National News

PEMBINA, N.D. — For decades, the United States — long a beacon of freedom and prosperity for people around the world — has been fixated on what to do about the persistent flow of illegal migration at its southern border.

Both Quebec and Ontario reported a drop in COVID-19-related hospitalizations on Saturday, but the numbers remained high in the country's most populous provinces, which have been hit hard by the pandemic's Omicron-driven fifth wave.

OTTAWA — The president of Ukraine has thanked Canada for a $120-million loan aimed at bolstering his country's economy amid a hostile buildup of 100,000 Russian troops and hundreds of tanks and armoured personnel carriers along its borders.

OTTAWA — Evive Nutrition Inc. is recalling its Immunity Super Functional Smoothie because it contains raw elderberries that may cause cyanide poisoning.

VANCOUVER — Wildfires, sweltering heat and extensive flooding in British Columbia last year have underscored the importance of strengthening the agricultural sector's resilience to the effects of climate change and extreme weather, experts say.

The president of the India Association of Manitoba says he hopes the RCMP and the Consulate General of India can identify four bodies found in southern Manitoba near the U.S. border.

OTTAWA — Canada's chief public health officer says there are positive signs the Omicron wave is peaking in this country, but no one should start choreographing a COVID-19 victory dance.

TORONTO — No winning ticket was sold for the $10 million jackpot in Friday's Lotto Max draw. The jackpot for the next draw on Jan. 25 will be an estimated $15 million. The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — Strengthening Haiti's beleaguered police emerged a key theme Friday as Canada, the United States and several other allies held talks to help the embattled, poverty-racked Caribbean nation.

MONTREAL — A second person experiencing homelessness in Montreal has died this month after being found outside in frigid temperatures, authorities said Friday.