Beyond Local

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government has downgraded its long-delayed plan for relations with Africa from a strategy to a framework, saying this better reflects the original intent of the policy — despite criticism the Liberals are not taking the region seriously.

REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — More than 40 nations agreed Wednesday to set up a system to tally the damage Russia has inflicted on Ukraine in the hope of getting reparations, adding to the international legal challenges the Kremlin is facing.

MONTREAL — The greater Montreal area has witnessed a notable increase in arsons in recent months, with restaurants, cafés and vehicles the frequent targets.

United Conservative Leader Danielle Smith and NDP Leader Rachel Notley are scheduled to debate tonight as the May 29 Alberta election draws closer. The debate begins at 6 p.m.

OTTAWA — A parliamentary committee has called for Canada's Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States to include new exemptions allowing some asylum seekers to make claims in Canada after arriving south of the border.

EDMONTON — Alberta's ethics commissioner has found United Conservative Party leader Premier Danielle Smith contravened the Conflict of Interest Act over a conversation she had with her justice minister about a high-profile COVID-19 case.

EDMONTON — Alberta's ethics commissioner says Premier Danielle Smith contravened the Conflicts of Interest Act in her interaction with the province's justice minister.

OTTAWA — A Senate committee says Canada needs to sort out the intent of its sanctions before assessing whether they’re working, and must undertake major upgrades to put its system on par with those of Ottawa’s allies.

Special air quality statements from Environment Canada continue to cover most of Alberta as smoky air blankets much of the province.

SEOUL, Korea, Republic Of — Canada and South Korea penned new deals on supply chains for critical minerals and youth mobility as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrapped up talks with the country's president on Wednesday.