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Feds reinstating foreign air travel testing, reviewing booster strategy in light of Omicron

Canada is reviewing its vaccine booster strategy, adding new countries to the list of nations subjected to federal travel restrictions, and is imposing new testing requirements on all air travellers coming from outside of Canada with the exception of the U.S., due to concerns over the Omicron variant. Federal ministers and public health officials announced these three new steps with the aim of preventing further importation and spread of the variant of concern.

Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra looks on as Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos responds to a question during a news conference, Tuesday, November 30, 2021 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

These provinces have confirmed cases of the Omicron variant

Canada has reported seven confirmed cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, with cases now in several provinces.

A healthcare worker hands out facemasks at a COVID-19 testing clinic Tuesday, November 9, 2021 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Here's what vaccine manufacturers have said about the Omicron variant

As researchers continue to study the new COVID-19 variant Omicron stoking fears around the globe, vaccine manufacturers are issuing guidance on their shots' effectiveness.

Pedestrians wearing face masks against the coronavirus walk along Regent Street in London, Nov. 30, 2021.(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

EDITORS' PICKS

Geminids: One of the year's best meteor showers set to return this December

One of the best meteor showers of 2021 will make its annual return this December — with the best time to view them slated to be in a couple of weeks, experts say.

A shooting star can be seen during the Geminid meteor stream in the starry sky above the Kochelsee and the summit of the Herzogstand in Germany, early Dec. 14, 2020. (Matthias Balk/dpa via AP)

Some of Earth's water may have come from the sun: study

A new study suggests that solar winds interacting with grains of dust carried on asteroids may have helped fill the Earth's oceans with water.

This NASA photo taken by Expedition 7 crew onboard the International Space Station in 2003 shows the Earth with the sun in the background. (NASA)

Environment minister's bicycle a political prop that breaks House rule, Conservative MP says

Conservative MP Ed Fast accused Canada's environment minister of using a bicycle as a prop in the backdrop of his video during a session of hybrid Parliament on Monday.

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault appears on video conference during Question Period on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021.

Delayed health care during pandemic may have led to thousands of excess deaths: study

Health-care restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to thousands of excess deaths not related to the virus, along with increased incidents of mental health disorders and substance use, and have put a strain on the Canadian health-care system, according to a study commissioned by the Canadian Medical Association.

WHO warns that new virus variant poses 'very high' risk

The World Health Organization says the global risk from the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is 'very high' based on early evidence, and it could lead to surges with 'severe consequences.'

What you need to know about Canada's updated vaccine rules for domestic travel

As of Nov. 30, the transition period allowing for a negative COVID-19 test from those looking to travel by plane, train or ship in Canada will end, meaning all travellers must be fully vaccinated before boarding and provide proof that they have received the complete doses of a vaccine series.

First cases of Omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Canada: What we know

Officials have confirmed the first cases detected in Canada of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in Ottawa, Ont., amid warnings that it remains unclear just how transmissible and severe infection by the highly-mutated variant might be.

Do you have questions about the Omicron COVID-19 variant? We want to hear from you

With the recent emergence of a new COVID-19 variant of concern, labelled Omicron, CTVNews.ca wants to hear from Canadians with any questions about the variant.

Traveller from Canada to Hong Kong confirmed with Omicron variant

A fully vaccinated 62-year-old male who travelled from Canada to Hong Kong is confirmed to be the second case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant identified by authorities there, according to Hong Kong’s Department of Health.

Don't Miss Videos

Kitchener museum unveils Rolling Stones exhibition

WATCH: Runaway horse seen galloping down Mass. highway

Video shows a runaway horse galloping down a highway in Massachusetts before being safely captured by authorities on Nov. 30.

Proposal fail? Boyfriend drops ring as he pops the question

The answer was still 'yes' even after this proposal went wrong in Texas. The ring was found after a half-hour search.

This dog travels 30km every day via subway, tram and ferry

Meet Boji, a dog that travels daily using Istanbul's public transport system.

WATCH: Lifeboat at sea in harsh weather conditions in U.K.

Video from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution shows the rough weather a lifeboat had to go through amid Storm Arwen in the U.K.

