and its variants. But there is also a battle for keeping the sanity of the province together, as well. This is why getting out to the park is important for people.
This video offers a glimpse of what Ontario could look like if we allow it to skate down the path toward a dystopian state.
jwarmington@postmedia.com
WARMINGTON: Peel police probing OPP interaction with boy in wake of video
GRAVENHURST — You know the wheels are coming off lockdown enforcement when the police are targeting a “12-year-old” potential violator in a skateboard park.
I hope the cop gets fired..
Wish I was there and saw this happening.. getting very tired of the OPP and Quebec Police..
Starting to understand why cops are getting shot more in the USA and the Defund Police..
Wish I was there and saw this happening.. getting very tired of the OPP and Quebec Police..
Starting to understand why cops are getting shot more in the USA and the Defund Police..
Tim Hortons washroom rant triggers investigation by Hamilton cops
Author of the article:Kevin Connor
Publishing date:Apr 20, 2021 • 1 day ago • 1 minute read • 39 Comments
Hamilton Police are looking into an incident captured on video in which an irate maskless man blasts Tim Hortons staff over washroom access.
Hamilton Police are looking into an incident captured on video in which an irate maskless man blasts Tim Hortons staff over washroom access.
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Hamilton Police are looking into an incident captured on video in which an irate maskless man blasts Tim Hortons staff over washroom access.
The incident happened Saturday at a Tims on Kenilworth Ave. when the man wanted the establishment to allow kids to go to the bathroom.
Because of the COVID-19 restrictions, many establishments such as Tim Hortons have closed washroom facilities to the public.
In the video, filmed by the man, he repeatedly tells an employee he calls Nadia that she is committing child abuse by not letting the kids into the washroom.
WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS SWEARING
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“(You’ll) let a little kid have a bladder infection … that’s child abuse,” the man says.
“Can she please use the washroom? … Fine we will squat right here.”
He uses the F-bomb quite often during his rant.
“See this chick, she is actively committing child abuse,” he yells.
Hamilton Police were made aware of the video on Sunday and “continue to investigate,” Const. Indy Bharaj said Tuesday.
kconnor@postmedia.com
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Kevin Connor
Publishing date:Apr 20, 2021 • 1 day ago • 1 minute read • 39 Comments
Hamilton Police are looking into an incident captured on video in which an irate maskless man blasts Tim Hortons staff over washroom access.
Hamilton Police are looking into an incident captured on video in which an irate maskless man blasts Tim Hortons staff over washroom access.
Article content
Hamilton Police are looking into an incident captured on video in which an irate maskless man blasts Tim Hortons staff over washroom access.
The incident happened Saturday at a Tims on Kenilworth Ave. when the man wanted the establishment to allow kids to go to the bathroom.
Because of the COVID-19 restrictions, many establishments such as Tim Hortons have closed washroom facilities to the public.
In the video, filmed by the man, he repeatedly tells an employee he calls Nadia that she is committing child abuse by not letting the kids into the washroom.
WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS SWEARING
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“(You’ll) let a little kid have a bladder infection … that’s child abuse,” the man says.
“Can she please use the washroom? … Fine we will squat right here.”
He uses the F-bomb quite often during his rant.
“See this chick, she is actively committing child abuse,” he yells.
Hamilton Police were made aware of the video on Sunday and “continue to investigate,” Const. Indy Bharaj said Tuesday.
kconnor@postmedia.com
Tim Hortons washroom rant triggers investigation by Hamilton cops
Hamilton Police are looking into an incident captured on video in which an irate maskless man blasts Tim Hortons staff over washroom access.
Crew members concerned as Air Canada sells out flights from COVID hotspots
Booking info shows no economy seats available on Air Canada's Delhi to Toronto flights until late May
Author of the article:Bryan Passifiume
Publishing date:Apr 21, 2021 • 3 hours ago • 2 minute read • 20 Comments
Air Canada passenger planes take off at Pearson International Airport on Sunday Jan. 24, 2021.
Air Canada passenger planes take off at Pearson International Airport on Sunday Jan. 24, 2021. PHOTO BY JACK BOLAND /Toronto Sun
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Anybody hoping to book a seat from Delhi to Toronto on Canada’s largest airline over the next four weeks is pretty much out of luck.
And as Air Canada continues to operate near-or-at capacity flights from world COVID-19 hotspots, concern is growing among those who crew them.
Air Canada flight crew members reported to the Toronto Sun that there’s widespread anxiety concerning flights from Delhi — which since February, has grown into Canada’s single-highest source of international passengers infected with the potentially deadly respiratory disease.
At least half of the four-daily non-stop flights from India’s capital this month carried COVID-positive passengers, according to information posted online by Health Canada.
Between April 1-19, both Air Canada and Air India operated 47 infected flights from Delhi to Canadian airports.
India’s second wave — fuelled by the virulent “‘double-mutant” B.1.617 variant — has unleashed a nightmare in the South Asian country with 300,000 new cases reported on Wednesday.
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The 166 infected international flights that landed in Canada so far this month include 27 from the United States, 14 from Paris, 13 from Doha, Qatar, and eight from Frankfurt — destinations served by Air Canada.
One crew member told the Sun Delhi-assigned crews are fearful as they watch co-workers book off to quarantine or recover from COVID — a sentiment shared by their union, which has fielded “multiple” complaints from members regarding those flights.
“While it has been on our radar as a hotspot for a long time, the union is increasingly deeply concerned about this route,” said CUPE spokesperson Hugh Pouliot.
Booking information shows no available tickets on Toronto-bound AC43 from Delhi for the rest of this month, except for limited business class seats on April 23, 25 and 27.
No economy seats on that flight are available until May 24.
Inquires to Air Canada by the Sun went unreturned by deadline.
Canadian officials have dismissed growing calls to ban flights from India.
On Wednesday, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam gave the first hint the government is considering changing course, describing India as an “emerging situation” under close observation.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
Travellers from an international flight are directed to the COVID-19 testing area as part of Canada's measures against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Mississauga, February 24, 2021.
LILLEY: Trudeau still won't act on flights from India and other hotspots
International arrivals at Toronto's Pearson airport.
Canada eyes policy on travel from India due to massive COVID-19 outbreak
Travellers walk through Terminal 2 at Heathrow Airport, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in London, Britain February 14, 2021.
Britain's Heathrow Airport turns down airline requests for extra flights from India
“We will be doing that risk assessment again, and using the data that we have now collected at the border to inform our next steps,” she said.
Officials like Tam, Health Minister Patty Hajdu and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau describe Canada’s borders among the world’s strongest, key to preventing spread from international travel.
bpassifiume@postmedia.com
On Twitter: @bryanpassifiume
torontosun.com
Booking info shows no economy seats available on Air Canada's Delhi to Toronto flights until late May
Author of the article:Bryan Passifiume
Publishing date:Apr 21, 2021 • 3 hours ago • 2 minute read • 20 Comments
Air Canada passenger planes take off at Pearson International Airport on Sunday Jan. 24, 2021.
Air Canada passenger planes take off at Pearson International Airport on Sunday Jan. 24, 2021. PHOTO BY JACK BOLAND /Toronto Sun
Article content
Anybody hoping to book a seat from Delhi to Toronto on Canada’s largest airline over the next four weeks is pretty much out of luck.
And as Air Canada continues to operate near-or-at capacity flights from world COVID-19 hotspots, concern is growing among those who crew them.
Air Canada flight crew members reported to the Toronto Sun that there’s widespread anxiety concerning flights from Delhi — which since February, has grown into Canada’s single-highest source of international passengers infected with the potentially deadly respiratory disease.
