Reward of up to $250K for one of 'Least-Wanted Valentines' in Metro Vancouver

Rabih Alkhalil, 34 is seen in this undated photo. (RCMP handout)

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Upgrading Safe Third Country Agreement about reassuring Canadians: PM Trudeau

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he feels it is his role to see the Safe Third Country Agreement upgraded, in order to make sure Canadians can continue to have confidence in Canada's immigration system.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and then-U.S. vice-president Joe Biden walk down the Hall of Honour on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on December 9, 2016. (Patrick Doyle / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Han Dong resigns from Liberal caucus amid foreign interference allegations

Han Dong has announced he will be sitting as an independent MP after being the subject of foreign interference allegations.

Budget 2023 to detail crackdown on 'junk fees' for consumers: federal source

A federal source says the coming budget will detail how the Liberals plan to go after hidden or unexpected consumer fees, following the United States announcing its own crackdown on these charges.

Canada broke a population growth record in 2022: StatCan

Canada's population grew by more than one million over the course of one calendar year, breaking previous records, a new Statistics Canada report says.

Launch debut of 3D-printed rocket ends in failure, no orbit

A rocket made almost entirely of 3D-printed parts made its launch debut Wednesday night, lifting off amid fanfare but failing three minutes into flight -- far short of orbit. There was nothing aboard Relativity Space's test flight except for the company's first metal 3D print made six years ago.

Police find 2 more bodies at site of Old Montreal fire; first victim identified

The death toll from last week's massive fire in Old Montreal has risen to four, Montreal police confirmed. Julien Levesque, a police spokesperson, said Wednesday evening that two more bodies were retrieved from the historic building that went up in flames last Thursday.

Former prime minister Stephen Harper says Canada needs a 'Conservative renaissance'

Canada needs a 'Conservative renaissance,' former prime minister Stephen Harper said Wednesday, but he cautioned that Pierre Poilievre should wait until an election before telling Canadians how he might run the country.

5 things to know for Thursday, March 23, 2023

Joe Biden is coming to visit Canada this week for the first time as U.S. President, Canada’s population grew by a record amount in 2022 and Ukrainians overseas have until mid-July to apply for a free temporary visa to Canada. Here's what you need to know to start your day.

Gwyneth Paltrow ski collision trial set for family testimony

Two daughters of a retired optometrist suing Gwyneth Paltrow are expected to testify on Thursday about the lasting effects of their father and Paltrow's 2016 ski collision as the trial takes on an increasingly personal note on the third day of proceedings.

Vancouver Island

Shortage of cold and flu medicine still plaguing Island pharmacies

A lack of cold and flu medicine – especially for kids – persists at pharmacies across Vancouver Island and across the province.
Historic Point Ellice House closing in Victoria

A well-known historic site and museum in Victoria is closing its doors due to what it calls a lack of funding. On Wednesday morning, Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens announced it was closing down effective immediately.
Saanich police bust ring allegedly selling vape products at Greater Victoria schools

More than $100,000 worth of vaping products have been seized by Saanich police detectives who say the items were being marketed and sold at schools throughout B.C.'s capital region.

Calgary

Battle between UCP, NDP too close to call as provincial election inches closer: ThinkHQ

A new political poll surveying Albertans ahead of May's provincial election shows a deep divide within the province, with the governing United Conservative Party and Alberta's New Democrats fighting neck and neck for support.
Ashley Ryan, wife of fallen EPS officer, drops puck at charity game for mental health

Wearing her husband's police jacket, Ashley Ryan walked to centre ice at a charity hockey game in Spruce Grove, Alta., Wednesday night. She, a paramedic, then dropped the puck on the matchup that Brett was planning to referee.
Only 27 per cent of Alberta knee replacement surgeries were done on time in 2022: CIHI

If you were an Albertan waiting for a knee replacement in 2022 and you're still waiting, you're not alone.

Edmonton

Ashley Ryan, wife of fallen EPS officer, drops puck at charity game for mental health

Wearing her husband's police jacket, Ashley Ryan walked to centre ice at a charity hockey game in Spruce Grove, Alta., Wednesday night. She, a paramedic, then dropped the puck on the matchup that Brett was planning to referee.
'We are a natural gas province': Smith says Alberta needs power plants, not wind and solar

Alberta's premier assured a ballroom of rural leaders Wednesday that she does not want to see the province move away from electricity generated from fossil fuels, while complaining about solar panels covering farm land.
EPS announces death of constable

The Edmonton Police Service announced the death of an officer on Tuesday.

Toronto

Ontario will table its 2023 budget Thursday. Here’s what you need to know

This is what you need to know about the 2023 Ontario budget being tabled Thursday.
Ontario 4-year-old diagnosed with brain tumour after doctors believed it was a virus

An Ontario mother and father say their four-year-old was recently diagnosed with a brain tumour after doctors believed his symptoms were a flu-like virus for months.
Police to update the investigation into the Elnaz Hajtamiri assault case

York Regional Police will hold a news conference Thursday morning when it's expected they will announce two more suspects wanted in the alleged attack of missing Ontario woman Elnaz Hajtamiri.

