Beyond Local

OTTAWA — The federal government ran a deficit of $148.6 billion during the first four months of its 2020-2021 fiscal year, the result of unprecedented spending in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The result compared with a deficit of $1.

OTTAWA — Government House leader Pablo Rodriguez says the Liberals have reached a deal with the NDP over its demands for supporting the throne speech, averting an immediate election. More coming. The Canadian Press

EDMONTON — Two Alberta Mounties have been charged following separate investigations by the RCMP.

TORONTO — The organization behind the Canadian Screen Awards has announced some equity-driven changes and initiatives, including a new rule concerning eligibility requirements for Indigenous content.

EDMONTON — The end is near for the bubbled NHL playoffs, and those in charge of the rinks say it's been smooth as an ice sheet — except maybe when teams come to play for three periods and stay on for another five.

CALGARY — WestJet Airlines Ltd. is warning furloughed workers who receive the federal wage subsidy they will see their pay cut by up to 53 per cent starting Sunday.

Canadian producers are applauding a new temporary federal relief fund to help film and television productions that have been stalled by a lack of COVID-19 insurance.

CALGARY — RCMP have charged a second Calgary man in an ongoing terrorism investigation. Jamal Taan Borhot, 30, is charged with three counts of participating in terrorist group activity.

“I live here. I know what’s needed in this park. I live it, I breathe it 365 days a year – I know what’s happening in the park and what I see is very scary."

“I used to joke that it was an astronaut job because there’s literally more astronauts in Canada than this position."