Unearth can be used in a literal sense, which in this case is false.
It can also be used in a figurative sense, which in this case is almost certainly true.
It can also be used in a figurative sense, which in this case is almost certainly true.
So do you really believe everyone in Canada read that and thought "Oh, they're using the word in a figurative sense! Never mind."
If something is, by definition, in the earth and a story says it was "unearthed" it's sorta reasonable to believe it was dug up.