COVID-19 saved the CNE from sunsetting
The cancellation of the 2020 Canadian National Exhibition was announced with a melodramatic video of the Toronto fair promising to rise again, but John Tory hopes for a different story: making the CNE more about innovation than frying up the next cronut burger. And that roused more brainstorming about what can be done.
Getting baked before a stage
Having branded himself a celebrity baker, Doug Ford teased the release of his cheesecake recipe, after foreshadowing activation of the first stage of Ontario’s reopening plan. But he’s up against chief medical officer David Williams saying the province isn’t ready for it yet, as the state of emergency was extended to June 2.
“Pick somebody, see if it works, and then take your time.” B.C.’s top doctor, Bonnie Henry, dispensed pandemic dating advice as the province starts to ease restrictions, allowing new hookups. Her warning against “rapid, serial dating” for now prompted legendary area bachelor Raffi Cavoukian to wonder aloud about Henry’s availability.
This regret is half-Canadian
Bryan Adams returned to Instagram after being slammed for his earlier harsh words about the unverified Chinese origins of COVID-19. While stating there was “no excuse” for his initial rant, Adams doubled down on the vegan advocacy of his initial statement and garnered support from PETA for his condemnation of wet markets:
China whistleblowers are facing more threats, intimidation and harassment. A report from a human rights coalition makes this claim while criticizing a lack of response from Ottawa. And while a poll finds Canadian opinions of China reaching a new low, Tim Hortons hopes to open 1,500 locations over there with help from WeChat owner Tencent.
Finally, the victory lap for Lilly
A Little Late launched to critical praise that was eclipsed by viewers who didn’t think Lilly Singh’s style, honed on YouTube, had any business being on NBC. Moreover, its advance pre-recording meant episodes taped with audiences failed to suit pandemic times. But networks largely sticking with the status quo surely helped score a renewal:
