About 115 Ontario residents reportedly suffered eye damage after viewing the April 8 solar eclipse. The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) said about 118 cases were reported in the province after the solar eclipse. Inflammation of the cornea, dry eyes and solar retinopathy have been reported, the association told the media.

Corneal inflammation usually resolves within a few days. But the ophthalmologist clarified that solar retinopathy is quite serious and in most cases leads to permanent vision loss. Cases have been reported in the province from Windsor to Ottawa, the association said. As warned by health organizations during the eclipse, people wearing eclipse glasses have significantly reduced the incidence of eye damage, the organization said.

Quebecers were only able to view the eclipse for a few minutes, but 28 cases were reported as of April 17, officials said.

 

As part of the drug decriminalization pilot project, the BC government has announced that drug use will be banned in all public places, including hospitals and parks. Premier David Eby said the government has made a formal request to Health Canada to change the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act under a three-year decriminalization pilot project.

AB's final decision that the changes are necessary comes after the attorney general indicated that the province's own legal battle to enact restrictions on drug use in public places will continue in court for at least a year.

Under these laws, the police can take action against people who use banned drugs in public places like transit, restaurants and beaches. The police can remove the drug user from the area. The law allows them to seize drugs or arrest them if necessary.

 

Speaker of the House Ted Arnott has asked MPP Sarah Jama to leave the Ontario legislature for wearing the banned Palestinian keffiyeh in Queen's Park. But Jama was not ready to come out of the chamber. Last week Arnott banned the wearing of the keffiyeh, a scarf commonly worn by Arabs and Muslims and a symbol of Palestinian solidarity. He said he was led to see the dress as a political statement.

The Speaker announced that JAMA will not be entitled to vote on matters before the Assembly, participate in any committee proceedings, use the media studio, table notices, petitions and questions for the rest of the day. But the Jama Assembly continued throughout the question period. After that, Arnot took a strong position that Jama should be removed from the assembly, even if by force.

All four of the province's political party leaders, including Premier Doug Ford, have called for the ban to be lifted. Meanwhile, two attempts by NDP Leader Marit Stels to allow members to dress in uniform failed with unanimous consent.

When asked about Jama's expulsion at the press conference, Doug Ford responded that the Speaker is leading the House and that is his position.

 

The federal government plans to test new measures to expand access to alternative financing products such as 'halal mortgages'. The Liberal government has already begun consultations with financial service providers and various communities. Officials say this is to help understand how federal policies can better support the needs of all Canadians looking to buy a home.

Some financial institutions in Canada already offer Islamic-compliant mortgages, although Canada's Big Five banks do not currently offer them. Profits earned through usury are considered unjust in the Islamic faith.

Judaism and Christianity also consider usury a sin. However, financial institutions operating in Islamic countries are characterized by offering mortgages and lending products that avoid traditional interest payments.

 

An Ontario woman reportedly lost nearly $7,000 after she unknowingly took a taxi from an illegal taxi company on a trip to Antarctica. Pat Shacklady, from Midland, had the misfortune. Shaklady told the media that they were scammed at the first stop on the trip, Santiago, Chile.

Shacklady said she had pre-booked a taxi to pick her and her friend up from the Santiago airport in January. When the taxi arrived they were misled that their driver had an accident and redirected to another company. They had to pay for the trip by credit card. They said they received a receipt for $45,000 in Chilean pesos (about $62) and continued on their way. After returning home from the trip, ShackLady's credit card statement showed a charge of $6,943.

After losing the money, Shacklady contacted the Bank of Montreal (BMO). But they said the claim was initially rejected and later informed that the money could not be refunded.

The Canadian government issued a travel advisory about taxi scams for travelers to Chile after ShakLady's experience was reported. Be warned that taxis near airports are prone to fraud and check the amount on the card reader before using taxis and paying. Passengers were also advised to avoid unmetered taxis.

 

Notice of delay in restoring fluoride to drinking water in Calgary. Fluoride restoration was expected to be completed in September. But infrastructure upgrades are underway at the Glenmore and Bearspaugh water treatment plants. It is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025, the city said.

Fluoride was removed from drinking water in 2011. The city said the infrastructure was decommissioned and removed following the decision to stop fluoridation. In November 2021, city council voted to reinstate fluoride after a referendum showed 62 percent support for adding the mineral to Calgary's drinking water.

