The Canadian Press

Monday's supermoon was the first of four this year.

During a supermoon, the full moon inches a little closer than usual to Earth. A supermoon isn't bigger, but it can appear that way in the night sky, although scientists say the difference can be barely perceptible.

September's supermoon will coincide with a partial lunar eclipse. October's will be the year's closest approach, and November's will round out the year.

Global Affairs Canada said Monday it's aware of reports that a Canadian has died after a luxury superyacht sank off Sicily during a violent storm, while Italian authorities said they continued to search for six people who remained unaccounted for.

In a statement Monday afternoon, Global Affairs said consular officials were in contact with local authorities, but said it could provide no further information due to privacy concerns.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this tragic event," the agency said.

Veteran broadcaster Charles Adler and Saskatchewan hospital executive Tracy Muggli are Canada's latest independent senators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Saturday. 

Adler came to Canada from Hungary as a refugee at a young age and spent more than 50 years as a radio host and journalist.

A news release from the prime minister's office said Adler, who will represent Manitoba, used his platform to champion human rights and Canadian democracy during his long career.  

The people of Jasper are making progress on getting back to normal after being allowed back to their town, cleaning their homes, re-uniting with neighbours and seeking insurance information.

Friday was the first day residents were allowed back after a wildfire forced the evacuation of the entire community, which eventually lost close to one third of its structures in the blaze.

Mounties in Manitoba are investigating four deaths in and around the small community of McCreary, northwest of Winnipeg.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Richard Sherring said around 10 a.m. Friday, officers acting on a tip found the body of a 41-year-old man on a road who had died from a self-inflicted injury.

Based on that finding, they went to a nearby home where they found the bodies of a 66-year-old woman, and two men, aged 65 and 35. Those deaths are being investigated as homicides.

A Conservative member of Parliament is calling for an emergency meeting to launch a study on violence against women.

Michelle Ferreri has written a letter to fellow MPs on the House of Commons status of women committee requesting to  
immediately recall members for the study.

This comes after two witnesses invited to testify on their personal experience with domestic violence tearfully stormed out of a committee hearing last month that devolved into political bickering.

The federal government says the Ukrainian army can use military equipment provided by Canada inside Russia.

A spokesperson for National Defence says Canada places no geographic restrictions on military equipment donated to Ukraine.

The statement comes after Ukraine launched a surprise military offensive into Russia earlier this month. 

The attack is unprecedented for its use of Ukrainian military units on Russian soil.

Ottawa has committed $4 billion in military assistance to Ukraine through 2029.

Jasper's mayor says wildfire evacuees will learn Monday when they will be allowed to return home.

Richard Ireland told an online news conference on Saturday that details on the exact time of the announcement haven't been finalized, but news on the date when people will be permitted back into the town will be delivered by members of the unified command on Monday.

About 20,000 visitors to Jasper National Park and 5,000 town residents were forced out last month due to fires, and flames destroyed one-third of the town's buildings.

The Alberta wildland firefighter killed while battling a blaze in Jasper National Park last weekend is being remembered for his bold personality and sense of humour.

Alberta Wildfire spokeswoman Melissa Story confirmed in an email Friday that family, friends and colleagues are mourning Morgan Kitchen.

A memorial post circulating on social media says Kitchen, who was 24 and lived in Calgary, had a “bold and brilliant” personality, a nimble wit and an “outrageous and ridiculous” sense of humour.

The Canadian government has updated its travel advisory for the United Kingdom amid a rash of ongoing demonstrations. 

It says visitors should "exercise a high degree of caution" in the country and takes note of demonstrations and violent clashes between protesters and police over the past week. 

The travel advice cautions that even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time and can deteriorate quickly.