National News

CALGARY — Legal experts say the justice system is failing Canada's working poor, many of whom are unable to afford lawyers and end up pleading guilty or representing themselves in court.

MONTREAL — Thirty years after the worst mass shooting in Canadian history, official acknowledgment has come that what happened on Dec. 6, 1989 at Montreal's Ecole Polytechnique was an attack on feminists.

OTTAWA — Justin Trudeau ushered in a new era of minority Liberal rule Thursday with a throne speech brimming with humility, goodwill and promises of collaboration with opposition parties whose support he needs to ensure his government's survival.

MONTREAL — China's new ambassador to Canada is threatening "very firm countermeasures" if Parliament adopts a motion calling for sanctions over alleged Chinese human rights abuses against Muslim Uighurs and pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.

A controversial television ad that aimed to denigrate the federal carbon tax but was roundly mocked for sending the opposite message cost Ontario taxpayers $4 million.

VANCOUVER — British Columbians will ring in the new year by joining all Canadians in not paying monthly rates for health care. Premiums under the province's Medical Services Plan will be eliminated on Jan.

OTTAWA — Liberal MP Anthony Rota has been elected Speaker of the House of Commons, beating out fellow Liberal Geoff Regan, who was Speaker during the last session of Parliament and wanted to continue.

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Health Authority isn't giving enough training to staff working with patients in areas struggling with high suicide rates, the provincial auditor said in her latest report.

MONTREAL — A Quebec hospital is touting the use of medical hypnosis after the results of a pilot project suggested it can reduce pain and anxiety in patients.

WINNIPEG — Manitoba's Opposition wants to give the title of honorary first premier to Metis leader Louis Riel.