Lethbridge news

• Jason Kenney addresses legislature over COVID-19 pandemic

  18-03-2020 23:45 via globalnews.ca
  
  Alberta Premier Jason Kenney addressed the Alberta legislature Wednesday over the COVID-19 pandemic and worries about the economy. ​
  
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• Cornavirus: Tips to deal with isolation from Col. Chris Hadfield

  18-03-2020 23:35 via globalnews.ca
  
  After spending 166 days in space, Col. Chris Hadfield some tips on how to deal with long stretches of isolation.
  
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• UCP passes 2020 budget with boost for healthcare during coronavirus outbreak

  18-03-2020 23:15 via globalnews.ca
  
  Premier Jason Kenney tweeted Wednesday saying the $56-billion budget was passed just after 1 a.m.
  
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• Risk associated with COVID-19 prompts Lethbridge County to close offices - Lethbridge News Now

  18-03-2020 23:14 via lethbridgenewsnow.com
  
  Risk associated with COVID-19 prompts Lethbridge County to close offices  Lethbridge News Now
  
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• Oil market crisis hammers Alberta energy sector

  18-03-2020 22:59
  
  The benchmark price for Canadian heavy oil sank below eight dollars a barrel during trading Wednesday, spelling disaster for the oil and gas industry. Western Canadian Select hit a low of $7.63/bbl before climbing back above $8/bbl, causing oil analysts to sound the alarm. (It closed Wednesday at $7.47/bbl) “We are seeing prices dropping by four-fold amounts, something I have never seen in the 30 years I’ve been doing this,” said Dan McTeague, president of Canadians for Afforda
  
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• Thousands laid off in Bow Valley as tourism screeches to a halt

  18-03-2020 22:57
  
  As many as 4,000 workers were laid off in Banff this week after the mountain resort town declared a local state of emergency. In the Bow Valley — an area almost entirely built on tourism — the unprecedented shutdown of nearly all business and travel has sent a shock through the community, rapidly eclipsing the impacts of 9/11, forest fires or the 2013 flood. On Wednesday, Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen’s normally upbeat personality was clearly struggling to stay visible. "These are
  
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• Alberta to provide update on COVID-19 response 1 day after public health emergency declared

  18-03-2020 22:56 via globalnews.ca
  
  Alberta's chief medical officer of heath, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, is scheduled to hold a news conference at 4:30 p.m. MT in Edmonton on Wednesday to offer an update on the province's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  
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• 119 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Alberta; Kenney gives more details on financial aid

  18-03-2020 22:56 via globalnews.ca
  
  Alberta's chief medical officer of heath, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, is scheduled to hold a news conference at 4:30 p.m. MT in Edmonton on Wednesday to offer an update on the province's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  
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• Beware of COVID-19 fraudsters - Lethbridge News Now

  18-03-2020 22:49 via lethbridgenewsnow.com
  
  Beware of COVID-19 fraudsters  Lethbridge News Now
  
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• Time outdoors still an option as Fish Creek Provincial Park remains open

  18-03-2020 22:45
  
  With many families stuck indoors because of COVID-19 concerns, a group dedicated to preserving Calgary's Fish Creek Provincial Park is encouraging residents to get outside and enjoy nature. Friends of Fish Creek say the anxiety over the pandemic has been a "difficult time" for many people but there are things they can do to improve their situation and restore some normalcy. "Spending time outdoors and connecting with other people are all important to our well-being, and that we all have to find
  
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• 'Major economic announcement' to come from Alberta premier

  18-03-2020 22:38
  
  The Alberta government is teasing a "major economic announcement" in response to COVID-19 Wednesday afternoon. Premier Jason Kenney will be speaking in the legislature ahead of the 4:30 p.m. MST conference. CTV News Edmonton will be streaming it live online starting at 4 p.m. Kenney's government passed Budget 2020 with shortened debate on Tuesday. Afterwards, he and Finance Minister Travis Toews said the government would soon be announcing measures "that provide assistance to, first, Albertans w
  
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• Alberta announces $50M for those in self isolation, deferral of utility payments during 'profound adversity'

