National News

OTTAWA — Canada could be nearing the peak of the Omicron wave of COVID-19, but public health experts still expect the high number of cases to drive a surge in daily hospitalizations in coming weeks.

Elementary and secondary schools across Western Canada have reopened following the Christmas break as provincial governments faced criticism from teachers over what they say is a lack of protective measures against the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

OTTAWA — The Department of National Defence says proceedings have been launched against more than 900 Canadian Armed Forces members for refusing to get vaccinated, though none have yet been forced to hang up their uniforms.

OTTAWA — One man is dead and five people are missing after an explosion at an Ottawa tanker-truck manufacturer Thursday. Neil Greene, the owner and president at Eastway Tank Pump and Meter Ltd. said Friday he is "completely devastated.

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The highly transmissible Omicron variant is forcing mathematicians to rework the models that have helped shaped Canada's understanding of COVID-19, as well as the country's response to the pandemic.

In The News is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to kickstart your day. Here is what's on the radar of our editors for the morning of Jan. 14 ... What we are watching in Canada ...

OTTAWA — A variety of products distributed by Bistak Enterprises Inc. and Bistak Groceries Inc. are being recalled due to possible salmonella contamination from rodent infestation.

Homeless and vulnerable people in British Columbia and Alberta have been approached with offers of payment to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by those attempting to fraudulently get a vaccine card.

OTTAWA — Health Canada should be ready to make an authorization decision about Pfizer's Paxlovid antiviral treatment for COVID-19 in a week to 10 days, chief medical adviser Dr. Supriya Sharma said Thursday.

OTTAWA — Indigenous federal inmates are infected with COVID-19 at disproportionately high rates. Correctional Service Canada said Wednesday that as of Jan. 10, there are 207 active COVID-19 cases among inmates in federal penitentiaries.