Indigenous

FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — The oilsands hub city of Fort McMurray, Alta., got a watery reprieve from a menacing wildfire Thursday as steady rain fell and water cannons delivered a soaking blast to tinder-dry ditches.

PORT ALBERNI, B.C. — The mother and stepfather of six-year-old Dontay Lucas have been sentenced to 15 years each in prison by a B.C. Supreme Court judge.

FORT NELSON, B.C. — One of the largest wildfires burning in Western Canada is the Patry Creek fire, 25 kilometres north of Fort Nelson, B.C., which re-emerged May 2 after smouldering through the winter.

TORONTO — The improbable has become somewhat routine for Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh.

VICTORIA — British Columbia's chief veterinarian has issued an order making it illegal to transport boats or other watercraft without removing the drain plug to prevent the spread of whirling disease.

REGINA — The Speaker of the Saskatchewan legislature has cut up his party membership card and accused some members in Premier Scott Moe's caucus of intimidating him to the point that he fears the government house leader is packing a handgun.

VICTORIA — British Columbia's election campaign was unofficially launched on Thursday, five months ahead of the Oct.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A wildfire threatening the town of Fort Nelson in far northeast B.C. has inflicted "some structural damage," according to the community's mayor.

WINNIPEG — A former wife of admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki testified Thursday about their violent marriage and how it seemed like he had multiple personalities.

Wildfires have forced thousands out of several communities in Western Canada. Roughly 6,600 residents have been evacuated out of parts of Fort McMurray, Alta., while the rest of the city remains on evacuation alert. In Fort Nelson, B.C.