Large companies that receive bridge financing through a new federal loan program will have to give the government the option to take an ownership stake, or provide a cash equivalent.Finance Minister Bill Morneau says the terms will be the same for any company asking for help through the program that opens for applications today.He says the terms are designed to make sure companies using the program receive bridge loans, not bailouts, to get through COVID-19's economic disruptions.The Liberals have said the loans would be on commercial terms, and require companies to have already gone to banks

The Canadian Armed Forces is turning to the U.S. military for assistance in recovering the downed Cyclone helicopter off the coast of Greece.The helicopter crashed on April 29 within sight of the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Fredericton while participating in a NATO training mission.The remains of two Armed Forces members on board have been recovered, while four others are missing and presumed dead.While the voice and flight-data recorder were recovered, the main wreckage is beneath about 3,000 metres of water.Lt.-Gen. Mike Rouleau, who overseas all Canadian military missions at home and abroad,

The United States has agreed to Canada's request to extend the mutual ban on non-essential cross-border travel until June 21.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the extension today.He calls it an important decision that will protect citizens in both countries.The deal, which prohibits discretionary travel while permitting trade shipments, commerce and essential workers to continue to move in both directions, was first reached in mid-March and extended for 30 days last month.Officials and stakeholders on both sides of the border have hailed the agreement as a successful measure in curbing t

Business owners are encouraged to "take it slow" as B.C. begins the second phase of its restart plan.Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says she understands there will be anxiety as B.C. businesses open their doors for potentially the first time in several months.Starting today, restaurants, cafes and pubs, retail and personal service establishments, libraries, museums and galleries, office spaces and child care facilities may reopen.Parks, beaches and recreational facilities are reopening, too.Henry says she knows people are a "little bit afraid" and says they should "take it slow" du

The BC General Aviation Association says a memorial flyover tomorrow in tribute to the victim of yesterday's deadly Snowbird plane crash in Kamloops will quote ``pick up where the Snowbirds left off.'' A group of 35 BC pilots will depart from Abbotsford Airport and fly over Vancouver in what has been dubbed Operation Backup Inspiration, a nod to the Snowbirds event called Operation Inspiration. The event lists strict rules, such as no formation flying, to ensure safety during the memorial. Captain Jenn Casey, a public affairs officer with the Canadian Forces, died in yesterday's crash. "Provi

A member of the Canadian Armed Forces died in a Snowbird plane crash in Kamloops today. The Kamloops Airport says emergency crews were responding to the crash. The Snowbirds aerobatics team was scheduled to make a trip from Kamloops to Vernon today as part of Operation Inspiration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Operation Inspiration started in Nova Scotia earlier this month and features the team's signature nine-jet formation. It was aimed at boosting morale as Canadians continue to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheduled start was delayed because of rain and low visibility. Operatio

The B.C. government has announced five more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the province's death toll to 140. The province has also announced 15 new cases, for a total of 2,407. There are 359 active cases in B.C. and 1,908 people have recovered. In a statement, Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry say there has been one new acute-care outbreak at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital. There are 15 long-term care or assisted-living facilities and five acute-care units with active cases.

British Columbia's workplace safety agency has released new guidelines as businesses across the province get set to reopen. WorkSafe BC's guidelines cover sectors ranging from restaurants to office space. It says specific guidelines for sports and recreation as well as child care will be released later. But before reopening, WorkSafe says businesses need to ensure they have a COVID-19 safety plan to protect workers and it must be displayed. The agency says it will continue developing industry-specific guidelines as more businesses across B.C. begin reopening over the coming months. Provincial

Parents in British Columbia will be given the choice of allowing their children to return to class on a part-time basis in June. The government says its goal is for the return of full-time classes in September, if it is safe. Under the part-time plan, the number of students allowed in schools will be reduced. For kindergarten to Grade 5, most students will go to school half time, such as alternating days, while grades 6 to 12 will go to school about one day a week. The province says there are already about 5,000 students in classrooms, including children of essential workers and those needing