Environment

WASHINGTON — The ozone hole over Antarctica shrank to its smallest peak since 1988, NASA said Thursday. The huge hole in Earth's protective ozone layer reached its maximum this year in September, and this year NASA said it was 7.

REGINA — A fire ban that was issued last month for all Crown land south of Highway 16 in Saskatchewan has now been lifted. The ban was put in place Oct.

VICTORIA — Protesters opposed to salmon farms on Vancouver Island lit a ceremonial fire near the front steps of British Columbia's legislature and called on the provincial and federal governments to protect wild salmon by getting rid of fish farms.

OTTAWA — Canada is no longer going to give a free pass to boat owners who dump their dirty old vessels in Canadian harbours and waterways.

LAKE LOUISE, Alta. — A company accused of cutting down endangered trees at a popular ski resort in Banff National Park has lost its bid to avoid a trial on a charge laid under the federal Species at Risk Act. Lake Louise Ski Area Ltd.

OTTAWA — Approval of a ski resort in a region held sacred by Indigenous people does not violate their constitutional right to freedom of religion, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled Thursday.

CALGARY — Enbridge said Thursday that its Line 3 pipeline replacement program is progressing well, even as it faces intense scrutiny on the project in Minnesota.

CALGARY — It’s the major plan to prevent massive flooding in Calgary going forward, and now a provincial assessment of the Springbank Dam says it’s the best option financially and environmentally.

TORONTO — To an international diplomat, the irony is painful — the country that promised action on climate change is falling behind while the country that has spurned a major treaty on the issue is making progress.

VICTORIA — British Columbia is taking steps to protect big game animals that survived summer wildfires in the southeastern part of the province.