The Toronto Raptors captured their first NBA crown on Thursday, defeating Golden State 114-110 to become the first league champion from outside the United States by dethroning the defending titleholders.

Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam each scored 26 points while Kawhi Leonard and reserve Fred VanVleet each added 22 as Toronto won the best-of-seven series four games to two.

Leonard was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player for the second time in his career after the first in 2014 with San Antonio, which traded him to Toronto last July.

"Last summer I was going through a lot. I just kept working hard and had my mind set on this goal right here. This is why I play basketball. This is what I work hard for. I'm glad to see it all pay off," Leonard said.

The Raptors became the first Canadian club to win a major North American sports title since the 1993 Toronto Blue Jays captured Major League Baseball's World Series.

Klay Thompson scored 30 points to lead the Warriors but left the game with a left knee injury late in the third quarter after landing awkwardly on his left leg.

Injury-hit Golden State was already without two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant, who returned in game five Monday after being sidelined for a month only to suffer a ruptured right Achilles tendon.

Andre Iguodala added 22 points for the Warriors, Stephen Curry had 21 and Draymond Green contributed 11 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists.

"Everybody on this team played with a lot of heart. We just came up a little short," Green said.

Golden State had a final shot to win trailing 111-110 but Curry missed a 3-pointer and Green called a timeout when the team had none, setting up three final free throws by Leonard to seal the victory.

The Raptors spoiled the Warriors' farewell appearance at Oracle Arena, Golden State's home since 1971 will be replaced by a new $1 billion venue in San Francisco next season.

Toronto's triumph made this first NBA Finals where road teams won five consecutive games.

Lowry scored 21 points in the first half to give Toronto a 60-57 lead, hitting 7-of-10 shots from the floor and 4-of-5 from 3-point range.

Thompson led the Warriors with 18 first-half points.

Thompson goes down 
 
Iguodala scored six points in a 14-4 Warriors run, joining Curry and Thompson in hitting 3-pointers in the spurt to give Golden State an 80-76 advantage just before disaster struck again.

Thompson landed awkwardly on his left leg on a missed shot and went to the floor writhing in pain, being helped to the locker room with a knee injury as the Warriors called a timeout.

Walking to the locker room, Thompson turned back and returned to the court, a standing crowd screaming with delight to see him sink two free throws.

Thompson couldn't have returned had he not shot the free throws, which gave the Warriors their biggest lead at 85-80.

But after he was seen limping, Thompson was removed and later ruled out with a left knee injury, seen walking out of the arena on crutches.

VanVleet big late 
 
Fielding largely reserves, Golden State held off Toronto but VanVleet sank two 3-pointers and his three free throws with 5:39 remaining pulled the Raptors level at 99-99.

VanVleet struck again from 3-point range and Serge Ibaka scored off a rebound to put Toronto ahead 106-101 with 3:03 remaining.

Draymond Green's 3-pointer pulled the Warriors within 108-105 and after trading free throws, Cousins scored a layin to pull Golden State within 109-108 with 46 seconds remaining.

Siakam hit a jumper but Curry answered with two free throws and after Toronto's Danny Green threw a bad pass out of bounds, the Warriors got the ball with nine seconds remaining down 111-110, setting up the closing drama.

A roaring crowd created an electric atmosphere with a standing ovation at the start but Lowry quieted them with three 3-pointers and a layup for all the Raptor points in an 11-2 run to begin the game.

Thompson had 10 points and Cousins five in a 19-9 Golden State run for a 27-26 Warriors edge and the game stayed tight the rest of the first half.

The Toronto Raptors captured their first NBA crown on Thursday, defeating Golden State 114-110 to become the first league champion from outside the United States by dethroning the defending titleholders.

The Toronto Raptors captured their first NBA crown on Thursday, defeating Golden State 114-110 to become the first league champion from outside the United States by dethroning the defending titleholders. Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam each scored 26 points while Kawhi Leonard and reserve Fred VanVleet each added 22 as Toronto won the best-of-seven series four games to two. Leonard was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player for the second time in his career after the first in 2014 with San Antonio, which traded him to Toronto last July. "Last summer I was going through a lot. I just kept working hard and had my mind set on this goal right here. This is why I play basketball. This is what I work hard for. I'm glad to see it all pay off," Leonard said. The Raptors became the first Canadian club to win a major North American sports title since the 1993 Toronto Blue Jays captured Major League Baseball's World Series. Klay Thompson scored 30 points to lead the Warriors but left the game with a left knee injury late in the third quarter after landing awkwardly on his left leg. Injury-hit Golden State was already without two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant, who returned in game five Monday after being sidelined for a month only to suffer a ruptured right Achilles tendon. Andre Iguodala added 22 points for the Warriors, Stephen Curry had 21 and Draymond Green contributed 11 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists. "Everybody on this team played with a lot of heart. We just came up a little short," Green said. Golden State had a final shot to win trailing 111-110 but Curry missed a 3-pointer and Green called a timeout when the team had none, setting up three final free throws by Leonard to seal the victory. The Raptors spoiled the Warriors' farewell appearance at Oracle Arena, Golden State's home since 1971 will be replaced by a new $1 billion venue in San Francisco next season. Toronto's triumph made this first NBA Finals where road teams won five consecutive games. Lowry scored 21 points in the first half to give Toronto a 60-57 lead, hitting 7-of-10 shots from the floor and 4-of-5 from 3-point range. Thompson led the Warriors with 18 first-half points. Thompson goes down Iguodala scored six points in a 14-4 Warriors run, joining Curry and Thompson in hitting 3-pointers in the spurt to give Golden State an 80-76 advantage just before disaster struck again. Thompson landed awkwardly on his left leg on a missed shot and went to the floor writhing in pain, being helped to the locker room with a knee injury as the Warriors called a timeout. Walking to the locker room, Thompson turned back and returned to the court, a standing crowd screaming with delight to see him sink two free throws. Thompson couldn't have returned had he not shot the free throws, which gave the Warriors their biggest lead at 85-80. But after he was seen limping, Thompson was removed and later ruled out with a left knee injury, seen walking out of the arena on crutches. VanVleet big late Fielding largely reserves, Golden State held off Toronto but VanVleet sank two 3-pointers and his three free throws with 5:39 remaining pulled the Raptors level at 99-99. VanVleet struck again from 3-point range and Serge Ibaka scored off a rebound to put Toronto ahead 106-101 with 3:03 remaining. Draymond Green's 3-pointer pulled the Warriors within 108-105 and after trading free throws, Cousins scored a layin to pull Golden State within 109-108 with 46 seconds remaining. Siakam hit a jumper but Curry answered with two free throws and after Toronto's Danny Green threw a bad pass out of bounds, the Warriors got the ball with nine seconds remaining down 111-110, setting up the closing drama. A roaring crowd created an electric atmosphere with a standing ovation at the start but Lowry quieted them with three 3-pointers and a layup for all the Raptor points in an 11-2 run to begin the game. Thompson had 10 points and Cousins five in a 19-9 Golden State run for a 27-26 Warriors edge and the game stayed tight the rest of the first half.

Toronto Raptors dethrone Golden State Warriors to lift first NBA crown

Canada plans to ban some single-use plastics like straws, bags and cutlery by early 2021 to reduce waste and litter and protect the world's oceans, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday (June 10).

Canada moves to ban single-use plastics like straws, bags and cutlery by 2021

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 05th, 2019

The Normandy landings took place on 6 June 1944 and it was one of the biggest seaborne invasions in history. The operation against Nazi Germany was a combined effort, and included support from the UK, US and Canada, and it is considered to be a key component to securing victory during the Second World War.

World War II D-Day: What is 'Operation Neptune'?

The 75th anniversary of World War II’s D-Day is June 6, commemorating the largest invasion by air, land and sea in history. More than 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes and 150,000 soldiers from the United States, Britain and Canada stormed the Nazi-occupied French beaches of Normandy in a surprise attack.

World War II D-Day: 6th June marks 75 years since D-Day

Canada announced Sunday it was temporarily<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-federal-agents-arrest-protesters-occupying-venezuelan-embassy-219291"> shutting its embassy in Venezuela</a>, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical of his regime.

At the same time, Ottawa is reviewing the status of Maduro envoys to Canada.

Foreign minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement that "the regime has taken steps to limit the ability of foreign embassies to function in Venezuela, particularly those advocating for the restoration of democracy" there.

In January, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/juan-guaido-blasts-venezuela-regime-after-security-forces-block-congress-218827">Canada, along with the United States</a> and major Latin American powers, was among the first to recognise Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido's claim to be acting president, beginning a months-long power struggle between him and Maduro.

Soon, Canadian diplomats in Venezuela "will no longer be in a position to obtain diplomatic accreditation under the Maduro regime, and their visas will expire," Freeland said.

"Therefore, we are left with no choice but to temporarily suspend our operations at the embassy of Canada to Venezuela, effective immediately."

More than 50 countries now recognise Guaido rather than leftist firebrand Maduro, who has presided over a crumbling economy and was re-elected in a ballot widely regarded as a sham.

Freeland also said Canada is "evaluating the status of Venezuelan diplomats appointed by the Maduro regime to Canada."

Canada announced Sunday it was temporarily shutting its embassy in Venezuela, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical of his regime.

Canada announced Sunday it was temporarily shutting its embassy in Venezuela, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical of his regime. At the same time, Ottawa is reviewing the status of Maduro envoys to Canada. Foreign minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement that "the regime has taken steps to limit the ability of foreign embassies to function in Venezuela, particularly those advocating for the restoration of democracy" there. In January, Canada, along with the United States and major Latin American powers, was among the first to recognise Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido's claim to be acting president, beginning a months-long power struggle between him and Maduro. Soon, Canadian diplomats in Venezuela "will no longer be in a position to obtain diplomatic accreditation under the Maduro regime, and their visas will expire," Freeland said. "Therefore, we are left with no choice but to temporarily suspend our operations at the embassy of Canada to Venezuela, effective immediately." More than 50 countries now recognise Guaido rather than leftist firebrand Maduro, who has presided over a crumbling economy and was re-elected in a ballot widely regarded as a sham. Freeland also said Canada is "evaluating the status of Venezuelan diplomats appointed by the Maduro regime to Canada."

Canada temporarily shuts embassy in Venezuela over diplomats accreditation row

The Philippines has started returning dozens of shipping containers full of trash to Canada after a long-running row over waste exports that has tested diplomatic ties amid threats from firebrand President Rodrigo Duterte.

The 69 containers were loaded overnight onto a vessel at the port of Subic, northwest of Manila, and left on Friday for a month-long journey to the Canadian city of Vancouver.

A Philippine court in 2016 declared the import of 2,400 tonnes of Canadian waste illegal. It had been mislabelled as plastics for recycling.

Canada said the waste, exported to the Philippines between 2013 and 2014, was a private commercial transaction done without the government's consent.

"The government of Canada is taking all the necessary measures to ensure safe and environmentally sound transport, handling and disposal of the waste in Canada," Mark Johnson, spokesman for Canada's environment and climate change ministry, said in an email statement.