Researchers say that this water can strengthen teeth despite its low fluoride content. Researchers hope that even very small amounts of fluoride can make a difference in many people.

Meanwhile, officials point out that restoring fluoride to drinking water will not only take longer, but also be more expensive than originally anticipated. Estimates show that infrastructure operating costs at the two water treatment plants rose from $10.1 million to $28.1 million.

 

The Bank of Canada has decided to start cutting key interest rates soon, Governor Tiff McClem said. Now the bank has announced its position after deciding to keep the interest rate constant. A key interest rate cut is likely at the June 5 announcement. The Bank of Canada kept interest rates on hold at five per cent on Wednesday and McClem said he was beginning to see the economic conditions necessary to cut interest rates.

 

The federal government has adjusted the total number of international student visa applications based on the population of each province. Some provinces may see significant declines in the number of international students, while others may see increases despite the national cap. Immigration Minister Mark Miller has announced that the national cap will be based on the number of study permits expiring this year. This means that the number of international students coming to Canada in 2024 should be equal to the number of students whose permits expire this year.

The federal government is targeting 485,000 approved study permits this year. Of these, 235,000 international students will travel to Ontario. The federal government is expected to approve 141,000 study permits for Ontario. BSI will welcome 83,000 students with a projected approval of 49,800 study permits. This is an 18 percent drop from the 60,864 visas granted to BC last year.

Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island will each see a 10 percent decrease in the number of student permits approved. Nationally, Canada's international student population will decline by 28 percent. However, some provinces will see an increase.

 

Ottawa: Canada has corrected the allegations that India interfered in the country's general elections. This is explained in the official investigation report on foreign interference in elections.

India has not tried to interfere in Canadian politics and elections. Top Canadian officials also stated that they could not find any evidence that India tried to influence the election.

However, China has interfered in the general elections in 2019 and 2021. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party won both elections. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Canada's intelligence agency, has stated that it has received strong evidence of Chinese involvement. It is also said that China mainly tried to support those who were inclined towards them. CSIS had earlier accused India and Pakistan of trying to interfere in the 2019 and 2021 elections. The agency has recently released some parts of the report pointing this out. However, CSIS itself stated that the facts in the report were not fully confirmed. India has strongly reacted against Canada's allegations. The Ministry of External Affairs had responded that it is not India's policy to interfere in the democratic processes of other countries, but Canada is interfering in India's internal affairs. Justin Trudeau's allegation that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was the cause of the diplomatic rift between the two countries. Following this, Canada has come forward with a new accusation against India.

 

Some autoimmune diseases are reported to be on the rise in Canada. Autoimmune diseases are conditions caused by the body's immune system reacting against its own body. At least 80 types of autoimmune diseases have been identified. Almost all parts of the body can be affected by the disease. Common symptoms can be varied and transient. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Some diseases include type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis scleroderma. It is estimated that more than 90,000 people in Canada are affected by MS. Studies show that by 2031, the number of Canadians affected by MS will rise to 130,000.

Other autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are also reported to be on the rise. By 2035, people with IBD will account for 1.1 percent of the nation's population, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.

An estimated 300,000 Canadians have type 1 diabetes. About one percent of people in the country are affected by rheumatoid arthritis. According to Lupus Canada, more than 1,000 people have been diagnosed with lupus. Other autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and scleroderma are also reported to be spreading rapidly among people.

Autoimmune diseases are hard to fight. Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes can have lifelong effects. Controlling these is the only solution. These diseases will also cause financial crisis. You will have to pay a lot of money for medicines and treatment. Not only this, experts say that these disea

 

Water restrictions will be in place in Metro Vancouver in early May as snowfall this season is half of average for the first time in history. Metro Vancouver Board Chair George Harvey announced the upcoming restrictions. Due to lack of snowfall, the water levels in reservoirs in the region have decreased. Severe drought is likely during the summer season. All this will lead to water restrictions from May 1. Harvey said in the announcement that people should be careful to conserve water and not waste water unnecessarily. Residents will be allowed to water their lawns a maximum of one day per week as part of water restrictions.

According to the board, drinking water reservoirs in the area will be full by mid-May. MetroVancouver staff have taken steps to protect the water supply. The board said it has initiated activities including earlier-than-usual commencement of seasonal dams and reservoir operations to increase water storage before the drought worsens. The board also says a complete ban on lawn watering this summer may be necessary if conservation efforts are not successful in the coming months.

