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Canada enhances border security with Black Hawk helicopters, drones, and advanced technology

January 16, 2025

Canada has implemented significant measures to bolster security along its border with the United States, introducing Black Hawk helicopters, drones, and various advanced surveillance technologies. Public Safety Minister David McGuinty…

News & Politics

Trump’s Claims About Canadian Water Alleviating California Wildfires: Expert Rebuttals

January 16, 2025

The Info Magazine

As devastating wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited discussions about water management, making controversial claims that California’s crisis could have been avoided by…

News & Politics

Canada Prepares for Potential U.S. Tariffs: Trudeau Emphasizes Unity, While Energy Restrictions Remain on the Table

January 16, 2025

The Info Magazine

In response to Donald Trump’s threat of imposing a sweeping 25% tariff on all Canadian goods entering the United States, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed a united and proportional…

News & Politics

Police standoff with Ambassador Bridge protesters; protests continue across Canada

February 13, 2022

The Info Magazine

Police in Windsor, Ont., moved in on convoy protesters blocking the Ambassador Bridge Saturday as protests continue in major cities across Canada. Windsor Police, as well as officers from other…

News & Politics

COVID-19 vaccine mandates have worked in Canada — but they’re harder to justify than ever

February 12, 2022

The Info Magazine

‘Extraordinarily difficult’ decision whether to expand or abolish mandates, experts say Protesters calling for an end to COVID-19 vaccine mandates, among other demands, gather near the provincial legislature in Toronto…

Canada enhances border security with Black Hawk helicopters, drones, and advanced technology

Canada has implemented significant measures to bolster security along its border with the United States, introducing Black Hawk helicopters, drones, and various advanced surveillance technologies. Public Safety Minister David McGuinty announced these initiatives, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing border challenges. Starting this week, Black Hawk helicopters are being deployed as part of Canada’s enhanced border patrol operations. According to the RCMP, two Black Hawk models will be operational immediately. Additionally, the border is now monitored by 60 newly deployed drones, with plans to install more surveillance towers and utilize mobile X-rays and handheld chemical analyzers. These advancements aim to strengthen oversight and prevent illegal border crossings. Immigration Minister Marc Miller highlighted the effectiveness of recent visa restrictions, which have resulted in an 89% decline in illegal crossings into the U.S. since June 2024. Stricter visa requirements for Mexican nationals, reinstated in February 2024, have contributed significantly to this decrease. The move has reduced cases of illegal crossings by Mexican nationals by 72% and minimized instances of abuse of Canadian student permits. The Canadian government is also addressing issues related to unethical immigration consulting practices. Proposed penalties for consultants who exploit the system include fines of up to $1.5 million and public naming of offenders to deter further violations. In December 2024, the federal government unveiled plans for a North American joint strike force and a 24/7 aerial surveillance unit at ports of entry. These initiatives, part of a $1.3 billion investment in border security, aim to tackle issues arising from growing pressures and to enhance collaboration with U.S. authorities. The proposed pre-clearance operations will see Canadian Border Services officers working alongside their American counterparts in shared facilities on U.S. soil. This joint effort seeks to minimize illegal crossings and ensure the safety of both nations. Recent changes, such as ending the practice of “flagpoling”—where foreign nationals re-enter Canada after a brief visit to the U.S. to access immigration services—have freed up thousands of workdays for immigration officials, allowing them to focus on more critical issues. These measures reflect Canada’s strategic response to border security challenges while promoting cooperation with the United States to maintain safety and efficiency at entry points. Source
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Trump’s Claims About Canadian Water Alleviating California Wildfires: Expert Rebuttals

