National News

MONTREAL — Despite years of discussions between politicians and doctors, the Quebec government couldn't find a way to pay its general practitioners for phone and video consultations with patients. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

OTTAWA — Governments must be as transparent as possible with Canadians about response measures for COVID-19, says former Liberal public safety minister Ralph Goodale.

In The News is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to kickstart your day. Here is what's on the radar of our editors for the morning of March 31 ... COVID-19 in Canada ...

OTTAWA — Most Canadians are doing what they're told to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and would support harsher measures to punish those who aren't, a new poll suggests.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every province and territory. Medical officers of health and Canada's chief public health officer are encouraging people to wash their hands, give each other space and wear a mask if they're sick.

REGINA — A father whose son was killed in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash says he's worried Saskatchewan's move to relax some trucking rules during the COVID-19 outbreak may mean drivers will be pushed past their limits.

DELTA, B.C. — Walkers offer a nod, a smile or a "hello" to each other but only after stepping aside to leave a wide berth on trails at a park they've escaped to in the age of physical distancing.

HIGH RIVER, Alta. — A parade float parked on a downtown street in High River, Alta., seems strangely out of place in a world dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

OTTAWA — The union representing Canada Post employees is asking Canadians to disinfect their mail boxes to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

OTTAWA — Canada's spy agency is moving quietly ahead with plans to collect and use databases containing personal information about Canadians, newly released documents show.