 

Mexico: The sun is red in the ring. As the moon's shadow obscured the sun for five minutes, a rare celestial spectacle was seen from Earth, with huge crowds turning out to witness the longest solar eclipse in a thousand and a half centuries. The solar eclipse was visible in North America. People flocked to Canada, Mexico and Texas to witness the rare celestial spectacle.

It will not appear again in India. The total solar eclipse was almost entirely visible in Mexico. The phenomenon was seen off the Pacific coast of Mexico around 2pm local time. The moon completely covered the sun for about four and a half minutes, the BBC reported.

 

London: British citizen John Tinniswood holds the Guinness World Record for the world's oldest living man. The 111-year-old has not held the record for many days. Juan Vincente Pérez Mora, a Venezuelan citizen who previously held the record for being the oldest man, died this week. With this, John Tinniswood, who was the second runner-up, holds the Guinness record.

Born in 1912 in North England, John Tinniswood was 111 years and 222 days old. According to a statement released by Guinness World Records officials, John Tinniswood was awarded the world's oldest man award based on the assessments made by their experts and the findings of a gerontology research team that collects and collates the data of the oldest people in the world.

John Tinniswood, who has previously worked as an accountant and postal service, has retired from work half a century ago and is now in retirement. At the same time, it is natural that many people want to know about his lifestyle and diet, which is the reason for this long life. But when asked directly about this, John Tinniswood's answer was interesting.

He said that longevity is just luck and beyond that there is no big secret to it. There are no special diets or other secrets. Favorite food is fish and chips. Does not smoke and drinks only occasionally. Recreations include reading newspapers and listening to the radio. He added, 'Sometimes you live longer, sometimes you live less, and there's nothing much you can do about it.'

Although John Tinniswood holds the record for the world's oldest man, 117-year-old Spaniard Maria Branias Moreira is the world's oldest living person.

 

The Canadian city with the highest rider rating is Red Deer, Alberta, according to Uber's annual rankings. This is the third year in a row that Uber has published the list. The top 10 percent of customers based on ratings will receive an exclusive 20 percent discount on their next ride, Uber Canada said in a news release.

Windsor, Ontario came in second as the city with the most improved rider ratings. Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Kingston rounded out the top five Canadian cities with high rider ratings. Meanwhile, cities like Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal finished last on the list with the lowest rider ratings.

Uber ratings are based on driver and passenger reviews of Uber rides.

 

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation predicts that housing prices in Canada will peak by 2026. According to the CMHC Housing Market Outlook report, housing construction will increase and accelerate in 2025 and 2026. The report states that house construction will decrease this year.

The report notes that 137,915 new units started construction in Canada's six largest cities last year. In 2023, despite an increase in rental housing in the market, supply did not keep pace with demand. This results in higher rents and lower vacancies in the coming years, the report said.

Sales levels from 2025 to 2026 will slightly exceed the average of the past 10 years, but will remain below the record levels recorded between 2020 and 2021 as home buying becomes more expensive, the CMHC report said.(

 

Patients across Canada's provinces are reportedly waiting longer for hip, knee replacements, cancer surgeries and other priority procedures than before the Covid pandemic. According to a report released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), wait times have increased. The report indicated that between April and September 2023, more people underwent the procedure but had to wait longer.

Although the number of procedures for surgery rose 18 percent, 66 percent of hip replacement patients had surgery within the recommended 26 weeks, compared with 75 percent in 2019, the data said. 59 percent of people who had knee surgery said they had the surgery done within the time frame. It was 70 percent before the Covid pandemic.

According to the CIHI director, due to shortage of staff, availability of beds and operating room time in hospitals, increasing population of elderly people and more health check-ups and procedures for them, surgeries cannot be performed on time.

Only 21 percent of Prince Edward Island patients had knee surgery within 26 weeks. This is the lowest rate in the country. Meanwhile, patients in Ontario waited the shortest amount of time for nearly all procedures. The data showed that 76 percent of patients in the province had knee replacement surgery within the recommended time frame. In BC, the rate is 57 percent. In Alberta, 49 percent of people who underwent knee replacement surgery were within the recommended range.

 

North America's leading intercity bus service, FlixBus, is launching a new economical intercity coach bus in Alberta soon. Flixbus has announced that it will start running bus routes from multiple cities and towns in the province from Friday, April 5. Currently serving Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec. This is followed by entry into Alberta.

