National News

WINNIPEG - The inquiry into the beating death of a Manitoba girl has been told it was not uncommon for Manitoba social workers to decide a child was safe without even laying eyes on the youngster.

CALGARY - A dangerous offender hearing for a man convicted of torturing his former roommate is to begin this summer. Dustin Ward Paxton, 33, was convicted by a Calgary judge last February of aggravated assault and sexual assault.

HALIFAX - The crew of a cockroach-infested tugboat detained in Halifax for safety problems should fix them instead of appealing to the public for help to return to their homes in Central America, the owner of the vessel said Wednesday.

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Kathy Dunderdale appointed a rhetorical bruiser as finance minister Wednesday as a cash crunch looms over potentially tense public sector contract talks.

OTTAWA - Martin Cauchon officially became the ninth — and last — candidate in the Liberal leadership race Tuesday, touting his credentials as the only contender with experience running the machinery of federal government.

Fisheries scientists say Canada has been expanding its Arctic fishery without understanding very much about it.

TORONTO - Ontario's top cop has taken to YouTube to defend provincial police handling of Idle No More demonstrations and blockades, saying it fits into an overall strategy that's difficult to explain to the public.

OTTAWA — A sudden medical leave announced Monday by the head of Canada’s largest aboriginal organization will delay — but not derail — pivotal talks between First Nations and Stephen Harper, says Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan.

CALGARY - Janet Baker says her life ended the day her son died in a training accident in Afghanistan nearly three years ago. The mother of Cpl.

SAINT JOHN, N.B. - A city councillor in Saint John, N.B., who is facing child pornography and sexual touching charges will spend at least another week behind bars after his bail hearing was delayed Monday.