If you’ve been avoiding the news for the past ten days, don’t stress—that’s what the holidays are for. We’re here to get you caught up on the big stories you might have missed while spending your time on more festive matters.
China opens up: After years of strict zero-Covid policies, China abruptly rolled back almost all of its health and travel restrictions in an effort to quell growing public dissent over lockdowns and boost its slowing economy. Since then, infections have skyrocketed, swamping the country’s hospitals. Some models predict over a million Covid-related deaths in China this year, and many nations—including Canada—have imposed testing requirements on travellers from the country.
Rogers-Shaw deal advances: The Competition Tribunal rejected an effort by the Competition Bureau to block Rogers’ takeover of Shaw, moving the deal forward one more step. The Competition Bureau, which argues the sale will make services more expensive for consumers, says it will appeal that decision in Federal Court. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne will then have to sign off, as well.
Russia ramps up attacks: Russia is launching widespread missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, including a large-scale New Year’s Eve assault on the capital of Kyiv. Ukrainian officials say Russia is scaling up attacks against civilian targets as its ground forces struggle to hold territory. Ukraine responded yesterday with a major strike against a Russian barracks in Donetsk.