National News

SPIRIT RIVER, Alta. — First responders and members of a tight-knit community in northwestern Alberta reacted with shock and sadness on Saturday after a deadly helicopter crash in their midst that killed four members of the same family. RCMP Sgt.

The COVID-19 fallout from the festive season continues to emerge, with several provinces reporting spikes in infections as more jet-setting politicians are taken to task for flouting public health warnings discouraging non-essential travel.

The latest news on COVID-19 developments in Canada (all times Eastern): 4:05 p.m. A spokeswoman for Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says at least two more members of the United Conservative government traveled abroad over the holidays.

RCMP say four people have been killed in a helicopter crash in northwestern Alberta. Police in Spirit River, Alta. say the chopper, a Robertson R44, sent out an emergency signal on New Year's Day.

MORLEY, Alta. — The windswept foothills of Alberta's Rocky Mountains are the setting for a pilot project using drones to deliver medical supplies and personal protective equipment to remote communities.

TORONTO — No winning ticket was sold for the $22 million jackpot in Friday night's Lotto Max draw. The jackpot for the next draw on Jan. 5 will grow to approximately $27 million. The Canadian Press

A prominent member of the federal New Democrats has lost her cabinet critic positions after travelling to Greece in spite of widespread travel restrictions meant to curb the spread of COVID-19.

CALGARY — A new year dawned in Calgary with the death of a veteran city police officer during a routine traffic stop and two young men in custody on charges of first-degree murder. The death of 37-year-old Sgt.

EDMONTON — Alberta's municipal affairs minister apologized Friday for vacationing in Hawaii, despite recommendations to stay home, explaining that she wanted to keep up a 17-year family tradition of spending Christmas in the tropical locale.

OTTAWA — The fraught, often frightening year of 2020 may be over, but experts warn the dawn of a new one doesn't leave behind the troubles caused by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.