Cenovus fined $2.5 million for biggest oil spill in Newfoundland and Labrador history

Cenovus logos are displayed at the Global Energy Show in Calgary, Tuesday, June 7, 2022.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. -

Cenovus Energy has been ordered to pay a $2.5-million fine for its role in the largest offshore oil spill ever recorded in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The fine was handed down in provincial court this morning, and the company has 30 days to pay up.

Download the CTV News App for breaking news alerts and video on all the top stories

The 2018 spill from a flowline connector in the White Rose oilfield released about 250,000 litres of oil into the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast east of St. John's. N.L.

The spill happened when the field was operated by Husky Energy, which merged with Cenovus in 2020.

The company expressed its deep regret for the spill in a statement today, adding that it has shared the lessons it learned with industry partners so they can prevent a similar incident.

Today's $2.5-million fine represents less than one tenth of one per cent of the $4.1 billion in net earnings Cenovus reported for 2023.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 26, 2024.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field

A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.

NEW

NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50

Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting

Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.

Prince Harry, Meghan arrive in Nigeria to champion the Invictus Games and meet with wounded soldiers

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, arrived in Nigeria on Friday to champion the Invictus Games, which he founded to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick servicemembers and veterans, among them Nigerian soldiers fighting a 14-year war against Islamic extremists.

Countries struggle to draft 'pandemic treaty' to avoid mistakes made during COVID

After the coronavirus pandemic triggered once-unthinkable lockdowns, upended economies and killed millions, leaders at the World Health Organization and worldwide vowed to do better in the future. Years later, countries are still struggling to come up with an agreed-upon plan for how the world might respond to the next global outbreak.

Toronto police called to Drake's Bridle Path mansion for another alleged intruder on Thursday

Toronto police say a man who allegedly attempted to access Drake’s Bridle Path property was taken to hospital on Thursday after an altercation with security guards.

Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay

A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.

Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it

If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.

Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post

The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.

Canada

Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post

The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches

Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Sask. teachers overwhelmingly reject proposed deal, calling it a 'disservice to students'

Saskatchewan teachers have overwhelmingly voted “no” to a proposed deal that would have marked the end of a nearly year-long labour dispute.
Man pleads guilty in Montreal hit-and-run that killed 7-year-old Ukrainian refugee

A Quebec man has pleaded guilty in a 2022 hit-and-run in Montreal that killed seven-year-old Mariia Legenkovska, a Ukrainian refugee who had just fled the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
New bill would give Alberta more power in emergencies, change election date to fall

The Government of Alberta has tabled another bill granting the province greater power to make unilateral decisions.
B.C. launches dedicated squad for gang-related homicides

The percentage of homicides that are gang-related in B.C. has more than doubled in the last 20 years, officials said when announcing a new team that will focus solely on investigating these cases.

World

Stormy Daniels delivers shocking testimony about Trump, but trial hinges on business records

Donald Trump's defence attorney on Thursday accused Stormy Daniels of slowly altering the details of an alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump, trying to persuade jurors that a key prosecution witness in the former president's hush money trial cannot be believed.
Virginia judge to decide whether state law considers embryos as property

A trial is underway in Virginia that will determine whether state law allows frozen embryos to be considered property that can be divided up and assigned a monetary value.
Harvey Weinstein won't be sent back to California while he awaits New York rape retrial

Harvey Weinstein will remain locked up in New York as a court works out whether he should stay in a city jail while awaiting retrial or be sent to California to serve his prison sentence for rape there.
Militants bomb a girls school in northwestern Pakistan, once a Taliban stronghold. No one was harmed

Militants detonated a bomb at a girls school in a former stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban in the country's volatile northwest, badly damaging the structure, police said Thursday. No one was harmed in the overnight attack.
Netanyahu on U.S. threat to withhold arms: Israel will fight with its 'fingernails' if needed

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that a U.S. threat to withhold some arms would not prevent Israel from continuing its offensive in Gaza, indicating it might proceed with an invasion of the packed city of Rafah against the wishes of its closest ally.
Thousands of Armenians demand prime minister resign over border villages dispute with Azerbaijan

Thousands of protesters gathered Thursday in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan over his government's decision to hand over control of border villages to Armenia's long-time rival Azerbaijan.

