Rescue crews in Japan's Kyushu region continued search operations Wednesday after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake triggered more than 100 aftershocks, leaving at least 13 people dead, according to Japanese authorities. The hardest-hit areas include Kumamoto Prefecture, where emergency crews are searching through the rubble of a paper factory and a shopping mall despite high temperatures. Authorities said the damage worsened after an explosion occurred at the shopping mall about an hour after the initial earthquake. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said rescue efforts remain focused on reachin

WestJet and the union representing approximately 4,400 flight attendants have signed an operational wind-down agreement outlining procedures to safely land aircraft and return cabin crew home in the event of a strike. Flight attendants could begin strike action as early as Aug. 2 if the two sides fail to reach a new collective agreement. A work stoppage could disrupt travel plans for thousands of passengers during the August long weekend. Under Canada's labour rules, the union must provide at least 72 hours' strike notice before any job action can begin. If notice is issued, some flight cancel

A 33-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal assault outside a downtown Nanaimo nightclub, according to the Nanaimo RCMP. Police said the incident occurred at approximately 1 a.m. on July 17 outside the Sweet Spot Lounge, where an altercation left a 27-year-old man with serious injuries. The victim was taken to hospital in critical condition and later died despite medical efforts. The investigation was led by the Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crime Unit. Following the investigation, officers arrested a 33-year-old suspect, who has since been charged with manslaughter. The char

About 10,000 federal public servants have applied for the federal government's early retirement program, introduced as part of its plan to reduce the size of the public service. According to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, 10,006 applications had been received as of Tuesday, following last week's application deadline. The program was offered to eligible employees after the government began sending information packages to about 68,000 public servants in December. Employees aged 50 and older with at least 10 years of federal employment and a minimum of two years of pensionable service

Approximately 7,500 vehicles crossed the Gordie Howe International Bridge during the first 12 hours after the new Canada–U.S. border crossing opened to traffic, according to bridge officials. The bridge officially opened on Monday. The first private vehicle to cross carried members of hockey legend Gordie Howe's family, while an Onfreight Logistics truck became the first commercial vehicle to use the new crossing. Most of the traffic on opening day consisted of private and local vehicles. Officials said many commercial truck operators are still completing the required customs and border docu

Edmonton has already recorded its wettest summer on record before the start of August, following weeks of persistent rainfall that has caused localized flooding and forced the cancellation of several events across the city. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Edmonton had received 580 millimetres of precipitation by Tuesday morning. The total surpasses the previous summer record of 417 millimetres, set between June and August in 1953. Environment Canada says Edmonton typically receives an average of 213.3 millimetres of precipitation during the three-month period from June thro

Homeless encampments located along both sides of Highway 99 in Richmond are raising public safety concerns, with one of the sites situated directly above a newly installed jet fuel pipeline. According to Richmond City Councillor Kash Heed, multiple fires have been reported at the encampments, increasing concerns about the potential risk of an explosion. Heed also said dozens of edged weapons, including swords and machetes, have been seized from the camps over the past year. The councillor said the land is under the jurisdiction of the British Columbia government and alleged the province has no

Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to join Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in Red Deer on Wednesday to announce a new joint initiative aimed at accelerating homebuilding across the province. According to the Prime Minister's Office schedule, Carney and Smith will outline the housing program before touring a residential construction site in Red Deer. Additional details about the initiative were not available before the announcement. The visit also includes a stop at a canola farm, where Carney is expected to meet with local farmers. Housing has been a key priority for the federal government

Former federal Industry Minister Navdeep Singh Bains has emerged as the top fundraiser in the Ontario Liberal Party leadership race, according to the latest financial disclosure reports from Elections Ontario. The filings show Bains' campaign has raised approximately $350,000 in donations, placing him ahead of Etobicoke–Lakeshore MPP Lee Fairclough, whose campaign has reported raising about $258,200. According to Elections Ontario, the fundraising advantage positions Bains as one of the leading contenders in the race to succeed the party's current leadership. Fundraising totals are widely vi