National News

BEIJING — Charles Hamelin's teammates were speculating recently about who might carry Canada's flag into the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Hamelin had a hard time keeping a straight face.

BEIJING — Women's hockey captain Marie-Philip Poulin and short-track speedskating star Charles Hamelin have been named Canada's flag-bearers for Friday's opening ceremonies of Beijing's Winter Olympics More coming. The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — More than 850 people have been assigned a special number to help avoid being inadvertently ensnared by Canada's no-fly list.

More provinces say they are preparing to loosen COVID-19 restrictions in the coming weeks, even as virus-related hospitalizations remain high. British Columbia's provincial health officer, Dr.

TORONTO — No winning ticket was sold for the $25 million jackpot in Tuesday's Lotto Max draw. The jackpot for the next draw on Feb. 4 will be an estimated $30 million. The Canadian Press

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 Feb. 2 ... What we are watching in Canada ...

VANCOUVER — The Omicron wave appears to be cresting across the country, but it's difficult to predict what's next for the pandemic, experts say. Prof.

Several Two Bears brand oat milk products are being pulled from the shelves because they contain milk not declared on the label. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the products were sold across Canada and online.

COUTTS, Alta. — A trucker blockade in southern Alberta at the United States border turned violent Tuesday after some protesters breached police barriers to join the demonstration and Mounties backed off out of concern for safety.

Ottawa residents are starting to wonder who will be left holding the bag when the anti-vaccine mandate protest that has seized the capital, shuttered businesses and racked up policing costs finally rolls out.