National News

Major storms left hundreds of thousands of people without power in Quebec and Ontario ahead of Christmas Eve and shut down critical bridges and roads in Metro Vancouver as heavy snowfall, rain, ice and strong winds barrelled across each region.

Anastasiia Tertyshna remembers sitting around the dinner table at her parents' house in eastern Ukraine on Christmas Eve last year, cracking jokes with her husband and siblings as they ate a traditional pudding typically prepared for the holidays.

EDMONTON — An Alberta woman who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the killing of her abusive husband of 27 years has been allowed unescorted absences from prison and, once she is eligible early next year, day parole.

OTTAWA — The federal Liberal government is facing calls to intervene amid reports that Pakistan is preparing to arrest and expel Afghan refugees, many of whom are waiting to escape to Canada.

Health Canada is recalling about a thousand activity tables for toddlers sold by the brand Janod. The agency says the recall involves some lots of the Janod Sweet Cocoon Activity Table as it may be a choking hazard.

A review panel is upholding a fine against the Trans Mountain pipeline for violations that resulted in disturbing bird nests.

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 Dec. 23 ... What we are watching in Canada ...

OTTAWA — Parliament has begun a lengthy winter break, but more than a hundred bills are still on the table and ready to be picked up when lawmakers return to Ottawa in late January. Some are major Liberal priorities.

OTTAWA — Leading experts involved in developing an expansion of Canada's medically assisted dying regime to people whose sole underlying condition is a mental disorder are at odds over whether the expansion should be delayed.

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is heading to Jamaica after Christmas for a one-week vacation with his immediate family.