Five Deaths; Hospital Admissions Decline - 91.9 The Bend

Public Health reported five more deaths Monday involving people who had COVID-19, including a person in their 20s in the Saint John health zone.

There have now been 238 deaths linked to COVID-19 since the pandemic began, according to the provincial COVID-19 dashboard.

New Brunswick now has 152 people in the hospital with the virus, down by 12 from Sunday.

Sixteen of those patients are in an ICU, which is an increase of three.

Of those currently in hospital with the virus, 68 were admitted for COVID-19 while 84 were admitted for other reasons.

Just over 400 provincial healthcare workers who tested positive for the virus are currently in isolation.

Public Health reported 169 new positive PCR test results and 517 positive rapid test results on Monday.

There are known 4,481 known active cases of COVID-19, based on PCR testing. That includes 1,719 active cases in the Moncton health zone and 1,167 in the Saint John health zone.

Officials said 92.1 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers have their first dose of a vaccine, 84.5 per cent have their second dose, and 44 per cent have their booster dose.

The rate of new PCR cases is 18.6 per 100,000 for those considered “protected” — having received their second dose within six months and/or having received their booster dose — and 29.1 per 100,000 for those with partial or no protection.

Of those currently in hospital, the rate is 34.2 per 100,000 for those considered protected and 97.8 per 100,000 for those with partial or no protection.

Among those in the ICU, the rates are 6.4 per 100,000 for those considered protected and 34 per 100,000 for those with partial or no protection.

Our COVID-19 dashboard has been updated for Monday, January 31.

Visit https://t.co/oIqIZSv1av for information about the rates of cases and hospitalizations based on vaccination status, the age and origin of new cases, and additional COVID-19 data.

— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) January 31, 2022

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Algoma sees five more hospitalized with COVID-19 - Sault Star

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There are currently 568 known active cases of COVID-19 in the Algoma region, up 32 from Sunday’s report.

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Five more people are now hospitalized, bringing the total of hospitalizations to 19 in the region.

The confirmed cases remain as a result of close contacts and outbreaks at various congregate settings and institutions. A number of others have unknown causes.

COVID remains active in all parts of the region.

Provincial reports indicate the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 is slightly decreasing.

Monday’s report shows 2,983 people hospitalized with the virus, of those 583 in ICU.

Monday saw the first of a three-step reopening plan that will result in a slight increase of social gathering limits and the partial reopening of restaurants, bars and gyms, among other things.

Residents are urged to get vaccinated, if they haven’t already done so. Others who have received their first dose are encouraged to get their second dose when permitted and those with two doses are urged to get their booster.

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Fab's Five: Fantasy basketball waiver wire options for Week 16 - TSN

Fabio Lucarini (@Fatty_Fadeaway)

Week 16 of the fantasy basketball regular season is here, and depending on your situation, you will have different goals.

If a playoff spot feels certain, the idea may be to look for a player who can help you in the long-term.

If you're fighting for your postseason life, immediate help is the primary concern. Here are five players I feel can be a balance of both. 

Here are five players to consider picking up if they are still available in your fantasy basketball league.

10-Team Leagues

SG: Malik Monk, Lakers (16.1 per cent rostered)

Monk's been flirting with top-50 value over the past month, and Lebron James is expected to miss the next six games with knee swelling. Monk becomes the de-facto third option behind Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook, and he's coming off a season-high 33 points and 10 rebounds to go along with eight triples and five assists against the Hawks on Sunday. Expecting nights like that is unreasonable but assume a full dose of scoring and threes going forward. 

PF: Chuma Okeke, Magic (4.8 per cent rostered)

Okeke is settling in as a nice player off the bench for the rebuilding Magic, so I expect the 2019 first rounder to be getting plenty of burn for the rest of the season. He's looked like a nine-category stud over the past two weeks: 12.1 points, 2.7 triples, 4.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.9 blocks, while shooting over 53 per cent and turning it over less than once per contest. The Magic play four times this week, so grab him and hold him.

12-Team Leagues

C: Onyeka Okongwu, Hawks (5.2 per cent rostered)

I wrote a few weeks ago about how Okongwu was a player to watch out for in deeper leagues. The common thought was that he would be relegated to very few minutes with Clint Capela returning from injury. What we've seen over the past five games is Okongwu playing only five fewer minutes than Capela, and it's looking more like a timeshare. He won't light up the stat sheet, but his field-goal percentage is elite (74.4 per cent this season) and he's chipping in 6.0 rebound and 1.6 blocks this year. His efficiency and shot blocking make him a worthwhile add, and his value spikes if Capela were to miss any more time. 

SG/SF: Reggie Bullock, Mavericks (1.4 per cent rostered) 

Bullock is being relied upon to fill the void of Tim Hardaway Jr, who will miss significant time with a broken foot. Bullock's been productive in three games without THJ: 16.0 points, 4.3 triples, 4.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 0.7 turnovers in nearly 27 minutes a night. Bullock should be a nice source of points and threes for the next little while, so look to him if you need that.