The Philippines had accused Canada of stalling, prompting angry rebukes from Duterte, a volatile but hugely popular president known for his tirades against Western governments.

He threatened to declare war on Canada, dump the trash in front of its embassy in Manila, or personally sail with the waste and leave it in Canadian waters.

Watch: Philippines withdraws top diplomats from Canada over trash row

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His spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said he hoped ties with Canada would now return to normal.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin said diplomats whom he had ordered to leave Canada in protest had now been told to return. Locsin posted a picture on Twitter on Friday of the ship departing Subic, with the message "Baaaaaaaaa bye".

The Philippines is the latest Southeast Asian nation to take issue with developed nations they say to use the region as a dumping grounds for waste.

Malaysia, the world's main destination for plastic waste after China, said on Tuesday it would return as much as 3,000 tonnes of waste back to the countries of origin.

Environmental activists gathered in Subic as the containers were being prepared, holding banners that said "never again" and "we are not the world's dump site."

Some carried cardboard boxes made to look like shipping containers bearing signs that read "good riddance" and "Canada take back your trash".

"The waste trade is a very unacceptable practice. It is a deplorable practice," Greenpeace Philippines director Lea Guerrero told reporters.

The Philippines has started returning dozens of shipping containers full of trash to Canada after a long-running row over waste exports that has tested diplomatic ties amid threats from firebrand President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Philippines has started returning dozens of shipping containers full of trash to Canada after a long-running row over waste exports that has tested diplomatic ties amid threats from firebrand President Rodrigo Duterte. The 69 containers were loaded overnight onto a vessel at the port of Subic, northwest of Manila, and left on Friday for a month-long journey to the Canadian city of Vancouver. A Philippine court in 2016 declared the import of 2,400 tonnes of Canadian waste illegal. It had been mislabelled as plastics for recycling. Canada said the waste, exported to the Philippines between 2013 and 2014, was a private commercial transaction done without the government's consent. "The government of Canada is taking all the necessary measures to ensure safe and environmentally sound transport, handling and disposal of the waste in Canada," Mark Johnson, spokesman for Canada's environment and climate change ministry, said in an email statement. The Philippines had accused Canada of stalling, prompting angry rebukes from Duterte, a volatile but hugely popular president known for his tirades against Western governments. He threatened to declare war on Canada, dump the trash in front of its embassy in Manila, or personally sail with the waste and leave it in Canadian waters. Watch: Philippines withdraws top diplomats from Canada over trash row × His spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said he hoped ties with Canada would now return to normal. Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin said diplomats whom he had ordered to leave Canada in protest had now been told to return. Locsin posted a picture on Twitter on Friday of the ship departing Subic, with the message "Baaaaaaaaa bye". The Philippines is the latest Southeast Asian nation to take issue with developed nations they say to use the region as a dumping grounds for waste. Malaysia, the world's main destination for plastic waste after China, said on Tuesday it would return as much as 3,000 tonnes of waste back to the countries of origin. Environmental activists gathered in Subic as the containers were being prepared, holding banners that said "never again" and "we are not the world's dump site." Some carried cardboard boxes made to look like shipping containers bearing signs that read "good riddance" and "Canada take back your trash". "The waste trade is a very unacceptable practice. It is a deplorable practice," Greenpeace Philippines director Lea Guerrero told reporters.

Philippines sends trash back to Canada after Duterte escalates row

China&nbsp;hopes&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;understands&nbsp;the&nbsp;consequences&nbsp;of&nbsp;siding&nbsp;with the United States and doing its bidding,&nbsp;China's foreign ministry said on Friday after US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence called for the release of two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-formally-arrests-two-canadians-detained-for-months-on-national-security-grounds-219091">Canadians detained in&nbsp;China</a>.

Chinese authorities detained Canadian businessman Michael Spavor and former diplomat Michael Kovrig in December, shortly after&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;China-based Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's Chief Financial Officer, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-house-arrest-contrasts-with-canadians-detained-in-china-220064">Meng Wanzhou</a>, on a US warrant.

She faces extradition to the United States on charges she conspired to defraud global banks about Huawei's relationship with a company operating in Iran. She and the company have denied the charges and&nbsp;China&nbsp;has called for her release.

Asked about Pence comments that US&nbsp;President Donald Trump would speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the detained Canadians at a G20 meeting in Japan in June, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang implied&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;was to blame for its problems in&nbsp;China.

"We hope that the Canadian side will come to understand the full&nbsp;consequences&nbsp;of pulling chestnuts from the fire on behalf of the United States, and not inflict more harm on themselves," Geng told reporters, without elaborating.

Pence, who has taken a hard line on&nbsp;China, discussed the detained Canadians with<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pence-trudeau-to-discuss-huawei-and-china-trade-issues-in-ottawa-official-222633"> Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa</a> on Thursday, where they also talked about Huawei andChina&nbsp;trade issues.

Kovrig and Spavor were formally charged with espionage this month.&nbsp;China&nbsp;has also cut off imports of key Canadian commodities in an effort to press it.

Canada&nbsp;has called the arrests arbitrary.

During his visit, Pence thanked&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;for standing up for the rule of law in detaining Meng.

While&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;says&nbsp;China&nbsp;has made no specific link between the detentions of the two men and Meng's arrest, experts and former diplomats say they have no doubt it is&nbsp;using their cases to pressure&nbsp;Canada.

China hopes Canada understands the consequences of siding with the United States and doing its bidding, China's foreign ministry said on Friday after US Vice President Mike Pence called for the release of two Canadians detained in China.

China hopes Canada understands the consequences of siding with the United States and doing its bidding, China's foreign ministry said on Friday after US Vice President Mike Pence called for the release of two Canadians detained in China. Chinese authorities detained Canadian businessman Michael Spavor and former diplomat Michael Kovrig in December, shortly after Canada arrested China-based Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's Chief Financial Officer, Meng Wanzhou, on a US warrant. She faces extradition to the United States on charges she conspired to defraud global banks about Huawei's relationship with a company operating in Iran. She and the company have denied the charges and China has called for her release. Asked about Pence comments that US President Donald Trump would speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the detained Canadians at a G20 meeting in Japan in June, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang implied Canada was to blame for its problems in China. "We hope that the Canadian side will come to understand the full consequences of pulling chestnuts from the fire on behalf of the United States, and not inflict more harm on themselves," Geng told reporters, without elaborating. Pence, who has taken a hard line on China, discussed the detained Canadians with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa on Thursday, where they also talked about Huawei andChina trade issues. Kovrig and Spavor were formally charged with espionage this month. China has also cut off imports of key Canadian commodities in an effort to press it. Canada has called the arrests arbitrary. During his visit, Pence thanked Canada for standing up for the rule of law in detaining Meng. While Canada says China has made no specific link between the detentions of the two men and Meng's arrest, experts and former diplomats say they have no doubt it is using their cases to pressure Canada.

Huawei case: We hope that Canada understands consequences of siding with US, says China

Ottawa plans to proceed "full steam ahead" on ratification of a free trade agreement with the US and Mexico, Canada's foreign affairs minister said Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-lifts-steel-aluminum-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-219657">after the neighbours scrapped reciprocal tariffs on steel and aluminum imports</a>.

Canada had been "very clear" that as long as the tariffs were in place "it would be very hard for us to move forward with ratification," Chrystia Freeland told CBC News.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced the lifting of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico. Ottawa and Mexico City also announced the elimination of reciprocal duties.

The steep US tariffs imposed last year -- 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminum -- became a major stumbling block to ratifying a new North American trade pact negotiated last year by the three countries.

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With the removal of the obstacle, "our government now intends to move forward with the ratification," of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, Freeland said, describing the process as progressing "full steam ahead."

However, she did not specify when the deal would be presented to Parliament, which remains in session only until June.

Freeland acknowledged that despite the lifting of the aluminum and steel tariffs, it would be "naive" to think US protectionism is no longer a threat.

"Eternal vigilance is required," she said.

Meanwhile, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Saturday the US move to withdraw tariffs was a "triumph" for Mexico.&nbsp;

"It was a triumph for the Mexican government negotiators, a triumph of diplomacy. We even gave a bit of little help to the government of Canada. Not to brag," Lopez Obrador told reporters in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas.&nbsp;

He stressed that his administration is working toward "free trade, not a trade war."&nbsp;

Ottawa plans to proceed "full steam ahead" on ratification of a free trade agreement with the US and Mexico, Canada's foreign affairs minister said Saturday, after the neighbours scrapped reciprocal tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

Ottawa plans to proceed "full steam ahead" on ratification of a free trade agreement with the US and Mexico, Canada's foreign affairs minister said Saturday, after the neighbours scrapped reciprocal tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Canada had been "very clear" that as long as the tariffs were in place "it would be very hard for us to move forward with ratification," Chrystia Freeland told CBC News. On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced the lifting of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico. Ottawa and Mexico City also announced the elimination of reciprocal duties. The steep US tariffs imposed last year -- 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminum -- became a major stumbling block to ratifying a new North American trade pact negotiated last year by the three countries. With the removal of the obstacle, "our government now intends to move forward with the ratification," of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, Freeland said, describing the process as progressing "full steam ahead." However, she did not specify when the deal would be presented to Parliament, which remains in session only until June. Freeland acknowledged that despite the lifting of the aluminum and steel tariffs, it would be "naive" to think US protectionism is no longer a threat. "Eternal vigilance is required," she said. Meanwhile, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Saturday the US move to withdraw tariffs was a "triumph" for Mexico. "It was a triumph for the Mexican government negotiators, a triumph of diplomacy. We even gave a bit of little help to the government of Canada. Not to brag," Lopez Obrador told reporters in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. He stressed that his administration is working toward "free trade, not a trade war."

Canada aims to ratify trade deal after lifting of tariffs

The Philippines ordered the withdrawal of top diplomats from Canada on Thursday after Ottawa missed a deadline to take back 69 shipping containers full of trash, the latest move in a long-running row stoked by threats from Manila's outspoken president. Watch full video to know more.

Philippines withdraws top diplomats from Canada over trash row

China has formally arrested two Canadians who have been detained for months on national security grounds, a Canadian newspaper reported on Thursday, in a case that has inflamed tensions between Ottawa and Beijing.

A Canadian government source told The Globe and Mail that neither <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrest-fallout-after-ex-diplomat-another-canadian-national-goes-missing-after-questioning-by-chinese-authorities-183587">Michael Kovrig</a>, a former diplomat, nor Michael Spavor, a China-based businessman who organised trips to North Korea, have been formally charged.

"Canada strongly condemns their arbitrary arrest as we condemned their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/central-asia/two-canadians-being-investigated-for-threatening-national-security-china-183709">arbitrary detention </a>on December&nbsp;10," the Canadian foreign ministry said in a statement to the newspaper.

Though no link has been officially made, the detention of Spavor and Kovrig is thought to be in retaliation for Canada's December 1 detention on a US extradition request for Meng Wanzhou, a top executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei who is accused of violating Iran sanctions.

