Federal and provincial governments have agreed to extend a commercial rent relief program to help cover July costs for eligible small businesses, with a few changes. The Finance Department says the program will no longer clawback the costs of insurance proceeds and provincial rent supports from the forgivable loans for current and new applicants. Previous clawback amounts will be given back to landlords that previously received loans through the program. As well, those who qualified for loans by showing revenue declines of 70 per cent in April, May or June will qualify anew without being reas

Italy Police have confiscated 14 metric tonnes (15.4 US tonnes) of amphetamines allegedly produced by the ISIS in Syria. It is the largest drug bust in the world in terms of both value and quantity, CNN reported.According to the Guardia di Finanza financial police is saying that the officers had tracked three suspicious containers to the port of Salerno in southwest Italy and found 84 million pills with a market value of EUR1 billion ($1.12 billion) inside paper cylinders for industrial use."We weren't able to see them but we knew it was arriving because of our ongoing investigations we have w

Police are investigating a potential hate crime after a Black man was attacked aboard a BC Transit bus. Victoria Police say patrol officers were flagged down on June 19 just after 4 p.m. and were told that the Black man was allegedly struck. They say video shows a Caucasian man entering the bus, moving towards a seat, standing up and striking the man without warning. They say a few other passengers intervened and the suspect was pushed off the bus. Police describe the alleged suspect as 40-50 years old with a medium to heavy build, blond hair, wearing sunglasses, a black hat and a blue shirt,

Fireworks companies say they're experiencing a surge in consumer sales as people try to recreate Canada Day displays that were cancelled because of COVID-19.Gary Colquhoun, owner of Fireworks Atlantic in Yarmouth, N.S., said he's received five months worth of orders in the past two weeks after a slow start to the year.Colquhoun, who sells across the country, says he's running three shifts a day to fill orders for stock that has since sold out.Many Canada Day celebrations, and the fireworks that go with them, have been cancelled as officials across the country limit gatherings during the COVID-

Traditionally, Governor General Julie Payette would use Canada Day to announce new Order of Canada members, but the COVID-19 pandemic prevented members of the Order of Canada advisory panel from meeting. So instead, Payette is recognizing 123 Canadians for their skills, courage or dedication to service. The list of "remarkable Canadians" includes five people who tried to stop a gunman who opened fire inside a Quebec City mosque in January of 2017. Azzedine Soufiane, who died trying to stop the attacker, is being posthumously awarded the Star of Courage, the second-highest award for bravery

A special virtual Canada Day ceremony today saw 19 people from 13 different countries becoming proud Canadian citizens. The new Canadians range in age from six to 66, with the swearing of the oath and remarks from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former governor general Adrienne Clarkson streamed on YouTube. Canada Day citizenship ceremonies are a hallmark of the holiday. But the COVID-19 pandemic has forced them online, with more than a thousand virtual events held since April 1st.

Health workers at BC's Surrey Memorial Hospital received a royal thank you today, as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spoke with them via video call about their experiences working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prince William and his wife Kate told Fraser Health staff their work is appreciated. William said he's proud of how frontline staff have led the way stoically and bravely, putting patient care at the ``top of the list.'' Kate also praised the workers, saying they are playing a ``hugely tough'' role.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Canada Day statement touches on issues confronting everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Large celebrations in many parts of the nation are being replaced with backyard barbecues and digital events due to COVID-19. That includes the annual pomp and pageantry on Parliament Hill. It's going online to keep crowds from gathering. The Ottawa shows will be streamed at midday and in the evening, followed by virtual fireworks. Trudeau's statement talks about the need to ensure "every senior has a safe place to live" after reports of appalling conditions in long-term c

Hong Kong police have made the first arrests under a new national security law imposed by mainland China, as thousands of people defied tear gas and pepper pellets to protest against it. Police say they arrested 10 people under the law, including at least one who was carrying a Hong Kong independence flag. The law, which took effect Tuesday night, makes activities deemed subversive or secessionist punishable by up to life in prison. It appears directly aimed at activities that occurred during anti-government demonstrations last year. The 10 people arrested under the new law are among about 37