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Politics

No charges in Cadman affair

OTTAWA - The RCMP say no charges will be laid in the Chuck Cadman affair, but the mysterious political story appears to have yet more chapters. The federal Liberals, who originally complained to the Mounties, said Friday the Conservative government still has a duty to give Canadians details of the episode. The Mounties were looking into politically explosive allegations that the Tories offered Cadman a life insurance policy in exchange for his support on a key vote in Parliament in 2005. Cadman, an Independent MP, was dying of cancer at the time.

Mounties

Discrimination ruling challenged

TORONTO - An expelled RCMP cadet's cherished dream of becoming a Mountie remained elusive Friday, with the force now challenging an order that it give him another chance to join and pay him $500,000 in damages. In an application for a judicial review, the RCMP argues the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal was wrong to find the force had discriminated against Ali Tahmourpour of Toronto or that he deserved any compensation. Tahmourpour said he is bitterly disappointed by the challenge.

Exchange program

N.L. handling of complaints assailed

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - The government of Premier Danny Williams is facing accusations it failed to take proper steps after being alerted to a potential problem in an exchange program for foreign students. The Opposition leader in Newfoundland and Labrador said Friday the government's handling of allegations of wrongdoing in the program are reminiscent of the government's handling of botched breast-cancer tests. A recruiter with the exchange program e-mailed the premier's office last year, alleging she was aware of unspecified "corruption." The Liberal party has obtained the e-mail and released a copy of it on Friday.

Victoria Cross

New, top medal for bravery unveiled

OTTAWA - What's old is new again as a link with Canada's military past and a symbol for the future was resurrected Friday when the Canadian Victoria Cross was officially unveiled. The new decoration, formally unveiled by Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean, is almost identical to the original Victoria Cross. It has been modified slightly by adding fleurs de lis to thistle, shamrock and rose and changing the original English inscription to a Latin motto, Pro Valore. It retains its frowning lion and the royal crown. It replaces a medal which for more than a century was the top bravery award available to soldiers, sailors and aircrew of the Commonwealth.

Military

Paramedic killed in Afghanistan mourned

CALGARY - Thousands turned out Friday to say farewell to a paramedic and reservist killed in Afghanistan with a service that mirrored his life - quiet and dignified. His wife, Nicole Starker, and sister Carolyn Straub had joked with reporters earlier in the week that Cpl. Michael Starker would be embarrassed by all of the attention his death had generated. Hundreds of uniformed friends and colleagues from EMS, the Canadian Forces and police departments across Alberta turned out at the Calgary Roundup Centre to make sure Starker received the attention he deserved.

Bin Laden

Palestine at heart of al-Qaida's war

CAIRO, Egypt - Osama bin Laden vowed Friday to fight Israel for the liberation of the Palestinians, claiming their cause is at the heart of al-Qaida's holy war with the West. Bin Laden's third statement this year was released to coincide with the Jewish state's 60th anniversary and came out as U.S. President George W. Bush was wrapping up his visit to Israel to celebrate the occasion. "We will continue our struggle against the Israelis and their allies," bin Laden said in a 10-minute audio posted on an Internet site used frequently by al-Qaida. "We are not going to give up an inch of the land of Palestine." Israel has warned of growing al-Qaida activity in Palestinian territory, although the terror network is not believed to have taken a strong role there so far.