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First COVID-19 vaccine shipments arrive in Canada, more en route

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the first shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine have arrived in Canada.

EDITORS' PICKS

More evidence emerges that dogs are skilled at sniffing out COVID-19

Specially trained dogs are highly effective at sniffing out the presence of COVID-19 in human sweat, according to a new study, which bolsters existing evidence and suggests that dogs could play a key role in efforts to control the virus.

Health Canada warns people with allergies to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine ingredients to not get it

Health Canada is warning individuals with allergies to any of the ingredients in Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to not receive the shot.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination centre in Cardiff, Wales, Tuesday Dec. 8, 2020. (Ben Birchall/Pool via AP)

After 51 years, the Zodiac Killer's cipher has been solved by amateur codebreakers

More than 50 years after the so-called Zodiac Killer first began terrorizing the streets of Northern California, a code-breaking team is believed to have finally cracked one of the killer's mysterious coded messages sent to the San Francisco Chronicle in 1969.

A San Francisco Police Department wanted bulletin and copies of letters sent to the San Francisco Chronicle by a man who called himself Zodiac are displayed in San Francisco. One of those letters has now been deciphered, 51 years later. (Eric Risberg/AP)

UPS Canada releases 'first images' of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine being prepared for delivery

A first look of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine’s travels into Canada has been released days before the country is expected to receive its first shipment.

For the first time, researchers say they found microplastics in the placenta

Researchers have found microplastics in human placenta for the first time, according to a new paper, shedding light on just how pervasive these tiny particles can be, not just in our landscape, but within our bodies.

Alberta dad inked with tattoo in solidarity with 8-year-old son

For the second time in his life a Spruce Grove father has a new tattoo. This one is a little different from his first though. The new ink is actually a show of solidarity with his eight-year-old son.

First Nations communities hit hard by second wave, highest in the Prairies

COVID -19 infections in Manitoba’s Shamattawa First Nation continue to rise at a crisis level.

Which parts of Canada can expect a white Christmas?

With Christmas just 15 days away, one climate expert suggests some Canadians should be more optimistic than others when it comes to the possibility of having a white Christmas this year.

Don Martin: Like the lockdown? Sleep better on a ventilator? Then refuse the vaccine.

Widespread vaccination is the fastest and surest route to normal life returning for all of us. But there's another compelling reason why it's a no-brainer – the most likely unvaccinated victim is you, writes Don Martin.

Coronavirus Coverage

COVID-19 EXPLAINED

COVID-19 IN CANADA

AROUND THE WORLD

Shoppers walk wearing face masks and carrying shopping bags in Regent Street, after coronavirus restrictions were eased following the end of the second national lockdown in England, in London, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

HOW IT AFFECTS ME

Mother putting a face mask on her daughter. (August de Richelieu/ Pexels)

CTV News on the GO

UPS releases first photos of Pfizer’s vaccine shipment

Some 30,000 doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine have been carefully packaged in special boxes equipped with thermal and location sensors.

Rally for justice after a Black man shot by police in Ohio

Police say Casey Goodson Jr. was waving a gun when he died, but according to news reports, family say he was waving a sandwich.

World's largest iceberg may strike South Georgia

If it collides with the South Atlantic island, “A68a” could threaten the wildlife, including penguins and seals.

Time magazine names Biden, Harris 'Person of the Year'

For “showing that the forces of empathy are greater than the furies of division,” Biden and Harris are Time magazine’s 'People of the Year'.

Protests in Albania after man killed over curfew violation

Protesters clashed with authorities in Albania following the police killing of a man over a COVID-19 curfew violation.

Trees absorb less carbon than previously thought: Study

CTV science expert Dan Riskin says the new study looked at trees in both greenhouses and in the wild.

4-year-old boy rescued after six hours trapped in a dry well

SpaceX rocket explodes on landing after test flight

SpaceX Starship rocket exploded on landing during a test flight on Dec. 9. Elon Musk says the test was a success despite the incident.

Canada

Police seize 3.3 million contraband cigarettes from Winnipeg man

Authorities have seized 3.3 million contraband cigarettes from a Winnipeg man as part of a joint operation between Manitoba Finance’s Taxation Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and Ontario Provincial Police.
22 deaths reported, active COVID-19 cases on rise again in Alberta

After four days in a row of active COVID-19 cases falling in the province, Alberta broke the streak on Sunday, reporting 1,717 new cases of COVID-19.
273 new COVID-19 cases, 7 deaths announced in Manitoba Sunday

Manitoba health officials are reporting seven new COVID-19 deaths and 273 new cases of the disease.
UPDATED
UPDATED | Amber Alert lifted as two girls found safe in Terrebonne, Que.

