National News

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed that two Canadians are among those killed in last week's deadly explosion in Beirut. In a written statement, Trudeau offers his "deepest condolences" to the family and friends of the two Canadians.

The latest numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Canada as of 7:37 p.m. on Aug. 14, 2020: There are 121,652 confirmed cases in Canada.

VANCOUVER — Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds has responded to a plea from British Columbia Premier John Horgan for help with messaging to younger residents about partying during the pandemic.

OTTAWA — The federal Conservative party will announce the winner of its leadership contest on Aug. 23.

OTTAWA — NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is calling on Ottawa to provide the provinces with billions in funding for child care — a demand that could help determine whether the minority Liberal government survives.

FREDERICTON — New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs said Friday he will take the weekend to decide whether to call an election after the Opposition Liberals rejected his proposed deal to keep the Tories in power through the pandemic.

MONTREAL — Asylum seekers working on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis are getting an early chance at permanent residency in Canada, but some advocates say the government's plan will leave thousands of workers on the sidelines.

MONTREAL — One of Canada's best-known religious landmarks, the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, is seeking urgent government assistance to withstand a budget shortfall caused by COVID-19.

OTTAWA — Police chiefs say they support closer collaboration with crisis workers to help prevent tragedies when their officers confront people dealing with mental-health issues.

Plans are being made across the country for how to safely send students back to school in the fall as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Here is a look at what the various provinces have said about getting kids back to classes.