As devastating wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited discussions about water management, making controversial claims that California’s crisis could have been avoided by redirecting water from Canada. Experts have dismissed these assertions as baseless and impractical. Trump, in a recent interview with Newsmax, stated that water from Canada’s mountains could naturally flow through California, preventing fires. He implied that water management decisions during his presidency were ignored by California’s leadership, particularly its governor. The Columbia River Misconception Experts believe Trump was referring to the Columbia River, which originates in British Columbia and flows into the Pacific Ocean through the U.S. Pacific Northwest. However, John Wagner, an environmental anthropologist at the University of British Columbia, highlighted that no existing infrastructure could redirect Columbia River water to California. Such a project would require years of construction and billions of dollars, making it implausible. California’s Firefighting Water Challenges Water shortages during the wildfires have exacerbated the crisis. Fire hydrants in some urban areas have run dry, forcing emergency measures such as water truck deliveries. California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched investigations into these issues, including why a key reservoir was out of service. Janisse Quiñones, head of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, emphasized that the sheer intensity of the fires has overwhelmed the city’s water systems. Hydrants are designed for localized firefighting, not the extensive demands posed by widespread wildfires. Hurricane-force winds also grounded critical water-dropping aircraft, compounding the challenges. Environmental Policy and Misinformation Trump has frequently criticized California’s water policies, accusing them of prioritizing environmental concerns, such as protecting the endangered Delta smelt, over water distribution. Experts like Karrigan Bork from the University of California Davis refute these claims, stating that the Delta smelt’s protection has no significant impact on water availability for southern California. The Reality of Canadian Water Diversion The idea of diverting Canadian water to California is not only logistically daunting but would also require Canada’s agreement. The Columbia River Treaty, established in 1961 and recently modernized, primarily focuses on flood control and hydropower. Any attempt to repurpose this agreement would face significant political and logistical hurdles. John Wagner warned that Trump’s rhetoric, including references to annexing Canada, could disrupt ongoing treaty negotiations. While these comments are unlikely to influence policy, they risk diverting attention from pressing issues such as wildfire management and drought mitigation. Experts Call for Focused Action Experts have expressed frustration over the spread of misinformation during an ongoing crisis. Karrigan Bork emphasized that discussions about California’s water policies should be separate from the immediate needs of addressing the wildfires. He criticized the distraction caused by unfounded claims, urging a focus on efficient water use and practical solutions to combat the current emergency. In conclusion, Trump’s assertions about Canadian water alleviating California’s wildfire crisis lack scientific and logistical grounding. Experts underscore the importance of addressing California’s water challenges through evidence-based approaches rather than speculative rhetoric. Source
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Canada Prepares for Potential U.S. Tariffs: Trudeau Emphasizes Unity, While Energy Restrictions Remain on the Table

In response to Donald Trump’s threat of imposing a sweeping 25% tariff on all Canadian goods entering the United States, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed a united and proportional response. Speaking after a meeting with provincial premiers in Ottawa, Trudeau stressed the importance of sharing the burden across all regions while leaving all options open, including the possibility of restricting energy exports to the U.S. The meeting, held ahead of Trump’s second non-consecutive term beginning January 20, was aimed at formulating a cohesive strategy to counter the potential economic impact of these tariffs. Trudeau emphasized that no single region, particularly energy-producing provinces like Alberta, should bear a disproportionate share of the response. However, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, attending the meeting virtually, expressed strong opposition to energy export restrictions. Diverging Opinions Among Leaders Smith, who recently met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, stated that the federal government’s consideration of energy export cuts was not aligned with Alberta’s interests. She declined to endorse Ottawa’s plan and chose not to participate in the joint press conference following the meeting. In contrast, Ontario Premier Doug Ford advocated for including energy embargoes in Canada’s response and emphasized a united national stance. Wearing a “Canada Is Not For Sale” hat, Ford called for strong retaliatory tariffs and highlighted the importance of defending Canadian jobs and industries. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe opposed broad retaliatory measures, describing them as counterproductive. Instead, he urged leaders to focus on strengthening North America’s economic integration, particularly in food, energy, and manufacturing security. Economic and Political Implications The threat of tariffs has raised alarm across Canada’s business community. The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) warned that such measures could disrupt supply chains and harm thousands of businesses and workers. Similarly, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) cautioned that a trade war could force two-thirds of small businesses to raise prices, putting additional strain on consumers. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has called for a halt to critical mineral exports to the U.S. as a way to deter Trump’s tariff plans. He also advocated for a broader consultation involving federal party leaders, Indigenous groups, and industry stakeholders to ensure a unified response. Moving Forward As the January 20 deadline approaches, Canadian leaders are grappling with a delicate balance between retaliation and cooperation. While some premiers favor strong measures such as dollar-for-dollar tariffs or energy restrictions, others are urging caution to avoid exacerbating tensions with the U.S., Canada’s largest trading partner. The meeting underscored the need for unity, with Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey summarizing the consensus: “We need to be very united, very strategic, and very proportional in how we respond.” As Trudeau prepares to step down amid a Liberal leadership race, Canada faces a pivotal moment in its trade relations with the U.S. The outcome of these discussions will not only shape the nation’s economic resilience but also define its approach to navigating future challenges with its southern neighbor. Source
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Police standoff with Ambassador Bridge protesters; protests continue across Canada

