Ottawa Observation: Friday, December 31, 2021

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Friday, December 31, 2021

Canada / China tensions                 

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 hospitalizations up 67 percent in week as Omicron takes hold

Alberta, Manitoba, BC shorten isolation period to five days from 10 for vaccinated people

New Brunswick Premier tests positive for COVID-19; non urgent surgeries cancelled

BC records 3,795 new cases of COVID-19 and 3 more deaths 

BC reduces COVID-19 self isolation to 5 days with no symptoms, fast tracks booster program

Faster-than-ever COVID-19 spread has us wondering if getting Omicron inevitable - and what that means for the virus' long-term future

Year ends with yet another new COVID cases record in Ontario 

COVID-19 outbreaks declare in 40 Ontario LTC homes in span of one day

Some families feel cut off by new long-term care restrictions 

'Cautious optimism' builds as Omicron appears milder than feared

BC reports 3,795 new cases, hospitalizations climb for third consecutive day

BC changes isolation period, fast tracks booster shots as another year of COVID ends

Six unlearned lessons of the Pandemic 

Globe and Mail

Ottawa reaches a deal on Indigenous child welfare compensation, sources say

CBC                                             

Agreement reached on Indigenous child welfare compensation

May calls 2021 ' very bad year' for Greens, says party back to its values

Surrey's school district says Omicron will challenge schools to keep up

Toronto/Vancouver Star

Group in BC looks to build smaller, homelike long-term care unties after COVID-19

New Year's Eve parties cancelled, move online in cities across Canada

Religion and Politics are still potent brew in Alberta 

'I can't even explain to you how hard it is to get up and go to work': Nurses face Omicron, a worker shortage - and shifting rules

Toronto Sun

New poll shows Canadians optimistic about 2022

National Post

Thieves made off with $200,000 worth of butter, and inflation may be to blame

Macleans                           

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Global 

Vancouver's Bright Nights cancelled after key equipment allegedly stolen 

Vancouver's ban on plastic bags, fee on disposable cups, takes effect Saturday

Vancouver Legion branch vows to fight New Year's Eve eviction

The Liberals know how to improve Canadians' access to government information. Will they?

Miscellaneous            

Mayoral candidate Mark Marissen's mom wants voters to know how kind hearted he is

Significant winter storm coming to Metro Vancouver, bringing more snow on New Year's Day

What year was worse?

He told us to save life on Earth. Will We?