PG: Monte Morris, Nuggets (19.1 per cent rostered) 

Morris has value due to his ability to supply dimes, a commodity that's difficult to find on the wire. Over the past month, Morris is averaging 5.4 assists while turning it over less than once a game. His 13.3 points over that span is an added bonus, and his spot in the rotation is cemented.

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NB COVID-19 roundup: Five new deaths announced Monday - CTV News Atlantic

New Brunswick reported five additional deaths related to COVID-19 on Monday.

The new deaths involve:

• a person in their 20s in Zone 2 (Saint John region)
• a person in their 80s in Zone 1 (Moncton region)
• a person in their 80s in Zone 3 (Fredericton region)
• a person in their 70s in Zone 4 (Edmundston region)
• a person in their 70s in Zone 6 (Bathurst region)

There have been 238 deaths since the start of the pandemic reported in New Brunswick.

HOSPITALIZATIONS

According to the province’s online dashboard, a total of 152 people are hospitalized in the province -- a decrease of 12 since Sunday.

Sixteen people are currently in intensive care and seven people are on a ventilator.

HEALTH OFFICIALS POSITIVE AND ISOLATING

As of Monday, there are a total of 402 health-care workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently isolating.

Here is a breakdown of the health-care workers isolating as of Monday:

• Vitalité Health Network- 170

• Horizon Health Network - 139

• Ambulance New Brunswick – 93

NEW CASES REPORTED

There were 169 new PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19 Monday in New Brunswick.

In addition, officials are also reporting 517 new cases reported using rapid tests.

The breakdown of the new PCR-confirmed cases by health zone is as follows:

• Zone 1 – the Moncton region - 36 new cases
• Zone 2 – the Saint John region - 39 new cases
• Zone 3 – the Fredericton region - 41 new cases
• Zone 4 – the Edmundston region - 22 new cases
• Zone 5 – the Campbellton region - five new cases
• Zone 6 – the Bathurst region - 19 new cases
• Zone 7 – the Miramichi region - 7 new cases

According to the online dashboard, there are a total of 4,841 active cases of the virus in New Brunswick.

VACCINATION UPDATE

As of Monday, 92.1 per cent of New Brunswickers have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, 84.5 per cent are fully vaccinated with two doses of vaccine and 44 per cent have now received a booster dose.

In total, 1,655,956 doses of vaccine have been administered in New Brunswick.

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Capitals chase Holtby with five goals, Vanecek shuts out Stars - NHL.com

DALLAS -- The Washington Capitals scored five goals against Braden Holtby in two periods of a 5-0 win against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on Friday.

Vitek Vanecek made 29 saves for the Capitals (24-12-9), who won in regulation for the first time since Jan. 15 (seven games).

Holtby made 22 saves in his first game against his former team before he was pulled. He played his first 10 NHL seasons for Washington and won the Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2018.

"I hate to see he had a tough night, but we all know what he's done for our organization, for our club, for our fans," Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom said. "He's a good friend of a lot of guys on the team and I think everyone loves him."

Jake Oettinger made two saves in relief for the Stars (22-17-2), who had won four in a row.

"The score tells you we had nothing going tonight," Dallas coach Rick Bowness said. "We played a very experienced, hungry hockey club that had lost two in a row. They came in and took control of the game and didn't let up. We just had nothing going tonight."

Video: WSH@DAL: Vanecek stops all 29 shots in a 5-0 victory

Joe Pavelski appeared to give Dallas the lead 42 seconds into the first period, but Washington successfully challenged for offside.

"It's not the start we wanted," Capitals forward Connor McMichael said. "It was kind of lucky that it was offside there for us. I felt like after that, it kind of woke us up and we started firing on all cylinders."

Tom Wilson made it 1-0 47 seconds later, scoring a power-play goal from his knee at the top of the circle.

John Carlson scored a power-play goal from the middle of the ice to make it 2-0 at 7:54. Trevor van Riemsdyk scored his first goal of the season off a point shot for a 3-0 lead at 13:08.

"I think we got exposed today," Stars defenseman John Klingberg said. "Mistakes got costly, and they're a really good hockey team over there."

Video: WSH@DAL: Carlson hammers home a one-timer for PPG

Lars Eller caught Holtby puck watching and passed through the goalie's legs to McMichael for a tap-in to make it 4-0 at 12:03 of the second period.

"I think we didn't forecheck well tonight," Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen said. "And we probably didn't play that hard when we did it on the road."

The Capitals increased their lead to 5-0 when Nicklas Backstrom beat Holtby to the far side at 16:50.

"They're a skilled, fast team with a good forecheck as well," Backstrom said. "We talked about just moving the puck quick, that's something we've been struggling with lately, so just moving the puck quick and getting out of our zone as fast as possible. We did that good tonight."

Dallas, which had the third-best power-play percentage at home (26.1 percent), was 0-for-3.

"Their first power play, they generated a lot of zone time and a lot of puck possession," Washington coach Peter Laviolette said. "That was a little bit scary as well. I thought the penalty kill got better as the game went on too. Talented players over there, but I thought defensively we were good."