Politics

Immigration ministers to meet in Montreal over cuts to temporary visas

Federal and provincial ministers are meeting in Montreal Friday to hash out how to shrink the number of temporary residents in Canada.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate

A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland

Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Health

Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting

Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay

A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland

Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.

Sci-Tech

Growing strawberries year-round with help from AI

A team from the University of Guelph is taking part in a research challenge to grow off-season strawberries in Canada.
Apple apologizes for its controversial iPad Pro ad

Apple has apologized and admitted it 'missed the mark' with its latest iPad Pro advertisement.
Men behind the doomsday seed vault in the Arctic win World Food Prize

Two men who were instrumental in the 'craziest idea anyone ever had' of creating a global seed vault designed to safeguard the world's agricultural diversity will be honored as the 2024 World Food Prize laureates, officials announced Thursday in Washington.

Entertainment

Toronto police called to Drake's Bridle Path mansion for another alleged intruder on Thursday

Toronto police say a man who allegedly attempted to access Drake’s Bridle Path property was taken to hospital on Thursday after an altercation with security guards.
NEW
NEW How Canadians can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest

Europe’s top pop stars are out and about for the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Malmo, Sweden.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026

The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.

Business

Fake website selling Honda lawn mowers for 90% off

A fake website selling lawn mowers and snow blowers at a 90 per cent discount are 'in no way associated with' Honda Canada, the company is warning consumers.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain

The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint

A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.

Lifestyle

Rothesay, N.B., woman ready to break barriers at Miss Universe Canada 2024

Lorraine Peters from New Brunswick looks forward to sharing her message on a national stage for women to have the confidence, and courage to pursue whatever they choose no matter their age
Guelph, Ont. man gains millions of YouTube views by helping people work espresso machines

If you’ve ever had a tough time figuring out an espresso machine, a Guelph, Ont. man has you covered.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say

High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.

Sports

Vice-president and chief sporting officer Olivier Renard out at CF Montreal

CF Montreal is parting ways with vice-president and chief sporting officer Olivier Renard by "mutual agreement,” the Major League Soccer club announced Thursday.
WNBA to use charter flights full time in upcoming season, addressing player safety concerns

The WNBA will use league-wide charter flights for the first time this season, the league announced Thursday.
Edmonton Oilers star Draisaitl misses practice, listed as 'day-to-day'

Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl is "day-to-day" with an undisclosed injury, says head coach Kris Knoblauch.

Autos

Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it

If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
The Chevy Malibu, the brand's last sedan, will end production

The Chevrolet Malibu, the last sedan still sold by General Motors' biggest selling brand, will end production this year, the company announced.
Pilot project for three-wheeled vehicles to start in Nova Scotia soon

A pilot project to test and evaluate the operation of federally-approved three-wheeled vehicles on Nova Scotia roads starts next week.

Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches

Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
B.C. MLA under fire for saying motherhood begins at conception

After a BC Conservative MLA came under fire for saying motherhood begins at conception, the party's leader says he "will not reopen the abortion debate."
Inside the LNG 'floatel' cruise ship that Squamish, B.C., won’t allow

A 35,000 ton cruise ship that been that’s been converted into temporary accommodation for LNG workers at great expense remains anchored in Vancouver’s harbour.

Toronto

Toronto police called to Drake's Bridle Path mansion for another alleged intruder on Thursday

Toronto police say a man who allegedly attempted to access Drake’s Bridle Path property was taken to hospital on Thursday after an altercation with security guards.
Stabbing in Mississauga leaves 1 person in critical condition, 2 others hospitalized

Peel police say three people were injured, one critically, in an overnight stabbing in Mississauga.
Fake website selling Honda lawn mowers for 90% off

A fake website selling lawn mowers and snow blowers at a 90 per cent discount are 'in no way associated with' Honda Canada, the company is warning consumers.

Calgary

Police move in after encampment erected at University of Calgary for pro-Palestinian protest

Police have moved in to break up an anti-Israel demonstration in support of the Palestinian people on campus at the University of Calgary.
Hundreds journey up Moose Mountain to protest Kananaskis logging plan

The group hiked and biked up Moose Mountain to protest in one of the spaces that could be clear-cut, one night after more than 650 people gathered at a public feedback event in Cochrane held by the logging company.
Alberta man sentenced to 7 years for 2022 impaired driving crash that killed young couple

An Alberta man who admitted to being under the influence of fentanyl and pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the 2022 deaths of Macy Boyce and Ethan Halford has been sentenced to seven years behind bars.

