COVID-19 Ottawa:

Ottawa Public Health has confirmed 58 new COVID-19 cases in the Capital Tuesday.

The number of active cases however, has dropped, down to 706. 6,694 cases have been recorded in Ottawa during the pandemic, with 5,671 resolved, and 317 deaths from the virus.

COVID-19 Ontario:

827 new cases, and four new deaths from the virus are being reported across the Province.

Ontario has recorded 72,051 cases during the pandemic, with 3,103 deaths, and 61,530 cases resolved.

Long Term Care COVID Commission Change:

Nurses and personal support workers can now be granted anonymity when testifying for a commission examining Ontario’s response to the pandemic in long-term care homes.

Long-term Care Minister Merrilee Fullerton says the government has changed the terms of reference for the independent inquiry. The move was made to ensure the workers don’t fear reprisal from their employers.

Opposition critics called it a good start, saying whistleblower protections should be strengthened across the sector.

City Launching Veterans Task Force:

The City of Ottawa is launching a Veterans Task Force, to be chaired by Councillor Matthew Luloff, and Andre Thivierge, a local veteran with 30 years in the Canadian Armed Forces.

The goal of the task force is to give local veterans a helping hand as they transition to civilian life. It will specifically focus on health, housing, and new careers.

First Nation Finds Lobster Purchaser:

The Nova Scotia First Nation that launched a moderate livelihood lobster fishery last month, and was met with violence and vandalism by non-Indigenous fishers, says it’s found a buyer for some of its other catch.

The Sipekne’katik First Nation says it has been stuck with about 63-hundred kilograms of lobster caught by its commercially licensed boats in the Bay of Fundy. Chief Mike Sack estimates the lobster is worth $150,000 but last week said potential buyers feared retaliation if they did business with the band. The buyer remains anonymous.

Algonquin College Graduation Moves Online:

Algonquin College’s Fall Convocation is going to look a lot different this year.

Wednesday’s ceremony will be held online, but will include some staples of the event from years passed, including the President, Dean, and Class Valedictorian Speeches. Students at the college’s campuses in Ottawa, Pembroke, and Perth will be celebrated at the event.