The men were first accused of activities that "endanger China's security" -- a phrase often used by Beijing when alleging espionage.

China later announced it suspected Kovrig of spying and stealing state secrets and alleged that Spavor had provided him with intelligence.

Two other Canadians convicted of drug trafficking, meanwhile, have been sentenced to death. And Beijing recently blocked Canadian shipments of canola and pork worth billions of dollars.

Meng -- who is currently fighting extradition to the US -- is allowed to live in her Vancouver mansion, although her mobility is limited.

Meanwhile, a group of Canadian parliamentarians had earlier complained to Chinese officials that Kovrig and Spavor have been denied access to lawyers, and remain in "completely unacceptable" detention conditions. 
&nbsp;

China has formally arrested two Canadians who have been detained for months on national security grounds, a Canadian newspaper reported on Thursday, in a case that has inflamed tensions between Ottawa and Beijing.

China has formally arrested two Canadians who have been detained for months on national security grounds, a Canadian newspaper reported on Thursday, in a case that has inflamed tensions between Ottawa and Beijing. A Canadian government source told The Globe and Mail that neither Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, nor Michael Spavor, a China-based businessman who organised trips to North Korea, have been formally charged. "Canada strongly condemns their arbitrary arrest as we condemned their arbitrary detention on December 10," the Canadian foreign ministry said in a statement to the newspaper. Though no link has been officially made, the detention of Spavor and Kovrig is thought to be in retaliation for Canada's December 1 detention on a US extradition request for Meng Wanzhou, a top executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei who is accused of violating Iran sanctions. The men were first accused of activities that "endanger China's security" -- a phrase often used by Beijing when alleging espionage. China later announced it suspected Kovrig of spying and stealing state secrets and alleged that Spavor had provided him with intelligence. Two other Canadians convicted of drug trafficking, meanwhile, have been sentenced to death. And Beijing recently blocked Canadian shipments of canola and pork worth billions of dollars. Meng -- who is currently fighting extradition to the US -- is allowed to live in her Vancouver mansion, although her mobility is limited. Meanwhile, a group of Canadian parliamentarians had earlier complained to Chinese officials that Kovrig and Spavor have been denied access to lawyers, and remain in "completely unacceptable" detention conditions.

China formally arrests two Canadians detained for months on national security grounds

Asia Bibi is finally free to leave Pakistan. Supreme Court rejects petition to review acquittal of her blasphemy death sentence. watch full video to know more.

Asia Bibi is finally free to leave Pakistan

Asia Bibi leaves Pakistan, sources say she is headed to Canada

A senior Chinese telecom executive whose Vancouver arrest on a US warrant triggered a diplomatic row between Ottawa and Beijing was to appear in court Wednesday to fight for her release.

Canada's justice department said the court will set the next key dates in an extradition process -- including the start of the formal hearing for Meng Wanzhou, which could take months or even years.

Meng herself is expected to make only a brief appearance before the judge to deal with matters described by officials as "administrative in nature."

Her lawyers are also likely to renew their objections to her arrest in December while seeking an easing of her bail conditions.

Relations between Ottawa and Beijing were thrown into crisis by the arrest of Meng, the chief financial officer of telecom giant Huawei and possible heir to her father's company.

Washington wants to put Meng on trial on fraud charges for allegedly violating Iran sanctions and lying about it to US banks, but the case has become a major irritant for Ottawa.

Following her arrest, China detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and Canadian businessman Michael Spavor in what observers saw as retaliation.&nbsp;

China later announced it suspected Kovrig of spying and stealing state secrets and alleged Spavor had provided him with intelligence.

Two other Canadians convicted of drug trafficking, meanwhile, were sentenced to death. And Beijing recently blocked Canadian shipments of canola and pork worth billions of dollars.

Canada has accused Beijing of arbitrarily detaining both Kovrig and Spavor, and called the death penalties for Canadians Fen Wei and Robert Schellenberg "cruel and inhumane."

It has also rallied the support of a dozen countries, including Britain, France, Germany and the US, as well as the EU, NATO and the G7, in its diplomatic feud with China.

Caught between US, China&nbsp;

Most recently, Ottawa has pressed Washington -- which is threatening a trade war with Beijing -- to step up its pressure on behalf of the detained Canadians.

"Canadian lives are at stake," an unnamed Canadian official stressed to broadcaster CTV.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has insisted that Meng's case would be dealt with by the courts, and not politicized.

He sacked his ambassador to China in January for suggesting that Meng had a "strong case" against extradition, citing remarks by US President Donald Trump that he might seek to have the charges against Meng dropped in exchange for trade concessions from China.

Meng was released on bail mid-December in Vancouver, where she owns two residences, on a Can$10 million bond. She has also been ordered to wear an electronic anklet and hand over her passports.

She is now suing the Canadian government, alleging false imprisonment and a breach of her rights.

In court documents, Meng alleges that border officials and federal police delayed executing the US warrant by three hours during her stopover at the Vancouver airport in order to question her and search her luggage and electronic devices, hoping to glean evidence to be used against her at trial.

Huawei is also facing separate US charges for allegedly stealing American technology, and in recent months has faced a US campaign to blacklist it over espionage fears.

Canada has said it will decide before a federal election in October whether or not to join the US and other Five Eyes intelligence partners in banning Huawei from Canada's fifth-generation wireless networks.

A senior Chinese telecom executive whose Vancouver arrest on a US warrant triggered a diplomatic row between Ottawa and Beijing was to appear in court Wednesday to fight for her release.

A senior Chinese telecom executive whose Vancouver arrest on a US warrant triggered a diplomatic row between Ottawa and Beijing was to appear in court Wednesday to fight for her release. Canada's justice department said the court will set the next key dates in an extradition process -- including the start of the formal hearing for Meng Wanzhou, which could take months or even years. Meng herself is expected to make only a brief appearance before the judge to deal with matters described by officials as "administrative in nature." Her lawyers are also likely to renew their objections to her arrest in December while seeking an easing of her bail conditions. Relations between Ottawa and Beijing were thrown into crisis by the arrest of Meng, the chief financial officer of telecom giant Huawei and possible heir to her father's company. Washington wants to put Meng on trial on fraud charges for allegedly violating Iran sanctions and lying about it to US banks, but the case has become a major irritant for Ottawa. Following her arrest, China detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and Canadian businessman Michael Spavor in what observers saw as retaliation. China later announced it suspected Kovrig of spying and stealing state secrets and alleged Spavor had provided him with intelligence. Two other Canadians convicted of drug trafficking, meanwhile, were sentenced to death. And Beijing recently blocked Canadian shipments of canola and pork worth billions of dollars. Canada has accused Beijing of arbitrarily detaining both Kovrig and Spavor, and called the death penalties for Canadians Fen Wei and Robert Schellenberg "cruel and inhumane." It has also rallied the support of a dozen countries, including Britain, France, Germany and the US, as well as the EU, NATO and the G7, in its diplomatic feud with China. Caught between US, China Most recently, Ottawa has pressed Washington -- which is threatening a trade war with Beijing -- to step up its pressure on behalf of the detained Canadians. "Canadian lives are at stake," an unnamed Canadian official stressed to broadcaster CTV. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has insisted that Meng's case would be dealt with by the courts, and not politicized. He sacked his ambassador to China in January for suggesting that Meng had a "strong case" against extradition, citing remarks by US President Donald Trump that he might seek to have the charges against Meng dropped in exchange for trade concessions from China. Meng was released on bail mid-December in Vancouver, where she owns two residences, on a Can$10 million bond. She has also been ordered to wear an electronic anklet and hand over her passports. She is now suing the Canadian government, alleging false imprisonment and a breach of her rights. In court documents, Meng alleges that border officials and federal police delayed executing the US warrant by three hours during her stopover at the Vancouver airport in order to question her and search her luggage and electronic devices, hoping to glean evidence to be used against her at trial. Huawei is also facing separate US charges for allegedly stealing American technology, and in recent months has faced a US campaign to blacklist it over espionage fears. Canada has said it will decide before a federal election in October whether or not to join the US and other Five Eyes intelligence partners in banning Huawei from Canada's fifth-generation wireless networks.

Huawei executive facing extradition to appear in Canada court

Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman who spent eight years on death row over false blasphemy charges, has flown to Canada where she has reunited with her family, media reported said quoting her lawyer.

"I have inquired within available channels, and according to them she has left for Canada," reported news agency Reuters earlier quoting Bibi's lawyer, Saif Ul Malook.

Pakistani TV channels Geo and ARY, citing unidentified sources, also reported Bibi had left the country.

Earlier Bibi left the country, her lawyer and media said on Wednesday, more than six months after she was acquitted by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asia-bibi-leaves-pakistan-sources-say-she-is-headed-to-canada-216896">Pakistan's top court</a>.

Bibi's release in October sparked rioting by hardline Islamists, who rejected the Supreme Court's verdict and warned Prime Minister Imran Khan's government that she must not be allowed to leave the country.

They also called for Bibi, who has been staying at an undisclosed location under tight security, to be killed.

In November, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country was in talks with Pakistan about helping Bibi.

Bibi, a farm worker and a mother of four, was convicted in 2010 of making derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours working in the fields with her objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim.

Her case has outraged Christians worldwide and been a source of division within Pakistan, where two politicians who sought to help her were assassinated, including Punjab province governor Salman Taseer, who was shot by his own bodyguard.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman who spent eight years on death row over false blasphemy charges, has flown to Canada where she has reunited with her family, media reported said quoting her lawyer.

Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman who spent eight years on death row over false blasphemy charges, has flown to Canada where she has reunited with her family, media reported said quoting her lawyer. "I have inquired within available channels, and according to them she has left for Canada," reported news agency Reuters earlier quoting Bibi's lawyer, Saif Ul Malook. Pakistani TV channels Geo and ARY, citing unidentified sources, also reported Bibi had left the country. Earlier Bibi left the country, her lawyer and media said on Wednesday, more than six months after she was acquitted by Pakistan's top court. Bibi's release in October sparked rioting by hardline Islamists, who rejected the Supreme Court's verdict and warned Prime Minister Imran Khan's government that she must not be allowed to leave the country. They also called for Bibi, who has been staying at an undisclosed location under tight security, to be killed. In November, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country was in talks with Pakistan about helping Bibi. Bibi, a farm worker and a mother of four, was convicted in 2010 of making derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours working in the fields with her objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim. Her case has outraged Christians worldwide and been a source of division within Pakistan, where two politicians who sought to help her were assassinated, including Punjab province governor Salman Taseer, who was shot by his own bodyguard. (With inputs from Reuters)

Asia Bibi arrives in Canada after leaving Pakistan: Report

The bodies of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-world-class-climbers-presumed-dead-in-canadian-avalanche-211737">three world-renowned professional mountaineers</a> -- two Austrians and an American -- were found Sunday after they went missing during an avalanche on a western Canadian summit, the national parks agency said.

