National News

OTTAWA - The Conservatives used their majority muscle in the House of Commons to pass a controversial bill that makes sweeping changes to election laws. Bill C-23, dubbed the Fair Elections Act, passed Tuesday by a vote of 146 to 123.

OTTAWA -- As Canadians paid tribute to the 40,000 soldiers who took part in the country's 12-year Afghanistan conflict, padre Phillip Ralph gave thanks for the small mercies that come with the end of a war.

TORONTO - Canadian author Farley Mowat, a master storyteller and tireless defender of nature and wildlife, has died at age 92, his assistant confirmed Wednesday.

TORONTO - Kyle Lowry scored 28 points, but missed on a shot at the buzzer as the Toronto Raptors lost Game 7 of their playoff series 104-103 against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, ending their season.

OTTAWA - The Mounties are not disputing a report that they have identified more than 1,000 cases of missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls - hundreds more than previously thought.

TORONTO - Mayor Rob Ford left home Thursday without speaking to reporters hours after announcing that he's taking leave to deal with his substance-abuse problems amid a triple dose of scandalizing revelations.

TORONTO - Russia's ambassador to Canada was heckled today as he addressed his country's position on the crisis in Ukraine.

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Canada will contribute six CF-18 jet fighters to a NATO air-policing mission as a response to the crisis in the Ukraine. The jets and ground support staff will be based in Poland.

OTTAWA - Public opinion research contracted by Ottawa suggests the pro-resource-development Conservative government has not yet convinced Canadians of the national benefits of the energy industry.

OTTAWA - Police have charged a 19-year-old man from London, Ont., in connection with the loss of taxpayer data from the Canada Revenue Agency website.