Watch: Unique cloud formation seen above Winnipeg

Manitoba residents stopped on Sunday to look at a cloud with a giant, perfectly formed hole in it. CTV’s Jill Macyshon reports

CTV Atlantic's Steve Murphy looks back on his storied career

After 45 years in broadcasting, the legendary journalist's last appearance as Anchor of CTV NEWS AT SIX will be on Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Russia test-fires second missile amid tensions with the West

A hypersonic cruise missile was fired on Nov. 18 amidst recent tensions between Russia and the West. *

Canada

Feds reinstating foreign air travel testing, reviewing booster strategy in light of Omicron

Canada is reviewing its vaccine booster strategy, adding new countries to the list of nations subjected to federal travel restrictions, and is imposing new testing requirements on all air travellers coming from outside of Canada with the exception of the U.S., due to concerns over the Omicron variant. Federal ministers and public health officials announced these three new steps with the aim of preventing further importation and spread of the variant of concern.
CBSA has intercepted hundreds of fake COVID-19 tests, vaccine documents

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says it has intercepted hundreds of suspected falsified or fraudulent COVID-19 test results and proof of vaccination credentials since they were required for travel.
What exactly is an atmospheric river? Extreme weather terms defined

Communities in southwestern B.C. are bracing for more heavy rain forecast to hit the region on Tuesday, as a third atmospheric river moves in.
'Overall positive forecasts' outlined in latest update on flooding in Abbotsford, B.C.

The mayor of one of the cities most impacted by recent B.C. storm systems says the protections in place in Abbotsford are as ready as they're going to get.
3,000 wreaths, destined for veterans' headstones in Ottawa, stolen

Thousands of handmade wreaths, meant for a ceremony to honour fallen servicemen and servicewomen at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, have been stolen.
Disgraced Calgary teacher admitted abusive behaviour 15 years before charges: ATA ruling

Warning: this story discusses sexual assault, which may be triggering to some readers. Calgary teacher Michael Gregory — who took his own life after being charged with 17 counts of sexual assault against former students earlier this year — admitted to abusive behaviour in 2006, according to an Alberta Teachers' Association disciplinary ruling.

World

Abortion rights at stake in historic U.S. Supreme Court arguments

Abortion rights are on the line at the U.S. Supreme Court in historic arguments over the landmark ruling nearly 50 years ago that declared a nationwide right to end a pregnancy.
Student kills 3, wounds 8 at Michigan school: authorities

A 15-year-old sophomore opened fire at his Michigan high school on Tuesday, killing three students, including a 16-year-old boy who died in a deputy's patrol car on the way to a hospital, authorities said. Eight other people were wounded, some critically.
1st of 4 accusers takes stand at Ghislaine Maxwell trial

A woman testified on Tuesday that British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell was often in the room when the witness, then just 14, had sexual interactions with the financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Putin warns West: Moscow has 'red line' about Ukraine, NATO

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday sternly warned NATO against deploying its troops and weapons to Ukraine, saying it represents a red line for Russia and would trigger a strong response.
CNN suspends Chris Cuomo for helping brother in scandal

CNN indefinitely suspended anchor Chris Cuomo on Tuesday after details emerged about how he helped his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, to face charges of sexual harassment earlier this year.
Fauci says COVID-19 diverted resources from fighting AIDS

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, said Tuesday the COVID-19 pandemic has diverted scientific and financial resources from the fight against AIDS, seriously impeding global efforts to achieve the UN goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

CTV News on the Go

B.C. plant manager on being surrounded by floodwaters

Wayne Elias, the manager of a recycling plant in Abbotsford, B.C., talks about feeling helpless as floodwaters surrounded the plant.

Russia test-fires second missile amid tensions with the West

A hypersonic cruise missile was fired on Nov. 18 amidst recent tensions between Russia and the West. *

Fighting variants: Doctor calls for more vaccines for Africa

Infectious diseases doctor Dale Kalina says first and second doses in sub-Saharan Africa would benefit Canada more than third doses here.

Do you need a COVID-19 booster? This expert says who does

Omar Khan, assist. professor at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, explains how boosters work and how they help fight against the newer COVID-19 variants.

W5: The risks of speaking out on money laundering

Ross Alderson spoke out about illegal cash pouring into B.C. casinos in 2019. Three years later, he received an anonymous veiled threat.

W5: Should drug dealers be charged with murder?

W5 speaks to the mother of Reed McGregor, a promising university student who died of a fentanyl overdose in her Toronto home.

Ancient Roman mosaic discovered beneath U.K. farmer's field

A piece of pottery found by a U.K. farmer led to the discovery of a unique Roman mosaic and villa on the family's land.

Local Highlights

3,000 wreaths, destined for veterans' headstones in Ottawa, stolen

Thousands of handmade wreaths, meant for a ceremony to honour fallen servicemen and servicewomen at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, have been stolen.

