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MONTREAL — The arrest of 22 people allegedly tied to a war between criminal groups in Quebec City and the eastern part of the province should ease some of the bloodletting, kidnapping and arson in recent months, organized crime experts said Tuesday.

EDMONTON — The Alberta government's upcoming budget is to allocate $20 million over the next three years to advance plans for a stand-alone children's hospital in the provincial capital.

OTTAWA — A Liberal government bill that would ban replacement workers from being used during strikes and lockouts at federally regulated workplaces is moving ahead after the House of Commons unanimously backed it Tuesday.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Luguentz Dort likes the direction that basketball in Montreal is headed, but he would make just one tweak. Dort is having an excellent season as the starting small forward for the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder.

EDMONTON — Alberta's health minister is questioning the need for a national pharmacare plan, saying the province already has a comprehensive program for seniors, as well as for those who have low incomes and receive disability benefits.

MONTREAL — Proposed Quebec regulations that would require more French markings on consumer products will lead to fewer choices and higher costs for things such as home appliances, according to an industry group and a Montreal lawyer.

MONTREAL — Top Canadian diver Pamela Ware is looking for redemption this weekend after a world championship to forget earlier this month.

Before its shutdown this week, Lynx Air hoped to pay off some of its debt to a top investor through a purchase by rival discount carrier Flair Airlines.

WATERLOO, ONTARIO — A southwestern Ontario university will be getting rid of more than two dozen vending machines after students raised concerns about facial recognition technology.

LEBANON, N.H. (AP) — Latest skiing conditions, as supplied by SnoCountry Mountain Reports. Conditions are subject to change due to weather, skier/rider traffic and other factors. Be aware of changing conditions. For more information go to www.