  18-03-2020 22:38
  
  The Alberta government is promising to help citizens through the economic repercussions of COVID-19 with cash for those in self-isolation, deferral of electricity and natural gas charges and a six-month interest-free moratorium on student loan payments.  "To be blunt, the challenge that we face as Albertans' elected representatives is that much of our economy is moving into hibernation right now and so there's very limited policy levers to stimulate an immediate increase in demand, when in
  
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• Alberta announces $50M for those in self-isolation, deferral of utility payments

  18-03-2020 22:38
  
  The Alberta government is promising to help citizens through the economic repercussions of COVID-19 with cash for those in self-isolation, deferral of electricity and natural gas charges and a six-month interest-free moratorium on student loan payments.  "To be blunt, the challenge that we face as Albertans' elected representatives is that much of our economy is moving into hibernation right now and so there's very limited policy levers to stimulate an immediate increase in demand, when in
  
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• Coronavirus: Lethbridge declares state of local emergency amidst COVID-19 pandemic

  18-03-2020 21:59 via globalnews.ca
  
  “The State of Local Emergency helps us better coordinate between the different agencies and levels of government working to respond to COVID-19.”
  
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• City of Lethbridge declares State of Local Emergency - Lethbridge News Now

  18-03-2020 21:40 via lethbridgenewsnow.com
  
  City of Lethbridge declares State of Local Emergency  Lethbridge News Now
  
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• Diaper donations, letters to seniors and groceries: Calgarians come out of isolation to help others

  18-03-2020 21:28
  
  Diaper donations, letters to seniors and grocery deliveries are some of the ways Calgarians are helping others during the spread of COVID-19. A Facebook page called YYC COVID-19 Volunteers had more than 10,000 members in the first three days and provides a platform to connect the people in need with those looking to help. “It’s really heartwarming” said Eric Prangnell who co-founded the page to stir up the spirit of giving prominent in the city during the 2013 floods.“I r
  
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• Beef production in Canada a 'top priority' amid pandemic, says association

  18-03-2020 21:28
  
  Albertans left staring at empty shelves in grocery stores throughout the province should rest assured that beef production in the province is running at 100 per cent capacity at some facilities. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues in Canada and around the world, many people are stocking up on whatever necessities they can to ensure they can weather a 14-day isolation if needed. One of the hardest-hit areas in grocery stores, particularly in Alberta, has been the meat section where everything but
  
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• Domestic violence shelters adapt as COVID-19 forces families home

  18-03-2020 21:20
  
  Women's shelters are adjusting to ensure they can help anyone experiencing domestic violence as the COVID-19 pandemic forces families to stay home together. Marlene Ham of the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses says she doesn't want women to think self-isolating is more important than their safety. She says services are still running 24 hours a day and she's not aware of any shelters in her province closing. Ham adds some are providing outreach over the phone or online rather
  
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• City of Lethbridge declares state of emergency to combat COVID-19 - CTV News

  18-03-2020 21:03 via calgary.ctvnews.ca
  
  City of Lethbridge declares state of emergency to combat COVID-19  CTV News
  
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• City of Lethbridge declares state of emergency to combat COVID-19

  18-03-2020 21:03
  
  Mayor Chris Spearman wants Lethbridge residents to "remain calm" as the city works through the COVID-19 pandemic. The mayor warned the city will take action against anyone who decides to go against the provincial government’s regulations imposed thus far. He however acknowledged that maintaining social distancing may be hard for some. “How do we manage the situation if someone turns out to be positive and is living at the homeless shelter, for example, when they’re all living c
  
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• City of Lethbridge considers further actions to combat COVID-19

  18-03-2020 21:03
  
  Mayor Chris Spearman wants Lethbridge residents to "remain calm" as the city works through the COVID-19 pandemic. The mayor warned the city will take action against anyone who decides to go against the provincial government’s regulations imposed thus far. He however acknowledged that maintaining social distancing may be hard for some. “How do we manage the situation if someone turns out to be positive and is living at the homeless shelter, for example, when they’re all living c
  
