National News

OTTAWA — Members of Parliament have completed their first-ever virtual vote in the House of Commons, a historic occasion marked by numerous technical glitches, lengthy delays and cameo appearances by some of their kids and even a family dog.

Montreal restaurateurs say they don't understand why the provincial government is ordering their businesses to close even though there have been no COVID-19 outbreaks tied to the city's famed restaurant industry.

OTTAWA — Dissatisfied users of the Access to Information Act lodged over 6,000 new complaints last year — more than double the number in the previous year, a federal watchdog says.

OTTAWA — A fundraising letter sent by new Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole to party members contains passages identical to sections of his rival Peter MacKay's campaign website.

OTTAWA — Former Conservative MP Rob Anders has been charged with tax evasion, as well as other Income Tax Act offences dating back to his years as a parliamentarian.

TORONTO — An Ontario court again extended an order suspending legal proceedings against three major tobacco companies on Tuesday as they continue work towards a settlement with their creditors.

OTTAWA — The Liberal government pushed back against criticism over a lack of rapid tests for COVID-19 on Tuesday as it unveiled a deal to buy millions of such devices from a U.S. company — whenever Health Canada approves them.

OTTAWA — The union representing employees at Veterans Affairs Canada says the department should hire more permanent staff to deal with the backlog of veterans waiting for services and benefits.

FREDERICTON — The jury in the Matthew Raymond murder trial in Fredericton was shown detailed and sometimes graphic pictures of the crime scene Tuesday.

OTTAWA — The COVID-19 pandemic will leave a lasting scar on the Canadian economy that could produce permanent deficits, the parliamentary budget officer says in a report estimating this year's shortfall at $328.5 billion.