- How COVID stranded new Canadian residents and stalled immigration
Monday, November 16th 2020
Since mid-March, Ottawa has imposed strict travel restrictions against foreign nationals, including holders of permanent resident visas. Meanwhile the clock is ticking for many whose permanent visas have expired or are near expiry. In today’s episode, the Star’s immigration reporter Nicholas Keung explains what is going on. Fatima Camara, a teacher from Belarus, also joins to share her family’s story of being stuck in limbo after getting their permanent resident visas and packing up their old lives.
- Restaurants remake themselves for the short and long-term
Friday, November 13th 2020
Karon Liu, Toronto Star’s food and culture reporter, talks to Adrian Cheung about the inventive ways restaurants are changing for the long-term and how many small business owners are refusing to give up in an unprecedented crisis for their industry.
- Digital inequality: How high-speed internet is dividing Canada
Thursday, November 12th 2020
As many people have been forced to work from home and conduct their business remotely, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of high-speed internet for all Canadians. Access to fast, reliable internet in pandemic times and the digital age is not just about downloading files or streaming Netflix. It is about getting access to education, health and equal opportunities. Alex Boutilier, a national politics reporter with the Toronto Star, joins This Matters to talk about the digital inequality resulting from high speed internet access, what the digital divide means for Canadians and what it will take to end it.
- Is Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine Canada’s best shot?
Wednesday, November 11th 2020
People are calling Pfizer’s announcement of a potential COVID-19 vaccine a light at the end of the tunnel. But right now, it’s just an announcement that some say is “science by press release” and there are a lot of logistical hurdles to be passed before we get this particular shot in the arm. Alex Boyd is a Star Reporter who’s been following the Road to a Vaccine. She returns to This Matters to discuss the latest vaccine development news.
- Remember ‘flatten the curve?’ Surging numbers say ‘not so much’
Tuesday, November 10th 2020
Ontario's COVID-19 case counts are reaching record numbers, but some health officials say they might be stabilizing. The Star's Ed Tubb has been focusing on the data and takes This Matters through what the numbers are telling us, where things are looking up and where there's cause for concern.