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• Passengers express health and safety concerns upon return to Calgary International Airport

  18-03-2020 20:34
  
  Health and safety concerns are growing for passengers arriving at the Calgary International Airport from abroad. Lineups at customs have been overflowing during peak hours after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President, Donald Trump mutually agreed to ban non-essential travel across their borders Wednesday. Traffic Wednesday morning was relatively steady at Calgary’s arrival terminal, now one of just four terminals in the entire country — aside from Toronto, Vancouve
  
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• Confirmed case of COVID-19 at Lethbridge's Catholic Central High School - Lethbridge News Now

  18-03-2020 20:17 via lethbridgenewsnow.com
  
  Confirmed case of COVID-19 at Lethbridge's Catholic Central High School  Lethbridge News Now
  
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• Alberta NDP calls for renter protections, moratorium on student loan payments

  18-03-2020 20:16
  
  The Alberta NDP is calling on the provincial government to protect renters from eviction and step up subsidies to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. NDP Leader Rachel Notley called on Jason Kenney's United Conservative government to take "decisive" action in a news conference livestreamed to Facebook Wednesday. She said after promising Albertans Friday night they'd be able to cover their bills amid widespread industry shutdowns, Kenney "has announced very little since then to ba
  
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• AGLC can’t mandate whether liquor and cannabis retailers should close amid COVID-19 pandemic

  18-03-2020 20:12 via globalnews.ca
  
  While other provinces look to close liquor and cannabis stores amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the same may not happen in Alberta.
  
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• When will life be back to normal? Not anytime soon, experts say

  18-03-2020 20:11
  
  Life in Canada has been disrupted in extraordinary ways in an attempt to halt the spread of COVID-19. Schools, restaurants and public places have been ordered shut in various parts of the country. Even the border has been closed to many would-be travellers. The speed and scope of preventative measures have caught many Canadians off-guard, but to public health experts such as Suzanne Sicchia, they were entirely predictable -- and not strict enough to accomplish their goal. "I do believe more will
  
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• Edson man charged with massive meat theft at local food bank

  18-03-2020 19:56 via globalnews.ca
  
  An Edson man is accused of breaking in and stealing hundreds of pounds of beef from local food bank.
  
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• Coronavirus: Rescue groups warn backcountry users to limit risk in Alberta, B.C. mountains

  18-03-2020 19:48 via globalnews.ca
  
  Rescue groups are asking backcountry users to choose low-risk activities at a time when resources are stretched due to COVID-19.
  
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• Glenbow Museum now offers virtual tours for children, adults

  18-03-2020 19:34
  
  The Glenbow Museum remains physically closed to the public as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic but the museum has begun offering virtual tours of its exhibits on a regular basis. Glenbow From Home will allow both children and adults to participate in guided, educational tours of the museum's artwork and exhibits, while offering participants to submit their own creations for virtual display. On Mondays, the Glenbow Museum will release an online slideshow of art submissions from the public. Artwo
  
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• 2 killed in highway crash east of Calgary

  18-03-2020 19:27
  
  Two people were killed and one person was sent to hospital with serious injuries following a crash east of Calgary Wednesday morning. Emergency crews were dispatched to Highway 560 and Range Road 281, near Langdon, about 9:15 a.m. Glenmore Trail becomes Highway 560 east of Calgary. RCMP said the highway is currently impassable as investigators look for a cause of the crash. No other information is available.
  
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• 'We are in uncharted territory': ATB Financial steps in to help Albertans

  18-03-2020 18:52
  
  Credit relief, help with mortgages as well as personal and business loans from an Alberta banking institution are on the way for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. ATB Financial says it has set up a number of programs that will help provide critical financial supports so residents can focus on their families and staying healthy. "We are in uncharted territory as our focus shifts to stopping the spread of Covid-19 for the good of our families, friends, neighbours and the rest of the world,"
  
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• Edmonton eyeing property tax deferrals, not declaring local state of emergency

