National News

PANAMA CITY — Four passengers have died aboard a cruise ship now anchored off the coast of Panama and two people aboard the ship have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the cruise line said Friday, with hundreds of passengers unsure how long

OTTAWA — The federal government capped an unprecedented week Friday by announcing a slew of measures to help small businesses cope with the COVID-19 crisis, bringing Ottawa's total planned support in response to the pandemic to at least $200 billion.

The latest news on the COVID-19 global pandemic (all times Eastern): 8:45 p.m. An employee at an Ontario liquor store has tested positive for COVID-19.

CALGARY — A hockey player paralyzed from the chest down in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash has launched a lawsuit that names both drivers involved in the deadly collision.

TORONTO — The COVID-19 death toll in Quebec more than doubled on Friday as the growing case load of infections in Canada surpassed 4,000 amid questions about how pandemic fatalities are counted and gloomy economic predictions.

OTTAWA — Conservative leadership candidates were asked Friday to stop fundraising and making calls to party members following a decision to suspend the race.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every province and territory. Medical officers of health and Canada's chief public health officer are encouraging people to wash their hands, give each other space and wear a mask if they're sick.

OTTAWA — Canadians have been coming forward in large numbers to donate blood after Canadian Blood Services warned of a possible shortage as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OTTAWA — The Canadian Armed Forces is being put on a war footing as it prepares to be thrown into the COVID-19 crisis. Chief of the defence staff Gen.

A look at some of the top quotes from across Canada on Friday in relation to COVID-19: "We're in it for the long haul. It's not going to be days and weeks, it's definitely months. Many months." — Dr.