COVID-19 Ottawa:

There are 55 new, confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ottawa Friday.

8,333 cases have been reported here throughout the pandemic, with 7,667 resolved, and 293 active. One more person in the Capital has died from the virus, sending that number up to 373.

COVID-19 Ontario:

Across Ontario, 1,855 new cases, and 20 more deaths from the virus are being reported Friday.

In total, the province has recorded 111,216 confirmed cases, with 3,595 deaths and 94,366 patients recovered.

Vaccine Update:

Justin Trudeau says most Canadians should receive a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by September of 2021.

The prime minister came under fire this week after revealing Canadians would likely begin to receive vaccinations by March. Meanwhile, other major countries like the US and UK have said their citizens will start seeing them before the end of this year. Trudeau says the vaccine distribution program will be led by former NATO commander Major-General Dany Fortin.

Ottawa Public Health Gets More Flu Shots:

There’s good news Friday if you have not been able to get your flu shot yet.

Ottawa Public Health has received more doses of the season flu vaccine, and is now booking clinic appointments into next week. A shortage of doses last week forced OPH to stop booking appointments beyond Friday.

Land Defenders Appeal Injunction:

Land defenders occupying a construction site near Caledonia are appealing an order to leave.

In October, a judge granted a development company a permanent injunction against the occupants of a camp known as 1492 Land Back Lane. The appeal documents argue the court was unfair to demonstration organizer Skyler Williams and did not properly consider evidence.

The group maintains a housing development near Six Nations of the Grand River is on unceded Indigenous land.

Funding For Indigenous Child and Family Services:

Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller says newly announced funding will help unleash the potential of Indigenous young people who have been held back for generations.

The federal government is sending 542-million-dollars to Indigenous groups to help them set up welfare services for children and families. Child-protection agencies have often removed Indigenous children not just from their parents, but out of their communities entirely, when workers decide the kids aren’t safe.

LRT Out Of Service Sunday:

The full Confederation Line, from Tunney’s Pasture to Blair Road, will be out of service Sunday.

OC Transpo says crews will be installing new track switch heaters. R1 buses will be running in its place throughout the day.