National News

TORONTO — The judge who found Alek Minassian guilty of murder and attempted murder in the Toronto van attack set Canadian precedent Wednesday by considering autism a "mental disorder" under the Criminal Code.

MONTREAL — A well-known Quebec lawyer says she's mounting a legal challenge to provincial laws that don't grant common-law spouses the same rights as married couples in the event of a breakup.

PORT HAWKESBURY, N.S. — Lionel Desmond made little progress during a psychological trauma treatment program he underwent less than a year before killing three family members and himself, a fatality inquiry heard Wednesday.

OTTAWA — Justin Trudeau signalled Wednesday that Canada will stand up for an Ottawa sociology professor facing trial in France as human-rights advocates renewed calls for the Liberal government to intervene.

WASHINGTON — The United States is at a COVID-19 crossroads — and public health officials are worried about which path the country will choose.

HALIFAX — Canadian and American rescuers are describing a tightly choreographed effort in heaving Atlantic seas that saved 31 seafarers early Wednesday before an offshore scallop dragger sank off Nova Scotia.

TORONTO — Relief washed over victims of the Toronto van attack Wednesday after the man responsible for the rampage was found guilty of murdering ten people and trying to kill 16 others.

OTTAWA — A Conservative MP has joined the chorus of voices calling for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns in Ontario.

OTTAWA — Efforts to boost Canada's ability to produce vaccines are among over 100 research projects receiving new federal money. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $518 million Wednesday he says will support the work of nearly 1,000 researchers.

HALIFAX — The RCMP says two officers who fired towards a civilian and another RCMP officer during last year's mass shooting will remain on administrative duties until internal inquiries are completed.