Indigenous

VANCOUVER — If it wasn't for Vancouver, Lydia Ko might never have become a 19-time LPGA Tour winner.

North Shuswap resident Kyle Boppre offers a simple explanation when asked why he defied an evacuation order issued as a wildfire bore down on his neighbourhood. "It's just, I guess, in my blood to fight," he said. "We were able to save our home.

The Trans Mountain oil pipeline expansion project has run into another construction-related hurdle that could delay its completion.

Nourished by a helicopter airdrop of granola bars, Poomba the pig has survived the wildfire devastation that surrounds her on what remains of the Broken Rail Ranch in West Kelowna.

OTTAWA — Liberal cabinet ministers are suggesting the federal government is ready to tackle long-standing problems related to the international student program, including cases of fraud and exploitation by shady educational institutions.

REGINA — A professor who researches sexual and gender youth issues says he's concerned naming and pronoun changes in Saskatchewan schools could cause other governments in Canada to adopt similar policies.

OTTAWA — Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc says the prime minister will soon receive his report outlining the response to recommendations from a public inquiry into the use of the Emergencies Act.

TORONTO — Interac says mobile debit payments in stores jumped 53 per cent over the past 12 months, while e-commerce purchases rose 17 per cent.

NEW YORK — Canadian tennis player Vasek Pospisil has advanced to the second round of qualifying for the U.S. Open. The 33-year-old from Vernon, B.C., advanced with a 7-6 (7), 6-7 (3), 6-4 win over Spain's Pedro Martinez on Wednesday.

FREDERICTON — New Brunswick is maintaining the central elements of its policy on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools despite a report saying the policy violates the Charter rights of children.