NOTES: Prior to the game, former Stars defenseman Sergei Zubov had his No. 56 retired. He played his final 12 NHL seasons (1996-2009) with Dallas and helped them win the Stanley Cup in 1999. The Hockey Hall of Famer is the Stars/Minnesota North Stars leader among defensemen in games played (839), goals (111), assists (438) and points (549). ... Holtby played last season for the Vancouver Canucks, who did not play the Capitals. He was 282-122-46 in 468 games with Washington, and is second in wins and games played behind Olaf Kolzig (301, 711) in Capitals history. His 35 shutouts are tied with Kolzig for most. ... Van Riemsdyk played his 40th game this season and had not scored since Jan. 30, 2021 (55 games). ... Washington has scored first in 30 games this season, most in the NHL.

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Five deaths reported Sunday in New Brunswick, 164 people in hospital with COVID-19 - CTV News Atlantic

New Brunswick reported five additional deaths related to COVID-19 on Sunday.

So far this month, over 70 people have died from the virus in the province.

There have been 233 deaths since the start of the pandemic reported in New Brunswick.

HOSPITALIZATIONS

According to the province’s online dashboard, a total of 164 people are hospitalized in the province, an increase of five since Saturday.

13 people are currently in intensive care and five people are on a ventilator.

N.B. HOSPITALS REMAIN IN RED LEVEL

Although New Brunswick has moved to the less restrictive level two of its COVID-19 winter plan, the hospital system hasn’t changed its current situation.

Hospitals have been in the red level since Dec. 30, and remain that way.

Dr. John Dornan, CEO of Horizon Health told CTV Atlantic they’re reviewing the situation every day. The red level allows hospitals to postpone non-urgent appointments and procedures and limit visitors – only focusing on emergent cases.

Paula Doucet of the N.B. Nurses Union said the move to level two doesn’t change that.

“We still have outbreaks, we still have staff that are out self-isolating, we still have the shortages," she said. “There’s still postponement of appointments, treatments, surgeries – so there is really no major change for those showing up every day in the healthcare facilities across New Brunswick.”

Doucet said there are about 1,000 vacant registered nursing positions, 300 licensed practical nurse positions and 20 nurse practitioner positions available.

“So there’s still a great fear of because we’re moving to phase two, that we will still continue to see increased hospitalizations and also increased visits to hospitals,” she said. “Moving from level three to level two isn’t a free pass for people to go and do what they want. Please continue to heed the warnings of public health.”

Horizon and Vitalite Health Networks are also trying to rebook people whose vaccine appointments were cancelled during Saturday’s storm.

HEALTH OFFICIALS POSITIVE AND ISOLATING

As of Sunday, Jan. 30, there is a total of 435 health care workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently isolating.

Here is a breakdown of the health care workers isolating as of Sunday, Jan. 30:

• Vitalité Health Network- 170
• Horizon Health Network - 171
• Ambulance New Brunswick – 94

IN-PERSON LEARNING RESUMES MONDAY

Public schools in New Brunswick will resume full-time, in-person learning on Monday.

The provincial plans for schools, which outlines measures to align with Public Health’s winter plan, will also take effect Monday.

Families are reminded that masks will be required indoors and outdoors, for all age groups, except for kindergarten-to-Grade 8 students who are within their grouping outdoors at Level 2.

Students are reminded to bring their own mask to school; a well-fitted, three-layer masks are recommended by Public Health. A supply of medical-grade masks, rated as KN95 or higher, have been secured for teachers and school staff as an option.

“We all have a role to play in keeping our schools as healthy and safe as possible,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy in a news release on Friday.

“We are asking everyone in schools to co-operate to make sure everyone is wearing their mask properly throughout the day – over the nose and mouth. By following the guidelines, you are helping to keep school staff, students and others in the community healthy.”

Any student experiencing a new or worsening symptom should not attend school and register online for rapid tests.

NEW CASES REPORTED

According to health officials, there were 274 new positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed Sunday in New Brunswick using a PCR test.

In addition, officials are also reporting 375 new cases reported using rapid tests.

Here is a breakdown of the new cases reported Sunday by health zone:

• Zone 1 – the Moncton region -114 new cases
• Zone 2 – the Saint John region - 70 new cases
• Zone 3 – the Fredericton region - 10 new cases
• Zone 4 – the Edmundston region - 15 new cases
• Zone 5 – the Campbellton region- 24 new cases
• Zone 6 – the Bathurst region - 24 new cases
• Zone 7 – the Miramichi region - 17 new cases

According to the online dashboard, there are a total of 5,460 positive cases of the virus reported in New Brunswick.

VACCINATION UPDATE

As of Jan. 30, 92.1 per cent of New Brunswickers have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, 84.4 per cent are fully vaccinated with two doses of vaccine and 43.8 percent have now received a booster dose.

In total, 1,653,498 doses of vaccine have been administered to date in New Brunswick.