At least half of the four-daily non-stop flights from India’s capital this month carried COVID-positive passengers, according to information posted online by Health Canada.
Between April 1-19, both Air Canada and Air India operated 47 infected flights from Delhi to Canadian airports.
India’s second wave — fuelled by the virulent “‘double-mutant” B.1.617 variant — has unleashed a nightmare in the South Asian country with 300,000 new cases reported on Wednesday.
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The 166 infected international flights that landed in Canada so far this month include 27 from the United States, 14 from Paris, 13 from Doha, Qatar, and eight from Frankfurt — destinations served by Air Canada.
One crew member told the Sun Delhi-assigned crews are fearful as they watch co-workers book off to quarantine or recover from COVID — a sentiment shared by their union, which has fielded “multiple” complaints from members regarding those flights.
“While it has been on our radar as a hotspot for a long time, the union is increasingly deeply concerned about this route,” said CUPE spokesperson Hugh Pouliot.
Booking information shows no available tickets on Toronto-bound AC43 from Delhi for the rest of this month, except for limited business class seats on April 23, 25 and 27.
No economy seats on that flight are available until May 24.
Inquires to Air Canada by the Sun went unreturned by deadline.
Canadian officials have dismissed growing calls to ban flights from India.
On Wednesday, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam gave the first hint the government is considering changing course, describing India as an “emerging situation” under close observation.
Travellers from an international flight are directed to the COVID-19 testing area as part of Canada's measures against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Mississauga, February 24, 2021.
LILLEY: Trudeau still won't act on flights from India and other hotspots
International arrivals at Toronto's Pearson airport.
Canada eyes policy on travel from India due to massive COVID-19 outbreak
Travellers walk through Terminal 2 at Heathrow Airport, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in London, Britain February 14, 2021.
Britain's Heathrow Airport turns down airline requests for extra flights from India
“We will be doing that risk assessment again, and using the data that we have now collected at the border to inform our next steps,” she said.
Officials like Tam, Health Minister Patty Hajdu and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau describe Canada’s borders among the world’s strongest, key to preventing spread from international travel.
bpassifiume@postmedia.com
On Twitter: @bryanpassifiume
Crew members concerned as Air Canada sells out flights from COVID hotspots
Booking info shows no economy seats available on Air Canada's Delhi to Toronto flights until late May
'We treat prisoners better' than returning travellers, says snowbird
Author of the article:Sue-Ann Levy
Publishing date:Apr 21, 2021 • 3 hours ago • 2 minute read • 8 Comments
A truck leaves the Canada-United States border crossing at the Thousand Islands Bridge on Sept. 28, 2020.
A truck leaves the Canada-United States border crossing at the Thousand Islands Bridge on Sept. 28, 2020. PHOTO BY REUTERS /Toronto Sun
Article content
Retirees Michelle and Rich Hamilton (not their real names) have endured what they call “abuse and harassment” since returning to Canada via the Thousand Islands crossing last week.
Reached while in quarantine in her Ottawa home, Michelle said her problems started when they turned up the border after two days on the road and her negative PCR COVID test — taken in Bradenton, Fla. — hadn’t been posted online (her husband’s test results had been posted).
She said a Canada Border Services agent “seized” her passport and a Health Canada nurse came out in full PPE and ordered them to remain in the car.
The nurse indicated she wouldn’t fine Michelle $3,000 if she turned around and went to Watertown, N.Y., for a retest — meaning they’d have to stay overnight, she said.
When Michelle noted she was fully vaccinated with Moderna and showed her the receipt for the PCR test, the Health Canada nurse apparently said the federal government “doesn’t care about vaccines” and her other option was to be taken into “federal custody” at a quarantine centre for 14 days.
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She claimed the nurse reprimanded her and her husband for leaving Canada — even though the snowbirds flew down to Florida before the government beefed up restrictions for travellers — saying “this is the price you pay for doing that.”
Although Michelle said she was finally able to access her test — there had been a glitch posting it — and go home, six days later, she was in tears for what she characterized as abusive treatment.
“I never would have expected this from my own country,” she said. “We treat prisoners better.”
She said since she’s returned home, she’s received a phone call from a federal government agent, who grilled her about everything including what she will do when she runs out of food.
On Wednesday, a quarantine inspector turned up at her home and when he didn’t see her husband — who was showering — banged on the front window, she said.
The couple have filed a complaint about their treatment with the legal advocacy group, The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF).
A media spokesperson with Health Canada said the Canadian government continues to take “unprecedented action” to protect the health and safety of Canadians with measures that prevent “further transmission” of COVID-19 and virus variants.
The spokesperson said all travellers arriving to Canada by air or land must complete a test on the day of arrival and on the 10th day of the mandatory quarantine period.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
The flight arrival lineup at Toronto's Pearson International Airport located in Terminal One on Feb. 22, 2021.
LEVY: Did traveller contract COVID at quarantine hotel?
A group of protesters rally out front of the Radisson hotel on Dixon Rd., where travellers are forced to quarantine after arriving at nearby Pearson International Airport, on Thursday Feb. 11, 2021.
LEVY: Future of COVID jails for travellers unclear
Health workers at the arrivals COVID-19 testing area at Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport on January 26, 2021.
LEVY: Fully vaccinated traveller fined $3,750 for refusing hotel stay
Travellers must also present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival at the border.
“The testing requirements for international travellers, in combination with other measures, including a 14-day quarantine, are necessary to protect people in Canada,” the spokesperson said. “COVID-19 variants have been detected in every province, and we must be vigilant in preventing new travel-related cases.”
SLevy@postmedia.com
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Sue-Ann Levy
Publishing date:Apr 21, 2021 • 3 hours ago • 2 minute read • 8 Comments
A truck leaves the Canada-United States border crossing at the Thousand Islands Bridge on Sept. 28, 2020.
A truck leaves the Canada-United States border crossing at the Thousand Islands Bridge on Sept. 28, 2020. PHOTO BY REUTERS /Toronto Sun
Article content
Retirees Michelle and Rich Hamilton (not their real names) have endured what they call “abuse and harassment” since returning to Canada via the Thousand Islands crossing last week.
Reached while in quarantine in her Ottawa home, Michelle said her problems started when they turned up the border after two days on the road and her negative PCR COVID test — taken in Bradenton, Fla. — hadn’t been posted online (her husband’s test results had been posted).
She said a Canada Border Services agent “seized” her passport and a Health Canada nurse came out in full PPE and ordered them to remain in the car.
The nurse indicated she wouldn’t fine Michelle $3,000 if she turned around and went to Watertown, N.Y., for a retest — meaning they’d have to stay overnight, she said.
When Michelle noted she was fully vaccinated with Moderna and showed her the receipt for the PCR test, the Health Canada nurse apparently said the federal government “doesn’t care about vaccines” and her other option was to be taken into “federal custody” at a quarantine centre for 14 days.
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Article content
She claimed the nurse reprimanded her and her husband for leaving Canada — even though the snowbirds flew down to Florida before the government beefed up restrictions for travellers — saying “this is the price you pay for doing that.”
Although Michelle said she was finally able to access her test — there had been a glitch posting it — and go home, six days later, she was in tears for what she characterized as abusive treatment.
“I never would have expected this from my own country,” she said. “We treat prisoners better.”
She said since she’s returned home, she’s received a phone call from a federal government agent, who grilled her about everything including what she will do when she runs out of food.
On Wednesday, a quarantine inspector turned up at her home and when he didn’t see her husband — who was showering — banged on the front window, she said.
The couple have filed a complaint about their treatment with the legal advocacy group, The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF).
