ETA Canada Travel Pass News

The Midwest of the United States was covered in fine dust for a second day in the aftermath of Canada’s worst wildfires. According to the New York Times on the 28th, Detroit’s air quality index measured by the US Environmental Protection Agency soared to 337 that day.

The index measures between 0 and 500, and the higher the number, the worse the air quality. Anything over 300 is considered ‘dangerous’. Cleveland also scored an AQI of 272, and several cities in Wisconsin also exceeded the ‘very unhealthy’ standard of 200.

Chicago, engulfed in wildfire smoke for the second day, was difficult to see as the high-rise skyline and Lake Michigan were hazy. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson urged residents, especially children, the elderly, and vulnerable people with heart or lung disease, to stay indoors whenever possible.

According to air quality analysis company IQ Air, as of 2:00 p.m. on the same day, three of the top five cities with poor air quality among major cities around the world (Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis) are in the Midwest of the United States.

Washington DC also made it into the ‘Top 10’ at No. 8. Currently, 11 states in the United States have issued air quality warnings. Wisconsin has issued statewide alerts, and Minnesota has issued its 23rd air quality alert this year, already breaking the record for the most in a year.

Not only the Midwest, such as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, but also the eastern regions, such as Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and western New York, were also affected by the Canadian forest fire smoke.

About 87 million Americans live in areas where air quality has been affected by the wildfires in Canada, NBC reported.

There are 487 wildfires sweeping across Canada, of which 253 are out of control, authorities said. The damage from these wildfires could increase as the hot summer weather kicks in, experts warn.

It is highly likely that the daily newspapers Toronto Sun and Toronto Star will merge.

Postmedia and Nostar Capital, the conglomerates that own Sun and Star respectively, announced that they are currently pursuing a merger.

When the merger is completed, Toronto Star’s banker and Nostar’s CEO, Jordan Vitov, will become chairman, and Postmedia’s CEO, Andrew McLeod, will become CEO.

“We are promoting a merger to strengthen competitiveness and reduce costs,” McLeod said.

However, there is no guarantee that the quality of articles will increase even if they are combined. Toronto loses that much media diversity.

Christopher Wardell, professor emeritus of journalism at Carleton University, pointed out, “The question is whether their media power will become stronger after the merger is unknown.”

In addition to the Toronto Sun, Postmedia, which owns the National Post, the Vancouver Sun, and the Calgary Herald, has recently struggled without making a profit. The Toronto Star also cut many people, including reporters and columnists, as its finances deteriorated.

Planning a trip to Canada? Discover the beauty, diverse landscapes, and unique experiences awaiting you in the Great White North. From vibrant cities to stunning natural wonders, Canada offers a wealth of attractions and adventures for every traveler. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the must-see destinations, practical travel tips, and top experiences to make the most of your visit to Canada.

Canada is a vast country known for its breathtaking landscapes, friendly locals, and rich cultural heritage. From the majestic Rocky Mountains in the west to the charming coastal towns of the east, there is something for everyone in this expansive nation. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a food lover, or a history buff, Canada’s provinces and territories offer a diverse range of attractions and activities that cater to all interests.

When it comes to cities, Canada boasts some vibrant metropolises that are worth exploring. Toronto, the country’s largest city, offers a bustling urban scene, iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, and a diverse culinary scene. Vancouver, situated on the stunning Pacific coast, combines a cosmopolitan vibe with access to picturesque mountains and pristine beaches. Montreal’s European charm, with its cobblestone streets and vibrant arts scene, is a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.

Nature lovers will find Canada to be a paradise of natural wonders. Banff National Park in Alberta is renowned for its turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and abundant wildlife. Niagara Falls, straddling the border between Canada and the United States, offers a breathtaking spectacle of cascading waterfalls. For an unforgettable wildlife experience, head to Churchill in Manitoba, known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.”

When planning your visit to Canada, it’s essential to consider the country’s distinct seasons. Summers are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and exploring national parks. Fall showcases vibrant foliage, particularly in the eastern provinces. Winter offers opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Spring brings a burst of color with blooming cherry blossoms in cities like Vancouver and Toronto.

To make the most of your trip, here are some practical tips for visiting Canada. Ensure you have the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport and any required visas. Canada has a robust transportation system, with domestic flights, trains, and buses connecting major cities and regions. English and French are the official languages, so having some basic knowledge of either can enhance your travel experience.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Canada, where natural wonders, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality await. From the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains to the charming coastal towns, Canada’s diverse landscapes offer a range of experiences for travelers of all kinds. Whether you’re exploring the cultural gems of Toronto or immersing yourself in the pristine wilderness of Banff National Park, a visit to Canada promises to leave you with lifelong memories. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready to discover the wonders of the Great White North.

Canada’s population hits 40 million, a new milestone.

According to the National Statistical Office’s ‘Canada’s population clock’, the record was set as of 3pm on the 16th. The population clock records population growth data, such as births, deaths, and immigration, in real time.

“This is a sign that Canada is a dynamic and inclusive country full of potential,” said an official from the National Statistical Office.

If the current trend continues, the population of the country will be 50 million in 2043, 20 years later, ahead of previous forecasts.

Canada is the country with the most active population growth among the seven major countries (G7), with a total of 39.57 million, an increase of more than 1 million compared to the previous year in January. It is the first and most recorded time for Canada’s population growth to exceed 1 million per year.