A pop-up, walk-in vaccination clinic will be held Monday in Saint John for people seeking their first, second or third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The clinic will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 30 Thorne Ave. People attending this clinic are asked to bring their Medicare card, a record of vaccination if receiving their second dose or booster, and a signed consent form.

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City of Toronto immunization clinics now accepting walk-ins aged five and older for COVID-19 vaccines – City of Toronto - toronto.ca

News Release

January 30, 2022

To continue to encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Toronto Public Health (TPH) will begin welcoming walk-ins for first, second, third and paediatric doses of COVID-19 vaccines at all five City of Toronto-run clinics starting today. While walk-ins are now available dependent on clinic capacity, appointments for City-run clinics can still be booked through the online provincial booking system or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).

Everyone five years of age and older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone 18 years of age or older whose second dose was at least 84 days (approximately three months) ago is eligible for a third dose.

All five City-run clinics are open Monday to Friday, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for walk-ins and booked appointments:

• Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 225 Front. W., North Building, Lower Level, Constitution Hall, Room 107
• Cloverdale Mall, 250 The East Mall, located at the north end of the mall
• Scarborough Town Centre, 300 Borough Dr., located on the east side of the centre on the upper level, near Entrance 2
• Mitchell Field Community Centre, 89 Church Ave., located on the east side of the building in the gym
• Woodbine Mall, 500 Rexdale Blvd, located inside the Hudson’s Bay store

City-run clinics and Team Toronto partners will offer both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to eligible residents receiving a first, second or third dose. Supply may vary between clinics and individuals attending for vaccination cannot be guaranteed a choice between brands of vaccine. Both Pfizer and Moderna brands are mRNA vaccines and have been scientifically proven to protect from serious consequences linked to COVID-19.

All clinic locations are accessible, and a health card is not required to get vaccinated. All City-run clinics are also able to offer accommodation. Each clinic has parking near the entrance, ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs. Staff are also on site at each clinic to provide support as necessary. Clients who need a care provider or service animal with them will be accommodated. Privacy rooms are available upon request. If accommodation is required, residents are asked to alert a staff member upon arrival or anytime while at the clinic.

Residents can also get their first, second, third or paediatric dose at hospital partner clinics, more than 525 local pharmacies and doctors’ offices across the city.

TPH continues to urge all residents to get their first, second and third dose, if eligible, if they have not already done so. COVID-19 vaccines have been scientifically proven to lower the risk of illness, hospitalization and death, while protecting oneself, loved ones and the community. Residents are asked to keep a six-foot distance from those outside their household and continue to wear a well-fitted, high-quality mask when indoors and when physical distancing is not possible. Residents with symptoms should stay at home and self-isolate, even if mild.

Quotes:

“We are continuing to do everything we can as a City government to help residents get vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccine is the best protection against this virus and the best way to protect the progress we have made getting through this pandemic. If you need your first, second or third dose, please walk in to one of our City-run clinics today to get vaccinated. Thank you to every member of Team Toronto working today and every day to help residents of all ages get vaccinated.”
– Mayor John Tory

“Vaccines protect individuals from serious health consequences from COVID-19, but they also protect those around you — your family members, work colleagues, and friends. That’s why it’s important to get your first, second, and third dose. With our City-run mass immunization clinics opening up for walk-ins, we’re encouraging everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
– Councillor Joe Cressy (Spadina-Fort York), Chair of the Toronto Board of Health

“This is just one of Toronto Public Health’s and the City of Toronto’s many efforts to continue to reach as many residents as possible to ensure they can get vaccinated from COVID-19. Vaccine provides the best protection against this virus, and as the Province moves to begin reopening tomorrow and in-person interactions are expected to increase, it remains critical that everyone gets their first, second or third dose, if eligible.”
– Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

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Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week - Coast Reporter

TORONTO — Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week:

Imperial Oil earnings:

Imperial Oil is expected to release its latest quarterly results on Tuesday morning. The report will come against a backdrop of the highest oil prices in seven years. 

Home sales:

Real estate boards for some of the country's largest cities are expected to release their sales figures for January this week. The Calgary board is scheduled for Tuesday, followed by Vancouver on Wednesday, Toronto on Thursday and Montreal on Friday.

GDP reading:

Statistics Canada will release gross domestic product by industry figures for November on Tuesday. The report will provide a picture of how the economy was faring going into the end of the year before the Omicron variant drove a surge in COVID-19 cases and prompted renewed public health restrictions.

BCE results:

BCE Inc. will report its fourth-quarter financial results on Thursday before the start of trading. The parent company of Bell Canada and media companies that include CTV, TSN and radio stations is also expected to release its guidance for 2022.

Job numbers:

Statistics Canada will release its labour force survey for January on Friday. The report is expected to show a weakening in the job market due to the COVID-19 restrictions in large parts of the country that were prompted by the Omicron surge in cases.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 30, 2022.

