Cities across Canada are hosting their own protests against racism and police brutality in response to the ongoing demonstrations in America. Protests in Toronto have been taking place all week and while they've gone on without a hitch for the most part, there was one man who attempted to stir up controversy with a Black face costume.

Following the death of George Floyd, the pain that the black community has been feeling manifested into a powerful protest — one aimed to stop systemic racism and police brutality once and for all. And while the height of the movement has been taking place within the United States, countries around the world have taken it upon themselves to fight for the cause and honor the memory of those who lost their lives to the police.

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Many Canadian cities staged protests of their own, and despite certain provincial leaders naively claiming that systemic racism is basically nonexistent, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared ready to acknowledge the role anti-Black racism still plays in Canada. “Over the weekend, we saw thousands across the country join peaceful protests against anti-black racism,” said Trudeau, during a press conference. “By standing together and denouncing the few that would try to derail the demonstrations, Canadians are sending a message that they will never tolerate injustice.”

“To young black Canadians, I hear you when you say you are anxious and angry,” he continues. “When you say you this brings back painful experiences of racism that you’ve faced. I want you to know that I’m listening and that your government will always stand with you.” When asked about Donald Trump’s use of militarized police against protestors, making direct mention to his church-photo op moment, Trudeau took over twenty seconds to contemplate his response.

“We all watch in horror and consternation at what is going on in the United States,” he continues. “It is a time to pull people together, but it is a time to listen. It is a time to learn what injustices continue despite progress over years and decades. But it is a time for us as Canadians to understand that we too have our challenges. Black Canadians and racialized Canadians face discrimination every single day. There is systemic discrimination in Canada, which means our systems treat Canadians of color differently than they do others. It is something many of us don’t see, but it is a lived reality for racialized Canadians. We need to see that…and take action.” 

HotNewHipHop sends our support to the entire Black community and all of those doing their part to ensure that justice is achieved.

Though the cannabis industry, like many other industries, has suffered from the coronavirus pandemic, there have been reports of increased consumption. A study conducted by americanmarijuana.org found that 49% of 990 participants stocked up on cannabis during the pandemic. Out of that 49%, the study reveals that 55% of consumers stockpiled on weed to calm their anxiety during the pandemic. 

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According to the Calgary Herald, a Canadian researcher discovered that there could be even bigger benefits of cannabis to fight against the coronavirus pandemic, aside from easing the anxiety. Dr. Igor Kovalchuk went through 400 strains of cannabis to find about a dozen that could potentially block breeding grounds for the virus to. Now, researchers at the University of Lethbridge are looking to concentrate those strains to explore the possibilities that they can actually prevent COVID-19.

“A number of them have reduced the number of these (virus) receptors by 73 percent, the chance of it getting in is much lower,” said Kovalchuk. “If they can reduce the number of receptors, there’s much less chance of getting infected.”

There are still a few barriers they face in this discovery including going through a clinical trial due to the impact of social distancing on the cannabis economy. However, under Health Canada’s license, they’ve used artificial human 3D tissue to find out how cannabis can block the virus from finding hosts in intestines, lungs, and oral cavity.

“It would be cheaper for people and have a lot less side-effects,” he said. “Our work could have a huge influence — there aren’t many drugs that have the potential of reducing infection by 70 to 80 per cent.” It should be noted that if this proves to be an effective method to combat coronavirus, it wouldn’t be consumed through regular smoking methods but rather through mouth wash, gel caps, gargle, or inhalants. 

While Drake might be the 6ix God, and thus a bonafide Canadian National treasure, Noah “40” Shebib remains one of the game’s key players and of utmost significance to the OVO movement. As one of the key minds behind Drake’s signature production sound, 40 has helped bring several of his hits to life, pioneering a moody and synth-driven production wave in the process. As such, he’s become widely recognized by those familiar with the liner notes — a group that happens to include Canada’s NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who has been actively hosting lively IG sessions throughout the quarantine.

