National News

WASHINGTON — A Republican senator welcomed Canada's new defence minister to the portfolio Wednesday with a pointed critique of what he called a "feeble commitment" to defence spending by America's northern neighbour. Sen.

OTTAWA — The Supreme Court of Canada will not hear an appeal from a former construction boss who was convicted of corruption, breach of trust and conspiracy to commit fraud.

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed on what you need to know today...

A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has approved the bulk sale of more than 1,200 kilograms of cannabis by a company after the Canada Revenue Agency threatened to destroy it.

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reorganized his front bench Wednesday in a massive federal cabinet shuffle, he also created a single new job: minister of citizens' services.

VANCOUVER — Pat Carney, who pioneered roles for women in Canadian politics and journalism, has died at the age of 88. Her niece, Jill Carney, confirmed in a statement that the former MP and senator passed away late Tuesday.

The number of active wildfires in British Columbia has dropped sharply to about 400 as cooler weather and recent rain has cut the fire risk, but another hot spell could wipe out those gains as large sections of the province wilt under severe drought.

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a massive overhaul to his cabinet two years into his latest mandate, with about three-quarters of cabinet portfolios switching hands.

British Columbia's wildfire season is the most destructive on record, with more than 15,000 square kilometres of the province burned, surpassing the previous high of 13,543 square kilometres set in 2018.

OTTAWA — The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has approved a $23.4-billion settlement agreement for First Nations children, youth and families harmed by the federal government's underfunding of child welfare services.