Bob Tessier showing an example of the wreaths that were taken. About 3,000 unfinished wreaths, destined for the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa, were stolen from a rural property in Maxville, Ont. (Peter Szperling/CTV News Ottawa)

Sask. producers owing thousands of dollars in unfulfilled contracts is 'unprecedented territory'

Despite having a much smaller yield after harvest than usual, Saskatoon area farmer Blair Cummins was still able to fulfill his canola contract—with a little help.

'This is long overdue': Land acknowledgement recited in Manitoba legislature

A formal land acknowledgement was recited for the first time in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, which one of Manitoba's Grand Chiefs says is a momentous move to reset a badly tarnished relationship with the province.

Meth hidden in painting replaced with placebo in B.C. police plot to bust alleged smuggler

A Western Australian man has been charged after an international police investigation, which started in Canada, resulted in the seizure of several kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside a painting.

Police investigating after protesters harass families as children get their vaccines in North Bay

Abby Blaszczyk took her seven-year-old son to be vaccinated Sunday in North Bay, and the experience has left her and her young child upset, after they were harassed by anti-vaccination protestors.

'I'd never seen anything like it': Fallstreak hole dazzles Winnipeg cloud watchers

Sky gazers in the northeast part of Winnipeg were treated to a weather phenomenon called a fallstreak hole.

'Everyone is safe': B.C. junior athletes stranded in South Africa due to COVID-19 variant

Young athletes that are representing Canada for the field hockey Junior World Cup in South Africa are stranded after the federal government suddenly stopped all travel to several southern African countries last week.

'I get angrier every time': Abbotsford family fed up with decades of flooding from Nooksack River

When her family dairy farm, the Dykman Cattle Company, flooded nearly two weeks ago, it was the worst Cynthia Dykman had ever seen in her two decades on the western edge Sumas Prairie. But it was far from the first time.

'I apologize': David Suzuki says he was wrong to warn that pipelines will be blown up

Environmentalist and TV host David Suzuki apologized Thursday for comments he made about exploding pipelines.

Politics

Opposition leaders deride Liberal government's throne speech in official replies

Party leaders sounded like they were still on the campaign trail Tuesday as they delivered speeches in response to last week's throne speech. Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh took turns pointing out the Canadians they said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ignoring as he embarks on his third mandate.
Feds reinstating foreign air travel testing, reviewing booster strategy in light of Omicron

Canada is reviewing its vaccine booster strategy, adding new countries to the list of nations subjected to federal travel restrictions, and is imposing new testing requirements on all air travellers coming from outside of Canada with the exception of the U.S., due to concerns over the Omicron variant. Federal ministers and public health officials announced these three new steps with the aim of preventing further importation and spread of the variant of concern.
Extended COVID-19 pandemic benefits to cost feds $873M: PBO

Extending both the sickness and caregiving benefits into next spring – as proposed in Bill C-2 – will cost the government approximately $873 million, the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) estimates.

Health

'It's life-saving': Addressing pandemic backlog in gender-affirming surgeries crucial for trans community, expert says

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a severe backlog in gender-affirming surgeries across the country, which has a huge effect on the mental health of trans people attempting to access healthcare, according to an expert.
Canadian workers facing burnout during the pandemic: Ceridian report

A new report says droves of Canadian workers have experienced burnout during the pandemic and it's causing at least 20 per cent to seek new jobs.
Here's what vaccine manufacturers have said about the Omicron variant

As researchers continue to study the new COVID-19 variant Omicron stoking fears around the globe, vaccine manufacturers are issuing guidance on their shots' effectiveness.

Sci-Tech

Canadians involved in new fossil discovery of extinct swordfish-shaped marine reptile

A newly discovered extinct swordfish-shaped marine reptile estimated to be 130 million years old is shedding light on the evolution of ichthyosaurs, ancient marine animals that resemble modern-day swordfish.
Space junk forces spacewalk delay, too risky for astronauts

NASA called off a spacewalk Tuesday because of menacing space junk that could puncture an astronaut's suit or damage the International Space Station.
'This is profound': Scientists create self-replicating robots from frog cells

Scientists in the United States have created robots that can spontaneously self-replicate in what they’re calling a “profound” discovery.

Entertainment

Rihanna declared a national hero in Barbados

Rihanna has been declared a national hero by the Barbadian government and bestowed with a title, 'the right excellent,' as the island bade farewell to Queen Elizabeth II as head of state and celebrated becoming a republic for the first time in history.
Live bullets on 'Rust' set may have been recycled ammo: court documents

Authorities investigating the fatal shooting on the 'Rust' movie last month are investigating whether recycled live ammunition may have made its way into a stash of dummy bullets on the set in New Mexico, according to court documents released on Tuesday.
'Red Notice' is now Netflix's most watched movie of all time

'Red Notice,' is now the most watched movie in Netflix history, according to the streaming giant.

