National News

WINNIPEG — An eccentric Canadian fashion mogul who has applied for bail in Winnipeg while facing sex charges in the United States says he's not getting the nourishment he needs while behind bars.

MONTREAL — Quebecers need to be jolted into recognizing the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic, Premier Francois Legault said Wednesday, before announcing a provincewide 8 p.m. curfew for the next four weeks.

The latest news on COVID-19 developments in Canada (all times eastern): 7 p.m. Yukon is reporting one new COVID-19 case, bringing the territory's total to 66.

Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps delivered a rebuke to a city council member who travelled to Somalia while many stayed home during the holiday season to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Helps said Wednesday she spoke with Coun.

Federal politicians and northern First Nations expressed concern over Wednesday's sale of energy leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

TORONTO — Touting the need for drastic action, Quebec became the first province to impose a curfew Wednesday as soaring COVID-19 infections across Canada intensified the strain on hospitals and prompted some Ontario morgues to run out of space.

OTTAWA — A union representing federal prison guards says vaccinating them against COVID-19 should be a priority, given their front-line role in correctional institutions.

OTTAWA — Industry groups say small businesses are being hammered by high credit-card fees on online purchases as the shift toward e-commerce continues. Visa and MasterCard reduced the fees they collect from businesses to an average annual rate of 1.

EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Jason Kenney's office has confirmed he is working out of a penthouse known infamously as the "Sky Palace" because of exterior renovations at the legislature.

OTTAWA — Canada's ban on flights from the United Kingdom is not being extended, replaced by a stringent COVID-19 testing program for air travellers. Canada halted most air travel from the U.K.