A media spokesperson with Health Canada said the Canadian government continues to take “unprecedented action” to protect the health and safety of Canadians with measures that prevent “further transmission” of COVID-19 and virus variants.
The spokesperson said all travellers arriving to Canada by air or land must complete a test on the day of arrival and on the 10th day of the mandatory quarantine period.
The flight arrival lineup at Toronto's Pearson International Airport located in Terminal One on Feb. 22, 2021.
LEVY: Did traveller contract COVID at quarantine hotel?
A group of protesters rally out front of the Radisson hotel on Dixon Rd., where travellers are forced to quarantine after arriving at nearby Pearson International Airport, on Thursday Feb. 11, 2021.
LEVY: Future of COVID jails for travellers unclear
Health workers at the arrivals COVID-19 testing area at Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport on January 26, 2021.
LEVY: Fully vaccinated traveller fined $3,750 for refusing hotel stay
Travellers must also present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival at the border.
“The testing requirements for international travellers, in combination with other measures, including a 14-day quarantine, are necessary to protect people in Canada,” the spokesperson said. “COVID-19 variants have been detected in every province, and we must be vigilant in preventing new travel-related cases.”
SLevy@postmedia.com
'We treat prisoners better' than returning travellers, says snowbird
Retirees Michelle and Rich Hamilton (not their real names) have endured what they call "abuse and harassment" since returning to Canada.
ICU triage protocol could be days away, warns nurses' association
Author of the article:Antonella Artuso
Publishing date:Apr 20, 2021 • 1 day ago • 2 minute read • 8 Comments
Registered nurse Jane Abas tends to a COVID-19 variant patient who is intubated and on a ventilator in the intensive care unit at the Humber River Hospital in Toronto, Tuesday, April 13, 2021.
Registered nurse Jane Abas tends to a COVID-19 variant patient who is intubated and on a ventilator in the intensive care unit at the Humber River Hospital in Toronto, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. PHOTO BY NATHAN DENETTE /THE CANADIAN PRESS
Article content
Hospitals are doubling and tripling the usual number of patients handled by intensive care nurses as those sick with COVID-19 overwhelm ICU capacity, says the CEO of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO).
“It means that an ICU nurse cannot have the attentive eye as it should be over that one patient,” Doris Grinspun said.
“I have already heard directly from nurses that blame themselves because a patient died, ‘because if I could have been more with the patient maybe I would have saved him.’ Just picture when this becomes worse and worse and worse.”
An intensive care triage protocol — a guide for health-care professionals trying to decide which patients can access an ICU bed in a shortage — could be in effect as early as this weekend, Grinspun cautioned.
“I am very afraid of when they will start,” Grinspun said Tuesday.
Advocates have been raising concerns that the document would devalue Ontario residents with disabilities if health care is rationed.
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Grinspun said she warned Premier Doug Ford last year — when Italy was going through its well-publicized COVID-19 crisis — that there was a need to train more ICU nurses and just opening a field hospital would not be enough if there were insufficient nurses to provide care.
“The difference between Italy and us is that in Italy it was naked to the eye,” she said. “Here, we are hiding it inside walls.”
An Ontario Ministry of Health statement said the government is adding thousands of hospital beds and ramping down elective surgeries to create more capacity in the system.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
Protesters in front of the College of Nurses of Ontario building on Davenport Ave in Toronto on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.
BRAUN: Ontario nurses claim they have been muzzled by college
Paramedics transport a person from Roberta Place, a long-term care facility in Barrie that is the site of a COVID-19 outbreak, on Jan. 18, 2021.
Pandemic 'crashed' nursing home staffing; operators say 'crisis' has only grown
Head intensivist Dr. Ali Ghafouri, second left, meets with his health-care team doing his morning patient rounds in the intensive care unit at the Humber River Hospital in Toronto on Tuesday, April 13, 2021.
Ontario logs 4,250 new COVID cases, ICU admissions reach new peak
“While the situation in our hospitals is concerning, no triage model has been activated in Ontario at this time,” the statement said. “Ontario Health and the Ontario Critical Care COVID Command Table continue to work with our hospitals to transfer patients from hospitals who are at capacity to other sites to ensure no capacity goes untapped.”
Ontario hospitals have 722 patients in ICU beds who have tested positive for COVID-19, and 537 on ventilators.
Public health officials have warned that hospitalizations will rise sharply over the next two weeks.
aartuso@postmedia.com
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Antonella Artuso
Publishing date:Apr 20, 2021 • 1 day ago • 2 minute read • 8 Comments
Registered nurse Jane Abas tends to a COVID-19 variant patient who is intubated and on a ventilator in the intensive care unit at the Humber River Hospital in Toronto, Tuesday, April 13, 2021.
Registered nurse Jane Abas tends to a COVID-19 variant patient who is intubated and on a ventilator in the intensive care unit at the Humber River Hospital in Toronto, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. PHOTO BY NATHAN DENETTE /THE CANADIAN PRESS
Article content
Hospitals are doubling and tripling the usual number of patients handled by intensive care nurses as those sick with COVID-19 overwhelm ICU capacity, says the CEO of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO).
“It means that an ICU nurse cannot have the attentive eye as it should be over that one patient,” Doris Grinspun said.
“I have already heard directly from nurses that blame themselves because a patient died, ‘because if I could have been more with the patient maybe I would have saved him.’ Just picture when this becomes worse and worse and worse.”
An intensive care triage protocol — a guide for health-care professionals trying to decide which patients can access an ICU bed in a shortage — could be in effect as early as this weekend, Grinspun cautioned.
“I am very afraid of when they will start,” Grinspun said Tuesday.
Advocates have been raising concerns that the document would devalue Ontario residents with disabilities if health care is rationed.
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Grinspun said she warned Premier Doug Ford last year — when Italy was going through its well-publicized COVID-19 crisis — that there was a need to train more ICU nurses and just opening a field hospital would not be enough if there were insufficient nurses to provide care.
“The difference between Italy and us is that in Italy it was naked to the eye,” she said. “Here, we are hiding it inside walls.”
An Ontario Ministry of Health statement said the government is adding thousands of hospital beds and ramping down elective surgeries to create more capacity in the system.
Protesters in front of the College of Nurses of Ontario building on Davenport Ave in Toronto on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.
BRAUN: Ontario nurses claim they have been muzzled by college
Paramedics transport a person from Roberta Place, a long-term care facility in Barrie that is the site of a COVID-19 outbreak, on Jan. 18, 2021.
Pandemic 'crashed' nursing home staffing; operators say 'crisis' has only grown
Head intensivist Dr. Ali Ghafouri, second left, meets with his health-care team doing his morning patient rounds in the intensive care unit at the Humber River Hospital in Toronto on Tuesday, April 13, 2021.
Ontario logs 4,250 new COVID cases, ICU admissions reach new peak
“While the situation in our hospitals is concerning, no triage model has been activated in Ontario at this time,” the statement said. “Ontario Health and the Ontario Critical Care COVID Command Table continue to work with our hospitals to transfer patients from hospitals who are at capacity to other sites to ensure no capacity goes untapped.”
Ontario hospitals have 722 patients in ICU beds who have tested positive for COVID-19, and 537 on ventilators.
Public health officials have warned that hospitalizations will rise sharply over the next two weeks.
aartuso@postmedia.com
ICU triage protocol could be days away, warns nurses' association
Hospitals are doubling and tripling the usual number of patients handled by intensive care nurses.
