Beyond Local

Shoppers donned masks and boots to brave outdoor lineups in parts of Canada on Saturday, while others turned to the internet to take part in a Boxing Day that bore little resemblance to the holiday of years past.

Ontario on Saturday confirmed its two first cases of a variant of COVID-19 first identified in the United Kingdom, marking the first time the more contagious strain had been detected in Canada.

Sheila Willis’ new history book catches the flavour of the times

"I wrote it to inspire people about change that is positive and you can make the best of it and life supports you." 

“Everybody’s got a lot of free time on their hand so I figured I would put it to good use,” Thompson said.

Monday’s funding announcement comes at the same time as Parks Canada submits the national park’s state of conservation report to UNESCO, almost one month behind schedule.

OTTAWA — Canada's employment minister says plans to revamp the employment insurance system have been put on a faster path thanks to COVID-19.

EDMONTON — The Alberta government is to face at least two court challenges in the new year over its decision to rescind decades-old protections and open the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains to coal mining.

NASHVILLE — An explosion shook the largely deserted streets of downtown Nashville early Christmas morning, shattering windows, damaging buildings and wounding three people. Authorities said they believed the blast was intentional.

OTTAWA — An internal review by the Department of National Defence has revealed Canadian military bases across the country are struggling with several problems, starting with severe shortages of personnel.