Police in Windsor, Ont., moved in on convoy protesters blocking the Ambassador Bridge Saturday as protests continue in major cities across Canada. Windsor Police, as well as officers from other agencies, have been stepping up enforcement and moving in on the convoy protesters who have blocked the Ambassador Bridge for the past six days. “The Windsor Police & its policing partners have commenced enforcement at and near the Ambassador Bridge. We urge all demonstrators to act lawfully & peacefully. Commuters are still being asked to avoid the areas affected by the demonstrations at this time,” the Windsor Police Service tweeted on Saturday morning. The protesters have been calling for an end to all COVID-19 restrictions. Since Friday night, the roads leading up to the bridge in Windsor, Ont., have seen a heavy police presence consisting of local officers, the RCMP, Ontario Provincial Police, and other agencies. Just after 8 a.m. Saturday, police officers showed up on buses and fanned out across the base of the bridge. Plainclothes officers also spoke to some of the protesters in vehicles, asking them to leave. A line of police officers began slowly pushing the remaining protesters back away from the bridge shortly before noon on Saturday. Large, armored police vehicles were seen behind the officers, who stopped their advance by shortly afternoon. Police now remain in an apparent standoff with protesters, with more demonstrators arriving throughout the afternoon. Police say they are actively enforcing parking in the area of the protest, with vehicles being ticketed and towed. At least one vehicle near the demonstration area was removed, which police say was at the owner’s request due to a mechanical issue. Windsor Police Deputy Chief Jason Bellaire said on Saturday afternoon that no arrests have been made. An Ontario Superior Court judge granted an injunction to remove the demonstrators, which went into effect at 7 p.m. on Friday. Ontario Premier Doug Ford also declared a state of emergency and protesters who refuse to comply may face fines up to $100,000 and up to a year in prison. The Ford government also adopted an emergency order in council on Saturday morning, giving the province the power to revoke drivers’ licenses, license plates, and commercial vehicle registrations for anyone blocking highways and other critical infrastructure. CTV News Windsor’s Michelle Maluske reported from the scene that some protesters had begun to pack up and leave ahead of police moving in to enforce a court injunction, while others remain defiant in the face of fines and jail time. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens told CTV News Channel on Saturday afternoon that he expects the situation to resolve this weekend. “At the end of the day, if folks are just absolutely unwilling to leave, police will have to do what is required to remove them so we can get this border crossing open,” he said. The blockade at the Ambassador Bridge, North America’s busiest land border crossing, has already caused supply chain woes. Several automakers, such as Toyota and Ford, have had to run on reduced capacity due to a lack of parts. “Everyone in the city understands and appreciates the importance of having the Ambassador Bridge open because so many families in my community rely on smooth and efficient border crossings to put bread on their table,” Dilkens said. Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati told CTV News Channel on Saturday that after two years, everyone shares the frustration around pandemic restrictions. “But we don’t all share the idea and support of all the tactics being utilized,” he said. With four international border crossings in the Niagara region, he said he is watching the situation closely. Reuters has reported that a convoy of motorists in the U.S. plans to head to the waterfront in Port Huron, Mich., across the border from Sarnia, Ont., while two more convoys will converge on the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, N.Y., across from Fort Erie, Ont. Diodati says he hopes all levels of government will come together to deal with the situation collectively and through diplomacy, so it doesn’t get worse. Along with supply chain issues, he says families in the region also rely on tourism, which has been devastated after two seasons. Asked about whether he believes mandates should be dropped, Diodati says he is ready, at the very least, to have a schedule in order to start doing so. “Nine out of 10 Canadians are vaccinated, that’s about as good as it’s going to get,” he said. “I think it’s time to move on now, for everybody.” OTTAWA EXPECTING SURGE Meanwhile, in Ottawa, police expected a surge of trucks, vehicles, and people to join the approximately 400 vehicles in the downtown core on Saturday. Police have alleged that demonstrators were aggressive toward officers overnight on Friday, saying they were “refusing to follow directions, overwhelming officers, and otherwise subverting enforcement efforts.” Police said in a media release Saturday morning that 140 criminal investigations are underway, while officers have made more than two-dozen arrests and handed out more than 2,600 tickets alongside bylaw officers in the city. A stolen vehicle bound for the protest was also seized, police said, making it the second stolen vehicle linked to the occupation. Police also said they are working with Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation on a truck violation initiative, which has so far resulted in three vehicles being taken out of service and 10 charges. Residents reported hearing loud music and horns throughout Friday night as the protest continued in downtown Ottawa. CTV News producer Mackenzie Gray said protesters held a party on the streets of downtown Ottawa, complete with a DJ, a massive screen, and professional audio equipment. Protesters also took apart the fence that had been barricading the National War Memorial. The fence was set up after some convoy participants had danced on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, parked vehicles at the grounds of the memorial, and even urinated on the cenotaph two weeks ago. Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay called this “completely unacceptable.” “Fences were >>Read more
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COVID-19 vaccine mandates have worked in Canada — but they’re harder to justify than ever

