In the news today, Feb. 22

By The Canadian Press

Seven stories in the news for Thursday, Feb. 22

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U.S. ENDS CANADIAN GOLD MEDAL STREAK IN WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Canada’s drive for a fifth straight gold medal in women’s hockey ended early today when the U.S. won 3-2 in a shootout. The win was redemption for the Americans, who lost in overtime to Canada four years ago in Sochi. Marie-Philip Poulin — who scored the winner for Canada — and Haley Irwin scored for Canada. The silver medal raised Canada’s to 22 — nine gold, six silver and seven bronze.

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PMO RESCINDS EMBARRASSING INVITATION TO SIKH EXTREMIST

The prime minister’s office has rescinded an invitation to a reception in Delhi to a man who was convicted of trying to assassinate an Indian cabinet minister in 1986. A senior official from Justin Trudeau’s office says an invitation to Jaspal Atwal issued by the High Commission to India for Thursday’s reception was a mistake and was corrected as soon as it was found out. But the error wasn’t caught until after Atwal had already attended a reception with Trudeau on Tuesday evening.

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PATRICK BROWN CLEARED TO SEEK ONTARIO PC LEADERSHIP

Patrick Brown’s quest to regain the leadership of Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives has cleared a key hurdle. The 39-year-old politician, who had resigned last month amid sexual misconduct allegations, received the party’s stamp of approval for a run in the spring election. Party members will start voting for the new leader on March 2, with the winner to be announced eight days later.

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SEARCH CONTINUES FOR TODDLER SWEPT AWAY IN FLOOD

Officials continue searching for a three-year-old boy swept away by a swollen river in Orangeville, Ont. Police say the boy was in a car with his mother when the vehicle plunged into the waters, but she lost her grip in the fast-moving water and the boy was swept downriver. Flooding along the Grand River also forced about 4,900 people from their homes in Brantford, Ont., until further notice.

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JURY TO RESUME DELIBERATIONS IN CORMIER MURDER TRIAL

Jurors in Winnipeg will continue deliberating today at the trial of the man accused of killing 15-year-old Tina Fontaine and dumping her body in the Red River. Raymond Cormier, 56, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the August 2014 slaying of Fontaine, whose death reignited calls for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women.

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VERDICT EXPECTED TODAY IN TRIAL OF DOG OWNER

A Quebec judge is expected to hand down his verdict today for a man whose pit bull-type dog allegedly mauled a young girl. Karim Jean Gilles stood trial near Montreal this week on a charge of criminal negligence causing bodily harm. On Monday, the girl’s mother testified that the dog attacked her daughter Vanessa in the face in September 2015 and dragged her several metres across a park. Gilles faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

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BECCA LAID TO REST

A New Brunswick teen who inspired a movement dedicated to spreading acts of kindness was remembered Wednesday as a courageous, big-hearted person who never let her terminal diagnosis get in the way of celebrating the generosity of others. A funeral was held in Riverview, N.B. yesterday for 18-year-old Rebecca Schofield, who died of brain cancer on Saturday. The #BeccaToldMeTo hashtag went viral, attracting heartfelt responses from around the world.

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ALSO IN THE NEWS TODAY:

— Statistics Canada will release retail trade figures for December.

— The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives will release its 2018 Alternative Federal Budget.

— Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer will speak to volunteers and supporters in London, Ont.

— Robert Kerr appears in an Edmonton court, charged with threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

— Alberta Labour Minister Christina Gray will make an announcement about whistleblower protection.

— Alberta auditor general Merwin Saher will release his latest report.

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