Lorraine Michael, a former nun and high-school principal best known as a social activist and feminist, has been chosen to take the helm of Newfoundland and Labrador's NDP. Michael, who is from St. John's, won the party's leadership on Sunday, defeating writer Nina Patey in the contest to replace outgoing leader Jack Harris.

Lorraine Michael, a former Roman Catholic nun, left the church in 1993 in protest over how it dealt with people who were sexually abused by clergy members. (CBC)

Harris announced in the fall of 2005 that he was stepping down as provincial NDP leader after 13 years.

Michael left the Roman Catholic Church in 1993 in a protest over how it dealt with victims of sexual abuse by clergy members.

Time right to capture seats from Liberals, candidates agree

Both she and Patey have worked with the NDP for years.

Both candidates earlier agreed that whoever became the next leader would have to work hard to build the party, which is up against a Conservative government that shows strong support in public opinion polls.

The y said they expected the NDP will keep the two seats it now has in the 48-seat House of Assembly and they'll work to gain at one or two more in the next election.

Many New Democrats have said they believe the time is right to capture seats from the Liberals.

Earlier in May, Jim Bennett handed in his resignation as leader of the provincial Liberal party after only three months on the job. His resignation came after weeks of rumours that Liberals had been unhappy with his performance.

Anti-smoking crusader buried in Ottawa

About 250 mourners gathered Saturday to pay their last respects to Heather Crowe, the waitress who developed lung cancer after 40 years of breathing second-hand smoke.

Heather Crowe, who never smoked herself, died of lung cancer caused by second-hand smoke in her workplaces. (Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press)

Aklavik evacuated as spring waters rise

More than 160 people were moved from the Aklavik area to higher ground Saturday after the Mackenzie River threatened to overflow its banks.

Walrus population at risk, scientists say

The Atlantic walrus should be declared a "species of concern" because hunting has reduced its numbers so much that the species is now threatened.

CUPE in Ontario votes to boycott Israel

The Ontario divison of Canada's largest union has voted to support an international campaign that is boycotting Israel over its treatment of Palestinians.

200 metres from Everest summit, Canadian halts climb to rescue man

A Calgary woman says she's very proud of her husband for being part of a team that saved an Australian climber who was left for dead on Mount Everest.

Andrew Brash, seen here, was described by his wife as a very compassionate person.