Business

Economy, consumer spending bounces back in Q3 as new variant stirs concerns

The economy bounced back sharply in the third quarter of the year after taking a walloping in the preceding three-month stretch, in a demonstration of what may be in store as COVID-19 concerns wane and Canadians start spending anew.
Elizabeth Holmes gets emotional under fire by prosecutors

One-time entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes, under questioning by prosecutors, struggled Tuesday to recall key events that led to her facing criminal fraud charges for allegedly fleecing investors and customers of her failed blood-testing startup Theranos.
Scotiabank reports fourth-quarter profit up from year ago, raises dividend

Scotiabank raised its quarterly dividend Tuesday as it reported a fourth-quarter profit that rose compared with a year ago and beat expectations.

Lifestyle

How to build a habit in 5 steps, according to science

Most of us assume those hyper-achievers who are always able to squeeze in their workout, eat healthy foods, ace their exams and pick their kids up on time must have superhuman self-control. But science points to a different answer: What we mistake for willpower is often a hallmark of habit.
Sedentary Canadians not making the grade on fitness, ParticipAction report finds

It seems the majority of Canadian adults aren't making the grade when it comes to physical fitness.
Black artist Josephine Baker honoured at France's Pantheon

France is inducting U.S.-born entertainer, anti-Nazi spy and civil rights activist Josephine Baker into the Pantheon, the first Black woman to receive the nation's highest honour.

Sports

LeBron James in NBA's virus protocols, ruled out Tuesday

LeBron James has been placed in the NBA's health and safety protocols, and was ruled out for the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night.
MLB, union make little progress ahead of CBA deadline

Major League Baseball appeared headed to its first work stoppage in 26 years after a pair of brief negotiating sessions Tuesday led to little or no progress.
Tiger Woods has little to offer on past accident or future in golf

Tiger Woods had nothing to say about the February car crash that shattered his right leg and he had even less of an idea what his future in golf holds except that he's a long way from deciding whether he can compete against the best.

Autos

Man accused of using COVID-19 relief funds on Lamborghini gets prison

A Houston man has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison after he was accused of using federal COVID-19 relief funding on a Lamborghini, a Rolex watch and trips to strip clubs, federal prosecutors said.
Bugatti is the jewel in Volkswagen's crown. This 33-year-old is taking it over

Bugatti, the French manufacturer of US$3 million supercars, is over a century old. But now it faces what may be the most difficult maneuver it has ever had to carry out: transitioning to an electric future. The man now taking the wheel at Bugatti is Mate Rimac, a 33-year-old Bosnian-born engineering prodigy.
Nissan investing in electric vehicles, battery development

Nissan said Monday it is investing 2 trillion yen (US$17.6 billion) over the next five years and developing a cheaper, more powerful battery to boost its electric vehicle lineup.

Climate and Environment

Canada's ban on single-use plastic items delayed until 2022

While the government announced in the fall of 2020 that its ban on several single-use plastic items would take effect by the end of this year, Environment and Climate Change Canada now says final regulations will be published some time next year instead.

Plastics are seen being gathered for recycling at a depot in North Vancouver, B.C. on June, 10, 2019. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward)

What exactly is an atmospheric river? Extreme weather terms defined

Communities in southwestern B.C. are bracing for more heavy rain forecast to hit the region on Tuesday, as a third atmospheric river moves in.

Scientists in Antarctica hope to retrieve 1.5-million-year-old ice to find clues about climate change

Researchers have come from 10 countries to Antarctica to begin the first stages of an ambitious plan -- drilling deeper into the ice than ever before to reach back 1.5 million years, and find key clues that could aid in the struggle with climate change.

Study suggests Arctic to see more rain than snow earlier than expected

Research suggests that rain will become more common in the Arctic than snow and, because of climate change, it could happen earlier than predicted with severe consequences for the region's environment, its people, and its animals.

Sask. producers owing thousands of dollars in unfulfilled contracts is 'unprecedented territory'

Despite having a much smaller yield after harvest than usual, Saskatoon area farmer Blair Cummins was still able to fulfill his canola contract—with a little help.

Opinion

OPINION

OPINION | Don Martin: New question period sounds like the old, so why did we have an election?

