National News

OTTAWA — Persistent drought and months of above-average temperatures have escalated the risk of another record-breaking wildfire season, federal ministers said Wednesday as they warned about the urgent need to address climate change.

MONTREAL — Quebec provincial police say a man has been charged with second-degree murder in the killing of a woman southwest of Montreal. David Tota, 38, is alleged to have killed Josianne Faucher, 27, in an apartment in Candiac, Que. on Tuesday.

VANCOUVER — The April snow survey from the BC River Forecast Centre shows the lowest snowpack on record in British Columbia.

OTTAWA — Dentists cannot participate in a national dental-care plan unless they know exactly how it will work, Heather Carr, president of the Canadian Dental Association, said Wednesday.

OTTAWA — The federal New Democrats backed Conservative demands Wednesday that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau take part in a televised "emergency meeting" on carbon pricing with Canada's premiers.

Montreal's transit authority is increasing security in certain metro stations to address safety concerns amid a rise in the number of people with mental health or addiction issues in the network.

VANCOUVER — Growing up on a ranch in the Columbia River Valley, water has always been part of Kat Hartwig's life, and over the years, she's noticed changes.

QUEBEC — People who harass or threaten Quebec politicians could soon be hit with a court injunction or a fine of up to $1,500, if a new bill tabled in the provincial legislature on Wednesday is adopted.

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

ZEBALLOS, B.C. — A Vancouver Island First Nation that has adopted a young killer whale as its newest family member says concern rises about its ordeal with each day that passes, but strong hope for a rescue remains.