Concerned over imported COVID variants, Brampton's mayor calls for airport closure
Patrick Brown wants YYZ closed to call but cargo flights, and says Brampton's residents agree
Author of the article:Bryan Passifiume
Publishing date:Apr 22, 2021 • 22 hours ago • 2 minute read • 8 Comments
Passengers at Toronto Pearson airport wait to head to hotels to quarantine on Monday, March 1, 2021.
Passengers at Toronto Pearson airport wait to head to hotels to quarantine on Monday, March 1, 2021. PHOTO BY VERONICA HENRI /Toronto Sun
Article content
Shut it down.
Calls for the federal government to take a tougher stand on international flights carrying COVID-infected passengers have now reached the office of Brampton’s mayor, who is publicly calling for the grounding of non-essential flights at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
TRUDEAU'S CARBON CAPER: PM sets another climate target he won't meet
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“We’ve got flights coming in every day from India,” Brown told the Sun in an interview Thursday morning. “We’ve got an outbreak with a new mutated variant that is creating not just a curve, but a straight arrow upwards.”
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Also on Thursday, Peel Region council unanimously passed a motion calling on the federal government to suspend non-essential flights from provincial and international hot spots.
As of Thursday, 181 international flights landed in Canada carrying COVID-infected passengers, with 91 of those touching down at YYZ.
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Since late February, Canada experienced a spike of infected flights from Delhi — 49 so far in April — corresponding to India’s devastating second wave.
Brown, whose city not only borders YYZ but is also home to one of Canada’s largest immigrant populations, said the flights are concern to his constituents, particularly those of Indian descent.
“It’s the diaspora that’s calling for stricter provisions,” he said.
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That’s a sentiment shared by Brampton South MPP Prabmeet Sarkaria, who said COVID concerns transcend race, culture and ethnic origin.
“The community wants to be protected, they want to be safe,” he said. “We need to really act fast to ensure that we ban flights from hot spot countries.”
“It’s never too late to do the right thing,” Sarkaria added.
Canada has previously banned flights from hot spots, including sun destinations earlier this year and the brief pause of U.K. passenger flights in December — a lukewarm attempt to address the UK B.1.1.7 variant — responsible for sickening over 100 residents of a Barrie long-term care home in January.
On Thursday, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Howard Njoo said a border announcement was “coming soon” — measures Brown hopes will include halting passenger flights into airports like Pearson.
“I would love for him to announce a closure plan for the airport,” said Brown, who envisions a plan where Canadian citizens are given a week to return home before limiting air traffic to cargo flights.
Health Minister Patty Hajdu said last week that Canada relies on border restrictions to keep variants at bay, describing them as among the “world’s strongest.”
Mayor Brown disagrees.
“The current quarantine period is not working,” he said. “I’m hearing stories of people who tested negative and go into the community, and then they’re positive.”
This isn’t the first time Brown has publicly criticized COVID-19 policy.
Over the weekend, he tweeted photos of a taped-off playground to draw attention to the province’s now-reversed measures to squelch Ontario’s variant-fuelled third wave.
“If a dad wants to kick a soccer ball with his son or daughter he’s not allowed to, but if he wants to fly to India and come back, he can,” Brown said. “It just shows how inconsistent our restrictions have been.”
bpassifiume@postmedia.com
On Twitter: @bryanpassifiume
torontosun.com
Patrick Brown wants YYZ closed to call but cargo flights, and says Brampton's residents agree
Author of the article:Bryan Passifiume
Publishing date:Apr 22, 2021 • 22 hours ago • 2 minute read • 8 Comments
Passengers at Toronto Pearson airport wait to head to hotels to quarantine on Monday, March 1, 2021.
Passengers at Toronto Pearson airport wait to head to hotels to quarantine on Monday, March 1, 2021. PHOTO BY VERONICA HENRI /Toronto Sun
Article content
Shut it down.
Calls for the federal government to take a tougher stand on international flights carrying COVID-infected passengers have now reached the office of Brampton’s mayor, who is publicly calling for the grounding of non-essential flights at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
TRUDEAU'S CARBON CAPER: PM sets another climate target he won't meet
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“We’ve got flights coming in every day from India,” Brown told the Sun in an interview Thursday morning. “We’ve got an outbreak with a new mutated variant that is creating not just a curve, but a straight arrow upwards.”
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Also on Thursday, Peel Region council unanimously passed a motion calling on the federal government to suspend non-essential flights from provincial and international hot spots.
As of Thursday, 181 international flights landed in Canada carrying COVID-infected passengers, with 91 of those touching down at YYZ.
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Since late February, Canada experienced a spike of infected flights from Delhi — 49 so far in April — corresponding to India’s devastating second wave.
Brown, whose city not only borders YYZ but is also home to one of Canada’s largest immigrant populations, said the flights are concern to his constituents, particularly those of Indian descent.
“It’s the diaspora that’s calling for stricter provisions,” he said.
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That’s a sentiment shared by Brampton South MPP Prabmeet Sarkaria, who said COVID concerns transcend race, culture and ethnic origin.
“The community wants to be protected, they want to be safe,” he said. “We need to really act fast to ensure that we ban flights from hot spot countries.”
“It’s never too late to do the right thing,” Sarkaria added.
Canada has previously banned flights from hot spots, including sun destinations earlier this year and the brief pause of U.K. passenger flights in December — a lukewarm attempt to address the UK B.1.1.7 variant — responsible for sickening over 100 residents of a Barrie long-term care home in January.
On Thursday, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Howard Njoo said a border announcement was “coming soon” — measures Brown hopes will include halting passenger flights into airports like Pearson.
“I would love for him to announce a closure plan for the airport,” said Brown, who envisions a plan where Canadian citizens are given a week to return home before limiting air traffic to cargo flights.
Health Minister Patty Hajdu said last week that Canada relies on border restrictions to keep variants at bay, describing them as among the “world’s strongest.”
Mayor Brown disagrees.
“The current quarantine period is not working,” he said. “I’m hearing stories of people who tested negative and go into the community, and then they’re positive.”
This isn’t the first time Brown has publicly criticized COVID-19 policy.
Over the weekend, he tweeted photos of a taped-off playground to draw attention to the province’s now-reversed measures to squelch Ontario’s variant-fuelled third wave.
“If a dad wants to kick a soccer ball with his son or daughter he’s not allowed to, but if he wants to fly to India and come back, he can,” Brown said. “It just shows how inconsistent our restrictions have been.”
bpassifiume@postmedia.com
On Twitter: @bryanpassifiume
Concerned over imported COVID variants, Brampton's mayor calls for airport closure
Calls for the feds to take a tougher stand on flights carrying COVID-infected passengers have reached the office of Brampton's mayor.
Toronto cops among those charged in Aylmer Church of God gathering
Four people were charged following a gathering this week
Author of the article:Jonathan Juha
Publishing date:Apr 23, 2021 • 2 hours ago • 2 minute read • 14 Comments
Police at the Church of God in Aylmer. (Derek Ruttan/The London Free Press file photo)
Police at the Church of God in Aylmer. (Derek Ruttan/The London Free Press file photo)
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Two of the four people charged following a gathering this week at Aylmer’s Church of God are Toronto police officers, Aylmer police say.
Aylmer Police Chief Zvonko Horvat confirmed the charges to The Free Press early Friday. The Toronto Sun identifies the off-duty Toronto cops as Sgt. Julie Evans and Sgt. Greg Boltyansky and reports both were hit with $880 tickets for violating Ontario’s stay-at-home order.
Aylmer officers responded to the John Street church about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and laid charges against a North York man, 42, a Scarborough woman, 41, and two Aylmer men, ages 34 and 20, under the Reopening Ontario Act.