Ottawa

NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING Ontario government giving Cornwall generating station $600M for refurbishment

The Ontario government will announce a major financial boost to a refurbishment project in Cornwall today.
1 dead in rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont.; 5 others injured

Ontario Provincial Police confirm one person has died after a single-vehicle rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont. that seriously injured five others.
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: May 10-12

CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa during the Mother's Day weekend.

Montreal

Her SUV was stolen in Montreal. A Good Samaritan on Facebook helped her get it back

Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.
Immigration ministers to meet in Montreal over cuts to temporary visas

Federal and provincial ministers are meeting in Montreal to hash out how to shrink the number of temporary residents in Canada.
Man in critical condition after downtown Montreal stabbing

A 52-year-old man is in hospital after a stabbing in Montreal's Cabot Square.

Edmonton

5 people attacked by dogs in west Edmonton Thursday

Five people were attacked by two pit bulls in Meadowlark Park Thursday afternoon, according to police.
Oilers focus on details, aim for more 'O' zone time in Game 2 against Canucks

Given the result of the first game in their playoff series with the Vancouver Canucks — a loss Wednesday night courtesy a third-period collapse — the Edmonton Oilers say they need to play better next time.
New bill would give Alberta more power in emergencies, change election date to fall

The Government of Alberta has tabled another bill granting the province greater power to make unilateral decisions.

Atlantic

'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.

A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
N.S. delivery driver’s car stolen while picking up order

Tony Dembogaj, owner of Bella Vita Pizzeria in Halifax, was away from work when he received a call informing him his delivery driver’s vehicle was stolen while picking up an order at his shop.
Rothesay, N.B., woman ready to break barriers at Miss Universe Canada 2024

Lorraine Peters from New Brunswick looks forward to sharing her message on a national stage for women to have the confidence, and courage to pursue whatever they choose no matter their age

Winnipeg

Winnipeg trial hears victims' clothing, DNA found in serial killer's apartment

The trial of serial killer Jeremy Skibicki heard Thursday that police found physical evidence of the victims in his apartment, including jewelry, clothing, DNA and a blood-stained bathtub.
Winnipeg apartment building evacuated after safety concerns
Federal government bans watercraft from Manitoba lake popular with tourists

The threat of zebra mussels has prompted the federal government to temporarily ban watercraft from a Manitoba lake popular with tourists.

Regina

Sask. teachers overwhelmingly reject proposed deal, calling it a 'disservice to students'

Saskatchewan teachers have overwhelmingly voted “no” to a proposed deal that would have marked the end of a nearly year-long labour dispute.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field

A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Cenotaph, other downtown Regina locations vandalized, police investigating

Regina police are investigating a string of graffiti incidents throughout downtown including the Ceonotaph in Victoria Park.

Kitchener

Wilfrid Laurier football player drafted despite only playing 27 games in his entire life

A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.
Long-time CKCO personality, Janine Grespan, dies at 63

A broadcaster familiar to many CTV News watchers has died at the age of 63.
Waterloo Region case changing legal landscape on encampment evictions

A resolution has been reached over evictions at a Cambridge, Ont. encampment and experts say other communities should take note.

Saskatoon

Sask. teachers overwhelmingly reject proposed deal, calling it a 'disservice to students'

Saskatchewan teachers have overwhelmingly voted “no” to a proposed deal that would have marked the end of a nearly year-long labour dispute.
'This is a community': City struggling to cope with humanitarian crisis in Pleasant Hill

Dr. Ephthymia Kutsogiannis is running out of options to solve a growing problem outside of her dental clinic.
Saskatchewan sky watchers say conditions are perfect for 'extremely strong aurora' on Friday

Saskatchewan sky watchers say the conditions are perfect for a vibrant show of aurora borealis starting on Friday night.

Northern Ontario

Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay

A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field

A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study

Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.

London

Union supports review of city council salaries— if municipal employees get same consideration

As councillors consider another review of their salaries, the proposal is drawing conditional support from the union representing more than 900 municipal inside workers.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post

The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
PLAYOFF TRACKER
PLAYOFF TRACKER London leads OHL finals 1-0 after win over Oshawa

Easton Cowan scored once and added four assists as the London Knights opened the Ontario Hockey League's Championship Final on Thursday night with an 8-1 win over the visiting Oshawa Generals.

