Photo: The Canadian Press Transport Minister Omar Alghabra speaks to members of the media after tabling legislation in the House of Commons, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, in Ottawa. Canada’s transport minister says after a briefing with the country’s top doctor, the government is still strongly encouraging people to wear masks on planes and trains — but not making it a requirement. Omar Alghabra says he attended a briefing by public health chief Theresa Tam this morning. He says the government will continue to follow doctors’ advice and maintain the recommendation for now. The minister says he wears a mask when he travels by plane and that it is polite to do so. Last week, during a virtual briefing, Tam said the “increased growth” of COVID-19 variants, influenza and the rise of respiratory syncytial virus are challenging the health system in several parts of the country. On October 1, all entry restrictions for COVID-19 were lifted by the federal government, including the quarantine for unvaccinated foreign travelers and mask orders for anyone entering Canada. Do you have an opinion? Send it to [email protected] Nov 16, 2022 – 9225 votes Do you like BC United as a replacement name for the BC Liberal Party? Yes: 1641 No: 3669 Unsure: 410 Don’t Vote Liberal: 1529 Don’t Care: 1976 Nov 15, 2022 – 11700 votes Should the province lower the sales tax on privately sold used vehicles? Yes: 10904 No: 658 Uncertain: 138 Nov 14, 2022 – 17730 votes Would you support a return to mask use if COVID, flu and RSV cases increase in BC? Yes: 7449 No: 9731 Uncertain: 550 November 12, 2022 – 11608 votes Do you support the decriminalization of psychedelic mushrooms? Yes: 6783 No: 4043 Not sure: 782 November 10, 2022 – 13837 votes Have you cut back on eating out lately? Yes: 10182 No: 3423 Uncertain: 232
