June 2020

Last month, I chronicled the refusal of entry to Canada of the immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. I am happy to report that immediate family members can now enter Canada, so long as they have no symptoms of COVID-19, have a 14-day quarantine plan in place, and can demonstrate that they intend to stay in Canada for at least 15 days. ‘Immediate family members’ include a spouse or common-law partner, a dependent child, and a parent.

May 2020

On March 18, 2020, the Canadian government invoked the rarely used Quarantine Act, creating an Order-In-Council (OIC) prohibiting foreign nationals from travelling to Canada by air. Within days, two new OICs were brought in to replace the initial version, one for those entering from the USA, and the other for all other travelers. Barriers to entering Canada were extended to any mode of travel, not just by air. Since then, OICs have been repeatedly repealed and replaced with newer versions. It has been incredibly challenging to keep on top of all the changes.

April 2020

This summer, I am scheduled to deliver a workshop at the Blue Skies Music Festival. I was so excited when my application was accepted. Workshop presenters are given a coveted camping pass. Unfortunately, like all summer events, the festival may have to cancel depending on whether the COVID-19 pandemic diminishes.

March 2020

I recently learned that the handshake is thought to originate in Medieval Europe. I’ve read slightly contradictory accounts of how it evolved.  My favourite version is that knights would shake the hand of others in an attempt to loosen any hidden weapons. Another source I found stated that it was a symbol of peace, showing that neither person was carrying a weapon.