The first day of question period in the new session of Parliament sounded exactly like it did before the election – only noisier, writes Don Martin in his latest column for CTVNews.ca.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OPINION

OPINION | Don Martin: With Trudeau's return as a target, worst might be over for O'Toole

The worst may now be behind Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole as his party prepares to return to Parliament in five days to take aim at the real target, specifically Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, writes Don Martin in his latest column for CTVNews.ca.

OPINION

OPINION | Tom Mulcair: Trudeau steps up on climate at COP26

There’s been a lot of debate as to whether the UN climate summit in Glasgow was a success or failure. In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair calls it a ‘turning point’ for Canada on the world stage, and that we’ve finally taken a leadership role in sustainable development.

OPINION

OPINION | Don Martin: The friendly face of Erin O'Toole's worst nightmare

The friendliest MP has become Erin O'Toole's deadliest foe as Marilyn Gladu steps forward as the personification of internal caucus sympathy, if not support, for anti-vaccination forces, Don Martin writes in an exclusive column for CTVNews.ca.

OPINION

OPINION | Tom Mulcair: Language back on frontburner

Language issues have always been a part of the Canadian political fabric. Mostly dormant in recent years, the issue of bilingualism, or lack of it, just came roaring back into the news as the president of Air Canada stumbled into a quagmire of his own making, writes former NDP Leader Tom Mulcair in an exclusive column for CTVNews.ca.

W5 HIGHLIGHTS

W5 INVESTIGATES

W5 INVESTIGATES | Is a drug overdose murder?

W5’s documentary ‘Death Penalty' compiles the first-ever research on a growing trend to treat overdose deaths as potential homicides.

Fentanyl pills are shown in an undated police handout photo. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO)

Counting murders by overdose deaths in Canada

Homicide charges following investigations into overdose deaths in Canada can be described as falling into two categories: pre- and post- fentanyl. W5 found that starting in 2016, there was a significant uptick: 135 manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death charges being laid by police and prosecutors across Canada.

W5 Investigates

W5 Investigates | British Columbia awaits results of comprehensive inquiry into money laundering

A W5 investigation helped convince B.C.'s government to launch a commission to investigate the scope of money laundering in the province's economy. Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West is among those eagerly waiting for its recommendations. Watch W5's 'The Laundromat: Inquiry' Saturday at 7 p.m. on CTV.

Since its inception in May of 2019, the Cullen Commission has attempted to understand how transnational criminal gangs created a way for that money to be washed through Lower Mainland casinos, real estate, and luxury cars.

CTV News | Canada News | Top Stories

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Top Videos

CTV National News for Nov. 30: Stricter travel measures

COVID-19: Breaking down Canada's new travel measures

Talks about third vaccine shot ramps up in wake of Omicron

Travellers on flight chaos after new COVID-19 travel bans

London police: Crash involved multiple vehicles, pedestrians

Video shows extent of flooding in Sumas Prairie on Nov. 29

Roughriders' player detained after incident at restaurant

Ont. doctor calls it quits over COVID-19 harassment online

At least three dead in Michigan high school shooting

EDITORS' PICKS

Don't Miss Videos

Kitchener museum unveils Rolling Stones exhibition

WATCH: Runaway horse seen galloping down Mass. highway

Proposal fail? Boyfriend drops ring as he pops the question

This dog travels 30km every day via subway, tram and ferry

WATCH: Lifeboat at sea in harsh weather conditions in U.K.

Watch: Unique cloud formation seen above Winnipeg

CTV Atlantic's Steve Murphy looks back on his storied career

Russia test-fires second missile amid tensions with the West

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Canada

World

CTV News on the Go

B.C. plant manager on being surrounded by floodwaters

Russia test-fires second missile amid tensions with the West

Fighting variants: Doctor calls for more vaccines for Africa

Do you need a COVID-19 booster? This expert says who does

W5: The risks of speaking out on money laundering

W5: Should drug dealers be charged with murder?

Ancient Roman mosaic discovered beneath U.K. farmer's field

Local Highlights

Politics

Health

Sci-Tech

Entertainment

Business

Lifestyle

Sports

Autos

Climate and Environment

Opinion

OPINION | Don Martin: New question period sounds like the old, so why did we have an election?

OPINION | Don Martin: With Trudeau's return as a target, worst might be over for O'Toole

OPINION | Tom Mulcair: Trudeau steps up on climate at COP26

OPINION | Don Martin: The friendly face of Erin O'Toole's worst nightmare

OPINION | Tom Mulcair: Language back on frontburner

W5 HIGHLIGHTS

W5 INVESTIGATES | Is a drug overdose murder?

W5 Investigates | British Columbia awaits results of comprehensive inquiry into money laundering