Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced new details about the federal government’s $3.5-billion plan to protect the oceans. In its most recent budget, the government pledged to add $2 billion over nine years to the $1.5 billion already set aside for ocean protection.Speaking at a press conference in British Columbia, Trudeau says the government has now launched an extended version of the plan.The program has so far funded projects including coast guard search and rescue stations, restoring coastal aquatic habitats, disposing of abandoned boats, and partnering with Indigenous and coastal

Canadian cyclist Hugo Houle claimed an emotional first-ever grand tour stage victory after a tough 16th stage of the Tour de France. Houle attacked on the approach to the final climb and finished one minute, 10 seconds ahead of Valentin Madouas and fellow Canadian Michael Woods. Houle dedicated the win to his brother, Pierrick, who was killed 10 years ago by a drunk-driver while out running. Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard maintained his overall lead.

Alberta Emergency Alert says a storm has caused damage to homes and vehicles in the southeastern corner of the province. It initially called it a tornado, but now says it was a storm with dangerous and damaging winds around Highway 523, which is west of Medicine Hat, Alta. RCMP say they received reports of a possible tornado touching down on Highway 3, which runs southwest of the city, overturning a motorhome, but they say there are no reports of injuries or missing people. Police say several road closures remain in place throughout Cypress County and motorists and the public are asked to avo

Canada's Camryn Rogers unleashed a hammer throw yesterday that soared straight into the history books. The 23 year old from Richmond, BC, threw 75.52 metres to win silver at the world track and field championships in Eugene, Oregon. It was not only Canada's first world medal in women's hammer, but the country's first women's podium finish in a field event. American Brooke Andersen won the gold and Janee Kassanavoid of the U.S. claimed bronze. Jillian Weir of Kingston, Ont., was fifth with a throw of 72.41.

There were tears shed by some in an Ottawa courtroom as one of the so-called Freedom Convoy protest organizers was granted bail. Pat King, wearing a plaid shirt and his hair in a long braid, nodded as the judge's reasons were handed down. In the courtroom, supporters wearing T-shirts that said ``Free Pat King'' brought tissues to their eyes. King will have to leave Ottawa in 24 hours to return to Alberta, where he will be required to live with a surety. He's facing charges including mischief, intimidation, obstructing police and disobeying a court order.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's day of whistle stops in the Ottawa area ended early today as anti-Liberal protesters gathered outside a brewery before he arrived. Trudeau was on his way to the Brasserie Etienne Brule Brewery in Embrun, Ontario, about 30 minutes east of Ottawa, when the event was called off. About a dozen protesters gathered across the street from the brewery, including one who was carrying a flag emblazoned with a profanity directed at Trudeau, and another who was recording the establishment on their phone. Earlier in the year, a ``Freedom Convoy'' base camp was set up in Emb

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says the government has signed a four-year deal with GlaxoSmithKline to produce and deliver influenza vaccines. The deal includes an option to procure 80-million doses of influenza vaccine if a pandemic occurs and a minimum of 4 million doses annually to be used in publicly-funded vaccination programs. Influenza pandemics hit every 11 to 40 years and the most recent one happened 13 years ago when the H-1-N-1 pandemic hit. He’s also encouraging Canadians to get their first and second COVID-19 boosters. Duclos says if there’s one lesson to be learned from th

The federal government says it will provide more than $35 million during the papal visit to Canada to support Indigenous communities, organizations and residential schools survivors. Pope Francis visit is set to start in Edmonton July 24th and will go to Quebec and Nunavut before it ends on the 29th. Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada are putting up 30.5-million dollars for community-led activities and travel for survivors. Another three-million dollars will support Indigenous groups in the three regions where Pope Francis will spend time, a

The Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by a full percentage point on Wednesday, marking the largest single rate hike since August 1998.The central bank’s decision signalled a more aggressive approach to bringing skyrocketing inflation, which hit a 39-year-high of 7.7 per cent in May, back down to its target of two per cent.Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem said the "Inflation is too high, and more people are getting more worried that high inflation is here to stay. We cannot let that happen."In its latest monetary policy report, the Bank of Canada said inflation in Canada is “l