Companies in this story: (TSX:BCE, TSX:IMO)

The Canadian Press

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Karl Lohnes: Five easy ways to update your living room - Montreal Gazette

Adding some decorating pizzazz at this drab time of year can make your living room look like a million bucks — without robbing the bank.

Author of the article:

Karl Lohnes  •  Special to the Montreal Gazette

A new rug gives big impact when freshening up a living room. Hometrends' Grey Ibiza Rug, $100, Walmart

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With the glitz and glam of the holidays a mere memory and winter’s grey humdrum days stretching into the horizon, my home needs a little decorating love. Adding some decorating pizzazz at this drab time of year can act as a holdover until warm weather decorating arrives.

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The living room — where we tend to spend a lot of time in these months — is the best place to start. These decorating ideas and on-trend add-ins will make your living room look like a million bucks — all without robbing the bank.

Evolve your accessories

Introducing a new significant decor element is a great way to inject a new look into your living room. Replace a tired accessory like a rug, coffee table or set of lamps. These items are most likely in stock and you can take them home in the car for immediate gratification.

Here’s a tip: When evolving the decorating scheme of your living room, try incorporating a colour that’s already in the room with new on-trend colours or finishes. For instance, if you have blue and grey, include one of those colours with new colours like terracotta, green or brown. This will blend in the new elements rather than make them look like an afterthought that grabs too much of the spotlight.

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Paint a wall

Painting a room is one of the least expensive and easiest ways to dramatically change its look and feel — that’s a familiar refrain from designers. Let’s be honest, moving furnishings out-of-the-way and painting in the dead of winter isn’t all that easy. Here’s a solution: paint a focal wall in a trend colour to get a similar effect without the fuss of moving everything.

Feeling colour shy or don’t want to commit to an on-trend colour? Paint one wall a darker shade of whatever colour the walls are currently to add drama. Another idea that’s gaining popularity is to paint interior doors in a deeper, darker colour. Tip: Look for latex paints that have low-VOC when painting in winter to offset the challenge of minimum air ventilation.

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Bring the look of the outdoors in to create a lush interior. Issa Potted Artificial Island Palm in Basket, $40, Walmart

Bring in the green

Green is one of the biggest colour trends for 2022. Almost any version of it seems to be on-trend with decorators. The easiest way to introduce green in your room is through houseplants, which have never been more popular and have the added bonus of cleaning the air, adding humidity and giving us something to nurture.

If you aren’t a green thumb or your living room is dark, pick up an artificial or ‘everlasting’ plant that at least gives you the look of lush foliage. Tip: Use tall plants in corners to draw the eye upward or if you have a combo living/dining room, line two to three in a row to act as a room divider between the spaces.

Add a mirror

Mirrors are a great option that open up a space. They are a neutral element that reflects the room instead of introducing more colour or style. Consider switching out artwork for a mirror — it’s always wise to move art around in your home as it can become invisible when in the same spot for years.

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Mirrors can also solve decorating problems. A standing floor mirror will add another “doorway” to the room, which opens it up even more. Tip: Look for a frame that blends with your existing decor. For instance, if you have walnut wood furnishings, choose a mirror with a walnut frame.

A mirror’s reflection bounces natural light around and makes rooms appear larger. Umbra Prisma Wall Mirror, $85, www.walmart.ca

Repurpose Furniture

Save money and keep perfectly good furniture out of the landfill by giving a pre-loved piece a new look and purpose. Paint an old dresser with an on-trend colour and dress it up with new knobs. For a real splurge, have a piece of stone or marble cut for the top to give it a luxe look. Tip: For a glossy, lacquered finish, have a piece spray-painted professionally to ensure a smooth finish.

Are you the handy type?

Here are three more ways to spruce up the living room.

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— Make custom window treatments. Purchase store-bought panels and sew contrasting fabric bands (or wide ribbon) down the sides. Presto! You’ve got custom drapes that no one else has.

— Add wood moulding trim to the walls for a panelled look. Paint the trim the same colour as the walls to keep the look subtle.

— Install dimmer switches on overhead lighting. Subtle lighting at night is the best way to change the mood of a room.

Do you have a decor dilemma or want to more decor advice? You can follow Karl on Instagram at Karl Lohnes.

1. To read more columns by Karl Lohnes, click here:

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   Karl Lohnes: Let's conquer winter with these hibernation helpers

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Warriors extend winning streak to five games with victory over Winnipeg - moosejawtoday.com

It was a only a couple of weeks ago that the Winnipeg Ice came into Mosaic Place and turned in one of the more dominant visiting team showings in the building this season, cruising to a 5-1 win.

Since that time, the Moose Jaw Warriors have looked like a different team.

Case in point, their Western Hockey League rematch on Friday night.

The Warriors battled back to tie the game three times and woud go on to take a 5-4 shootout victory over the Eastern Conference-leading ice, picking up their fifth-straight win and points in eight of their last 10 games.

Moose Jaw is now 22-16-3-1 on the campaign, good enough for fourth place overall, five points back of Red Deer and four points up on Saskatoon.

