Emergencies Act passes in the House …
The House of Commons has approved the implementation of the Emergencies Act to deal with truckers’ protests against vaccine mandates.
The Liberals’ move was supported by the NDP in a vote last night.
The measure now goes to the Senate for approval.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government never wanted to invoke the act, but it was necessary to allow police to regain control in Ottawa and our border crossings.
The measures being undertaken are in effect for a maximum of 30 days.
Heavy police presence continues in Ottawa …
Most streets in downtown Ottawa are now open, and local businesses are being told it’s safe to resume operations after the final group of protesters was cleared from the downtown core over the weekend.
But police say they aren’t letting down their guard just yet.
Hundreds of officers remain on patrol, and checkpoints are still in place on roads that access the downtown.
Officials say there are indications some of the trucks involved in the protest have gathered just outside Ottawa, and plan to return if they see an opportunity.
HEPA filters on the shopping list for schools and daycares
The provincial government is committing to purchasing more high-efficiency HEPA filters in schools and daycares across the province.
It will purchase 40-thousand units for schools and another nine thousand for licensed child care operators.
That’s in addition to the 73-thousand units already announced.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says improvements in ventilation are a critical priority to limit the further spread of COVID-19.
Tax season is underway
Income tax filing season is officially underway in Canada.
The Canada Revenue Agency officially opened its electronic doors to tax filers yesterday.
Receipts for government payments such as employment insurance and pensions are due in the mail by February 28th.
But the agency is warning that some may be delayed until mid-March.
With the usual tax filing deadline falling on a Saturday this year, the federal government says you’ll have to get your forms filed by Monday, May 2nd, at midnight.