Ottawa Observations: Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for   Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Canada / China tensions                 

Boycott the Olympics? How about sending a new team of athletes instead?

China expects COVID-19 cases due to Olympic Games arrivals

As China aims to manipulate Canadian politics, parliamentarians look the other way

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Quebec to limit gatherings amid fears of an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases

Omicron COVID-19 variant more transmissible but causes less severe illness than Delta, British studies find

More than 13 million people in Chinese city Xi'an under COVID-19 lockdown as cases surge

Manitoba announces 400 new COVID-19 cases, but no new restrictions

Federal government expands lockdown supports to people, businesses affected by capacity limits

6 members of PM's staff, security test positive for COVID-19

WHO says blanket booster campaigns will prolong pandemic

If sports leagues can live with COVID-19,' it's because they have the money to do so

Quebec predicts 'steep exponential rise' in COVID-19 cases, brings in new gathering limits Boxing Day

US approves COVID-19 pill that decreases risk of hospitalization by 90%

Another peak in COVID-19 case counts in BC, six more deaths

Scientists in Canada took the world's most detailed look yet at Omicron. Here's what they saw

Why is downtown Toronto the new COVID-19 hot spot? Lack of testing, 'private and social gatherings' among possible drivers

Trudeau, Freeland push back at Biden on COVID-19 holiday gatherings

Canadian Public health report shows Omicron much milder so far

As Canadian leaders urge 'prudence and caution' during holidays, vaccinated Americans told they can 'safely celebrate'

Make the unvaccinated pay for their own health care

The 'expert advice that is hampering our pandemic response

South African study finds a lower risk of hospitalization with Omicron but there's a catch

BC smashes Tuesday's record with 1,528 new COVID-19 cases

UBC scientists reveal world's first molecular-level analysis of Omicron variants spike protein

'A false sense of reassurance' BC doctor warns about getting COVID-19 unnecessarily

'A huge blow': Fitness expert worries about mental health with BC gyms closing again

New provisional record of 1,474 cases over the past 24 hours

Omicron's Here: We Invited it in

Globe and Mail

Ottawa expands eligibility for Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit and wage and rent supports to regions with capacity limits

Liberal MP censured for defying advice on non-essential travel

A clear and present danger for the continued efficiency of rail transportation in Canada

When you try to run everything out of the PMO, sooner or later something's bound to break

CBC                                             

As an Indigenous leader, I didn't feel heard at COP26

Catholic bishops fail to release details of $30M fundraiser for residential school survivors on time

Toronto/Vancouver Star

Snow, storm and bitter cold warnings posted for parts of BC

Agriculture Minister Bibeau announces emergency flood funding top-up

What do you get for the prime minister who has everything? Masks, socks and Trump toilet paper

Ottawa expands pandemic benefit programs as Omicron propels a surge of new COVID-19 cases

Ottawa steps up, but the response to Omicron has been largely chaotic

Vandal takes TTC elevators out of service for 'weeks'

Toronto Sun

Eglinton LRT likely won't be finished by 2022: Metrolinx

Europe's green energy disaster a warning for Canadians

Ontario offers property tax, energy rebates to biz impacted by COVID measures

Feds admit tracking 33 million mobile phone devices during lockdown

Senate proposing 5.4% budget increase

Let our kids enjoy the wonder of Christmas 

National Post

'Urban myth' concerning safety of new naval helicopters more concerning than actual airworthiness: DND official

Jason Kenney's awkward task: Secure tax credits from the Feds but keep 'made in Ottawa' solutions at bay

Macleans                           

Global 

'No end day in sight': BC businesses await financial support as COVID shutdowns begin

River ice jam prompts evacuation alerts for parts of Smithers

BC storm, snowfall warnings:  40-70 cm expected for part of Highway 3

Omicron prompts University of British Columbia courses to go temporarily online

Canada broadens $300 a week COVID-19 benefit as Omicron prompts new restrictions

Miscellaneous            

Canadian Real Estate Association predicts 'conservative' 7.6 percent increase in 2022 average home price

Alberta NDP MLA Thomas Dang resigns from caucus after RCMP executes search warrant on his home

Vancouver needs way more Co-ops. Here's how to get them

Sikh Christmas in the Bible Belt