But in a video exchange, shared online by independent MPP Randy Hillier (Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston), a man and a woman in plain clothes identify themselves as law enforcement to an Aylmer police while in the church’s parking lot.
“You are in a church parking, how do you sleep at night, well?” she says.
“I’ve been an officer for over two decades and I would never, never, ever put on a uniform and behave the way you do in a place of religion and talk to people the way you two do.”
“This is not how officers of the law behave,” the woman continues.
Added the man: “You’re harassing people,” he said. “Did you swear an oath to the Charter like I did?”
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The man and the woman also accuse the Aylmer police officer of breaking the law and their Charter rights. They also demand the officer identify himself and give them their badge number. It was unclear in the video if the officer did.
Officers responded to the Church of God after receiving complaints of a large gathering, police said earlier this week.
A total of 18 vehicles were in the church’s parking lot, police said.
While officers were dealing with two individuals in the parking lot, 18 more people were seen leaving the church’s building, none of them wearing masks or practising social distancing, police said.
Under existing provincial rules to fight the third COVID-19 wave, indoor gatherings for weddings, funerals and religious services are capped at 10 people.
Individuals found in violation of health regulations can face a minimum fine of $750. Those who host parties or gatherings can face a maximum fine of $10,000 upon conviction.
All our coronavirus-related news can be found at lfpress.com/tag/coronavirus.
Sign up for our weekday email newsletter at noonnewsroundup.lfpress.com/p/1.
lfpress.com
torontosun.com
Four people were charged following a gathering this week
Author of the article:Jonathan Juha
Publishing date:Apr 23, 2021 • 2 hours ago • 2 minute read • 14 Comments
Police at the Church of God in Aylmer. (Derek Ruttan/The London Free Press file photo)
Police at the Church of God in Aylmer. (Derek Ruttan/The London Free Press file photo)
Article content
Two of the four people charged following a gathering this week at Aylmer’s Church of God are Toronto police officers, Aylmer police say.
Aylmer Police Chief Zvonko Horvat confirmed the charges to The Free Press early Friday. The Toronto Sun identifies the off-duty Toronto cops as Sgt. Julie Evans and Sgt. Greg Boltyansky and reports both were hit with $880 tickets for violating Ontario’s stay-at-home order.
Aylmer officers responded to the John Street church about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and laid charges against a North York man, 42, a Scarborough woman, 41, and two Aylmer men, ages 34 and 20, under the Reopening Ontario Act.
But in a video exchange, shared online by independent MPP Randy Hillier (Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston), a man and a woman in plain clothes identify themselves as law enforcement to an Aylmer police while in the church’s parking lot.
“You are in a church parking, how do you sleep at night, well?” she says.
“I’ve been an officer for over two decades and I would never, never, ever put on a uniform and behave the way you do in a place of religion and talk to people the way you two do.”
“This is not how officers of the law behave,” the woman continues.
Added the man: “You’re harassing people,” he said. “Did you swear an oath to the Charter like I did?”
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The man and the woman also accuse the Aylmer police officer of breaking the law and their Charter rights. They also demand the officer identify himself and give them their badge number. It was unclear in the video if the officer did.
Officers responded to the Church of God after receiving complaints of a large gathering, police said earlier this week.
A total of 18 vehicles were in the church’s parking lot, police said.
While officers were dealing with two individuals in the parking lot, 18 more people were seen leaving the church’s building, none of them wearing masks or practising social distancing, police said.
Under existing provincial rules to fight the third COVID-19 wave, indoor gatherings for weddings, funerals and religious services are capped at 10 people.
Individuals found in violation of health regulations can face a minimum fine of $750. Those who host parties or gatherings can face a maximum fine of $10,000 upon conviction.
All our coronavirus-related news can be found at lfpress.com/tag/coronavirus.
Sign up for our weekday email newsletter at noonnewsroundup.lfpress.com/p/1.
Four charged after gathering at Aylmer's Church of God: Police
Four people are facing charges following a large gathering at Aylmer’s Church of God that violated Ontario’s COVID-19 laws, the town’s police department says.
Toronto cops among those charged in Aylmer Church of God gathering
Two of the four people charged following a gathering this week at Aylmer’s Church of God are Toronto police officers, Aylmer police say.
WARMINGTON: Peterborough mayor says anti-lockdown 'clown convention' not welcome
Author of the article:Joe Warmington
Publishing date:Apr 23, 2021 • 7 hours ago • 2 minute read • 182 Comments
An image posted to Twitter by Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien.
An image posted to Twitter by Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien. PHOTO BY @DIANENTHERRIEN /Twitter
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There’s few places as welcoming in Ontario to visitors than Peterborough.
Turns out not everybody is welcome in the venerable city on the Otonabee River, as its mayor made clear Thursday.
Needless to say, Mayor Diane Therrien is not thrilled about an anti-lockdown protest planned for downtown Saturday that will feature maverick independent MPP Randy Hillier and People’s Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier.
“Hey @randyhillier @MaximeBernier I know you boys are bored but” the mayor tweeted along with a photo of herself with a written quote in a bubble saying “Stay TF home.”
The mayor also tweeted: “The travelling clown convention isn’t welcome here. @randyhillier @MaximeBernier.”
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This was a stay-at-home order heard around the world. Well, the Twitter world.
It came as no surprise that Hillier and Bernier returned fire.
“Dear Madam Mayor of Peterborough, Canada is my home. @randyhillier #NoMoreLockdowns,” tweeted Bernier.
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Hillier got into the act by tweeting, “Freedom is marching on PTBO this weekend, double mask and stay indoors with your fears” and “Come one ‘n’ all Canadians to Peterborough this Saturday April 24th. I’m proud to defend our freedoms with @MaximeBernier. When the French & the English stand together, Canadian Freedoms are unassailable. Lets show@dianeNtherrien what being Canadian means #onpoli #nomorelockdowns.”
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So the standoff is on. The showdown is set for high noon at Confederation Park.
“I think because of the mayor’s tweets there could be thousands at this rally,” said Hillier, who has been attending similar events across the province.
Freedom of protest has always been the hallmark of Canada’s democracy but those who attend protests during lockdown orders have been receiving fines from police who are enforcing such laws. The Peterborough mayor used her free speech to express her opinion on the protest set for her city and has received support from other elected officials in the region.
In fact, in a joint statement in solidarity, Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith and Peterborough County Warden J. Murray Jones joined Therrien in encouraging people to stay away.
“Together, we are asking our community to please stay home, avoid in-person gatherings and follow public health advice,” said the statement. “Please do not put your life and the life of others at risk. Please choose to stay home and stay safe.”
It also said, “At these protests people have been gathering in large numbers, not wearing masks and standing close together in defiance of public health advice” and “these gatherings have the potential to become super-spreader events.”
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
Toronto Police Chief James Ramer speaks outside headquarters on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020.
WARMINGTON: Toronto's top cop vows it's health and safety enforcement not a police state
OPP officers with a boy at the Gravenhurst Skate Park.
WARMINGTON: Peel police probing OPP interaction with boy in wake of video
Peel Regional Police Sgt. Paul Brown hugs protesters outside of a Mississauga gym without wearing PPE on Friday, April 16, 2021.
WARMINGTON: Don't kick officer for a hug. Give him a slap on wrist and pat on back
What Hiller said is spreading is the erosion of Canada’s economy and free society.
“Canada is in a war on freedom and that’s what we are fighting for,” said Hillier.
But there will be no welcome mat offered from the mayor in Peterborough.
jwarmington@postmedia.com
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Joe Warmington
Publishing date:Apr 23, 2021 • 7 hours ago • 2 minute read • 182 Comments
An image posted to Twitter by Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien.