American Jess Roskelley, 36, and Hansjorg Auer, 35, and David Lama, 28, of Austria went missing late Tuesday at Banff National Park. Authorities launched an aerial search the next day.

The three men were attempting to climb the east face of Howse Pass, an isolated and highly difficult route. They were part of a team of experienced athletes sponsored by American outdoor equipment firm The North Face.

"Parks Canada extends our sincere condolences to their families, friends and loved ones," the agency said in a statement. "We would also like to acknowledge the impact that this has had on the tight-knit, local and international climbing communities. Our thoughts are with families, friends and all those who have been affected by this tragic incident."

Roskelley was the son of John Roskelley, who was also considered one of the best mountaineers of his own generation. Father and son had climbed Mount Everest together in 2003. At the time, the younger Roskelley was only 20 years old, and became the youngest mountaineer to climb the planet's highest mountain above sea level.

Auer and Lama, from Tyrol in Austria, were also considered among the best mountaineers of the times.&nbsp;

The bodies of three world-renowned professional mountaineers -- two Austrians and an American -- were found Sunday after they went missing during an avalanche on a western Canadian summit, the national parks agency said.

The bodies of three world-renowned professional mountaineers -- two Austrians and an American -- were found Sunday after they went missing during an avalanche on a western Canadian summit, the national parks agency said. American Jess Roskelley, 36, and Hansjorg Auer, 35, and David Lama, 28, of Austria went missing late Tuesday at Banff National Park. Authorities launched an aerial search the next day. The three men were attempting to climb the east face of Howse Pass, an isolated and highly difficult route. They were part of a team of experienced athletes sponsored by American outdoor equipment firm The North Face. "Parks Canada extends our sincere condolences to their families, friends and loved ones," the agency said in a statement. "We would also like to acknowledge the impact that this has had on the tight-knit, local and international climbing communities. Our thoughts are with families, friends and all those who have been affected by this tragic incident." Roskelley was the son of John Roskelley, who was also considered one of the best mountaineers of his own generation. Father and son had climbed Mount Everest together in 2003. At the time, the younger Roskelley was only 20 years old, and became the youngest mountaineer to climb the planet's highest mountain above sea level. Auer and Lama, from Tyrol in Austria, were also considered among the best mountaineers of the times.

Days after avalanche, bodies of three mountaineers found in Canada

Three renowned professional alpinists are missing and presumed dead after an avalanche in Canada`s Rocky Mountains, Parks Canada said on Thursday.

Climbing media named the men as American Jess Roskelley, 36, and Austrians David Lama, 28, and Hansjörg Auer, 35, saying they were killed after attempting to climb a challenging route on Howse Peak in Banff National Park.

Canadian authorities did not release the names of the three men but said they were one American and two Europeans and described them as highly experienced professional mountain athletes.&nbsp;

Roskelley was best-known for climbing Mount Everest at age 20 in 2003, making him the youngest person at the time to have climbed the world`s highest mountain.

Lama and Auer were also world-class mountaineers who had climbed some of the toughest routes around the globe.

Parks Canada said in a statement the party was attempting the east face of Howse Peak.

The three men probably started their ascent on Tuesday, Stephen Holeczi, Parks Canada visitor safety specialist said.&nbsp;

They were reported overdue on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"Parks Canada visitor safety specialists immediately responded by air and observed signs of multiple avalanches and debris containing climbing equipment," the statement said.

Without providing details, Holeczi said there was "strong evidence" that all three climbers were deceased.&nbsp;

There currently is no timeline for when search and recovery efforts can begin, Holeczi said, because of bad weather and avalanche risk in the area.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Three renowned professional alpinists are missing and presumed dead after an avalanche in Canada`s Rocky Mountains, Parks Canada said on Thursday. Climbing media named the men as American Jess Roskelley, 36, and Austrians David Lama, 28, and Hansjörg Auer, 35, saying they were killed after attempting to climb a challenging route on Howse Peak in Banff National Park.

Three renowned professional alpinists are missing and presumed dead after an avalanche in Canada`s Rocky Mountains, Parks Canada said on Thursday. Climbing media named the men as American Jess Roskelley, 36, and Austrians David Lama, 28, and Hansjörg Auer, 35, saying they were killed after attempting to climb a challenging route on Howse Peak in Banff National Park. Canadian authorities did not release the names of the three men but said they were one American and two Europeans and described them as highly experienced professional mountain athletes. Roskelley was best-known for climbing Mount Everest at age 20 in 2003, making him the youngest person at the time to have climbed the world`s highest mountain. Lama and Auer were also world-class mountaineers who had climbed some of the toughest routes around the globe. Parks Canada said in a statement the party was attempting the east face of Howse Peak. The three men probably started their ascent on Tuesday, Stephen Holeczi, Parks Canada visitor safety specialist said. They were reported overdue on Wednesday. "Parks Canada visitor safety specialists immediately responded by air and observed signs of multiple avalanches and debris containing climbing equipment," the statement said. Without providing details, Holeczi said there was "strong evidence" that all three climbers were deceased. There currently is no timeline for when search and recovery efforts can begin, Holeczi said, because of bad weather and avalanche risk in the area.

Three world-class climbers presumed dead in Canadian avalanche

A federal judge has ordered Canada's lobbying commissioner to reconsider a probe into whether the Aga Khan broke the rules by inviting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's family to vacation on his private island at a time when his foundation was registered to lobby Trudeau's office.

Canada court orders fresh look into Justin Trudeau's visit to Aga Khan's island

Four people were shot dead Monday in three areas of the western Canadian town of Penticton, federal police said, describing the shootings as a "targeted incident."

"We have determined four people are deceased at three locations within a four kilometre (2.5 miles) radius," Superintendent Ted De Jager said in a press conference.

A 60-year-old man handed himself in and was detained after police were called over the first two killings late on Monday morning, De Jager said.

Investigators then discovered the bodies of two more victims during a search of the suburbs of the city, population around 30,000.

A motive had not been established by Monday night, but the victims and the suspect all knew each other, local media reported.

"We have been able to determine that this was a targeted incident," De Jager said.

Four people were shot dead Monday in three areas of the western Canadian town of Penticton, federal police said, describing the shootings as a "targeted incident.

Four people were shot dead Monday in three areas of the western Canadian town of Penticton, federal police said, describing the shootings as a "targeted incident." "We have determined four people are deceased at three locations within a four kilometre (2.5 miles) radius," Superintendent Ted De Jager said in a press conference. A 60-year-old man handed himself in and was detained after police were called over the first two killings late on Monday morning, De Jager said. Investigators then discovered the bodies of two more victims during a search of the suburbs of the city, population around 30,000. A motive had not been established by Monday night, but the victims and the suspect all knew each other, local media reported. "We have been able to determine that this was a targeted incident," De Jager said.

Canada: Four killed in 'targeted' shootings

The Canadian government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau might have given in to the domestic political pressure from the Sikh community as the government is reported to have removed eight references to Sikh extremism and six references to Khalistan in its 2018 public report on terrorist threats to the country.

'Khalistan' is a Sikh separatist movement that seeks an independent state called Khalistān in the Punjab, India.

The updated version was released about 24 hours before the Canadian prime minister's visit to a Vaisakhi parade in Vancouver.

This development comes amid reports of the ruling liberal party being threatened of serious outcomes by pressure groups in the local Sikh community.

Now, the Sikh and Khalistani extremism had figured for the first time in the 2018 terrorism report.

The original report said Canada continues to face threats from, “individuals inspired to commit violence based on other forms of extremism, including from... Sikh Khalistani extremists”.

But the updated report notes that while “outlining a threat, it must be clearly linked to an ideology rather than a community”.

Canada heads to the polls this October. The incumbent government would certainly want to keep the influential local Sikh community by its side.&nbsp;

India, on the other hand, has called this move a 'full retreat' by Ottawa.&nbsp;

Sikh and Khalistani extremism figured in a counter-terrorism bilateral between India and Canada in Ottawa last month. The two sides discussed the threat from Khalistani extremism for the first time during the meet. 
&nbsp;

The Canadian government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau might have given in to the domestic political pressure from the Sikh community as the government is reported to have removed eight references to Sikh extremism and six references to Khalistan in its 2018 public report on terrorist threats to the country.

The Canadian government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau might have given in to the domestic political pressure from the Sikh community as the government is reported to have removed eight references to Sikh extremism and six references to Khalistan in its 2018 public report on terrorist threats to the country. 'Khalistan' is a Sikh separatist movement that seeks an independent state called Khalistān in the Punjab, India. The updated version was released about 24 hours before the Canadian prime minister's visit to a Vaisakhi parade in Vancouver. This development comes amid reports of the ruling liberal party being threatened of serious outcomes by pressure groups in the local Sikh community. Now, the Sikh and Khalistani extremism had figured for the first time in the 2018 terrorism report. The original report said Canada continues to face threats from, “individuals inspired to commit violence based on other forms of extremism, including from... Sikh Khalistani extremists”. But the updated report notes that while “outlining a threat, it must be clearly linked to an ideology rather than a community”. Canada heads to the polls this October. The incumbent government would certainly want to keep the influential local Sikh community by its side. India, on the other hand, has called this move a 'full retreat' by Ottawa. Sikh and Khalistani extremism figured in a counter-terrorism bilateral between India and Canada in Ottawa last month. The two sides discussed the threat from Khalistani extremism for the first time during the meet.

Canada removes reference to 'Sikh extremism’ from its report on terrorist threats

Canada is experiencing warming at twice the rate of the rest of the world, with the effects most pronounced in the country's north, according to a new government report cited by local media Monday.

Average temperatures have risen by 1.7 degrees Celsius (3.1 degrees Fahrenheit) since 1948, or about double the global average of 0.8 degrees Celsius, and "will warm further in the future, driven by human influence," according to a report by Environment and Climate Change Canada, which will be made public Tuesday.

In northern Canada, approaching the Arctic Circle, temperatures rose on average by 2.3 degrees Celsius over the same period.

The country-wide figure could reach as high as six degrees Celsius by the end of the century, according to scientific projections.

There are numerous consequences: melting ice, rising sea levels, floods, droughts, heat waves and more forest fires, to name a few.

"Scenarios with limited warming will only occur if Canada and the rest of the world reduce carbon emissions to near zero early in the second half of the century," the report warned.

The document is being released as the Liberal government headed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has made the environment one of his top priorities, imposed on Monday a greenhouse gas emissions tax on four provinces judged to have not taken the problem seriously enough.&nbsp;

The measure has angered conservatives, a few months ahead of national parliamentary elections in October.

As part of its commitments to the 2015 Paris climate change accord, Canada agreed to reduce by 30 per cent its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

Canada is experiencing warming at twice the rate of the rest of the world, with the effects most pronounced in the country's north, according to a new government report cited by local media Monday.

