George Floyd Memorial:
The golden casket containing George Floyd’s body is surrounded by floral arrangements and pictures.
The first of three memorial services is being held today in the Frank J. Lindquist sanctuary at North Central University.
Ottawa Rally Changes Venue:
The organizers of tomorrow’s No Peace Until Justice Rally have switched venues.
The event in support of black lives matter and justice for George Floyd will now start on Parliament Hill, instead of the U.S. Embassy, as originally planned.
It’s not clear where participants will march, with organizers suggesting that more details will be released by 10:00 am Friday.
Meanwhile,
Ottawa Police have confirmed that road closures will be in effect to facilitate the march, and that the safety of demonstrators, and all members of our community is their top priority.
The force has also suggested that its members will be wearing personal protective equipment in the event that physical distancing is not possible, and that it is working with Ottawa Public Health to ensure PPE is available to those taking part in the event as well.
COVID-19 Ottawa:
Another person in Ottawa has died from COVID-19-related illness.
Ottawa Public Health’s latest update says 248 people have now died from complications related to the virus.
Eight more cases have been confirmed, sending the city’s total up to 1,985, with 83 per cent of those cases now resolved.
COVID-19 Ontario:
Ontario is reporting 356 new cases of COVID-19, and 45 more deaths.
That brings the total in the province to 29,403, an increase of 1.2 per cent over Wednesday. It includes 2,357 deaths and 23,208 cases that have been resolved.
Ottawa Jail Hunger Strike:
Fourteen inmates at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre have begun a hunger strike to protest conditions they believe have only gotten worse during the pandemic.
One inmate says they have been served substandard food including unheated frozen meals.
The protesters have also complained about a lack of access to personal protective gear, antibacterial soap and body wash, magazines and books.
Tam Warns Against Rapid Reopening:
Dr. Theresa Tam is warning that relaxing public health restrictions too quickly or too soon could lead to a rampant resurgence of COVID-19.
The chief public health officer delivered a new report Thursday that shows most of the country has seen the spread of the disease diminish substantially.
But Tam is pointing out hot spots of community transmission in Toronto and Montreal that she says are concerning.
Search Continues For Missing BC Woman:
As the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls marks its one-year anniversary, a northern B.C. family is still searching for a loved one who disappeared along the Highway of Tears.
Cindy Martin was last seen on Dec. 23, 2018. Searches were conducted after her disappearance but were unsuccessful.
She has not been heard from since.
Senators Foundation and Ottawa Senators Parting Ways:
The Sens Foundation and the Ottawa Senators will be going their separate ways at the end of next month.
The foundation announced Thursday that it will fulfill its obligations with the team until its current agreement with the Senators runs out on July 31.
It’s not clear what’s next for the Sens foundation, which has raised more than $31,000,000 for local youth programs since its formation 22 years ago.