Montreal

Police find 2 more bodies at site of Old Montreal fire; first victim identified

The death toll from last week's massive fire in Old Montreal has risen to four, Montreal police confirmed. Julien Levesque, a police spokesperson, said Wednesday evening that two more bodies were retrieved from the historic building that went up in flames last Thursday.
School board welcomes Quebec probe into sexual abuse

At least one school board is welcoming news of an investigation into allegations of sexual violence at schools.
Plante says Quebec budget ignores Montreal's housing needs

The mayor of Montreal says she only had two requests of the Quebec government and one of them was ignored. Despite new buildings going up in Montreal, Mayor Valerie Plante says it's harder than ever for some people to find a place to live.

Winnipeg

More nurses resign from sexual assault program at HSC

A day after four nurses resigned from a department at the Health Sciences Centre, more have followed suit.
Major risk of flooding on Red River this spring, predicts Manitoba government

There is a major risk of flooding on the Red River this spring, according to Manitoba’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre
Police release picture of suspect in assault case

Winnipeg police are looking for the public's help in trying to identify a suspect in an assault case.

Saskatoon

Sask. projects $1B surplus, will use cash to pay debt instead of further funding boosts

Saskatchewan is projecting a $1 billion surplus in the coming year and plans to spend just as much in paying down the province's debt.
Accused in Ally Moosehunter homicide cross-examined by the crown

The man charged with first-degree murder in the death of Ally Moosehunter took the stand Wednesday for cross-examination by the crown.
Funding for distance learning, capital projects included in record $3.1B education budget

The Government of Saskatchewan is committing over $20 million for online learning as part of its record $3.1 billion education budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

Regina

Sask. projects $1B surplus, will use cash to pay debt instead of further funding boosts

Saskatchewan is projecting a $1 billion surplus in the coming year and plans to spend just as much in paying down the province's debt.
Sask. finance minister cautions against using surplus to fund overburdened health system

Saskatchewan’s healthcare spending will rise to record levels in the 2023-24 provincial budget but, after adjusting for inflation, critics say the boost is weaker than advertised.
Funding for distance learning, capital projects included in record $3.1B education budget

The Government of Saskatchewan is committing over $20 million for online learning as part of its record $3.1 billion education budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

Atlantic

Transportation Safety Board report on sinking cites lax federal rules on stability

A Transportation Safety Board of Canada report has linked the fatal sinking of a Nova Scotia scallop dragger in 2020 to years of federal inaction on the imposition of stricter stability standards for fishing vessels.
Nova Scotia Teachers' Union calls for government action on school violence

Students at a Halifax-area school where two staff members were stabbed Monday returned to class Wednesday afternoon.
Weather statements issued in the Maritimes ahead of snow Thursday

Environment Canada has issued special weather statements in the Maritimes ahead of a spring mix of snow and rain arriving Thursday.

London

Fog advisories in effect for the London region

Fog advisories blanket much of the region this morning, covering London-Middlesex, Huron-Perth, Oxford-Brant and Grey-Bruce. Environment Canada reports dense fog with reduced visibility in some areas — travel could be hazardous.
'They can do anything': Richmond Row business owner says she’s not surprised after random act of violence near her restaurant

It is what many people consider a safe space, secure in the confines of their own vehicle, but a stabbing on Richmond Row may have changed that for many. It happened around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon as a driver in a southbound car was waiting for a train to cross Richmond Street, just south of Piccadilly Street.
Building height bogs down proposed development in Hyde Park: it’s too short

Despite the building boom in Hyde Park, one high profile development remains a bust with city staff. The planning department is once again recommending refusal of a rezoning application by York Developments.

Northern Ontario

Family sues OPP, others, for more than $2M after woman dies in Sudbury, Ont., jail

The family of a woman who died by suicide in November 2020 while incarcerated at the Sudbury Jail is suing police and other officials for more than $2 million.
Toronto woman receives free gift, but signs contract for $7,000 vacuum cleaner

A Toronto woman said she received a free air purifier as an online promotion, but also signed up for a $7,000 vacuum cleaner in the process.
Northern Ont. police find driver unconscious at the wheel, motor running

Ontario Provincial Police responding to a different call March 17 discovered a driver slumped over the wheel in a running parked car on Main Street in the Town of Thessalon.

Kitchener

Suspicious fire at old bowling alley shuts down major road in Cambridge

A fire at the former Dickson Bowl in downtown Galt has shut down a portion of a major Cambridge road.
Ont.’s police watchdog investigating after Centre Wellington man seriously injured

Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating a crash near Belwood Lake that saw a 43-year-old Centre Wellington man transported to hospital.
'I'm going to die': Officer recalls night Beau Baker died

Remembering the night he fatally shot Beau Baker outside a Kitchener apartment on Brybeck Crescent in April 2015, Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) Staff Sgt. Eric Boynton - who was a patrol officer at the time - testified he was worried about Baker killing himself or others.