An image posted to Twitter by Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien. PHOTO BY @DIANENTHERRIEN /Twitter
Article content
There’s few places as welcoming in Ontario to visitors than Peterborough.
Turns out not everybody is welcome in the venerable city on the Otonabee River, as its mayor made clear Thursday.
Needless to say, Mayor Diane Therrien is not thrilled about an anti-lockdown protest planned for downtown Saturday that will feature maverick independent MPP Randy Hillier and People’s Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier.
“Hey @randyhillier @MaximeBernier I know you boys are bored but” the mayor tweeted along with a photo of herself with a written quote in a bubble saying “Stay TF home.”
The mayor also tweeted: “The travelling clown convention isn’t welcome here. @randyhillier @MaximeBernier.”
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Article content
This was a stay-at-home order heard around the world. Well, the Twitter world.
It came as no surprise that Hillier and Bernier returned fire.
“Dear Madam Mayor of Peterborough, Canada is my home. @randyhillier #NoMoreLockdowns,” tweeted Bernier.
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Hillier got into the act by tweeting, “Freedom is marching on PTBO this weekend, double mask and stay indoors with your fears” and “Come one ‘n’ all Canadians to Peterborough this Saturday April 24th. I’m proud to defend our freedoms with @MaximeBernier. When the French & the English stand together, Canadian Freedoms are unassailable. Lets show@dianeNtherrien what being Canadian means #onpoli #nomorelockdowns.”
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Article content
So the standoff is on. The showdown is set for high noon at Confederation Park.
“I think because of the mayor’s tweets there could be thousands at this rally,” said Hillier, who has been attending similar events across the province.
Freedom of protest has always been the hallmark of Canada’s democracy but those who attend protests during lockdown orders have been receiving fines from police who are enforcing such laws. The Peterborough mayor used her free speech to express her opinion on the protest set for her city and has received support from other elected officials in the region.
In fact, in a joint statement in solidarity, Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith and Peterborough County Warden J. Murray Jones joined Therrien in encouraging people to stay away.
“Together, we are asking our community to please stay home, avoid in-person gatherings and follow public health advice,” said the statement. “Please do not put your life and the life of others at risk. Please choose to stay home and stay safe.”
It also said, “At these protests people have been gathering in large numbers, not wearing masks and standing close together in defiance of public health advice” and “these gatherings have the potential to become super-spreader events.”
Toronto Police Chief James Ramer speaks outside headquarters on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020.
WARMINGTON: Toronto's top cop vows it's health and safety enforcement not a police state
OPP officers with a boy at the Gravenhurst Skate Park.
WARMINGTON: Peel police probing OPP interaction with boy in wake of video
Peel Regional Police Sgt. Paul Brown hugs protesters outside of a Mississauga gym without wearing PPE on Friday, April 16, 2021.
WARMINGTON: Don't kick officer for a hug. Give him a slap on wrist and pat on back
What Hiller said is spreading is the erosion of Canada’s economy and free society.
“Canada is in a war on freedom and that’s what we are fighting for,” said Hillier.
But there will be no welcome mat offered from the mayor in Peterborough.
jwarmington@postmedia.com
WARMINGTON: Peterborough mayor says anti-lockdown 'clown convention' not welcome
There’s few places as welcoming in Ontario to visitors than Peterborough.
They could make more money if they made everyone wear a patch. Consistent recurring revenue stream. Book the profit through a foreign country and reduce tax. Everyone wins.
Ontario reports first rare blood clot related to Oxford-AstraZeneca shot
Author of the article:Antonella Artuso
Antonella Artuso
Publishing date:Apr 23, 2021 • 3 hours ago • 1 minute read • 33 Comments
An AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine container at a Shopper's Drug Mart in Toronto, March 12, 2021.
An AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine container at a Shopper's Drug Mart in Toronto, March 12, 2021. PHOTO BY JACK BOLAND /Toronto Sun
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An Ontario man in his 60s developed blood clotting after receiving a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams reported Friday.
Few details were provided other than the man is recovering at home.
“We have confirmed the first case of the rare blood clotting condition known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) in Ontario,” Williams said in a statement. “This case marks the fourth case of VITT out of more than 1.1 million doses of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine that have been administered in Canada to date.
“We will continue to actively monitor the evolving situation and safety of all COVID-19 vaccines with our partners across the country.”
The AstraZeneca vaccine, which is provided largely through pharmacies and primary health-care providers, is offered to Ontarians who are aged 40 or older in 2021.
New Brunswick, Quebec and Alberta have all reported single cases of blood clotting after a dose of AstraZeneca — all are recovering.
“The health and safety of Ontarians remains our top priority. While these serious reactions remain extremely rare, we have a robust process in place to monitor for any adverse events and have taken steps to ensure that these events are identified and treated as quickly as possible,” Williams said.
“The Health Canada approved vaccines are the best way to protect your health and those around you. Ontarians are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and monitor their health after receiving their vaccination.”
aartuso@postmedia.com
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Antonella Artuso
Antonella Artuso
Publishing date:Apr 23, 2021 • 3 hours ago • 1 minute read • 33 Comments
An AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine container at a Shopper's Drug Mart in Toronto, March 12, 2021.
An AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine container at a Shopper's Drug Mart in Toronto, March 12, 2021. PHOTO BY JACK BOLAND /Toronto Sun
Article content
An Ontario man in his 60s developed blood clotting after receiving a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams reported Friday.
Few details were provided other than the man is recovering at home.
“We have confirmed the first case of the rare blood clotting condition known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) in Ontario,” Williams said in a statement. “This case marks the fourth case of VITT out of more than 1.1 million doses of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine that have been administered in Canada to date.
“We will continue to actively monitor the evolving situation and safety of all COVID-19 vaccines with our partners across the country.”
The AstraZeneca vaccine, which is provided largely through pharmacies and primary health-care providers, is offered to Ontarians who are aged 40 or older in 2021.
New Brunswick, Quebec and Alberta have all reported single cases of blood clotting after a dose of AstraZeneca — all are recovering.
“The health and safety of Ontarians remains our top priority. While these serious reactions remain extremely rare, we have a robust process in place to monitor for any adverse events and have taken steps to ensure that these events are identified and treated as quickly as possible,” Williams said.
“The Health Canada approved vaccines are the best way to protect your health and those around you. Ontarians are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and monitor their health after receiving their vaccination.”
aartuso@postmedia.com
Ontario reports first rare blood clot related to Oxford-AstraZeneca shot
An Ontario man in his 60s developed blood clotting after receiving a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams repor…
'IT'S TRAGIC RIGHT NOW': Ontario hospitals in 'crisis mode' as ICUs top 800 COVID patients
Ornge moved 59 patients between hospitals Wednesday to create more ICU capacity in GTA
Author of the article:Antonella Artuso
Publishing date:Apr 22, 2021 • 1 day ago • 2 minute read • 98 Comments
A respiratory therapist checks a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patient inside the intensive care unit of Humber River Hospital in Toronto April 15, 2021.
A respiratory therapist checks a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patient inside the intensive care unit of Humber River Hospital in Toronto April 15, 2021. PHOTO BY CARLOS OSORIO /REUTERS
Article content
Some people with COVID-19 are becoming ill so quickly they die in the community before they can seek medical help, Ontario outbreak response coordinator Dr. Dirk Huyer says.
About two people a day over the past two weeks have been found dead in their homes, in excess of anything observed during the first and second wave of the pandemic, he said.