“Oh yeah, it was awesome,” said Warriors forward Brayden Yager, who had two goals in the contest and also scored in the shootout. “I think we played a really solid game as a team, it was kind of a back-and-forth game but we stuck with it and were able to finish the job.”

After a scoreless first period, Winnipeg got on the board 1:23 into the second when Tanner Brown got off a one-timer from the top of the left face-off circle and beat Warriors goaltender Carl Tetachuk low along the ice.

The goal came after a string of solid saves for the overage netminder in the opening 20 minutes as the Warriors weathered a string of pressure from Winnipeg.

Moose Jaw would get on the board just over 10 minutes later -- and twice in quick succession at that -- thanks to Yager.

After putting up a five-point effort against Edmonton in their previous game, the 16-year-old rookie picked up a loose puck at the edge of the slot and ripped a shot high over Gage Alexander’s glove. The goal was his 22nd of the season.

Only 16 seconds later, Yager would score his 23rd, finishing off an end-to-end rush with a perfect shot top corner blocker side.

“The first one I jumped on the ice and the puck was just kind of sitting there, I got off a shot that luckily went in,” Yager sad.

“And the second one was I just tried to use my speed a little bit and I shot and I didn't know anything happened until I saw (Riley) Niven with his hands in the air.”

Winnipeg tied things up before the period was out when Jakin Smallwood finished off a two-on-one with 22 seconds remaining after a neutral zone turnover.

The period was delayed about 20 minutes midway through when Winnipeg’s Jack Finley went into the boards hard in front of the Winnipeg bench and was knocked unconscious. He stood up under his own power and taken from the ice on a stretcher out of an abundance of caution.

Winnipeg retook the lead 1:11 into the third period, and it was a nice one, as Mikey Milne drove wide and around a Warriors defender before getting off a perfect backhand up under the crossbar short side.

The Warriors were able to turn the tables with pressure of their own midway through the period, and after a slew of near misses, Robert Baco finally broke through with the tying goal, picking up the rebound off a Denton Mateychuk shot and putting a shot home at 9:58.

That tie lasted  less than two minutes. After the Ice forced a turnover in the Warriors zone, Connor Geekie went hard to the net and redirected a pass from Zach Benson into the left corner, giving Winnipeg a 4-3 edge with 7:57 to play.

Baco played set-up man on the tying goal with 2:59 remaining, driving wide into the Winnipeg zone and beating a pair of defenders to the net before finding a wide-open Ryder Korczak for the quick shot and 4-4 draw.

That’s where things sat through regulation, and overtime saw both teams with chances to end things early before going to the shootout. There, Yager and Korczak scored, while Tetachuck stopped Connor McClennon and Matthew Savoie to give the Warriors the win.

“They’re one of the top teams if not the top team in the CHL, so to take one of them is a huge confidence builder for us as a team,” Yager said. “We're rolling here right now and we’re going to do what we can to keep it going… we're having lots of fun and that's a that's a huge part as well. Our chemistry has kind of taken over here and we're we're having a blast, that’s the best part.”

Tetachuk continued his impressive play as of late with a 41-save showing to earn the win, while the Warriors had 28 shots on Alexander.

The Warriors are right back in action on Saturday night when they host the Regina Pats. Game time is 7 p.m. at Mosaic Place.

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Top Five Claude Giroux Trade Destinations - The Hockey News

Man sentenced to five years for death of Calgary police officer during traffic stop - Calgary Herald

Publishing date:

Jan 28, 2022  •  23 minutes ago  •  3 minute read  •  7 Comments

Calgary Police Service Sgt. Andrew Harnett, 37, was killed during a routine traffic stop on Dec. 31, 2020. Photo by Calgary Police Service

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The passenger in the SUV which dragged Calgary police Sgt. Andrew Harnett to his death during a routine New Year’s Eve traffic stop in 2020 was handed a five-year prison term Friday.

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And his lawyer said outside court that should be the last the justice system sees of Amir Abdulrahman.

Defence counsel Balfour Der said while Abdulrahman was on a poor life path at the time, the death of Harnett has opened his eyes.

“He is a remarkably changed person in terms of his understanding of the justice system, his respect for the justice system and the police,” Der said, after Justice Robert Hall ordered Abdulrahman to serve a five-year penitentiary term.

Hall said with credit for so-called dead time on remand, the Calgary man will have to serve about another three years and five months.

Der said he doesn’t expect a sentence appeal as his client has acknowledged his wrongdoing and is remorseful for what happened.

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“He was hanging with a bad crowd when this occurred. I don’t expect that his shadow will ever darken the doorstep of a courthouse ever again.”

Abdulrahman, 20, pleaded guilty in December to a reduced charge of manslaughter in connection with the Dec. 31, 2020 death of Harnett, who was dragged more than 400 metres along the side of a vehicle he’d pulled over for inadequate headlights. Abdulrahman had been charged with first-degree murder.

When a fellow officer attempted to arrest Abdulrahman, who was in the front passenger seat, on outstanding warrants the vehicle took off with Harnett clinging to the driver’s side door.

