The federal government admits it spent nearly $400 million of taxpayer dollars over on its designated COVID-19 quarantine facilities during the pandemic. Figures supplied to the media by the Public Health Agency of Canada state that the government spent more than $388 million to run 38 designated quarantine sites across the country between March 2020 and September 2022. The facilities were consistently criticized as overpriced and badly managed, with people complaining bitterly about poor food, cold meals and crowded lobbies with would-be quarantine passengers mingling together. “DQF’s (Designated Quarantine Facilities) and alternate sites were active in a total of 14 Read more
Canada
Ontarians love to travel, but with costs rising due to inflation, it has become more important than ever to find ways to save money, while still crossing off destinations on your bucket list. Here are some good travel tips from the Canadian Automobile Association South Central Association. “This year, more and more people across the province are eager to embark on their next adventure, whether that means disconnecting in a tropical paradise or exploring the history of an ancient city,” says Susan Postma, regional manager, CAA Club Group. “While we are seeing a renewed interest in travel, we know the Read more
From Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island, and Niagara to to the Yukon, here are 10 great places in Canada for a fine, romantic Valentine’s Day date. WHISTLER. B.C. An afternoon at the luscious Scandinave Spa is a great way to spend time with your honey. It’s super romantic to sit in a warm/hot outdoor pool and watch the snowflakes fall all around you. Take a walk through the pedestrian-friendly village and find that perfect spot for a quiet dinner. Top hotels include the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Four Seasons. NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE Heart-shaped tubs are fine. Ditto for overstuffed furniture and Read more
Air Tahiti Nui, the most immersive in-flight travel experience and flagship carrier of French Polynesia, is offering two can’t miss buy-one-get-one-half-off fare deals just in time for the month of love. When booked now through February 17, 2023, couples can experience one of two ultra-romantic getaways while soaking in major savings. For a romantic island getaway to The Islands of Tahiti, couples who book a flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tahiti (PPT) in the airline’s Moana Premium Class get the second flight automatically at 50% off. Sweethearts can laze away on the white-sand beaches, feel the heartbeat of local Read more
August 1 marks Emancipation Day in Canada and many other countries. Great Britain on Aug. 1, 1834 established the Slavery Abolition Act, which put an end to the centuries-old system of colonial enslavement of Africans throughout the British Empire, which included the land now known as Canada. I can’t say I’ve explored a ton of Black history places in Canada, but here are a few I can recommend in Ontario. These are all excerpts from stories/blog posts about places and people that celebrate this province’s rich Black history. All of these places are within a few hours of Toronto. BUXTON Read more