Canada is experiencing warming at twice the rate of the rest of the world, with the effects most pronounced in the country's north, according to a new government report cited by local media Monday. Average temperatures have risen by 1.7 degrees Celsius (3.1 degrees Fahrenheit) since 1948, or about double the global average of 0.8 degrees Celsius, and "will warm further in the future, driven by human influence," according to a report by Environment and Climate Change Canada, which will be made public Tuesday. In northern Canada, approaching the Arctic Circle, temperatures rose on average by 2.3 degrees Celsius over the same period. The country-wide figure could reach as high as six degrees Celsius by the end of the century, according to scientific projections. There are numerous consequences: melting ice, rising sea levels, floods, droughts, heat waves and more forest fires, to name a few. "Scenarios with limited warming will only occur if Canada and the rest of the world reduce carbon emissions to near zero early in the second half of the century," the report warned. The document is being released as the Liberal government headed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has made the environment one of his top priorities, imposed on Monday a greenhouse gas emissions tax on four provinces judged to have not taken the problem seriously enough. The measure has angered conservatives, a few months ahead of national parliamentary elections in October. As part of its commitments to the 2015 Paris climate change accord, Canada agreed to reduce by 30 per cent its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

Canada experiencing warming at twice global level: Report

India and Canadia officials discussed cross border terrorism and Khalistani extremism during 16th meeting of Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism on March 26, 27 in Ottawa.&nbsp;

A release by the ministry of external affairs said, "The delegations discussed the reference for the first time to the threat from Khalistani extremism in Public Safety Canada’s 2018 annual Report on Terrorism Threats in Canada."

In December of 2018, a report by Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness said Canada not only faces threats from Khalistani extremists but also some Canadians continue to support Khalistani extremism.

The report identified two key Sikh organizations --Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation--as being associated with terrorism and currently remain listed as terrorist entities under the Canadian Criminal Code.

The 1985 Air India bombing by Khalistani terrorists, which killed 331 people, remains the deadliest terrorist plot ever in Canada.&nbsp;

India Canada Joint Working Group reviewed threats posed by "terrorist groups worldwide and in their respective countries and regions, including cross-border terrorism" and discussed actions "undertaken to counter terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization to violence."

While the Canadian delegation was led by Global Affairs Canada’s Director General for the Counter-Terrorism, Crime and Intelligence Bureau, Martin Benjamin, and India’s Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism from the Ministry of External Affairs Mahaveer Singhvi.

Both sides also discussed challenges posed by virtual currencies, cyberspace, and terrorist propaganda shared on social and other media.

India and Canada agreed on a Joint Action Plan to strengthen counter-terrorism collaboration which involves information and technology sharing at the end of the meeting.

New Delhi has offered to host the 17th meeting of the Joint Working Group and the third Expert Sub-group in 2020.

India and Canadia officials discussed cross border terrorism and Khalistani extremism during 16th meeting of Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism on March 26, 27 in Ottawa.

India and Canadia officials discussed cross border terrorism and Khalistani extremism during 16th meeting of Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism on March 26, 27 in Ottawa. A release by the ministry of external affairs said, "The delegations discussed the reference for the first time to the threat from Khalistani extremism in Public Safety Canada’s 2018 annual Report on Terrorism Threats in Canada." In December of 2018, a report by Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness said Canada not only faces threats from Khalistani extremists but also some Canadians continue to support Khalistani extremism. The report identified two key Sikh organizations --Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation--as being associated with terrorism and currently remain listed as terrorist entities under the Canadian Criminal Code. The 1985 Air India bombing by Khalistani terrorists, which killed 331 people, remains the deadliest terrorist plot ever in Canada. India Canada Joint Working Group reviewed threats posed by "terrorist groups worldwide and in their respective countries and regions, including cross-border terrorism" and discussed actions "undertaken to counter terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization to violence." While the Canadian delegation was led by Global Affairs Canada’s Director General for the Counter-Terrorism, Crime and Intelligence Bureau, Martin Benjamin, and India’s Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism from the Ministry of External Affairs Mahaveer Singhvi. Both sides also discussed challenges posed by virtual currencies, cyberspace, and terrorist propaganda shared on social and other media. India and Canada agreed on a Joint Action Plan to strengthen counter-terrorism collaboration which involves information and technology sharing at the end of the meeting. New Delhi has offered to host the 17th meeting of the Joint Working Group and the third Expert Sub-group in 2020.

India, Canada discuss Khalistani extremism, cross border terror

A former cabinet member at the heart of a crisis that could cost Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau his job on Friday released documents to back up her case that she had been pressured to help a large corporation avoid a corruption trial.

Trudeau has been on the defensive since February 7 over allegations that officials inappropriately leaned on former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould last year to ensure construction company SNC-Lavalin Group Inc escaped a trial by paying a fine instead.

The crisis may well threaten Trudeau's reelection chances in a vote this October. Polls show his centre-left Liberals, who as recently as January looked certain to win, could lose to the official opposition Conservatives.

Wilson-Raybould made public around 40 pages of documents revealing more details of what she said were attempts by officials to force her change her mind even after she insisted they desist.

Wilson-Raybould, who was demoted to veterans affairs minister in January and resigned the following month, first made the allegations in almost four hours of testimony to the House of Commons justice committee last month.

Trudeau says officials were trying to make Wilson-Raybould understand that thousands of jobs would be at risk if SNC-Lavalin were found guilty of bribing Libyan officials. Trudeau insists he and his team did nothing wrong.

The affair has so far cost Trudeau two high-profile female cabinet ministers, his closest personal aide and the head of the federal bureaucracy, Michael Wernick.

Wilson-Raybould included a recording of a phone call with Wernick last December in which he told her he was worried about "a collision" between her and Trudeau "because he is pretty firm about this."

Wilson-Raybould, who stressed she thought the call was inappropriate, told Wernick she was waiting "for the other shoe to drop" because she was under no illusion about how Trudeau "gets things that he wants."

Opposition legislators said the documents reinforced their demand for a public inquiry into the matter, something Trudeau says is not necessary.

"She is actually trying to speak truth to power, trying to say, 'You can't do this,' ... and it keeps happening," New Democratic Party parliamentarian Nathan Cullen told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.

Trudeau's office was not immediately available for comment.

The crisis is opening rifts inside the Liberal Party and some legislators want Wilson-Raybould to be kicked out of the parliamentary caucus, a move Trudeau has so far resisted.

A former cabinet member at the heart of a crisis that could cost Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau his job on Friday released documents to back up her case that she had been pressured to help a large corporation avoid a corruption trial.

A former cabinet member at the heart of a crisis that could cost Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau his job on Friday released documents to back up her case that she had been pressured to help a large corporation avoid a corruption trial. Trudeau has been on the defensive since February 7 over allegations that officials inappropriately leaned on former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould last year to ensure construction company SNC-Lavalin Group Inc escaped a trial by paying a fine instead. The crisis may well threaten Trudeau's reelection chances in a vote this October. Polls show his centre-left Liberals, who as recently as January looked certain to win, could lose to the official opposition Conservatives. Wilson-Raybould made public around 40 pages of documents revealing more details of what she said were attempts by officials to force her change her mind even after she insisted they desist. Wilson-Raybould, who was demoted to veterans affairs minister in January and resigned the following month, first made the allegations in almost four hours of testimony to the House of Commons justice committee last month. Trudeau says officials were trying to make Wilson-Raybould understand that thousands of jobs would be at risk if SNC-Lavalin were found guilty of bribing Libyan officials. Trudeau insists he and his team did nothing wrong. The affair has so far cost Trudeau two high-profile female cabinet ministers, his closest personal aide and the head of the federal bureaucracy, Michael Wernick. Wilson-Raybould included a recording of a phone call with Wernick last December in which he told her he was worried about "a collision" between her and Trudeau "because he is pretty firm about this." Wilson-Raybould, who stressed she thought the call was inappropriate, told Wernick she was waiting "for the other shoe to drop" because she was under no illusion about how Trudeau "gets things that he wants." Opposition legislators said the documents reinforced their demand for a public inquiry into the matter, something Trudeau says is not necessary. "She is actually trying to speak truth to power, trying to say, 'You can't do this,' ... and it keeps happening," New Democratic Party parliamentarian Nathan Cullen told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. Trudeau's office was not immediately available for comment. The crisis is opening rifts inside the Liberal Party and some legislators want Wilson-Raybould to be kicked out of the parliamentary caucus, a move Trudeau has so far resisted.

Fresh documents keep up pressure on Canada's Trudeau over scandal

A couple who split after a five-year hostage ordeal in Afghanistan faced each other in a Canadian court Wednesday at the husband's trial for sexually assaulting his wife.

US citizen Caitlan Coleman, 33, recounted her "rollercoaster" relationship with Canadian Joshua Boyle that ended after their 2017 release.

Boyle, 35, was arrested just two months after he and Coleman returned to Canada and was charged with sexual assault, misleading police and making death threats.

Boyle and Coleman, who married in 2011, were kidnapped by the Taliban during what they have called a backpacking trip in 2012 and were transferred to the custody of the Taliban-allied Haqqani network.

The couple were initially separated, and moved around to more than 22 locations in total, but were mainly held together and had three children in captivity -- and another after their release.

Coleman testified via video link from another room in the Ottawa courthouse while Boyle sat quietly, his parents at his side.

She recounted how she had met the defendant when she was 16 in a Star Wars-themed chat room, and became "smitten, rather crushed on him" as he recovered from a break-up with a mutual friend.

She provided a shoulder to cry on when he appeared depressed and the friendship eventually developed into a "powerful rollercoaster" romance.

"He was my first kiss," she said.

Coleman recalled how she told people Boyle was a wonderful boyfriend, when in reality they would fight over her social drinking, the way she dressed and her friends.

Boyle would claim she was "holding him back," the court heard, and would often belittle her and call her a "slut."

The judge was told Boyle had married someone else -- the sister of former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr -- during a break in the relationship.

But that ended in a 2010 divorce and Coleman married Boyle the following year during a trip to South America.

'Didn't have a choice'&nbsp;

She said he became increasingly controlling, referring to her as "helpmeet," and pressed her to travel with him to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

After their frequent fights, she would break down and cry, "babbling incoherently," often storming out, and soon she began to "self-harm."

Coleman said she finally relented and travelled with him to Central Asia with the "firm understanding" that they would not go to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

But after landing in nearby Kyrgyzstan, Boyle sprung on her his real plan to go to Afghanistan, telling Coleman that she "didn't have a choice."

"I was really scared. I thought this was a very bad idea," she said, noting that she was at least four months pregnant. They were kidnapped one week after crossing into Afghanistan.

During five years of captivity, Coleman said Boyle became physically abusive, biting, choking, punching, slapping and spanking her, as well as casually threatening to kill her in front of their children.

"I had to call him sir," she said.

Coleman said the day they gained their freedom, which she said was "exciting" and involved a "dramatic" car chase, her husband's assaults and verbal abuse stopped and she said she became hopeful.

"He started treating me better," she said.

But after a short stay with his parents in Smith Falls, Ontario, they moved into a downtown Ottawa apartment and within weeks the abuse started up again, she said.

"He started becoming verbally abusive, putting me down, then it deteriorated into physical abuse again," Colemen testified.