FlixBus buses travel to and from cities like Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, Reddeer, Fort McLeod, Okotoks-Aldersheide, and Claresholm. The company offers four daily routes between Edmonton and Calgary and two daily schedules between Lethbridge and Calgary.

Free Wi-Fi, power outlets and onboard entertainment are provided for the passengers in the buses.

 

Stone inscriptions found in the Nile Valley provide evidence that humans were hunting elephants in Egypt as early as 5,000 BC. How man hunted such a large creature with such primitive weapons was unknown. Archaeologists at Israel's Tel Aviv University have discovered how humans hunted the largest animals on Earth long before that, in the Stone Age. Dr. Dr. Meir Finkel and Professor Ran Barkai are behind the new discovery.

 

Spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada. Experts say that in some cities like Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, allergies are increasing due to high levels of pollen. Danielle Coates, director of Aerobiology Research Laboratories in Ottawa, said that if temperatures continue to rise in Ontario, most places are expected to see an increase in allergic diseases next week. Pollen is dust from certain plants such as trees, grasses, and weeds. It contains protein that can irritate allergy sufferers.

He said that pollen levels have decreased in some places due to the cold weather, but they are increasing again in different parts of the country. He said pollen has increased over the past 20 years due to Canada's warmer climate. British Columbia is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada. Allergy sufferers are the most in BC due to high pollen levels in the province. Meanwhile, Coates says the Maritimes is one of the best places to live in Canada for people with seasonal allergies. He explains that the Maritimes are the best, partly because of the rocky terrain.

Allergy sufferers should have more immunity. If not, it can lead to fatigue and other health problems, say health experts. They also explain that allergies can be combated to some extent by maintaining regular health habits, such as eating a nutritious diet and sleeping well.

 

Minimum wages rose in all four Atlantic Canadian provinces. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the minimum wage increased by 60 cents to $15.50 an hour. It is the province with the highest minimum wage in the region. In New Brunswick, the minimum wage increased by 55 cents to $15.30 an hour.

Prince Edward Island's minimum wage rate has increased by 40 cents an hour. With this, the rate became 15.40 dollars. On October 1, the rate on the island will rise again to $16. The lowest increase was recorded in Nova Scotia. The province raised the rate by 20 cents to $15.20.

 

As North America prepares to witness the total solar eclipse on April 8, Eastern Canada has also announced safety precautions. To reduce the risk of solar eclipses, school districts have announced that they will be canceling classes or ending classes early and sending children home for the safety of children. School boards have announced that they will ensure that students are not in schools during the solar eclipse.

Children looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can cause eye damage. Not only this, the authorities also share the concern that traffic will also become difficult as darkness will spread during the afternoon solar eclipse. The moon, which is about 200 km across, completely blocks the sun's light. Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador will be able to view the solar eclipse. It is expected to last more than two hours. But the total eclipse lasts only one to three minutes.

A warning letter about the solar eclipse has been sent to all parents by school boards. The letter from the director of the Toronto District School Board points out that viewing the solar eclipse without safety devices can be dangerous and can seriously affect the eyesight.

 

Health Canada has issued a warning against certain henna products that may have health effects after the presence of the dangerous chemical phenol. Health Canada has also recalled some henna corn products. The recalls include Shakeel Bhai Mehndi Vali-Special Bridal Henna Corn, Shakeel Bhai Mehndi Vali- Almas Henna Corn, and Shakeel Bhai Mehndi Vali- Original Special Zeenat Henna Corn. Health Canada found that they contained phenol, a banned ingredient on the Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist.

A product containing phenol is dangerous for skin contact. This can cause a chemical burn. Additionally, Health Canada reports that it can lead to health problems such as redness, itching, pain and blistering of the skin.

Earlier on April 11, 2017, May 25, 2017 and May 2, 2018 Shakeel Bhai Mehndi Valley Special Bridal Cone was recalled by Health Canada. The agency advised anyone in possession of the recalled product to dispose of it in the garbage. Health Canada also warned sellers to immediately remove the product from stores without selling it.

 

Canada's population is growing rapidly. Statistics Canada reports that 2023 will see the highest annual population growth rate in six decades. The country's population grew by 3.2 percent last year. This is the fastest growth since 1957. This brings the population of Canada to 40,769,890 on January 1, 2024. A total increase of 1,271,872 people compared to the beginning of 2023.

