By Canadian Press

In the news today, July 4

Jul 4, 2018 | 2:30 AM

Five stories in the news for Wednesday, July 4

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OTTAWA JULY 4TH PARTY TO BE SMALLER THIS YEAR

A smaller than usual Fourth of July party is scheduled for the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Ottawa tonight, In past years, the annual bash had a guest list that grew to include more than 4,000, but that’s been trimmed to an estimated 1,000 people. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and N-D-P Leader Jagmeet Singh are among those taking a pass, citing trade tensions and concerns with the Donald Trump administration.

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HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

HEAT WAVE CLAIMS SIX LIVES IN MONTREAL

Montreal health officials are blaming the heavy heat and humidity for at least six deaths in recent days. They say the victims fit the profile of people at risk: those with chronic illness or mental-health problems, people who live alone and people without air conditioning at home. In the Eastern Townships region southeast of Montreal, four deaths are under investigation to determine if they are related to the extreme heat. Authorities were expected to provide more details on Wednesday morning.

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SEARCH CONTINUES FOR MISSING HIKERS IN B.C.

Search and rescue crews continue searching for three missing hikers at Shannon Falls Provincial Park near Squamish, B.C. RCMP say the three were swimming in a pool on Tuesday afternoon at the top of Shannon Falls with a group of friends when they slipped and fell into a another pool 30 metres below. Cpl. Sascha Banks says dangerous terrain and a heavy water flow is complicating the search.

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B.C. EXPLORING BASIC INCOME

British Columbia has asked a team of experts to explore how providing people with a basic income could work in the province. The province’s minority NDP government promised to implement a basic income pilot in its agreement with the Green party that allowed it to take office last summer. A basic income generally refers to a payment to eligible people that ensures a minimum income level, regardless of whether they’re employed.

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MERGED CANCER SOCIETY SEES TURNAROUND

The Canadian Cancer Society says last year’s merger with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has taken the charity from a substantial deficit to a solid surplus. The charity was carrying a $24.8-million shortfall to the Feb. 1, 2017 merger.  But the revamped organization, which operates under the Canadian Cancer Society banner, has posted a nearly $8-million surplus.

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ALSO IN THE NEWS TODAY:

— Trial date to be set for New Brunswick Southern Railway which pleaded not guilty to 24 charges related to oil transportation.

— The Canadian Transportation Agency will hold a public consultation in Ottawa on air passenger protection.

— Court appearance in Winnipeg for Guido Amsel to set sentencing dates for trying to kill three with letter bombs.

— B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix will make an announcement about public health-care needs.

— Court appearance in Victoria for ex-Olympic rower Harold Backer on fraud charges.

The Canadian Press