‘Extraordinarily difficult’ decision whether to expand or abolish mandates, experts say Protesters calling for an end to COVID-19 vaccine mandates, among other demands, gather near the provincial legislature in Toronto on Feb. 5. Mandates have worked extraordinarily well at getting more Canadians vaccinated, but they are increasingly hard to justify. (Evan Mitsui/CBC) This is an excerpt from Second Opinion, weekly health, and medical science newsletter. If you haven’t subscribed yet, you can do that by clicking here. COVID-19 vaccine mandates have worked extraordinarily well at getting more Canadians vaccinated, but they are increasingly hard to justify — not because of protests or political pressure — but because they’re a victim of their own success. Vaccinations have been mandated for certain jobs, such as healthcare workers and federal public servants, while vaccine passports have been put in place for non-essential services such as gyms, bars, and restaurants for the general population. And they’ve been an undeniable success: lifting Canada’s vaccination rate to one of the highest in the world, protecting vulnerable sectors of society such as hospitals and long-term care, and helping us achieve one of the lowest rates of death in the developed world. “There’s no obvious evidence that they work,” Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, said during a press conference Friday. “We saw a plateau in the uptake of vaccines after a really tremendous effort by Canadians, and then after the introduction of vaccine mandates by the various provinces and territories and jurisdictions, we did see an uptick.” Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos added that mandates worked to get 99 percent of federal public servants vaccinated and that over the last six months as many as three million Canadians chose to get vaccinated sooner because of them. “Vaccination is not punishment. Vaccination is protection,” he said. “Let’s imagine what the situation with Omicron would now be if we had up to three million Canadians not vaccinated.” The case against vaccine mandates But as the massive Omicron-driven fifth wave subsides across Canada and public health restrictions are set to lift, infectious disease experts and epidemiologists say two-dose mandates are no longer sufficient — and mandating boosters is not a realistic approach. That’s because while two doses are still effective at preventing severe illness, the highly transmissible Omicron variant has rendered them less protective against infection and transmission to others than with previous coronavirus strains. But recent research from Canada and around the world has shown there is substantially more protection against Omicron infection with a third dose — and that boosters are significantly more effective against severe illness than with two doses alone. A new analysis of vaccine effectiveness in both British Columbia and Quebec, which is set to be released in the coming days as a preprint study, found third doses were about 60 percent effective against Omicron infection and more than 90 percent against severe disease. “For three doses, we see that the vaccine effectiveness against all outcomes is jacked up,” said Dr. Danuta Skowronski, a vaccine effectiveness expert and epidemiology lead at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, who co-authored the study. “The vaccine is more effective in preventing severe outcomes.” Skowronski’s findings are similar to those in a recent U.K. analysis that found the level of protection against symptomatic infection from three doses jumped to 63 percent against Omicron and 70 percent against the BA.2 subvariant two weeks following a booster shot. A recently updated Ontario study also found that while vaccines were just 36 percent effective against symptomatic Omicron infection seven to 59 days after two doses, with no protection after six months, that