The population growth rate is 2.7%. It is the highest since the 3.3% increase in 1957. 96% of population growth was accounted for by immigration.

The British Columbia (BC) Department of Transportation said on June 13 that Highway 4, which was closed due to wildfires on the east side of Vancouver Island on June 6, was closed to traffic over the weekend of June 24 or 25.

However, it will take about a month to fully reopen, and is scheduled for mid-July. The BC Ministry of Transport explained, “The reopening of the highway will be done after confirming that drivers can pass safely.”

It is announced that the road will be reopened after removing fallen trees and tree fragments scattered on the road due to the fire and carrying out repair work so that it can be safely passed. The reopening will be carried out in stages, and at first, we will implement a method that allows one-way alternating traffic while ensuring safety.

Even after the gradual resumption, detours can be used until the full resumption.

Checkpoints are set up on detours to provide passers-by with the information they need.

Ride-hailing service Uber has started services in Victoria, Kelowna, and Chilliwack in British Columbia (BC) from June 6th.

In Victoria, Uber has been welcomed by the travel industry and the mayor of Victoria, and the airport is also looking forward to more transport options.

Uber will start service in Metro Vancouver in January 2020. In August 2020, it applied to operate in Victoria and Kelowna, but the BC government’s Passenger Transportation Board rejected it in December 2021. The reason was that it would have a negative impact on taxi companies, which are struggling due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection.

After that, Uber applied to transfer the license of another ride-hailing service company, and the business license was granted in May this year.

Concerns have been voiced by the taxi industry. Mohan Kang, president of the BC Taxi Association, told the CBC about inequalities in the transportation industry, including a minimum wage requirement for the taxi industry, which does not apply to Uber drivers.

On June 6, the British Columbia (BC) provincial government decided to close Highway 4 indefinitely due to the Cameron Lake Bluffs wildfire near Port Alberni on the east side of Vancouver Island.

Highway 4 connects the east and west sides of the island and is the only major route connecting Port Alberni with other communities. There are 26,000 people around Port Alberni, 4,500 combined residents in Tofino and Ucluelet, and many tourists.

On the 7th, the state government announced a detour connecting Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet, etc. to replace Highway 4. However, since this detour is a narrow, rough road usually used by forestry workers, it takes time and mobile phones cannot be used, so we urged people to use it only when necessary.

This detour was also temporarily closed on June 9. It was closed for eight hours to retrieve vehicles that had fallen into the lake and was reopened on the evening of the same day, but traffic is expected to take a long time.

Cameron Bluffs wildfire was out of control as of June 10, with an area of about 200 hectares burned. BC Wildfire Services believes the fire was caused by human factors.

A status update for Highway 4 is scheduled for June 13th.

Dryness and high temperatures increase the risk of wildfires. Environment Canada predicted on May 31 that there will be little rain in parts of British Columbia (BC) through the second week of June, and temperatures will continue to rise.

As of June 2, the Donnie Creek wildfires are “out of control” in north-eastern BC. The BC Wildfire Service said the fires have spread over more than 230,000 hectares. This is a large scale that exceeds the annual burned area of BC in 2022, when there were relatively few wildfires. About 40 mm of rain fell at the end of May, but the momentum did not stop.

The Donnie Creek wildfires are raging 136 kilometres southeast of Fort Nelson, and an evacuation order has been issued along with a regional emergency declaration.　Also on Vancouver Island, near Sayward, the Newcastle Creek wildfires have spiralled out of control, engulfing the north-eastern part of the island. The fire was discovered on the afternoon of May 29, but the BC Wildfire Service attributed it to human factors. 79 wildfires are raging across BC as of June 5.

Hundreds of nurses marched in Vancouver on May 31 to demand the British Columbia (BC) government to improve its health care system. The BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) said the protests took place during the union’s annual convention, with messages such as “well-staffed save lives” gathered at downtown’s Jack Poole Plaza.

In a statement ahead of the demonstration, BCNU called on state governments to move toward achieving a “nurse-to-patient ratio” based on a bargaining agreement between state governments and the Nurses’ Bargaining Association. If this staffing model is properly applied, it will lead to securing the necessary number of nurses.

In the background, there is an argument that hospitals in Metro Vancouver are having various difficulties due to lack of staff. In the week before the demonstration, two different groups of medical personnel released an open letter concerned about the situation inside the Surrey Memorial Hospital in Surrey.

One was by frontline staff at the hospital, who called for the emergency room (ER) to close because it was understaffed, and the quality of care was being threatened.

Electric bikes (e-bikes: bicycles with an electric power assist function) are attracting attention as an easy and environmentally friendly means of transportation that can replace automobiles.

Starting June 1st, British Columbia (BC) will have a new e-bike rebate program. B.C. residents aged 19 and over can receive rebates based on their income when purchasing a licensed e-bike.

The rebate amount will be $1,400 if the income is $38,950 or less, $1,000 if the income is between $38,951 and $51,130, and $350 if the income is $51,131 or more. Under the previous system, e-bike buyers who scrapped their cars would receive a flat rebate of $750, but the new system eliminates the need to scrap cars. Rebate application and approval must be completed before purchase.

Must be new, $2,000 or more, and purchased from an approved retailer. Buyers are required to keep the purchased e-bike for two years.

Along with this, the state government has partnered with HUB Cycling to provide both online and face-to-face programs for learning basic bicycle knowledge such as hand signals. The state government is calling for attention to the date of purchase as e-bikes purchased before June 1 are not eligible.