Beyond Local

CALGARY — Alberta's NDP has released a fully costed economic plan that predicts a $3.3-billion surplus over three years if elected on May 29.

OTTAWA — A bill that aims to enshrine a francophone immigration program into law is heading to the Senate after clearing the House of Commons.

OTTAWA — Justice Minister David Lametti introduced new legislation Tuesday morning to reform Canada's bail system, after months of calls for tougher laws from premiers, police and opposition.

The British Columbia Wildfire Service hopes calmer winds in the province's northeast will give it the break it needs to assess fires threatening Fort St. John. Evacuation alerts were issued in that city and the District of Taylor on Monday.

CALGARY — Police say remains found last week in Banff National Park are that of a woman who vanished nearly three years ago.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stopped in Edmonton on Monday to meet with military personnel who are helping fight wildfires in Alberta as provincial officials said the hot, windy and dry conditions in the forecast are creating a "perfect storm."

The Alberta government says hot and dry conditions are expected to continue in the coming days, providing no relief for the roughly 2,500 people fighting wildfires in the province.

CALGARY — WestJet pilots have issued a 72-hour strike notice to the company and the government, according to the union that represents them, and they warn the airline could be shut down right before the May long weekend.

The ongoing May heat wave that shattered almost 40 daily temperature records across B.C. and Alberta on Sunday should be seen as a warning of more out-of-season hot spells in the future, climatologists say.

CALGARY — The Alberta Energy Regulator says a total of 32 dead waterfowl have been found at two separate oilsands tailings ponds operated by Suncor Energy Inc.