An Amber Alert for two young girls allegedly kidnapped from Terrebonne was issued and quickly lifted on Sunday evening.
'Walk-of-shame' comment prompts call to change police sexual assault investigations

A woman's complaints about being asked about a 'walk of shame' by a Saanich police officer after reporting an alleged sexual assault has prompted British Columbia's police complaints commissioner to call for provincial standards for sex crimes investigations.
No winning ticket for Saturday night's $21 million Lotto 649 jackpot

No winning ticket was sold for the $21 million jackpot in Saturday night's Lotto 649 draw.

World

Electors meeting to formally choose Biden as next president

Presidential electors will meet across the United States on Monday to formally choose Joe Biden as the nation's next president.
Malaysia makes its largest-ever crystal meth seizure

Malaysian authorities have seized more than two tons of crystal methamphetamine worth more than US$26 million aboard a small boat off the country's western coast, the largest ever such haul in the country's history.
U.S. government agencies hacked; Russia a possible culprit

Hackers broke into the networks of the Treasury and Commerce departments as part of a global cyberespionage campaign revealed just days after a leading global cybersecurity firm announced that it had been breached in an attack that industry experts said bore the hallmarks of Russian tradecraft.
Hundreds of Nigerian students missing after attack on school

Hundreds of Nigerian students are missing after gunmen attacked a secondary school in the country's northwestern Katsina state, police said, while the president said the military was in gunfights with bandits in a forest as it tried to find the students.
'External source' causes oil tanker blast off Saudi Arabia

A shipping firm says an explosion on a tanker off Saudi Arabia's Jiddah port was caused by the ship being "hit from an external source."
Trump says he's nixing plan for early vaccine at White House

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that he was reversing an administration directive to vaccinate top government officials against COVID-19, while public distribution of the shot is limited to front-line health workers and people in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

Don't Miss Videos

Alberta premier approves visits from Santa this year

Alberta's premier is delivering news from the North Pole: Santa's elves and reindeer are immune to COVID-19.

Watch this old Holiday Inn hotel collapse like an accordion

Man arrested after climbing onto airplane wing in Las Vegas

Community shares people's pandemic experience through quilts

Man. residents finding free bags of chips on their doorsteps

A Manitoba food company is giving free chips to the residents of several Manitoba municipalities.

New book to raise funds for Canadian bartenders out of work

Ontario restaurants make urgent plea over COVID-19's impact

99-year-old Manitoba woman survives battle with COVID-19

A 99-year-old woman has beat COVID-19 and is looking forward to her 100th birthday.

Black country music trailblazer Charley Pride dies at 86

Country music icon Charley Pride, widely considered to be the first Black country superstar, has died of COVID-19 complications.

Local Highlights

'He was just truly special': Pillar of Winnipeg Ukrainian community, founding member of Folklorama dies at 101

Meros Leckow, a pillar of Winnipeg's Ukrainian community who was among the founders of Canada's largest multicultural festival, has died at the age of 101.

Meros Leckow, who was among the founders of Canada's largest multicultural festival, celebrated his 101st birthday with family in September. (Submitted: Carly Smith)

Meat scraps donated from high-end Calgary restaurant to Canada's only wolf-dog sanctuary

Some unique beasts are enjoying some delicious meals thanks to the generosity of a high-end Calgary restaurateur.

'What’s up doc': Voice actor from Scarborough, Ont. to be new Bugs Bunny

A voice actor from Toronto is taking on the role of Bugs Bunny in a sequel to the iconic 1996 'Space Jam.'

Sask. First Nation votes to accept $150M settlement from the Government of Canada

A Saskatchewan First Nation has voted in favour of ratifying a $150 million settlement with the Government of Canada, for a land claim that has been in the works for more than 35 years.

Alberta dad inked with tattoo in solidarity with 8-year-old son

For the second time in his life a Spruce Grove father has a new tattoo. This one is a little different from his first though. The new ink is actually a show of solidarity with his eight-year-old son.

'I'm lucky I'm still here': 99-year-old Winnipegger survives COVID-19

A 99-year-old Winnipegger has beat COVID-19 and is already planning her 100th birthday.

