National News

OTTAWA — Silence and calm reigned on the streets of Ottawa for the first time in more than three weeks on Sunday as police continued their efforts to put a final end to anti-government demonstrations that immobilized the national capital.

In a video from Ottawa, a broadcaster stares at the camera in silence as protesters surround him and scream expletives, calling him a liar and bellowing "freedom." Near the U.S. border in Surrey, B.C.

VICTORIA — The British Columbia government is considering taking away some of the permit powers municipal governments have to approve housing construction in an effort to get more homes built in the province, the housing minister says.

The latest developments on ongoing protests against COVID-19 restrictions and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government, in Ottawa and various locations across Canada, on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. All times eastern: 10:15 p.m.

VANCOUVER — Joanna Chan wants to come back to British Columbia to work as a physician assistant and she's not alone. The Canadian Association of Physician Assistants says a recent survey of its 800 members indicated 15 per cent want to work in B.C.

LONDON (AP) — The Queen tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday and is experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, Buckingham Palace said, adding that she still plans to carry on working.

MONTREAL — Police in Laval, Que., are investigating the deaths of a man and a woman in their 70s. Police in the Montreal suburb say the couple's son called 911 shortly after 7:30 p.m. Saturday, after finding the bodies of his parents in their home.

HALIFAX — A public inquiry into the worst mass shooting in modern Canadian history is set to begin hearings this week in Nova Scotia.

VANCOUVER — Some of the most high-profile organizers of protests against government and COVID-19 mandates in Ottawa are facing charges that include mischief and counselling to commit mischief.

TORONTO — No winning ticket was sold for the $15 million jackpot in Saturday's Lotto 649 draw. However, the guaranteed $1 million prize was won by a ticket holder in British Columbia. The jackpot for the next Lotto 649 draw on Feb.