“We have been seeing a number of people dying in the community outside the hospital, which is new, unfortunate and sad because these people have not been able to obtain health care because the disease affected them so quickly and so seriously, leading to deaths in the community,” he said.
The people dying range in age from in their 30s to their 70s, with many having tested positive for COVID-19 or been associated with a known case, he said.
Some had symptoms but did not appear to require hospitalization, he said.
“Then they were found deceased later in the day or in the morning,” Huyer said.
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Ontario reported an additional 40 deaths in all Thursday, the highest daily number during the third wave.
Hospitals are now treating a record 806 COVID-19 patients in intensive care.
Ornge air and land ambulance moved 59 patients between hospitals Wednesday to create more ICU capacity in the GTA, its highest number of transfers this month.
There were 588 people on ventilators due to COVID-19.
Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) President Vicki McKenna said hospitals across the province are in “crisis mode” as they fight back against COVID-19,
“Our acute care hospitals certainly are getting the brunt, the surge, and so they are transferring patients all over this province,” McKenna said Thursday. “It’s all hands on deck everywhere and nurses are doing everything they can to support Ontarians and to care for them as best they can … This is not business as usual.”
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
Premier Doug Ford speaks outside his home on April 22, 2021.
'I'M SORRY': Emotional Ford apologizes for controversial COVID measures, pledges paid sick leave program
An Ornge helicopter in service.
COVID-19 cases top 4,200; Ornge activates surge team
Nurses are physically and mentally exhausted, some working in new areas and under different care models, she said.
“They’re stepping up and they’re doing the very best but it’s tragic right now, it’s very hard for them — I worry how we’ll be on the other side of this,” she said.
McKenna said it’s not just ICUs feeling the impact of the latest crisis because patients come through the emergency doors “desperately ill” with COVID-19 variants.
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“I know that hospitals both right from the top to the bottom are on high alert mode,” she said. “When (patients) arrive they are needing critical care immediately. Our emergency rooms are as overwhelmed as our ICUs are.”
Ontario reported another 3,682 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday.
Toronto confirmed 1,131 new cases, Peel 507, York 436, Ottawa 279, Durham 200, Niagara 165, Hamilton 144 and Halton 129.
Ontario reported another 4,597 cases of COVID-19 have been resolved, as have 88.5% of all confirmed cases, with no need for hospitalization two weeks after the onset of symptoms.
aartuso@postmedia.com
torontosun.com
Ornge moved 59 patients between hospitals Wednesday to create more ICU capacity in GTA
Author of the article:Antonella Artuso
Publishing date:Apr 22, 2021 • 1 day ago • 2 minute read • 98 Comments
A respiratory therapist checks a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patient inside the intensive care unit of Humber River Hospital in Toronto April 15, 2021.
A respiratory therapist checks a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patient inside the intensive care unit of Humber River Hospital in Toronto April 15, 2021. PHOTO BY CARLOS OSORIO /REUTERS
Article content
Some people with COVID-19 are becoming ill so quickly they die in the community before they can seek medical help, Ontario outbreak response coordinator Dr. Dirk Huyer says.
About two people a day over the past two weeks have been found dead in their homes, in excess of anything observed during the first and second wave of the pandemic, he said.
“We have been seeing a number of people dying in the community outside the hospital, which is new, unfortunate and sad because these people have not been able to obtain health care because the disease affected them so quickly and so seriously, leading to deaths in the community,” he said.
The people dying range in age from in their 30s to their 70s, with many having tested positive for COVID-19 or been associated with a known case, he said.
Some had symptoms but did not appear to require hospitalization, he said.
“Then they were found deceased later in the day or in the morning,” Huyer said.
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Article content
Ontario reported an additional 40 deaths in all Thursday, the highest daily number during the third wave.
Hospitals are now treating a record 806 COVID-19 patients in intensive care.
Ornge air and land ambulance moved 59 patients between hospitals Wednesday to create more ICU capacity in the GTA, its highest number of transfers this month.
There were 588 people on ventilators due to COVID-19.
Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) President Vicki McKenna said hospitals across the province are in “crisis mode” as they fight back against COVID-19,
“Our acute care hospitals certainly are getting the brunt, the surge, and so they are transferring patients all over this province,” McKenna said Thursday. “It’s all hands on deck everywhere and nurses are doing everything they can to support Ontarians and to care for them as best they can … This is not business as usual.”
Premier Doug Ford speaks outside his home on April 22, 2021.
'I'M SORRY': Emotional Ford apologizes for controversial COVID measures, pledges paid sick leave program
An Ornge helicopter in service.
COVID-19 cases top 4,200; Ornge activates surge team
Nurses are physically and mentally exhausted, some working in new areas and under different care models, she said.
“They’re stepping up and they’re doing the very best but it’s tragic right now, it’s very hard for them — I worry how we’ll be on the other side of this,” she said.
McKenna said it’s not just ICUs feeling the impact of the latest crisis because patients come through the emergency doors “desperately ill” with COVID-19 variants.
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“I know that hospitals both right from the top to the bottom are on high alert mode,” she said. “When (patients) arrive they are needing critical care immediately. Our emergency rooms are as overwhelmed as our ICUs are.”
Ontario reported another 3,682 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday.
Toronto confirmed 1,131 new cases, Peel 507, York 436, Ottawa 279, Durham 200, Niagara 165, Hamilton 144 and Halton 129.
Ontario reported another 4,597 cases of COVID-19 have been resolved, as have 88.5% of all confirmed cases, with no need for hospitalization two weeks after the onset of symptoms.
aartuso@postmedia.com
'IT'S TRAGIC RIGHT NOW': Ontario hospitals in 'crisis mode' as ICUs top 800 COVID patients
Some people with COVID are becoming ill so quickly they die in the community before they can seek medical help.
KINSELLA: Alex Jones' condemnation a gift to Doug Ford
Far-right U.S. radio show host and conspiracy theorist shared harsh views of Ontario's premier this week
Author of the article:Warren Kinsella
Publishing date:Apr 24, 2021 • 2 hours ago • 3 minute read • Join the conversation
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones speaks outside of the Dirksen building of Capitol Hill after listening to Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee on 'Foreign Influence Operations and Their Use of Social Media Platforms' on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018.
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones speaks outside of the Dirksen building of Capitol Hill after listening to Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee on 'Foreign Influence Operations and Their Use of Social Media Platforms' on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018. PHOTO BY JOSE LUIS MAGANA /AP Photo
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What’s that saying about judging people? How does that go again?
It’s relevant, because Alex Jones says he really doesn’t like Doug Ford.
This week, the InfoWars host unburdened himself with his views on Ontario’s Premier.
Here’s a sampling:
– Jones said Ford “looks like the most guilty, lying, disingenuous sack of garbage … a giant demonic ferret.”
– Jones said Ford is “an evil hedgehog that just ate your freedoms.”
– Jones said Ford had “declared marshal law” on Ontario.
– Jones also said that “Doug Ford has been elected Ontario Premier and he looks just like Sylvester when he just got caught eating Tweety bird.”
We could go on — and Jones did — but you get the picture.
When you strip away the colorful ad hominem stuff, Jones summarized why he is upset in this way:
“We’ll never end the lockdown, we’ll never stop the power, it’s always about more, more, more, more power. They want power over you.”
He doesn’t like lockdowns.
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An ashen Doug Ford said this week that he doesn’t like them either. But, as Ford tearfully said, thousands of sick and dying Ontarians must be protected. Lockdowns are needed.
