News of the day: Severe thunderstorm watch issued as wildfire smoke blankets Ottawa; Canadian company develops detect and avoid radar for drones; From-scratch sandwiches worth the wait

The race to become Toronto’s next mayor is welcoming a late and potentially game-breaking candidate in former Conservative federal cabinet minister and long-time diplomat Chris Alexander. The 57-year-old, once Canada’s ambassador to Afghanistan (2003-2005) and an immigration minister under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, had been rumoured to be considering a run and informally launched his bid with a campaign website on Tuesday night. “I’m running because Toronto has been standing still for three years,” it reads. “A city with this much talent, strength and potential should...