National News

The head of a British Columbia-based group that says it is a “non-political” organization helping Chinese integrate into Canadian society travelled to Beijing to meet President Xi Jinping at a government conference this week.

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Facebook's resistance to paying publishers for articles posted on the platform is "deeply irresponsible" and "out of touch.

Environment Canada says wildfire smoke from northern Alberta is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in parts of northeastern British Columbia. Special air quality advisories are in place for the North Peace region and Fort Nelson, B.C.

In The News is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to kickstart your day. Here is what's on the radar of our editors for the morning of May 9 ... What we are watching in Canada ...

ST. JOHN'S, N.L.

OTTAWA — Canada is throwing its hat in the ring for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council, pledging to advance issues from online speech to access to abortion.

EDMONTON — Former members of an elite Alberta wildfire-fighting crew say government budget cuts have left the province battling its current blazes short-handed.

OTTAWA — The Liberal government moved Monday to expel Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei, who Canada's spy agency alleged was involved in a plot to intimidate Conservative MP Michael Chong and his relatives in Hong Kong.

EDMONTON — The Alberta government promised financial aid Monday to people forced from their homes by wildfires that continue to threaten many areas of the province.

Rain and cooler temperatures in northeastern British Columbia will help suppression efforts for two out-of-control wildfires, but high temperatures forecast for later this week may pose a new threat, says a BC Wildfire Service spokesman.