During the incident, Abdulrahman grabbed the steering wheel on three occasions before the officer  lost his grip and as a result, his life, when struck by an oncoming car.

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While Crown prosecutor Mike Ewenson, who proposed an eight-to nine-year prison term, suggested Abdulrahman’s culpability was high, Hall found the offender’s conduct to be more spontaneous than well thought out.

“The Crown tendered no evidence that Mr. Abdulrahman was involved in the initial decision to flee,” Hall said.

Edmonton police officers pay their respects after taking part in a parade around Falconridge. Flowers mark the location where Sgt. Andrew Harnett was killed. Photo by Darren Makowichuk/Postmedia

“I … find that Mr Abdulrahman was a minor participant in the flight.”

Outside court, Ewenson acknowledged not knowing what occurred in the vehicle while Abdulrahman, the youth driver and an unknown male in the rear seat awaited Harnett to issue a ticket, hindered the Crown’s case.

Body worn cameras of the incident captured one individual yelling “go, go, go,” but that could not be attributed to Abdulrahman.

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“Anything that could have proven that he uttered those words, or the ultimate reason for the flight from the traffic stop, may have been treated as aggravating, but of course we have to base our decision and our advocacy on the evidence and sometimes there are cases where there are unknowns,” Ewenson said.

1. 

   Adult suspect pleads guilty to reduced charge in roadside death of Sgt. Andrew Harnett

2. 

   Teen accused in death of Calgary police officer appears briefly in court

3. 

   Suspected driver in traffic-stop death of Calgary police sergeant seeks release just weeks before murder trial

“Right now I can tell you that there’s an individual out in the community who was in the back seat who has not cooperated and we still don’t know who that is.”

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At Abdulrahman’s sentencing hearing in December, court heard a compelling victim impact statements from Harnett’s widow, Chelsea Goedhart, who was pregnant with their only child at the time of his death.

“I lost the love of my life, my best friend, my travel partner, my confidante, my steady anchor, my cheerleader and my companion and the parent of our child,” Goedhart said in her statement to the court.

“Because of the criminal actions of Mr. Abdulrahman, the joy of my pregnancy was stolen. We were never going to get to be a family.

“My son’s innocence was taken before he was born.”

The trial of the alleged driver begins Monday.

KMartin@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @KMartinCourts

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Five headlines for Friday morning - moosejawtoday.com

Here are 5 stories we are highlighting this morning.

1. Parliamentary security, police preparing as truckers' protest convoy nears Ottawa

2. Lithium mine takeover by Chinese company did get thorough security review: Champagne

3. Nova Scotia Power seeks 10 per cent rate hike and system to defer green energy costs

4. Coast Guard to suspend search for migrants off Florida

5. Giovinco back training with Toronto FC but future with club still up in the air

For all the latest national and international news, as well as sports, keep visiting MooseJawToday.com and scroll down our page for the headlines.

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Five members of Canadian Olympic delegation in COVID-19 protocol ahead of Beijing Games - The Globe and Mail

Five members of Team Canada’s delegation in Beijing for the 2022 Winter Olympics are currently in COVID-19 protocol, the Canadian Olympic Committee said Friday.

The COC announced the numbers in a release outlining its plans to share information related to COVID-19 cases.

The COC said it will provide an update of the number of team members in protocol as part of its daily recaps starting Feb. 4, when the Games officially open. It will provide updates when possible leading up to the start of the Olympics.

The COC said the names of those in protocol will not be shared, unless an athlete who can’t compete because of a confirmed positive test wishes to disclose that information.

Team Canada’s 246-person delegation includes athletes, coaches and staff.

The International Olympic Committee has said an athlete that tests positive for COVID-19 in China will need to produce two negative tests 24 hours apart to be released from isolation

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Posthaste: Canada's rank on corruption index has fallen 'significantly' over past five years - Financial Post

Descent down the ranking is among the fastest in the world

Canada's descent down the ranking is among the fastest over that five-year period. Photo by Postmedia

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Canada’s reputation as an international boy scout keeps slipping.

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The country’s rank on Transparency International’s corruption perceptions index (CPI) has fallen “significantly” over the past five years, the Berlin-based non-governmental organization observed in its 2021 report, which was released earlier this week.

Canada scored 74, good enough for a five-way tie for 13th of 180 countries with Austria, Estonia, Ireland, and Iceland. That’s still decent company. But it’s Canada’s fall from the top tier that caught Transparency International’s attention. Canada scored 77 in 2020, which was already a significant drop from 82 in 2017.

Overall, Canada’s descent down the ranking is among the fastest over that five-year period. While Armenia jumped 14 spots, and South Korea climbed eight rungs, Canada dropped eight positions over that period. That put Canada with the “significant decliners,” a group that includes Australia and the United States, and also countries such as Nicaragua, Honduras, and Venezuela.

