The Canadian Press

Vaccinated travellers can enter Canada without a COVID-19 test beginning today. 

The change will spark a surge in travel bookings both into and out of the country, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, although it's not likely to reach pre-pandemic levels yet. 

People could still be randomly tested when they arrive and Health Canada requires anyone coming from outside the country to wear a mask in public for 14 days. 

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland plans to deliver this year's federal budget next week.

Freeland told the House of Commons she will unveil the government's spending plans on April 7 in a document that has been expected to focus on measures to spur economic growth.

It is also anticipated the budget will have new social programs promised as part of an agreement to earn the backing of the New Democrats in key parliamentary votes.

That includes the first steps on national pharmacare and dental care.

Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard has been charged in Quebec with sexual assault and forcible confinement.

Nygard, who is also facing sex-related charges in Toronto and the United States, is scheduled to appear in court in Montreal on Tuesday, according to the Quebec prosecutor's office.

Canada's oil and gas producers can hike output by the equivalent of 300,000 barrels a day by the end of the year to help displace Russian fossil fuels, Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said Thursday.

Wilkinson, speaking at the end of an International Energy Agency meeting in Paris, said two-thirds of that is oil and the rest natural gas.

"Canada's European friends and allies are experiencing an energy security crisis, a crisis that could impact industry, mobility, and even the heating of homes," Wilkinson said. "This crisis must be addressed."