The court heard Boyle's 911 call on the day Coleman walked out of the couple's Ottawa apartment at the end of December. He claimed she was mentally unstable, struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, and might harm herself.

But the call triggered a police investigation that led to him being charged.

Coleman's testimony is due to resume Friday, in what is expected to be an eight-week trial.

The court has banned the identification of a second alleged victim of Boyle.

A couple who split after a five-year hostage ordeal in Afghanistan faced each other in a Canadian court Wednesday at the husband's trial for sexually assaulting his wife.

A couple who split after a five-year hostage ordeal in Afghanistan faced each other in a Canadian court Wednesday at the husband's trial for sexually assaulting his wife. US citizen Caitlan Coleman, 33, recounted her "rollercoaster" relationship with Canadian Joshua Boyle that ended after their 2017 release. Boyle, 35, was arrested just two months after he and Coleman returned to Canada and was charged with sexual assault, misleading police and making death threats. Boyle and Coleman, who married in 2011, were kidnapped by the Taliban during what they have called a backpacking trip in 2012 and were transferred to the custody of the Taliban-allied Haqqani network. The couple were initially separated, and moved around to more than 22 locations in total, but were mainly held together and had three children in captivity -- and another after their release. Coleman testified via video link from another room in the Ottawa courthouse while Boyle sat quietly, his parents at his side. She recounted how she had met the defendant when she was 16 in a Star Wars-themed chat room, and became "smitten, rather crushed on him" as he recovered from a break-up with a mutual friend. She provided a shoulder to cry on when he appeared depressed and the friendship eventually developed into a "powerful rollercoaster" romance. "He was my first kiss," she said. Coleman recalled how she told people Boyle was a wonderful boyfriend, when in reality they would fight over her social drinking, the way she dressed and her friends. Boyle would claim she was "holding him back," the court heard, and would often belittle her and call her a "slut." The judge was told Boyle had married someone else -- the sister of former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr -- during a break in the relationship. But that ended in a 2010 divorce and Coleman married Boyle the following year during a trip to South America. 'Didn't have a choice' She said he became increasingly controlling, referring to her as "helpmeet," and pressed her to travel with him to Afghanistan. After their frequent fights, she would break down and cry, "babbling incoherently," often storming out, and soon she began to "self-harm." Coleman said she finally relented and travelled with him to Central Asia with the "firm understanding" that they would not go to Afghanistan. But after landing in nearby Kyrgyzstan, Boyle sprung on her his real plan to go to Afghanistan, telling Coleman that she "didn't have a choice." "I was really scared. I thought this was a very bad idea," she said, noting that she was at least four months pregnant. They were kidnapped one week after crossing into Afghanistan. During five years of captivity, Coleman said Boyle became physically abusive, biting, choking, punching, slapping and spanking her, as well as casually threatening to kill her in front of their children. "I had to call him sir," she said. Coleman said the day they gained their freedom, which she said was "exciting" and involved a "dramatic" car chase, her husband's assaults and verbal abuse stopped and she said she became hopeful. "He started treating me better," she said. But after a short stay with his parents in Smith Falls, Ontario, they moved into a downtown Ottawa apartment and within weeks the abuse started up again, she said. "He started becoming verbally abusive, putting me down, then it deteriorated into physical abuse again," Colemen testified. The court heard Boyle's 911 call on the day Coleman walked out of the couple's Ottawa apartment at the end of December. He claimed she was mentally unstable, struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, and might harm herself. But the call triggered a police investigation that led to him being charged. Coleman's testimony is due to resume Friday, in what is expected to be an eight-week trial. The court has banned the identification of a second alleged victim of Boyle.

Afghan hostage abused wife after their release, Canadian court told

US President Donald Trump announced early on Thursday that the US would be grounding the Boeing 737 Max plane. Canada had done the same a little earlier.&nbsp;

"As a result of new data that we received this morning, and had the chance to analyze, and on the advice of my experts and as a precautionary measure, I issued a safety notice," Candian Transport Minister Marc Garneau told reporters.

"This safety notice restricts commercial passenger flights from any operator of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 or MAX 9 variant aircraft, whether domestic or foreign, from arriving, departing or overflying Canadian air space.&nbsp;

"This safety notice is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice."

Trump meanwhile told reporters at the White House that&nbsp;"the planes are grounded effective immediately."

As a result, virtually every single Boeing Max plane around the world — there were about 370 of them in service — now stands grounded. (The US and Canada were the last holdouts.)&nbsp;

The economic backlash was swift.&nbsp;

Boeing shares tumbled 2%. The aviation company's shares have fallen about 13% &nbsp;since last Sunday's crash of an Ethiopian Airlines' Boeing 737 Max 8 plane. &nbsp;

That crash, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-indians-among-those-dead-in-ethiopian-airlines-plane-crash-202378">which killed all 157 people on board</a>, was the second of a Boeing 737 Max plane in less than 5 months.&nbsp;

On October 29 last year, a Lion Air Boeing 737 Max plane had crashed into the Java Sea shortly after taking off, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/lion-air-plane-crash-body-parts-found-as-rescue-agency-says-likely-all-189-aboard-crashed-jet-dead-174197">killing all 189 people on board</a>.&nbsp;

The two crashes were eerily similar.&nbsp;

The Lion Air plane crashed 12 minutes after taking off.&nbsp;

The Ethiopian Airlines plane crashed six minutes after taking off. (The pilot had asked for permission to return and had been given it but he was unable to make it back to Addis Ababa.)&nbsp;

The nose of the Lion Air plane — <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-boy-bhavye-suneja-was-reportedly-flying-lion-air-plane-that-crashed-with-189-on-board-174149">one of its pilots was a Delhi boy</a> — had after takeoff suddenly begun to pitch downwards. The pilots would pull up, but the nose would pitch down again...&nbsp;

The cause is thought to be the plane's stabilisation system, which pulls the nose down to prevent the aircraft from stalling.&nbsp;

The cause of the Ethiopian Airlines crash is still not known, but reports have now begun to appear of other pilots saying the nose of the Boeing 737 Max can tend to suddenly pitch downwards.&nbsp;

Boeing has continued to say the 737 Max is safe. On Thursday, Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg said he supported the US decision to ground the 737 Max but that he continues to have "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-provide-answers-after-investigation-into-lion-air-crash-is-over-boeing-to-wion-185379">full confidence</a>" in the plane.

That said, it is safe to say the economic costs Boeing will have to pay will be large.&nbsp;

The 737 Max was Boeing's most popular mid-haul jet — apart from the ones in service, the company had orders for 3.500 more.&nbsp;

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation for one however has said it will not be accepting any more of the jets until the investigations into the crashes are complete.&nbsp;

It is expected a number of other countries will follow suit.&nbsp;

And Norway's low-cost carrier Norwegian Air has said it will ask Boeing to pay for the losses it has had to incur as a result of having to ground its eighteen 737 Max aircraft.&nbsp;

Other airlines may follow suit.&nbsp;

It is important to note however that Norwegian has a total fleet of 163 aircraft, and so far the company says it is maintaining its order for 50 more Boeing 737 Max aircraft which the airline expects to take delivery of by end-2021.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump announced early on Thursday that the US would be grounding the Boeing 737 Max plane. Canada had done the same a little earlier. "As a result of new data that we received this morning, and had the chance to analyze, and on the advice of my experts and as a precautionary measure, I issued a safety notice," Candian Transport Minister Marc Garneau told reporters.

US President Donald Trump announced early on Thursday that the US would be grounding the Boeing 737 Max plane. Canada had done the same a little earlier. "As a result of new data that we received this morning, and had the chance to analyze, and on the advice of my experts and as a precautionary measure, I issued a safety notice," Candian Transport Minister Marc Garneau told reporters. "This safety notice restricts commercial passenger flights from any operator of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 or MAX 9 variant aircraft, whether domestic or foreign, from arriving, departing or overflying Canadian air space. "This safety notice is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice." Trump meanwhile told reporters at the White House that "the planes are grounded effective immediately." As a result, virtually every single Boeing Max plane around the world — there were about 370 of them in service — now stands grounded. (The US and Canada were the last holdouts.) The economic backlash was swift. Boeing shares tumbled 2%. The aviation company's shares have fallen about 13% since last Sunday's crash of an Ethiopian Airlines' Boeing 737 Max 8 plane. That crash, which killed all 157 people on board, was the second of a Boeing 737 Max plane in less than 5 months. On October 29 last year, a Lion Air Boeing 737 Max plane had crashed into the Java Sea shortly after taking off, killing all 189 people on board. The two crashes were eerily similar. The Lion Air plane crashed 12 minutes after taking off. The Ethiopian Airlines plane crashed six minutes after taking off. (The pilot had asked for permission to return and had been given it but he was unable to make it back to Addis Ababa.) The nose of the Lion Air plane — one of its pilots was a Delhi boy — had after takeoff suddenly begun to pitch downwards. The pilots would pull up, but the nose would pitch down again... The cause is thought to be the plane's stabilisation system, which pulls the nose down to prevent the aircraft from stalling. The cause of the Ethiopian Airlines crash is still not known, but reports have now begun to appear of other pilots saying the nose of the Boeing 737 Max can tend to suddenly pitch downwards. Boeing has continued to say the 737 Max is safe. On Thursday, Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg said he supported the US decision to ground the 737 Max but that he continues to have "full confidence" in the plane. That said, it is safe to say the economic costs Boeing will have to pay will be large. The 737 Max was Boeing's most popular mid-haul jet — apart from the ones in service, the company had orders for 3.500 more. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation for one however has said it will not be accepting any more of the jets until the investigations into the crashes are complete. It is expected a number of other countries will follow suit. And Norway's low-cost carrier Norwegian Air has said it will ask Boeing to pay for the losses it has had to incur as a result of having to ground its eighteen 737 Max aircraft. Other airlines may follow suit. It is important to note however that Norwegian has a total fleet of 163 aircraft, and so far the company says it is maintaining its order for 50 more Boeing 737 Max aircraft which the airline expects to take delivery of by end-2021. (With inputs from agencies)

Every single Boeing 737 Max plane around the world now stands grounded

A priest was stabbed in front of his congregation live on television during morning mass on Friday at Canada's biggest church, in what police described as an isolated incident.

Footage broadcast on a Catholic television station and picked up by the top-rated CTV network showed a man in jeans, parka and white baseball cap approach Claude Grou at St Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, in front of 60 horrified parishioners.

He is seen chasing the priest around the altar and standing menacingly over the 77-year-old as he falls to the ground, scattering candles and a banner, before stabbing his victim.

Witness Adele Plamondon told public broadcaster Radio-Canada the priest -- who escaped with minor injuries -- was about to start reading the gospel, when "this man drew a knife and ran up to stab him."

"I'd thought he was just going to kneel in front of the altar to pray, like many people do," she said.

The suspect remained silent during the assault but appeared "very determined," Plamondon added.

Grou recovered enough to get to his feet and is seen backing away as security officers surround the assailant, who drops his knife. Three guards restrained him while others tended to Grou, who appeared to be in shock.