  18-03-2020 18:47
  
  Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson says the city is seeking a means to defer both business and residential property taxes amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. "We are working through the details with the City of Calgary and the government of Alberta to take a consistent approach," Iveson said.  "We do hear the concerns of businesses in our community. Employers and entrepreneurs are under a tremendous amount of stress right now."  Iveson said he was reluctant to give more details until the city's
  
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• Backcountry users asked to choose low-risk activities during COVID-19 pandemic

  18-03-2020 18:28
  
  The Kananaskis Country Public Safety team is urging Albertans escaping from their homes to the backcountry to be extra cautious in choosing their outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. While being outdoors is considered low-risk when it comes to contracting COVID-19, the group asked in a post on their Facebook page Wednesday that backcountry users to opt for low-risk activities. "Users should choose activities in areas that support emergency access and present minimal challenges and/or
  
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• Alberta's COVID-19 Wednesday update to come at 4:30 p.m.

  18-03-2020 18:27
  
  Alberta will announce its latest COVID-19 case count at 4:30 p.m. On Tuesday, the province announced 23 new cases — bringing the provincial total to 97. Alberta also provided an age breakdown of the cases: the majority (44) are in the 35-54 age group, followed by 13 in the ages of 25 to 34 and 13 in the ages of 55 to 64. The province also implemented new measures in an attempt to reduce the coronavirus spread, including a calling a state of public emergency and cancelling gathering of 50 p
  
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• 22 new COVID-19 cases in Alberta: Kenney

  18-03-2020 18:27
  
  Alberta has confirmed another 22 cases of COVID-19, bringing the province's total to 119. Premier Jason Kenney announced the updated case count at the legislature Wednesday afternoon. Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the province's chief medical officer of health, will issue her own coronavirus update at 4:30 p.m. Watch Hinshaw's update at CTVNewsEdmonton.ca.
  
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• 22 new COVID-19 cases in Alberta; Hinshaw says community spread is 'concerning'

  18-03-2020 18:27
  
  Alberta has confirmed another 22 cases of COVID-19, bringing the province's total to 119. There are six patients in hospital, with three in intensive care. Two of the patients in ICU are in their 60s, while the third is in their 40s and has a pre-existing health condition. Alberta's top doctor Deena Hinshaw said six coronavirus cases came as a result of community spread: three in the Edmonton zone, two in the Calgary zone and one in the North zone, who appears to have contracted coronavirus in E
  
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• COVID-19: WHL confirms cancellation of regular season

  18-03-2020 18:06
  
  The Western Hockey League (WHL) has announced the end of the 2019-20 regular season. Fifty-four games remained in the leagues regular season. “The WHL takes the safety of our players, officials, staff, fans, and everyone associated with the WHL very seriously,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “Given the ongoing public health developments regarding COVID-19, we deemed it necessary to cancel the remaining games on the 2019-20 WHL Regular Season Schedule.” Robison sa
  
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• LPS searching for missing man with ties to Lethbridge and Medicine Hat - Lethbridge News Now

  18-03-2020 18:02 via lethbridgenewsnow.com
  
  LPS searching for missing man with ties to Lethbridge and Medicine Hat  Lethbridge News Now
  
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• 2 people killed in highway crash east of Calgary: police

  18-03-2020 18:01 via globalnews.ca
  
  Calgary police say two people were killed in a crash east of Calgary on Wednesday.
  
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• $57B budget approved in Alberta legislature amid provincial state of public health emergency

  18-03-2020 17:43
  
  Budget 2020, padded with an extra $500M in health spending, was approved in the Alberta legislature Tuesday evening. Premier Jason Kenney said his United Conservative government needed to guarantee it was funded in case COVID-19 impacted legislature assembly operations. Budget 2020 is centered around job creation, promotion Alberta's energy industry and advocating for a "fair deal" for the province in Ottawa. It allocated $20.6 billion for health in 2020-21, prior to the government announcing th
  
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• $57B budget approved amid Alberta state of public health emergency

  18-03-2020 17:43
  
  Budget 2020, padded with an extra $500M in health spending, was approved in the Alberta legislature Tuesday evening. Premier Jason Kenney said his United Conservative government needed to guarantee it was funded in case COVID-19 impacted legislature assembly operations. Budget 2020 is centered around job creation, promotion Alberta's energy industry and advocating for a "fair deal" for the province in Ottawa. It allocated $20.6 billion for health in 2020-21, prior to the government announcing th
  