Now, Alex Jones is not alone in his anti-lockdown view. Just this week, various Canadian politicians are holding anti-lockdown rallies in Ontario towns like Barrie and Stratford. The rallies will feature conservatives who were emphatically rejected by voters and/or their fellow conservatives — Randy Hillier, Derek Sloan and others.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
Premier Doug Ford speaks outside his home on April 22, 2021.
'I'M SORRY': Emotional Ford apologizes for controversial COVID measures, pledges paid sick leave program
Ontario Premier Doug Ford puts his mask on after speaking at a press conference at Queen's Park, in Toronto, Friday, April 16, 2021.
LILLEY: Ford catches flak for doing what so many begged him to do
A Ford Nation banner hangs as supporters gather to hear Ontario Premier Doug Ford speak at Ford Fest in Vaughan, Ontario on Saturday September 22, 2018.
FUREY: Want to save Ontario? Bring back Ford Nation
The anti-masker, anti-lockdown knuckle-draggers are like the anti-vaxxers with whom they’ve linked up. They think the coronavirus is all made up, a conspiracy, and it’s all a big power grab. Or something.
Those of us who’ve worked in government — and this writer (a) has been a special assistant to Jean Chretien, and (b) my firm, full disclosure, worked on a couple files for Ford’s government a some time ago — laugh when we hear about conspiracies.
We can tell you that government, like the media, couldn’t organize a good conspiracy if our lives depended on it. Governments are barely able to keep the lights on, let alone secretly assist Bill Gates and George Soros in injecting 5G chips into the arms of millions of people.
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If only we were that organized! We wish. (Disco would’ve never happened, among other things.)
Anyway. Is it bad for Doug Ford that Alex Jones and his cabal, dislike Doug Ford? This writer doesn’t think so, but judge for yourself.
Here’s the rap sheet on Alex Jones:
– Jones has called the 2012 slaughter of 20 small children at Sandy Hook “completely fake.”
– Jones has said the 1995 Oklahoma City attack, where 168 children and adults were killed by a white supremacist’s bomb, was a “false flag” operation carried out by the government.
– Jones has said juice boxes “make kids gay.”
– Jones has said the high school students who survived the 2018 Parkland, Florida school shootings were “crisis actors” paid by the Democratic Party and George Soros.
– Jones has said gay marriage is a plot “to get rid of God.”
– Jones has said, about different mass slaughters, that the government “stages terror attacks.”
Alex Jones isn’t merely “a conspiracy theorist,” which is the bland and antiseptic descriptive the media usually attach to his name. That doesn’t quite cover it, does it?
Alex Jones is a monster. He is evil. He is beyond redemption. To be condemned by him, as Doug Ford was, is a gift.
Which brings us back to the question at the start of this column.
Here’s the answer: judge them by their friends, Lord, but also their enemies.
And when Doug Ford has enemies like Alex Jones, he’s doing good.
— Kinsella was Special Assistant to the Rt. Hon. Jean Chretien
torontosun.com
Far-right U.S. radio show host and conspiracy theorist shared harsh views of Ontario's premier this week
Author of the article:Warren Kinsella
Publishing date:Apr 24, 2021 • 2 hours ago • 3 minute read • Join the conversation
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones speaks outside of the Dirksen building of Capitol Hill after listening to Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee on 'Foreign Influence Operations and Their Use of Social Media Platforms' on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018.
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones speaks outside of the Dirksen building of Capitol Hill after listening to Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee on 'Foreign Influence Operations and Their Use of Social Media Platforms' on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018. PHOTO BY JOSE LUIS MAGANA /AP Photo
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What’s that saying about judging people? How does that go again?
It’s relevant, because Alex Jones says he really doesn’t like Doug Ford.
This week, the InfoWars host unburdened himself with his views on Ontario’s Premier.
Here’s a sampling:
– Jones said Ford “looks like the most guilty, lying, disingenuous sack of garbage … a giant demonic ferret.”
– Jones said Ford is “an evil hedgehog that just ate your freedoms.”
– Jones said Ford had “declared marshal law” on Ontario.
– Jones also said that “Doug Ford has been elected Ontario Premier and he looks just like Sylvester when he just got caught eating Tweety bird.”
We could go on — and Jones did — but you get the picture.
When you strip away the colorful ad hominem stuff, Jones summarized why he is upset in this way:
“We’ll never end the lockdown, we’ll never stop the power, it’s always about more, more, more, more power. They want power over you.”
He doesn’t like lockdowns.
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An ashen Doug Ford said this week that he doesn’t like them either. But, as Ford tearfully said, thousands of sick and dying Ontarians must be protected. Lockdowns are needed.
Now, Alex Jones is not alone in his anti-lockdown view. Just this week, various Canadian politicians are holding anti-lockdown rallies in Ontario towns like Barrie and Stratford. The rallies will feature conservatives who were emphatically rejected by voters and/or their fellow conservatives — Randy Hillier, Derek Sloan and others.
Premier Doug Ford speaks outside his home on April 22, 2021.
'I'M SORRY': Emotional Ford apologizes for controversial COVID measures, pledges paid sick leave program
Ontario Premier Doug Ford puts his mask on after speaking at a press conference at Queen's Park, in Toronto, Friday, April 16, 2021.
LILLEY: Ford catches flak for doing what so many begged him to do
A Ford Nation banner hangs as supporters gather to hear Ontario Premier Doug Ford speak at Ford Fest in Vaughan, Ontario on Saturday September 22, 2018.
FUREY: Want to save Ontario? Bring back Ford Nation
The anti-masker, anti-lockdown knuckle-draggers are like the anti-vaxxers with whom they’ve linked up. They think the coronavirus is all made up, a conspiracy, and it’s all a big power grab. Or something.
Those of us who’ve worked in government — and this writer (a) has been a special assistant to Jean Chretien, and (b) my firm, full disclosure, worked on a couple files for Ford’s government a some time ago — laugh when we hear about conspiracies.
We can tell you that government, like the media, couldn’t organize a good conspiracy if our lives depended on it. Governments are barely able to keep the lights on, let alone secretly assist Bill Gates and George Soros in injecting 5G chips into the arms of millions of people.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
If only we were that organized! We wish. (Disco would’ve never happened, among other things.)
Anyway. Is it bad for Doug Ford that Alex Jones and his cabal, dislike Doug Ford? This writer doesn’t think so, but judge for yourself.
Here’s the rap sheet on Alex Jones:
– Jones has called the 2012 slaughter of 20 small children at Sandy Hook “completely fake.”
– Jones has said the 1995 Oklahoma City attack, where 168 children and adults were killed by a white supremacist’s bomb, was a “false flag” operation carried out by the government.
– Jones has said juice boxes “make kids gay.”
– Jones has said the high school students who survived the 2018 Parkland, Florida school shootings were “crisis actors” paid by the Democratic Party and George Soros.
– Jones has said gay marriage is a plot “to get rid of God.”
– Jones has said, about different mass slaughters, that the government “stages terror attacks.”
Alex Jones isn’t merely “a conspiracy theorist,” which is the bland and antiseptic descriptive the media usually attach to his name. That doesn’t quite cover it, does it?
Alex Jones is a monster. He is evil. He is beyond redemption. To be condemned by him, as Doug Ford was, is a gift.
Which brings us back to the question at the start of this column.
Here’s the answer: judge them by their friends, Lord, but also their enemies.
And when Doug Ford has enemies like Alex Jones, he’s doing good.
— Kinsella was Special Assistant to the Rt. Hon. Jean Chretien
KINSELLA: Alex Jones' condemnation a gift to Doug Ford
What's that saying about judging people? How does that go again? It's relevant, because Alex Jones says he really doesn't like Doug Ford.