2020 hindsight on COVID-19
When lockdowns upended Canadians' lives, The Globe looked ahead at how it might change us forever. How did those predictions fare against reality? We asked our reporters to follow up
Kelly Grant, Caroline Alphonso, Matt Lundy, David Berman and Susan Krashinsky Robertson
The Globe and Mail
Illustration by Murat Yükselir
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Cision Canada
5 hours ago
- Cision Canada
History, artistry, and greenery on display at Rideau Hall this summer
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Tour the grounds and the Visitor Centre The grounds of Rideau Hall are open from 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset, year-round. The Visitor Centre is open from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., from now until September 1. Members of the public can stroll through the grounds of Rideau Hall at their leisure and explore the paths through the groves and gardens of this urban oasis. Visitors can begin their exploration at the Visitor Centre to learn more about the role and responsibilities of the governor general, and the history of Rideau Hall. The Visitor Centre also features picnic tables, a play structure and public washrooms. Heart Garden at Rideau Hall Daily as of June 21, on the Rideau Hall grounds The heart garden at Rideau Hall remembers the First Nations, Inuit and Métis children who died in the Canadian residential school system, and those who survived. The plants featured in the garden were carefully chosen for their deep connection to the land and Indigenous peoples. An interactive art activity, in which visitors can make their own paper heart to add to the garden as a sign of commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action, is available from National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30). Permanent sculptural elements of the Heart Garden will be installed this fall. Special Events Doors Open at Rideau Hall June 7–8, in partnership with Doors Open Ottawa Select weekends during the summer: June 28 and 29, August 2 to 4, and August 30 to September 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On select long weekends, visitors can explore the State rooms of Rideau Hall at their own pace and visit both greenhouses and private gardens, which are not open to the public during regular tours. Guides will be on hand to answer any questions about the history of the residence and the role of Canada's governor general. Annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard June 27 at 10 a.m., on the Rideau Hall forecourt (weather dependent) This annual tradition highlights polish, precision and pageantry as the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief conducts the annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard. The event will include a military parade, an inspection of the guard and the band, and a Viceregal Salute to Her Excellency. Storytime at Rideau Hall June 27, 10:30 a.m. June 28 and August 2, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Guest readers, including local authors, Rideau Hall guides, and United for Literacy volunteers, will bring favourite Canadian stories to life! Visitors are welcome to join us in the Reading Tent to read books and participate in fun hands-on activities. This outdoor family activity is hosted in collaboration with United for Literacy, Canada's oldest not for profit literacy organization. A special reading event with the Governor General will be held on June 27, at 10:30 a.m., on the grounds of Rideau Hall. Ottawa Chamberfest at Rideau Hall July 26 and 27 Once again, Ottawa Chamberfest returns to Rideau Hall for some relaxing afternoon performances, held in the shade of the trees of the Royal Grove. Bring your own blanket or chairs and enjoy an interlude of live music. Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces: July 26, 2:00 and 3:30 p.m. Ensembles from the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces will play classical favourites with a focus on brass and woodwinds. Despax Duo: July 27, 2:00 and 3:30 p.m. Violinist Cendrine Despax and cellist Valérie Despax come together for two performances of eclectic repertoire for violin and cello, ranging from Taylor Swift to Mozart. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 28 and September 30 In the lead-up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Rideau Hall will hold a special Doors Open event on September 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Programming will encourage the public to reflect upon the 10 years that have passed since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report and will include interactive art activities. On September 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Rideau Hall will host a Sacred Fire for the community, led by a local fire keeper. Guided tours on that day will be specifically focused on reconciliation. Plan your visit Members of the public wanting more information about Rideau Hall's activities and guided tours can call 613-991-4422 or 1-866-842-4422 (toll-free), write to [email protected], or visit the website at It is recommended that members of the public with mobility restrictions contact the reservation office in advance to determine the best way to access the grounds and the residence. Rideau Hall being a working residence, scheduling for all activities is subject to change without notice due to official events.
Ottawa Citizen
a day ago
- Ottawa Citizen
Deachman: These Second World War veterans deserve honour and thanks
Roland 'Roly' Lalonde enlisted in the army in 1942 as a 19-year-old clerk typist, signing up out of a sense of duty to Canada. He had noticed a recruitment poster near the Connaught building on Mackenzie Avenue where he worked. One day, he heeded the poster's message and joined. Article content These days, he doesn't go into great detail about his wartime experiences, especially when the conversation veers towards the last months of the Second World War. 'It wasn't a walk in the park,' he told me. Article content Article content Article content By then, the Ottawa born-and-bred Lalonde had traded in his typewriter for a .303 rifle in the 'C' Company of the Royal 22e Régiment — the famous Van Doos — to fight in Italy and Germany. He was among the Canadian soldiers who helped liberate the Netherlands. Article content Article content 'It was hell,' he said. 'It's an experience that I couldn't explain to you. Article content 'I do not like to talk about it. No one likes to talk about it. I took everything as it came and obeyed orders as given, and that's it. Article content 'You had to be there. It's as simple as that.' Article content So we changed the subject, to the medals that decorated his chest, his decade in the Governor General's Foot Guards, his family. Lalonde, who'll turn 102 next month, was among the 20 centenarians honoured at Perley Health on Wednesday, marking the eighth year that the centre has celebrated its Century Club residents. Half of the honorees were veterans of the Second World War, the European portion of which ended 80 years ago last month. Friday, June 6, meanwhile, marks the 81st anniversary of the invasion of Normandy, or D-Day. Article content Article content A day will arrive before long when the cohort of Second World War veterans at the Perley and elsewhere has disappeared, when there are no more living, first-hand testimonies to the sacrifices made by Canadians. We must listen to the lessons they teach us now, while we can. Article content
Canada Standard
2 days ago
- Canada Standard
Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan announce support through the Red Cross to help those impacted by Saskatchewan wildfires
Canada News Centre 04 Jun 2025, 23:55 GMT+10 June 4, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario Today, the Government of Canada announced that it will match every dollar donated to the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfires Appeal to support wildfire disaster relief and recovery efforts across Saskatchewan. The Government of Saskatchewan will be immediately providing $15 million to the Canadian Red Cross to work with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency to support wildfire evacuees. Donation matching will be open for 30 days, retroactive to when the appeal first opened on May 30th. The funds raised will be used to assist those impacted by the wildfires in Saskatchewan, including those who have evacuated their homes. Thousands in Saskatchewan have been displaced as wildfires continue to threaten communities across the province. In response, the Canadian Red Cross is working closely with Indigenous leadership and all levels of government to provide emergency accommodations, personal services, and critical information to people who have been forced from their homes. The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are committed to doing everything they can to support all those affected. Canadians wishing to make a financial donation to help those impacted by wildfires in Saskatchewan can do so online at or by calling 1-800-418-1111.