increased to 61 percent a week after a booster. “Boosters work, they’re worthwhile and they’re needed to prevent Omicron transmission,” said Maria Sundaram, an infectious diseases epidemiologist and post-doctoral fellow at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, and co-author of the study. “Vaccine mandates are a way to try to strengthen that tool, but vaccines have never been the only thing that will help us end this pandemic.” Dr. Allison McGeer, a medical microbiologist and infectious diseases specialist at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital, said Canada now needs to make an “extraordinarily difficult” call on whether to expand vaccine mandates and passports — or abolish them altogether. “We’ve got to make a decision about whether we’re not having them or whether we’re going to three doses,” she said. “Because two doses is no longer very functional and the situation has changed completely because of Omicron.” If we were to keep the definition of “fully vaccinated” as having had two doses, vaccine mandates will accomplish “very little,” Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases physician and member of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine task force, said on The Current Wednesday. “There’s no point in keeping it around other than that it’s a tool to maybe encourage people to get vaccinated, which if we are using it for that tool it’s already run its course,” he said. “So you either say we’re doing this as a three-dose vaccine series to be considered fully vaccinated — or you scrap it.” Waning booster protection One key unanswered question with regard to whether we should expand or abolish vaccine mandates in Canada is how long the protection from a third dose lasts — and we’re getting some early hints that booster protection may not be as long-lasting as we’d hoped. New data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Friday found booster protection waned after about four months, highlighting the potential need for fourth doses in the high risk, and dealing a major blow to the case for expanding mandates. The analysis of 241,204 emergency department and urgent care center visits in 10 states found vaccine effectiveness dropped from 69 percent within two months of a second dose to just 37 percent after five months. That protection increased to 87 percent with a booster, but dropped down to 66 percent between four and five months and fell to just 31 percent >>Read more
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Canada enhances border security with Black Hawk helicopters, drones, and advanced technology

Trump’s Claims About Canadian Water Alleviating California Wildfires: Expert Rebuttals

Canada Prepares for Potential U.S. Tariffs: Trudeau Emphasizes Unity, While Energy Restrictions Remain on the Table

Police standoff with Ambassador Bridge protesters; protests continue across Canada

COVID-19 vaccine mandates have worked in Canada — but they’re harder to justify than ever

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Canada enhances border security with Black Hawk helicopters, drones, and advanced technology

Trump’s Claims About Canadian Water Alleviating California Wildfires: Expert Rebuttals

Canada Prepares for Potential U.S. Tariffs: Trudeau Emphasizes Unity, While Energy Restrictions Remain on the Table

Police standoff with Ambassador Bridge protesters; protests continue across Canada

COVID-19 vaccine mandates have worked in Canada — but they’re harder to justify than ever

Canada enhances border security with Black Hawk helicopters, drones, and advanced technology

Trump’s Claims About Canadian Water Alleviating California Wildfires: Expert Rebuttals

Canada Prepares for Potential U.S. Tariffs: Trudeau Emphasizes Unity, While Energy Restrictions Remain on the Table

Police standoff with Ambassador Bridge protesters; protests continue across Canada