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During his recent stream, Singh invited 40 into the fold for an extensive interview and behind-the-scenes studio tour. Off the bat, the mood is jol as 40 kicks things off with a glimpse at the control room, which is absolutely stacked with speakers and monitors. As he moves into the lounge, 40 reveals some artwork laced by Quest, a graffiti artist who designs 3D artwork. Upon returning to the control room, Jagmeet and 40 engage in a philosophical discussion on music, politics, and life amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

If you came exclusively for Drake snippet, you might leave disappointed. If, however, you’re interested in hearing deeper insight from one of the great producers in hip-hop today, be sure to check out the interview below. It’s cool to see 40 open up like this, and OVO fans would surely benefit from checking this one out. 

Canada is banning assault weapons, following the deadliest mass shooting in the country’s history.

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“These weapons were designed for one purpose and one purpose only: to kill the largest number of people in the shortest amount of time,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. “There is no use and no place for such weapons in Canada.”

The new policy forbids the use, purchase, sale, transportation, and import of 1,500 different assault weapon models.

“Their families deserve more than thoughts and prayers,” Trudeau continued “Canadians deserve more than thoughts and prayers.”

22 people were murdered in Nova Scotia on April 18 and 19 by a gunman equipped with semi-automatic rifles and handguns.

Opponents of the decision cite the illegality of means by which weapons used in mass shootings are acquired. Andrew Scheer, the leader of the Conservative Party, reacted in a statement, explaining his position that this will not stop criminals from accessing guns: “Taking firearms away from law-abiding citizens does nothing to stop dangerous criminals who obtain their guns illegally. The reality is, the vast majority of gun crimes are committed with illegally obtained firearms.”

Politico reports that over 72,000 gun-owning Canadians will be affected by the new assault weapon policy.

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This weekend, Canadians tuned in to watch a televised sing-a-long from some of the country's biggest stars, including Alessia Cara, Justin Bieber, Michael Bublé, and more. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke at the end of the show to instill hope in his country before Canada's real MVP, Drake, closed out Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble with a thoughtful address.

Speaking to millions of Canadians from his home, Drake talked about the gratitude he has for all the frontline caregivers working hard and risking their own lives to keep us safe. He had a first-hand experience last week as he revealed that he was admitted to the hospital because of an ankle injury, noticing all of the love and care that nurses, doctors, and other medical workers were showing.

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Drake tipped his hat, saying that the "moral, the smiles, the high spirits" at the hospital were "incredible," noting that essential workers are the "glue holding us all together."

He went on to encourage everybody to keep working on themselves and their craft during this hard time.

"I want to urge everybody, in their own space to find the silver lining," said Drake. "What I mean when I say that is if you have a craft that can be worked on from home, it is an amazing thing to keep on working, keep your mind stimulated."

Drake has been finishing up his new album during quarantine, which does not yet have a release date.

The coronavirus pandemic has shut down the majority of the world. People are out of jobs, venues are being shut down, and the idea of a public gathering is becoming more and more foreign as each day passes. However, in an era where we don't actually have to physically be near each other to communicate, there's been a spur of live streams in recent times, especially since hosting a "benefit concert" isn't possible anymore.

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In Canada, celebrities like Celine Dion and Justin Bieber will make appearances for the #StrongerTogether benefit broadcast centered around supporting Food Banks Canada. #StrongerTogether will broadcast tonight with even more star power from Shania Twain, Anne Murray, Michael Buble, Alessia Cara, and Bryan Adams but to close out the show, Drizzy Drake will make an appearance. Though it seems unlikely that he'll perform, Canadian news outlet CTV revealed that he'll have a closing message. The show will also include an appearance from Toronto Raptor Serge Ibaka. 

Strangely enough, it doesn't seem like The Weeknd or Tory Lanez will be participating in the benefit show, even though they've made significant contributions to the Canadian entertainment scene in the past. 

Though Drake's been Toosie Sliding across the TL these days, he previously made an appearance on Diddy's Dance-A-Thon fundraiser on Instagram Live to raise money for Coronavirus initiatives. 