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Transparency International’s corruption index measures “perceived levels of public sector corruption according to experts and business people.” The group draws from 13 sources, including various corruption surveys and assessments, collected by institutions such as the World Bank and the World Economic Forum to compile a score out of 100 for each country. Eight of the 13 sources were used to assign Canada its score, according to the Canadian arm of Transparency International.

A score of 100 indicates a country is essentially free of corruption; a score of zero indicates a country is very corrupt.

Transparency International noted the scandal that engulfed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former finance minister Bill Morneau over their connections to the WE charity.

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Among other corruption issues in Canada: estimates that $45 billion to $113 billion in illicit funds are laundered annually through Canada; the country’s last-place score in a ranking of whistle-blower protections compiled by the Government Accountability Project and the International Bar Association; and the failure of Canadian authorities to lay any criminal charges in the wake of the Panama Papers, documents that detailed a global network of tax havens that were leaked in 2016.

Issues involving the laundering of private funds weren’t included in calculating Canada’s score. However, “weak” regulatory laws governing money laundering did play a role in Canada’s declining CPI score, said Transparency International Canada.

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Transparency International’s corruption index was established in 1995. A decade ago, Canada posted a score of 84 out of 100, ranking ninth out of 176 on the index. Although Canada still sits relatively high, the report’s authors noted that corruption that goes unchecked in one part of the world has a knock-on effect elsewhere.

“Our analysis shows that such corruption schemes – often facilitated by advanced economies who score well on the CPI — exacerbate repression by allowing autocrats to … enjoy looted funds, launder their reputation, evade accountability,” the report said.

In 2021, the top countries on the index were Denmark, Finland, and New Zealand, scoring 88. Norway, Singapore and Sweden scored 85.

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The countries sitting at the bottom of the index were Afghanistan, North Korea, Yemen, 16 out of 100; Venezuela, 14 out of 100; Somalia and Syria, 13 out of 100 and South Sudan at 11 out of 100.

Twenty-five countries improved their scores between 2012 to 2021, while the scores of 23 — including Canada —  declined. The scores of 131 countries were unchanged during that period.

“Overall, the CPI shows that control of corruption has stagnated or worsened in 86 per cent of countries over the last decade,” the report said.

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BRENT HITS $90 Oil touched US$90 a barrel for the first time in seven years on Wednesday, supported by tight supply and rising political tensions between Russia and Ukraine that added to concerns about further disruption in an already-tight market. Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr./Bloomberg Photo by Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr./Bloomberg

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• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivers opening remarks at the virtual National Caucus Winter Retreat
• Teck Resources Ltd. president and CEO Don Lindsay will participate in a fireside chat at the TD Securities Mining Conference
• Canada’s procurement ombudsman will host the Diversifying the Federal Supply Chain Virtual Summit
• Steven Guilbeault, minister of environment and climate change, will hold a virtual press conference in Gatineau, Quebec to announce funding to fight climate change through the Low Carbon Economy Fund
• Today’s Data: Canadian job vacancies; U.S. GDP (Q4), initial jobless claims, durable goods orders
• Earnings: Rogers Communications, Canadian Pacific Railway, Apple, McDonald’s, Visa, MasterCard, Robinhood Markets

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The Bank of Canada held rates at COVID-19 crisis level of 0.25 per cent at its Jan. 26 meeting but governor Tiff Macklem signalled that hikes are likely coming, possibly as early as March, as the central bank embarks on its mission to tackle inflation.

“Looking ahead, the Governing Council expects interest rates will need to increase, with the timing and pace of those increases guided by the bank’s commitment to achieving the (two per cent) inflation target.”

Essentially, the BoC has declared “mission accomplished” where shielding the economy from the effects of the pandemic are concerned. As proof the central bankers cited a closed output gap and employment restored to levels expected prior to March 2020.

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On a broader economic note, the BoC revised its Q4 GDP estimate to 5.8 per cent supplying “enough momentum to push through headwinds caused by the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and still produce growth of about two per cent in the current quarter,” wrote Kevin Carmichael .

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Colleges and universities around the world offer courses and entire degrees in business, business management and other parallel fields. And yet, education specifically geared towards entrepreneurism and founding companies is a lot less common.

When you think about how fast the concept of starting a business has morphed during the digital age, it’s kind of surprising that it’s not a more intense field of study. Starting businesses today is a fascinating topic that relates to making money, and it changes daily.

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Our content partner StackCommerce offers a solution with The Founders’ Book , with includes tools and resources specifically curated for first-time founders, entrepreneurs, and those running early-stage startups. It features over 2,000 articles and guides, tools and platforms, and startup deals and credits that can save you thousands on software subscriptions.

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Today’s Posthaste was written by Gigi Suhanic (@GSuhanic), with additional reporting from The Canadian Press, Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg.

Have a story idea, pitch, embargoed report, or a suggestion for this newsletter? Email us at  posthaste@postmedia.com , or hit reply to send us a note.

Listen to Down to Business for in-depth discussions and insights into the latest in Canadian business, available wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the latest episode below:

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Posthaste: Canada's rank on corruption index has fallen 'significantly' over past five years - Financial Post
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