National News

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Independent candidates in British Columbia's upcoming fall election could be potential "power brokers" after what is expected to be a closely-fought contest between the New Democrats and the B.C.

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is suddenly without the assistance of one of his longest advisers just as the threat of being forced into an early election has been heightened.

VICTORIA — British Columbia's independent forest-practices watchdog says there's a risk that a coastal island won't have enough old-growth trees in the future due to inadequate monitoring of harvesting.

OTTAWA — Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez has given Via Rail a deadline to make some changes following a train delay that left passengers stranded over the weekend.

QUÉBEC — Quebec Premier François Legault shuffled his cabinet Thursday, with Christine Frechette inheriting the economy, innovation and energy portfolios as the province's newest "superminister.

As several provinces get rid of their existing COVID-19 vaccine supplies to make way for updated shots expected in the fall, pharmacists and some doctors say the move raises questions about gaps in vaccine access and government messaging.

MONTREAL — Quebec provincial police say one of the province's top 10 most wanted criminals has been arrested after he escaped from a minimum security federal detention centre in May.

OTTAWA — Jagmeet Singh brought a message of hope Thursday in his first speech following the NDP's exit from its supply and confidence deal with the minority Liberals, who portrayed his move as a bow to Conservative wishes.

BURNABY, B.C. — The United Steelworkers union is calling Canfor Corp.

VICTORIA — The Canadian Medical Association says it will formally apologize for the role doctors played in harming members of Canada's Indigenous communities.