Barrie

Police use aircraft to spot poor driving habits

OPP officers tracked road safety through aircraft surveillance along Highway 10 in Caledon and Dufferin.
Barrie's Dunlop Street East and Blake Street get paving makeover

Paving crews are working on Dunlop and Blake streets in May.
Novice driver one of two busted on impaired driving charges

A two-vehicle collision in Caledon sparked an impaired driving investigation.

Windsor

Developers back city's downtown plan

Eight local developers have unified to back the city’s Strengthen the Core plan.
Foreman supervisor wins $350,000 with scratch ticket

A Windsor foreman supervisor says he’s going to set himself up for a comfortable retirement after winning $350,000.
51-year-old Wheatley man dies in Merlin crash

Chatham-Kent police say a 51-year-old Wheatley man has died after a single vehicle collision south of Merlin, Ont.

Vancouver Island

B.C. launches dedicated squad for gang-related homicides

The percentage of homicides that are gang-related in B.C. has more than doubled in the last 20 years, officials said when announcing a new team that will focus solely on investigating these cases.
Police searching for driver after cyclist seriously injured in hit-and-run crash near Victoria

Mounties on Vancouver Island are searching for the driver of a Jeep Wrangler after a cyclist suffered serious injuries in an alleged hit-and-run collision near Victoria early Thursday morning.
No ransom demand in B.C. cyberattack, minister says

The 'sophisticated' cyberattack that was recently detected on B.C. government networks has not come with a ransom demand – at least, not yet.

Kelowna

Kamloops RCMP issue public warning about 2 men allegedly at centre of 'organized crime conflict'

After four targeted shootings in four days, Mounties in Kamloops are taking the unusual step of warning the public about two men they believe are likely to be targeted in future violent incidents.
Community mourns thousands of fish lost as B.C. drought risk looms again

Images of steelhead and trout flicker over long sheets of paper, brought to life in blue and green crayon rubbings by the thousands.
4th targeted shooting in as many days in Kamloops: RCMP

A man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a shooting in Kamloops Monday evening, the fourth incident police say is part of an ongoing drug conflict playing out on the city's streets.

Lethbridge

Southern Alberta farmers optimistic after recent rainfall

After a dry winter, southern Alberta farmers were expecting it to be another tough growing season.
Rural crime in decline: southern Alberta RCMP

Rural crime is on the decline, the RCMP said in a media statement released by the Southern Alberta District (SAD) late Wednesday afternoon.
Four arrested in drug bust in Medicine Hat, Alta.

Four people are facing a series of charges following a drug bust in Medicine Hat last month.

Sault Ste. Marie

New protective gear for Sault Fire Services

Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services is receiving new protective gear that is said to be safer than traditional equipment.
Downtown Sault fire investigation continues

Traffic is again flowing along Queen Street East in downtown Sault Ste. Marie as investigators continue to look for the cause of Wednesday’s fire that closed the road most of the day.
Boil water advisory in Elliot Lake as crews work on water main repair

A water main break on Hillside Drive North in Elliot Lake has put the entire community under a boil water advisory.

N.L.

Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland

Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.
Trucker's body found in trailer in Newfoundland after failed police search in Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police are facing tough questions about their search for a missing Newfoundland trucker whose rig was found two weeks ago in Ontario, then sent back to Newfoundland, where his body was found Monday in the trailer.
Crown, defence present closing arguments for N.L. lawyer accused of sexual assault

The trial of a Newfoundland lawyer accused of sexual assault ended Tuesday with his defence team alleging the complainant lied under oath, while the prosecution said her memory lapses were understandable.

Cenovus fined $2.5 million for biggest oil spill in Newfoundland and Labrador history

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

NEW | Iconic Canadian song turns 50

NEW | How Canadians can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest

NEW THIS MORNING | Ontario government giving Cornwall generating station $600M for refurbishment

NEW THIS MORNING | What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: May 10-12

PLAYOFF TRACKER | London leads OHL finals 1-0 after win over Oshawa

NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50

NEW How Canadians can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest

NEW THIS MORNING Ontario government giving Cornwall generating station $600M for refurbishment

NEW THIS MORNING What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: May 10-12

PLAYOFF TRACKER London leads OHL finals 1-0 after win over Oshawa