The Canadian Olympic Committee says the country will not be sending any athletes to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics unless the event is postponed for one year, as a result of the Coronavirus, according to ESPN.

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“While we recognize the inherent complexities around a postponement, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community,” the Canadian Olympic Committee said in a statement. “This is not solely about athlete health — it is about public health.”

On Sunday, the International Olympic Committee announced that the organization would decide whether to postpone the 2020 Olympics within the next four weeks.

“We are working very hard, and we are confident that we will have finalized these discussions within the next four weeks,” says IOC president Thomas Bach in a letter sent to athletes. “These scenarios relate to modifying existing operational plans for the Games to go ahead on 24 July 2020, and also for changes to the start date of the Games. This step will allow better visibility of the rapidly changing development of the health situation around the world and in Japan. It will serve as the basis for the best decision in the interest of the athletes and everyone else involved.”

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics are scheduled to begin on July 24.

Citizens of the world are being advised to stay home and practice social distancing because of the global pandemic we are currently experiencing. The coronavirus outbreak has affected us all -- some more than others -- but it remains a fact that our world has been changed forever. Countries have been shutting down altogether and United States and Canadian residents are being urged to return home before it becomes too unsafe to do so. In the latest development pertaining to non-essential travel, it has been reported that the borders between Canada and the United States have been temporarily closed.

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"We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic," tweeted President Donald Trump this morning. "Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!"

The Washington Post notes that the Department of Homeland Security is still working on the specific details of the closure, including the timeline of the border closure, but it will not include the transport of commercial goods or the return of Canadian or American citizens for the time being.

With news breaking out regarding the novel coronavirus by the minute, we will stay on top of any pertinent updates for you. Stay safe and, if you are currently traveling outside of the country, please go home and stay inside.

Researchers from two Ontario universities and the Sunnybrook Research Institute in Canada have successfully isolated and grown multiple copies of the novel coronavirus, officially identified as COVID-19. The disease which allegedly began in Wuhan, China in Dec. 2019, has now become a worldwide pandemic that has severely affected countries like Italy and Iran, forcing government officials overseas to quarantine millions of citizens.  And now, COVID-19 has rapidly infiltrated the continent of North America and South America causing many gatherings such as sporting events and festivals to be indefinitely postponed. However, a team of Canadian researchers might have provided the first step in containing the life-threatening illness due to their tenacious studies of COVID-19 in the midst of global turmoil.  John Moore/Getty Images

According to corona.help, the number of confirmed coronavirus infections is over 141,000 patrons around the globe (as of March 12), the amount of confirmed death due to the virus is currently at 5,371, and the amount of those who contracted the disease and successfully recovered is at 70,654. After successfully isolating the virus the Sunnybrook Research Institute released a press statement detailing their discoveries, it states:

“Thanks to nimble collaboration, the team was able to culture the virus from two clinical specimens in a Level 3 containment facility. (Isolating the virus) can help scientists in Canada and around the world to ‘develop better diagnostic testing, treatments, and vaccines,’ and also understand it a bit better in terms of its biology and evolution.”

Dr. Samira Mubareka, an infectious diseases physician at Sunnybrook, continued:

“While the immediate response is crucial, longer-term solutions come from essential research into this novel virus.”

The two additional Ontario universities with researchers on the team include McMaster University and the University of Toronto. Arinjay Banerjee, a researcher from McMaster University involved in the isolation process of the infectious disease specializes in coronaviruses and bats. Banerjee took to the McMaster University website to detail his involvement with the research stating:

“I’d always told my friends, ‘When I grow up, I want to be a guy who gets called in if there’s an outbreak,’ What’s happening with the outbreak is sad, but I’m glad I can contribute to the process of understanding this and controlling this outbreak.”

Last month, it was revealed that a vaccine for the coronavirus had already been developed. Unfortunately, it takes approximately fifteen years to properly test a vaccine of this magnitude on people and measure its effectiveness. Until then, no matter where you are, remain calm, remain cleanly, continuously sanitize your living spaces, wash your hands, and continue to live your lives to the best of your abilities.