The priest was taken to hospital, where his condition was said to be stable, with police reporting to AFP that he had been "slightly wounded in the upper body."&nbsp;

'Horrible and inexcusable'&nbsp;

The church was cordoned off, but services resumed later in the day.

The 26-year-old suspect, whose name was not released, was scheduled to appear in court on Saturday via video link from a detention facility.

Police did not reveal a motive for the attack, but spokeswoman Caroline Chevrefils told AFP he is "known to police."&nbsp;

"This was an isolated attack, and there is nothing to link it to terrorism," she added.

Church spokeswoman Celine Barbeau said Grou was conscious when he was rushed from the scene.&nbsp;

"We are hopeful he will pull through," she added.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke out to condemn the "horrible attack" while mayor Valerie Plante called the assault an "inexcusable act that has no place in Montreal."

"We are all in shock over this act of violence in a place dedicated to peace," Montreal Archbishop Christian Lepine said in a statement, lamenting that places of worship could be targets of violence.

Saint Joseph's Oratory, built from 1920 to 1955, sits atop the north face of Mount Royal overlooking Canada's second-largest metropolis and attracts some two million pilgrims and tourists each year.

The national shrine was founded by Brother Andre Bessette, a central religious figure among French-Canadians, who was canonized by Pope Benedict in 2010 for his devotion to the sick and disabled.

Jean-Francois Lefebvre, who was working in front of the oratory when the attack unfolded, said he saw police arrive and take away the suspect in handcuffs.

"I find this incident very unfortunate, in a place so peaceful, that attracts millions of visitors," he told AFP.

"With what happened in Christchurch, it seems that all places of worship are being targeted," he added, referencing an attack at two mosques in New Zealand last Friday that left 50 dead and 50 wounded.

In 2017, a shooter also gunned down six worshippers at a mosque in Quebec City.

A priest was stabbed in front of his congregation live on television during morning mass on Friday at Canada's biggest church, in what police described as an isolated incident.

A priest was stabbed in front of his congregation live on television during morning mass on Friday at Canada's biggest church, in what police described as an isolated incident. Footage broadcast on a Catholic television station and picked up by the top-rated CTV network showed a man in jeans, parka and white baseball cap approach Claude Grou at St Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, in front of 60 horrified parishioners. He is seen chasing the priest around the altar and standing menacingly over the 77-year-old as he falls to the ground, scattering candles and a banner, before stabbing his victim. Witness Adele Plamondon told public broadcaster Radio-Canada the priest -- who escaped with minor injuries -- was about to start reading the gospel, when "this man drew a knife and ran up to stab him." "I'd thought he was just going to kneel in front of the altar to pray, like many people do," she said. The suspect remained silent during the assault but appeared "very determined," Plamondon added. Grou recovered enough to get to his feet and is seen backing away as security officers surround the assailant, who drops his knife. Three guards restrained him while others tended to Grou, who appeared to be in shock. The priest was taken to hospital, where his condition was said to be stable, with police reporting to AFP that he had been "slightly wounded in the upper body." 'Horrible and inexcusable' The church was cordoned off, but services resumed later in the day. The 26-year-old suspect, whose name was not released, was scheduled to appear in court on Saturday via video link from a detention facility. Police did not reveal a motive for the attack, but spokeswoman Caroline Chevrefils told AFP he is "known to police." "This was an isolated attack, and there is nothing to link it to terrorism," she added. Church spokeswoman Celine Barbeau said Grou was conscious when he was rushed from the scene. "We are hopeful he will pull through," she added. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke out to condemn the "horrible attack" while mayor Valerie Plante called the assault an "inexcusable act that has no place in Montreal." "We are all in shock over this act of violence in a place dedicated to peace," Montreal Archbishop Christian Lepine said in a statement, lamenting that places of worship could be targets of violence. Saint Joseph's Oratory, built from 1920 to 1955, sits atop the north face of Mount Royal overlooking Canada's second-largest metropolis and attracts some two million pilgrims and tourists each year. The national shrine was founded by Brother Andre Bessette, a central religious figure among French-Canadians, who was canonized by Pope Benedict in 2010 for his devotion to the sick and disabled. Jean-Francois Lefebvre, who was working in front of the oratory when the attack unfolded, said he saw police arrive and take away the suspect in handcuffs. "I find this incident very unfortunate, in a place so peaceful, that attracts millions of visitors," he told AFP. "With what happened in Christchurch, it seems that all places of worship are being targeted," he added, referencing an attack at two mosques in New Zealand last Friday that left 50 dead and 50 wounded. In 2017, a shooter also gunned down six worshippers at a mosque in Quebec City.

Priest stabbed live on TV at Canada's biggest church

Priest stabbed during televised mass in Canada

A Canadian court on Wednesday ruled that Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou's initial extradition hearing will take place on May 8 in the western city of Vancouver.

The senior executive with that Chinese telecommunications giant faces fraud charges in the United States, where an indictment unveiled in January accused her of deceiving banks into approving transactions that may have violated unilateral US sanctions against Iran. 
 
Supreme Court of British Columbia Justice Heather Holmes set the date of the first hearing in the extradition process, which is expected to drag on for months or even years after an agreement was reached between prosecutors and Meng's defence team. 
 
Meng, who was arrested on December 1 at the request of US prosecutors and has been free on bail since December 11, attended Wednesday's brief hearing in the company of her attorneys. 
 
The bail conditions for Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei, stipulate that she cannot leave her six-bedroom home in Vancouver - one of two properties she and her husband own in that city - except under certain conditions. 
 
During Wednesday's hearing, one of Meng's attorneys, Robert Peck, said the case was unusual because of the political implications and even mentioned comments made by US President Donald Trump. 
 
In December, Trump said he would intervene in the case if he felt it was necessary to secure a trade deal with China. Meng's attorneys have cited those comments in claiming the charges are politically motivated. 
 
Peck also said he would submit motions alleging that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) acted improperly prior to her December 1 arrest at the Vancouver International Airport. 
 
Meng, who had a layover in Vancouver after arriving from Hong Kong, had been planning to continue on to Mexico. 
 
On March 1, Meng's attorneys sued the RCMP, the CBSA and the Canadian federal government for alleged "serious breaches of her constitutional rights" when she was held for three hours without explanation or access to her attorneys before her arrest. 
 
The civil claim, filed in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, alleges that Meng suffered "mental distress, anxiety and loss of freedom" when she was detained, searched and interrogated at the Vancouver airport for three hours "under the guise of a routine customs" examination. 
 
Border security agents and a police officer, who allegedly unlawfully seized Meng's cellphones and computers and obtained passwords, detained the executive "for the express purpose of obtaining information which they and the RCMP and/or (US Department of Justice) did not believe would be obtained if (Meng) was immediately arrested." 
 
Huawei Technologies Co&nbsp;Ltd. is the world's largest maker of telecommunications and China's flagship enterprise. Beijing has reacted angrily to the US legal offensive against the company and its executives. 
 
Several Canadians have been detained in China since Meng's arrest and most of Beijing's public ire has been directed at Ottawa. 
In late January, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fired his country's ambassador to China after the envoy suggested that the courts in Canada might rule against extradition.

A Canadian court on Wednesday ruled that Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou's initial extradition hearing will take place on May 8 in the western city of Vancouver.

A Canadian court on Wednesday ruled that Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou's initial extradition hearing will take place on May 8 in the western city of Vancouver. The senior executive with that Chinese telecommunications giant faces fraud charges in the United States, where an indictment unveiled in January accused her of deceiving banks into approving transactions that may have violated unilateral US sanctions against Iran. Supreme Court of British Columbia Justice Heather Holmes set the date of the first hearing in the extradition process, which is expected to drag on for months or even years after an agreement was reached between prosecutors and Meng's defence team. Meng, who was arrested on December 1 at the request of US prosecutors and has been free on bail since December 11, attended Wednesday's brief hearing in the company of her attorneys. The bail conditions for Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei, stipulate that she cannot leave her six-bedroom home in Vancouver - one of two properties she and her husband own in that city - except under certain conditions. During Wednesday's hearing, one of Meng's attorneys, Robert Peck, said the case was unusual because of the political implications and even mentioned comments made by US President Donald Trump. In December, Trump said he would intervene in the case if he felt it was necessary to secure a trade deal with China. Meng's attorneys have cited those comments in claiming the charges are politically motivated. Peck also said he would submit motions alleging that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) acted improperly prior to her December 1 arrest at the Vancouver International Airport. Meng, who had a layover in Vancouver after arriving from Hong Kong, had been planning to continue on to Mexico. On March 1, Meng's attorneys sued the RCMP, the CBSA and the Canadian federal government for alleged "serious breaches of her constitutional rights" when she was held for three hours without explanation or access to her attorneys before her arrest. The civil claim, filed in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, alleges that Meng suffered "mental distress, anxiety and loss of freedom" when she was detained, searched and interrogated at the Vancouver airport for three hours "under the guise of a routine customs" examination. Border security agents and a police officer, who allegedly unlawfully seized Meng's cellphones and computers and obtained passwords, detained the executive "for the express purpose of obtaining information which they and the RCMP and/or (US Department of Justice) did not believe would be obtained if (Meng) was immediately arrested." Huawei Technologies Co Ltd. is the world's largest maker of telecommunications and China's flagship enterprise. Beijing has reacted angrily to the US legal offensive against the company and its executives. Several Canadians have been detained in China since Meng's arrest and most of Beijing's public ire has been directed at Ottawa. In late January, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fired his country's ambassador to China after the envoy suggested that the courts in Canada might rule against extradition.

Canadian court sets Huawei CFO's first extradition hearing for May 8

Chinese telecoms giant Huawei's chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-asks-canada-to-stop-extradition-process-of-huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-to-us-200715">financial officer, Meng Wanzhou</a>, has filed suit against Canadian authorities for violating her constitutional rights when she was arrested in Vancouver, her lawyers said Sunday.

As she suffered "serious breaches of her constitutional rights," she is "seeking damages for misfeasance in public office and false imprisonment" when detained at Vancouver International Airport on December 1, attorneys Howard Mickelson and Allan Doolittle said in a statement. &nbsp;

The 47-year-old businesswoman was changing planes in Vancouver when she was detained at Washington's request on suspicion of violating US sanctions on Iran -- sparking arrests of Canadians in China that were seen as retaliatory.

Her lawyers charge impropriety in the conditions under which Meng was interrogated for three hours by the customs officers, officially as part of a routine inspection, before being served with her official arrest.&nbsp;

During those three hours, the customs officers searched her phones and computers as well as her luggage, in violation of her rights, the lawyers said.

The complaint was lodged Friday, the same day that Canadian justice officially launched Meng Wanzhou's extradition process to the United States.

The US Justice Department accuses Huawei and its chief financial officer of circumventing US sanctions against Iran, but also, via two affiliates, stealing trade secrets from US telecommunications group T-Mobile.