Temporary migration last year accounted for most of the growth, Statistics Canada said. Without temporary migration, the country's population growth rate would have been 1.2 percent, the Statistics Canada report also points out.

 

 

 

On March 26, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted a letter to Canadian citizens on X regarding carbon pricing. This is a letter announcing that rebates available to Canadian citizens are going up. Trudeau says that this is a project that will be very beneficial for the people.

The Parliamentary Budget Officer says eight in 10 households are getting more money back by returning income through the Canada Carbon Rebate. He also clarified that the lower and middle class families will benefit the most.

At the same time, Canadian citizens have come forward with criticism against the federal government's decision to increase the carbon tax rate. In this situation, Trudeau has addressed the people through social media with a letter. In the letter, Trudeau says allegations that carbon tax hikes will make life more expensive for struggling Canadians are completely false. Many people responded to the letter.

 

Alberta is looking for ways to use water safely as severe drought conditions are likely to worsen in the spring and summer. The province is investing millions of dollars in technology projects to help track and manage water use. The provincial government has reportedly spent more than $75 million to support more than 100 projects through the Water Innovation Program.

Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz said their innovative projects are part of efforts to modernize how water is used in the province and that the province is finding new and better ways to conserve, efficiently manage and utilize water as a valuable resource.

The project, developed at the University of Alberta, was first piloted in Calgary. It is a scheme that determines how much water can be reused and recycled. A program using a granular sludge reactor is working at Calgary's water treatment facilities to increase water capacity. The City of Calgary says water restrictions are likely in May if dry weather continues despite recent snowfall.

 

The 25th Youth Hiring Fair will be held in Calgary on Thursday, March 28. The job fair is organized at the Big Four Building in Stampede Park from 1.30 pm to 6 pm. The organizers say that thousands of job seekers will participate in the fair.

Every year around 5,000 youth between the ages of 15 and 24 attend the job fair. Many people are expected to come this year as well. More than 80 employers are participating in the fair. City of Calgary Community Programs and Services Coordinator Tara Huxley says the fair offers thousands of job opportunities for youth. The youth will have employment opportunities in sectors such as food and beverages, hospitality, entry-level construction, trades, social services, public health sector and retail.

Admission to the Youth Hiring Fair is free. Participants should bring resume.

 

: Canada has taken a decision that will be a huge setback for all foreigners including Indians. Canada has decided to reduce the number of foreigners coming to work and study. This is the first time in history that Canada has taken such a decision. As part of this, visa rules for temporary residents including foreign students will be tightened.

Immigration Minister Mark Miller said the decision will be implemented from this September. Canada is moving to reduce the number of temporary residents to five percent of its population over the next three years. Foreign nationals now make up six and a half percent of Canada's population.

 

Canada's Public Health Agency blames geckos for salmonella outbreak spreading across seven provinces Geckos are a type of lizard. Carnivorous lizards found on every continent except Antarctica. The agency confirmed in a statement that based on investigation findings so far, geckos have been identified as the source of the outbreak. Many infected individuals have reported direct or indirect contact with geckos or their enclosures prior to becoming ill.

According to the PHAC, people who came into contact with the geckos became ill in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. As of March 22, 35 cases of the disease have been confirmed through contact with geckos. Five of them were admitted to the hospital. Seven cases were reported in children aged five and under. Ontario has reported the most cases, with 18.

The agency's statement suggests that reptile owners and business operators play a key role in preventing such pet-related illnesses.

 

The Royal Ontario Museum is offering free admission to visitors this weekend to mark its 110th anniversary. On March 23 and 24, from 10 am to 5.30 pm, visitors will have free entry to the museum and can walk around the entire museum, the museum authorities said in a press release.

Tickets are not required to visit. But due to the rush of visitors, building capacity limit, etc., visitors should expect a longer waiting time than usual, officials said. Visitors are also advised to enter Queen's Park via the Weston Entrance.

 

For the first time in Canada, the immigration minister has announced that a 'soft cap' will be introduced on the number of new temporary residents in the fall season. The new move is part of the government's measures to control population growth. The federal government plans to reduce the number of temporary residents to five percent of the population within the next three years. The first target is implemented in September.

There is a sharp increase in the number of temporary residents coming to Canada each year. Earlier, Miller said that the country is increasingly attracting temporary workers. Miller also pointed out in the press conference that changes are needed to make the system more efficient and sustainable.

Earlier this year, Miller cut the number of new international student visas by a third to address population growth and the housing crisis.