Ontario News

OTTAWA — The federal government has been spending steadily more on natural disaster assistance since 1970, according to a recent review of payments under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program.

Halifax firefighters got a surprise Thursday morning when flames started shooting from their own truck as they responded to a call. "Unbelievable — a fire truck actually caught on fire," mused Deputy Fire Chief Roy Hollett.

TORONTO — Left-hander Francisco Liriano became the latest Toronto Blue Jays player to go down to injury as he was added to the 10-day disabled list Thursday due to shoulder inflammation. He joined starters J.A.

DORVAL, Que.

TORONTO — Canada's largest zoo was closed to the public and its animals were being cared for by management on Thursday after more than 400 employees walked off the job in a contract dispute.

MONTREAL — The first murder suspect in Quebec to be set free after the length of his criminal proceedings exceeded the legal limit told immigration and refugee authorities Thursday he wants to be deported back to Sri Lanka.

TORONTO — A plethora of negative corporate and earnings news weighed on the Toronto stock index Thursday, with banks and energy companies making up the biggest portion of the retreat. The S&P/TSX composite index gave up 82.66 points to 15,550.

HALIFAX — Medical student William Sandeson was panicked and incoherent as he tried to clean up around a man's blood-covered body in his apartment, a Halifax jury heard Thursday.

OTTAWA — Make sure you have a plan to get out before you actually get in.

Highlights from the news file for Thursday, May 11 ——— QUEBEC GOVERNMENT EXPECTS TO BOOST FLOOD COMPENSATION: Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard says his province will likely boost compensation for victims of flooding in the province.