The daughter of Huawei's founder, Meng was released on parole in mid-December in Vancouver, where she owns two residences, on a bond deposit of C$10 million ($6.6 million), wearing an electronic bracelet and handing over her passports.

She is scheduled to appear before a Vancouver judge next Wednesday "to confirm that a writ of court has been issued and to schedule a date for the extradition hearing," the Canadian court has explained.

The extradition procedure can take months or even years because of the many appeal possibilities.

China is furious over the US charges against Meng, saying they are the product of "strong political motivations" and an attempt to undermine its flagship telecoms company.

Huawei has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

Chinese telecoms giant Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, has filed suit against Canadian authorities for violating her constitutional rights when she was arrested in Vancouver, her lawyers said Sunday.

Chinese telecoms giant Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, has filed suit against Canadian authorities for violating her constitutional rights when she was arrested in Vancouver, her lawyers said Sunday. As she suffered "serious breaches of her constitutional rights," she is "seeking damages for misfeasance in public office and false imprisonment" when detained at Vancouver International Airport on December 1, attorneys Howard Mickelson and Allan Doolittle said in a statement. The 47-year-old businesswoman was changing planes in Vancouver when she was detained at Washington's request on suspicion of violating US sanctions on Iran -- sparking arrests of Canadians in China that were seen as retaliatory. Her lawyers charge impropriety in the conditions under which Meng was interrogated for three hours by the customs officers, officially as part of a routine inspection, before being served with her official arrest. During those three hours, the customs officers searched her phones and computers as well as her luggage, in violation of her rights, the lawyers said. The complaint was lodged Friday, the same day that Canadian justice officially launched Meng Wanzhou's extradition process to the United States. The US Justice Department accuses Huawei and its chief financial officer of circumventing US sanctions against Iran, but also, via two affiliates, stealing trade secrets from US telecommunications group T-Mobile. The daughter of Huawei's founder, Meng was released on parole in mid-December in Vancouver, where she owns two residences, on a bond deposit of C$10 million ($6.6 million), wearing an electronic bracelet and handing over her passports. She is scheduled to appear before a Vancouver judge next Wednesday "to confirm that a writ of court has been issued and to schedule a date for the extradition hearing," the Canadian court has explained. The extradition procedure can take months or even years because of the many appeal possibilities. China is furious over the US charges against Meng, saying they are the product of "strong political motivations" and an attempt to undermine its flagship telecoms company. Huawei has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou sues Canada for violating her constitutional rights during arrest

China on Monday accused detained Canadian citizen Michael Kovrig of stealing state secrets which were passed on to him from another detained Canadian, Michael Spavor, in what is likely to increase tension between Ottawa and Beijing.

Businessman Spavor, who worked with North Korea, and former diplomat Kovrig were picked up in December, shortly after Canada arrested Huawei Technologies Co Ltd Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, who faces extradition to the United States.

China has repeatedly demanded Meng be released and reacted angrily last week when Ottawa approved extradition proceedings against her.

The Communist Party's Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission said Kovrig had often entered China using an ordinary passport and business visas, "stealing and spying on sensitive Chinese information and intelligence via a contact in China".

"Spavor was Kovrig's main contact and provided him with intelligence," the commission added, without giving details.

Kovrig - who works for the International Crisis Group (ICG) non-governmental organisation - severely violated Chinese laws, and China will start the next judicial proceedings in due course, it said.

"China is a country with rule of law and will firmly crack down on criminal acts that severely undermine national security."

Canada's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The ICG, which focuses on conflict resolution and has denied any involvement in espionage, said it had heard nothing official about any charges.

"Michael's work for Crisis Group has been entirely transparent and in the open," spokesman Karim Lebhour said. "Vague and unsubstantiated accusations against him are unwarranted and unfair."

While Canada says China has made no specific link between the detentions and Meng's arrest, experts and former diplomats say they have no doubt it is using the cases of the two men to pressure Canada.

Canadian diplomats have visited the two men. However, sources familiar with the case have said Kovrig has not been allowed access to lawyers or family members, unlike Huawei's Meng.

David Mulroney, a former Canadian ambassador to China, said the detainees would come under increased pressure to talk about people they had met.

"They'll be told that if they confess to something they may be able to expect a degree of leniency," he told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. "They'll also probably be asked to see if they can put pressure on Canadian officials who visit them to see if they can secure the release of Ms Meng."

China has said it is fully guaranteeing both men's lawful rights. Kovrig also holds Hungarian citizenship.

Canada arrested Meng on December 1 as she was changing planes in Vancouver, at the request of the United States. In late January the US&nbsp;Justice Department charged Meng and Huawei with conspiring to violate US&nbsp;sanctions on Iran.

She is free on bail and denies the charges against her.

Separately, Huawei plans to announce a lawsuit against the US&nbsp;government on Thursday on grounds related to a defence bill, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

China on Monday accused detained Canadian citizen Michael Kovrig of stealing state secrets which were passed on to him from another detained Canadian, Michael Spavor, in what is likely to increase tension between Ottawa and Beijing.

China on Monday accused detained Canadian citizen Michael Kovrig of stealing state secrets which were passed on to him from another detained Canadian, Michael Spavor, in what is likely to increase tension between Ottawa and Beijing. Businessman Spavor, who worked with North Korea, and former diplomat Kovrig were picked up in December, shortly after Canada arrested Huawei Technologies Co Ltd Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, who faces extradition to the United States. China has repeatedly demanded Meng be released and reacted angrily last week when Ottawa approved extradition proceedings against her. The Communist Party's Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission said Kovrig had often entered China using an ordinary passport and business visas, "stealing and spying on sensitive Chinese information and intelligence via a contact in China". "Spavor was Kovrig's main contact and provided him with intelligence," the commission added, without giving details. Kovrig - who works for the International Crisis Group (ICG) non-governmental organisation - severely violated Chinese laws, and China will start the next judicial proceedings in due course, it said. "China is a country with rule of law and will firmly crack down on criminal acts that severely undermine national security." Canada's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The ICG, which focuses on conflict resolution and has denied any involvement in espionage, said it had heard nothing official about any charges. "Michael's work for Crisis Group has been entirely transparent and in the open," spokesman Karim Lebhour said. "Vague and unsubstantiated accusations against him are unwarranted and unfair." While Canada says China has made no specific link between the detentions and Meng's arrest, experts and former diplomats say they have no doubt it is using the cases of the two men to pressure Canada. Canadian diplomats have visited the two men. However, sources familiar with the case have said Kovrig has not been allowed access to lawyers or family members, unlike Huawei's Meng. David Mulroney, a former Canadian ambassador to China, said the detainees would come under increased pressure to talk about people they had met. "They'll be told that if they confess to something they may be able to expect a degree of leniency," he told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. "They'll also probably be asked to see if they can put pressure on Canadian officials who visit them to see if they can secure the release of Ms Meng." China has said it is fully guaranteeing both men's lawful rights. Kovrig also holds Hungarian citizenship. Canada arrested Meng on December 1 as she was changing planes in Vancouver, at the request of the United States. In late January the US Justice Department charged Meng and Huawei with conspiring to violate US sanctions on Iran. She is free on bail and denies the charges against her. Separately, Huawei plans to announce a lawsuit against the US government on Thursday on grounds related to a defence bill, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

China accuses detained Canadian citizen Michael Kovrig of stealing state secrets

China on Saturday asked the Canadian government to stop the process of extraditing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-approves-extradition-process-of-huawei-former-cfo-meng-wanzhou-200597">Meng Wanzhou</a>, the CFO of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, to the United States.

"The US and Canada abuse of their extradition rules is a severe violation of the legitimate rights of a Chinese citizen," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lu Kang.

The Canadian Department of Justice on Friday had authorized the formal process to begin the extradition of Meng, daughter of the founder of Huawei, who was arrested on December 1 in the Canadian city of Vancouver, while she was on her way to Mexico.

"This is a serious political event. We once again urge the US to immediately withdraw the arrest warrant and extradition request for Meng Wanzhou," said Lu, adding that the two countries should immediately release Meng and allow her a safe passage to China.

In January, the US Department of Justice had accused Meng, Huawei, and two affiliated companies, of 13 counts of fraud and conspiracy to bypass the sanctions imposed by Washington on Iran.

Meng is currently out on bail but is forbidden to leave her mansion in Vancouver and will have to appear on March 6 before the Supreme Court of British Columbia for the beginning of the extradition process.

This decision threatens to aggravate a serious diplomatic crisis between Canada and China, following Meng's arrest last December.

China had retaliated by arresting two Canadians, a diplomat Michael Kovrig and a businessman Michael Spavor, over charges of endangering China's national security.

Both remain in prison, with restricted access to Canadian diplomatic representatives as well as their lawyers.

The Chinese Embassy in Canada also commented on the Canadian Justice's decision, describing the situation as political persecution of a high-tech Chinese company.

"If Canada really abides by the principle of rule of law and judiciary independence, the Canadian side should refuse the extradition request of the United States and immediately release Ms Meng Wanzhou," said an embassy spokesperson.

The way in which the Canadian court will "handle this case will be a touchstone for testing whether Canada adheres to judicial independence or not. We will wait and see," concluded the spokesperson.

China on Saturday asked the Canadian government to stop the process of extraditing Meng Wanzhou, the CFO of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, to the United States.

China on Saturday asked the Canadian government to stop the process of extraditing Meng Wanzhou, the CFO of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, to the United States. "The US and Canada abuse of their extradition rules is a severe violation of the legitimate rights of a Chinese citizen," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lu Kang. The Canadian Department of Justice on Friday had authorized the formal process to begin the extradition of Meng, daughter of the founder of Huawei, who was arrested on December 1 in the Canadian city of Vancouver, while she was on her way to Mexico. "This is a serious political event. We once again urge the US to immediately withdraw the arrest warrant and extradition request for Meng Wanzhou," said Lu, adding that the two countries should immediately release Meng and allow her a safe passage to China. In January, the US Department of Justice had accused Meng, Huawei, and two affiliated companies, of 13 counts of fraud and conspiracy to bypass the sanctions imposed by Washington on Iran. Meng is currently out on bail but is forbidden to leave her mansion in Vancouver and will have to appear on March 6 before the Supreme Court of British Columbia for the beginning of the extradition process. This decision threatens to aggravate a serious diplomatic crisis between Canada and China, following Meng's arrest last December. China had retaliated by arresting two Canadians, a diplomat Michael Kovrig and a businessman Michael Spavor, over charges of endangering China's national security. Both remain in prison, with restricted access to Canadian diplomatic representatives as well as their lawyers. The Chinese Embassy in Canada also commented on the Canadian Justice's decision, describing the situation as political persecution of a high-tech Chinese company. "If Canada really abides by the principle of rule of law and judiciary independence, the Canadian side should refuse the extradition request of the United States and immediately release Ms Meng Wanzhou," said an embassy spokesperson. The way in which the Canadian court will "handle this case will be a touchstone for testing whether Canada adheres to judicial independence or not. We will wait and see," concluded the spokesperson.

China asks Canada to stop extradition of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou to US

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