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• The tax deadline has been extended due to the COVID-19 crisis

  18-03-2020 17:02
  
  The federal government is giving Canadians more time to file and pay their taxes this year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the Canada Revenue Agency will defer its filing due date for the 2019 tax returns of individuals and certain trusts. For individuals, that means the filing date has been pushed back to June 1. The original filing date was April 30.How to apply for EI sickness benefits and the new emergency worker fund Canada-U.S. b
  
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• Tax deadline extended due to COVID-19 crisis

  18-03-2020 17:02
  
  The federal government is giving Canadians more time to file and pay their taxes this year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the Canada Revenue Agency will defer its filing due date for the 2019 tax returns of individuals and certain trusts. For individuals, that means the filing date has been pushed back to June 1. The original filing date was April 30.How to apply for EI sickness benefits and the new emergency worker fund Canada-U.S. b
  
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• Domestic violence rates expected to spike amid social distancing, advocacy group warns

  18-03-2020 16:54 via globalnews.ca
  
  “We expect that this pandemic response will lead to increased rates of domestic violence for an extended period of time in Calgary and across Alberta,” the Calgary Domestic Violence Collective cautioned.
  
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• How to apply for EI sickness benefits and the new emergency worker fund

  18-03-2020 16:52
  
  The federal government is offering new financial support for Canadians whose jobs have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday that the government will provide up to $27 billion for workers and businesses. For workers, the most notable parts of the government's action include enhanced eligibility for employment insurance (EI) and two new emergency benefits.Coronavirus newsletter sign-up: Get The COVID-19 Brief sent to your inboxAccording to the g
  
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• Coronavirus: 5 tips to find the best mental health tools online

  18-03-2020 16:41 via globalnews.ca
  
  As the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to rise across Canada, so, too, has anxiety and stress related to the pandemic.
  
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• Calgary police seek witnesses to northeast double homicide

  18-03-2020 16:40
  
  Homicide detectives are once again asking for help tracking down the occupants of a Dodge Durango who they believe met with two men at Sunridge Mall in the hours before they were killed in the northeast Calgary community of Rundle. On Wednesday, investigators released CCTV footage of the vehicle and occupants in an effort to generate tips. According to police, the SUV was seen near the Sunridge Mall Tim Hortons in the 3500 block of 20th Avenue N.E.in the early morning hours of Dec. 30, 2019, pri
  
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• Calgary police seek witnesses in northeast double homicide

  18-03-2020 16:40
  
  Homicide detectives are once again asking for help tracking down the occupants of a Dodge Durango who they believe met with two men at Sunridge Mall in the hours before they were killed in the northeast Calgary community of Rundle. On Wednesday, investigators released CCTV footage of the vehicle and occupants in an effort to generate tips. According to police, the SUV was seen near the Sunridge Mall Tim Hortons in the 3500 block of 20th Avenue N.E.in the early morning hours of Dec. 30, 2019, pri
  
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• Edson food bank theft: 19-year-old man arrested, charged

  18-03-2020 16:17
  
  Mounties have arrested a man accused of breaking into a food bank in Edson and making off with more than $3,100 of supplies. The Edson Food Bank was broken into over the weekend, with more than 400 pounds of ground beef stolen among other items. The thief also left behind a mess, causing damages of more than $700. Some of the stolen items were thrown away in the immediate vicinity of the bank. After gathering surveillance footage and using forensic identification, police arrested and charged 19-
  
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• Trump confirms Canada-U.S. border closing, ahead of Trudeau address

  18-03-2020 14:40
  
  U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the border between Canada and the United States will be “temporarily” closed to tourists and visitors, “by mutual consent,” just ahead of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement from self-isolation for the third time in as many days. It remains unclear precisely when non-essential travel will be restricted across the border, but Trudeau is set to speak to this shutdown and unveil major new economic measures that the f
  
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