Politics

VANCOUVER — Pharmacists in British Columbia will have more responsibilities starting June 1 in an effort to improve access for those without a family doctor and ease the stress on an overburdened health system.

COLUMBIA, S.C.

NEW YORK (AP) — Former Vice President Mike Pence will officially launch his long-expected campaign for the Republican nomination for president in Iowa next week, adding another candidate to the growing GOP field and putting him in direct competition

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California lawmakers have advanced more than a dozen bills aiming to address the fentanyl crisis, including some that would impose harsher prison sentences for dealers, ahead of a critical deadline this week.

YELLOWKNIFE — The premier of the Northwest Territories says a whole-of-government approach is needed to adequately address homelessness in the territory.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The longest-ever walkout in the Oregon Legislature completed its fourth week on Wednesday as the enforceability of a ballot measure that would disqualify the boycotters from immediate reelection appeared in doubt.

OTTAWA — The Federal Court of Appeal has overturned a judge's declaration that four Canadian men being held in Syria are entitled to Ottawa's help to return home.

OTTAWA — A deal to save a $5-billion electric vehicle battery plant in Windsor is inching closer, Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Wednesday.

The City of Ottawa is applying for federal funding in a bid to respond to rising demand for affordable housing. A memo city staff sent to councillors last week shows the municipality is looking to qualify for support from a $4-billion fund.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that two state laws banning abortion are unconstitutional, but the procedure remains illegal in the state in nearly all cases except life-threatening situations.