Beyond Local

MONTREAL — The greater Montreal area has witnessed a notable increase in arsons in recent months, with restaurants, cafés and vehicles the frequent targets.

United Conservative Leader Danielle Smith and NDP Leader Rachel Notley are scheduled to debate tonight as the May 29 Alberta election draws closer. The debate begins at 6 p.m.

OTTAWA — A parliamentary committee has called for Canada's Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States to include new exemptions allowing some asylum seekers to make claims in Canada after arriving south of the border.

EDMONTON — Alberta's ethics commissioner has found United Conservative Party leader Premier Danielle Smith contravened the Conflict of Interest Act over a conversation she had with her justice minister about a high-profile COVID-19 case.

EDMONTON — Alberta's ethics commissioner says Premier Danielle Smith contravened the Conflicts of Interest Act in her interaction with the province's justice minister.

OTTAWA — A Senate committee says Canada needs to sort out the intent of its sanctions before assessing whether they’re working, and must undertake major upgrades to put its system on par with those of Ottawa’s allies.

Special air quality statements from Environment Canada continue to cover most of Alberta as smoky air blankets much of the province.

SEOUL, Korea, Republic Of — Canada and South Korea penned new deals on supply chains for critical minerals and youth mobility as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrapped up talks with the country's president on Wednesday.

The mayor of a west-central Alberta town said it was emotional to return home nearly two weeks after an out-of-control wildfire forced residents to flee, but thousands elsewhere remain on edge as scores of fires continue to rage across much of the West. 

HALIFAX — The federal government is creating a task force to clarify regulations for projects attempting to harness the tidal energy of the Bay of Fundy, after a key player sought bankruptcy protection last week — and blamed Ottawa.