By Canadian Press

In the news today, July 5

Jul 5, 2019 | 5:30 AM

Three stories in the news for Friday, July 5

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TRUDEAU SHOOTS BACK AT CHINA’S ‘NAIVE’ CLAIM

Justin Trudeau says U.S. President Donald Trump did make good on his pledge to raise the plight of the two Canadians imprisoned in China with President Xi Jinping. The prime minister says Trump raised the cases of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor with Xi during their meeting at the G20 summit in Japan, just as he pledged to do in their White House meeting last month. It wasn’t clear from public comments by the leaders as the summit was wrapping and the days since then whether that actually occurred. But in a statement, U.S. Ambassador Kelly Craft confirmed last night that Trump discussed the two in his meeting with Xi in Japan.

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Court proceedings

Hostage victim tortured and cut with large knife: court

6h ago

Bank fraud

Three years in jail for Wakaw bank fraudster

10h ago

Mayoral candidate

Mayoral candidate Bill Powalinsky pledges transparent leadership, community-driven growth, and proven expertise for Prince Albert

10h ago

ALBERTA TO PROBE FUNDING FOR OIL AND GAS FOES

Alberta plans to spend 2.5 million dollars on an inquiry to shed light on foreign organizations that it says are bankrolling campaigns against the energy industry. Premier Jason Kenney says some environmental groups are using the help in their efforts to keep Alberta’s oil and gas from reaching new markets. He blames the groups for the demise of several coast-bound pipelines and for being involved in campaigns to delay the Trans Mountain oil pipeline expansion to the West Coast. Kenney says the inquiry will find out if any laws have been broken and recommend a response.

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COUPLE FOUND GUILTY IN SON’S STAPH DEATH FILE APPEALS

A Calgary couple found guilty in the death of their 14-month-old son are appealing their convictions and sentences. Jennifer Clark and her husband Jeromie Clark were sentenced in June to 32 months in prison for criminal negligence causing death and failure to provide the necessaries of life. The trial heard that their son, John, didn’t see a doctor until the day before he died in November 2013 and a forensic pathologist testified the boy was malnourished and died from a staph infection. During the trial, the Clarks’ lawyers argued doctors at the Alberta Children’s Hospital were to blame for John’s death because they raised his sodium levels too aggressively.

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ALSO IN THE NEWS:

— The 2019 Calgary Stampede parade kicks off the annual event running through July 14.

— Statistics Canada releases its labour force survey for June.

— Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball testifies at inquiry into Muskrat Falls hydro project.

— Federal Labour Minister Patty Hajdu makes an announcement regarding the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Fund.

— Fisheries Minister Jonathan Wilkinson makes an announcement with the Fraser Salmon Management Council.

— London Drugs arranges an autograph signing and meet-and-greet in Vancouver with Toronto Raptors shooting guard Danny Green.

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The Canadian Press