COVID-19 Ottawa:

Four more people in Ottawa have died after contracting the Novel Coronavirus.

372 people have died from the virus here throughout the pandemic. Ottawa Public Health is reporting 23 new cases Wednesday, sending the total up to 8,254, with 7,595 resolved, and 287 active.

COVID-19 Ontario:

Ontario has 1,373 new cases, and 35 more deaths linked to the virus Wednesday.

The province has now recorded a total of 107,883 cases, with 91,550 resolved, and 3,554 deaths.

Meanwhile,

The Ontario government is urging you to celebrate the upcoming winter holidays only with the people you live with, regardless of the COVID-19 situation in your region.

The province is issuing its initial guidance, saying it knows Ontarians are already making their holiday plans. It says those who live alone can join another household to celebrate. Everyone else should stick to their own household and follow any public health guidelines for their area.

AG Slams Ontario’s Pandemic Response:

Ontario’s response to COVID-19 was slow, reactive and hampered by delays and confusion in decision-making.

That’s according to the province’s auditor general, who released a special report Wednesday examining Ontario’s emergency management of the pandemic. Bonnie Lysyk says outdated provincial emergency plans, old I-T systems and lack of laboratory surge capacity slowed down the response in the winter and spring.

Councillors Urge Chiarelli To Resign:

College Ward Councillor Rick Chiarelli is being asked to resign by his council colleagues, in response to a second report into allegations of sexual harassment of staff and job candidates.

This report also recommends suspending Chiarelli’s pay for another 180 days, on top of the 270 day pay suspension he was given when the initial report into the accusations was released. Chiarelli has denied all allegations of wrongdoing, and is vowing to say more after a hearing with city officials on January 13.

Caldwell First Nation Reserve Established:

An Ontario First Nation will establish a reserve on land it has claimed for more than two centuries.

Caldwell First Nation says the 200-acre lot in Leamington now has reserve status, after first reaching a land claim settlement with Canada a decade ago. The nation says it intends to offer housing for all citizens who want to move back and hopes to offer jobs on the reserve.