Briefly

CANADA

National security strategy unveiled

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday launched "The Plan for a Stronger Canada", the country's first national security strategy in over two decades aimed at countering evolving security threats and safeguarding national sovereignty. The prime minister's office said in a news release that the rules-based international order is eroding and the line between economic security and national security has disappeared, noting that national security now relies not only on defense and resource capabilities, but also on the strength of the economy, the resilience of institutions and the partnerships with allies.

EUROPE

ECB head Lagarde says to step down

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said on Thursday she would step down early from her position to have the freedom to speak out on matters of importance beyond monetary policy. She will depart on Feb 7. The move was announced just before the ECB left interest rates unchanged but maintained expectations for another hike in December with a warning that high and rising energy costs were fueling inflation risks.

UNITED STATES

Three dead after helicopters collide

Three people were killed after two helicopters collided in midair on Thursday near a small airport southwest of Portland, Oregon, according to local authorities. Yamhill County Sheriff Sam Elliott told a news briefing on Thursday that the collision occurred at around 2:15 pm near the McMinnville Municipal Airport. All three people aboard the two helicopters were killed. The victims included a flight instructor from Texas, a student pilot from the United Kingdom and a pilot from Oregon.

AGENCIES-XINHUA