National News

OTTAWA — Respect for laws and principles governing personal information must guide introduction of proof-of-vaccination certificates that could smooth the transition to post-pandemic life, Canada's privacy watchdogs warn.

TORONTO — Canadians attempting to drive across the American border solely for a COVID-19 vaccination, even with a doctor's referral, would be denied entry, the U.S. border agency said on Wednesday.

New members have been appointed to a committee that assesses prospective Superior Court judges. Lawyers Margaret Wente and Robert Shawyer were named earlier this month to the Independent Judicial Advisory Committee for Ontario, Greater Toronto Area.

OTTAWA — Canada's largest airlines are renewing their call for a clear plan from Ottawa on resuming international travel after the European Union moved to reopen for vaccinated tourists.

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Newfoundland and Labrador's abrupt shift to a mail-in election in February led to more than 16,000 calls for help, several allegations of election violations and at least one plea for civility.

VANCOUVER — Construction companies in Vancouver are being encouraged to take extra precautions to prevent theft as the cost of lumber surges.

WINNIPEG — A Canadian fashion mogul facing sex trafficking and racketeering charges in the United States is looking to the Supreme Court of Canada to overturn a decision that keeps him in jail.

MONTREAL — John Gomery, the judge who led a public inquiry that helped sink a federal government, has died at age 88. His daughter confirmed his death to The Canadian Press on Wednesday.

A lack of information on the race, gender and age of jurors hinders the fight to address systemic racism and other inequities in the criminal justice system, federal opposition leaders and others say.

OTTAWA — Parliament's budget watchdog says the NDP plan to cut student debt would cost about $4 billion.