Seven-year-old N.S. girl sells dog treats to buy defibrillator for school, gets a puppy from Santa

Seven-year-old Sadie Meneer noticed her school didn’t have a defibrillator, so she took it upon herself to fix the problem.

Concerns for wildlife as Manitobans spread cheer on provincial trails

Some Manitoba hikers are concerned that the good intentions of people on the trails could have a negative impact on wildlife.

'10,000 times sorry:' Bradford, Ont., girl apologizes for calling 911 during argument with mom

South Simcoe Police received an "adorable apology card" from a Bradford girl who called 911 during an argument with her mom.

Politics

Former PM Brian Mulroney recovering after emergency surgery

Former prime minister Brian Mulroney is recovering after undergoing an emergency surgery on Friday.
O'Toole eyes post-pandemic election, vows to keep pushing feds on COVID-19 in meantime

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole says that while he sees many problems with the Liberal government's handling of pandemic, he won't be pushing for an election until the COVID-19 health and economic crisis is under control.
OBITUARY
OBITUARY | Former Liberal cabinet minister Alfonso Gagliano dies

Alfonso Gagliano, a former Liberal cabinet minister who played a key role in the sponsorship scandal of the early 2000s, has died. He was 78.

Health

Despite promises of COVID-19 solidarity, wealthy countries are snapping up vaccine supply

The rollout of the first COVID-19 vaccines is a turning point for wealthy countries that can afford vaccines. But for public health officials in the developing world, it is a harsh reminder that the race to end this deadly pandemic will separate the world's haves and the have-nots.
'We need trust': How a COVID-19 vaccine came so quickly

While some have expressed concern that COVID-19 vaccines have reached approval stage in record time, experts insist that the speed is a product of multitasking and co-ordinated effort, not shortcuts.
Health Canada adds to growing hand sanitizer recall list, warns of possible health risks

Health Canada continues to expand its growing recall of hand sanitizers sold in Canadian stores that the agency says may pose certain health risks.

Sci-Tech

Endangered-species decision expected on monarch butterfly

Trump administration officials are expected to say this week whether the monarch butterfly, a colorful and familiar backyard visitor now caught in a global extinction crisis, should receive federal designation as a threatened species.
The annual Geminid meteor shower peaks Sunday and Monday

This year, the Geminid meteor shower will peak on the evening of December 13 and 14.
After 51 years, the Zodiac Killer's cipher has been solved by amateur codebreakers

More than 50 years after the so-called Zodiac Killer first began terrorizing the streets of Northern California, a code-breaking team is believed to have finally cracked one of the killer's mysterious coded messages sent to the San Francisco Chronicle in 1969.

Entertainment

Agent: Master spy writer John le Carre dies at 89

John le Carre, the spy-turned-novelist whose elegant and intricate narratives defined the Cold War espionage thriller and brought acclaim to a genre critics had once ignored, has died. He was 89,
'SNL' brings out its own Dr. Fauci to talk about the coronavirus vaccine rollout

'Saturday Night Live' kicked off its latest episode with its own Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, who were trying to talk about the coronavirus vaccine while Fauci got hit in the face with women's bras.
'What’s up doc': Voice actor from Scarborough, Ont. to be new Bugs Bunny

A voice actor from Toronto is taking on the role of Bugs Bunny in a sequel to the iconic 1996 'Space Jam.'

Business

Asia shares up as strong Japan data offsets Wall St losses

Shares rose in Asia on Monday, shrugging off a weak close last week on Wall Street after Japan's central bank reported a strong improvement in business sentiment.
Most Canadians who started working from home because of COVID-19 want to keep doing so after the pandemic

A new Research Co. poll has found 80 per cent of Canadians currently working from home want to continue to do so after the pandemic ends. This is a significant jump from an April poll that found 65 per cent wanted the option after the pandemic.
Going 'the extra mile': U.K., EU keep up Brexit trade talks

Teetering on the brink of a no-deal Brexit departure, Britain and the European Union stepped back from the void Sunday and agreed to continue trade talks, although both downplayed the chances of success.

Lifestyle

NEW
NEW | Resilience of Canada's refugees celebrated in UN agency anniversary cookbook

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is marking the 70th anniversary of its operation in Canada with a free digital cookbook featuring recipes from former refugees, including a grilled swordfish from Families Minister Ahmed Hussen, and a poached Chinese chicken dish from former Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson.
'So much loss:' Blue Christmas services go virtual during COVID-19 pandemic

Soul Sanctuary in Winnipeg is one of many churches across Canada to hold annual Blue Christmas services, sombre and subdued evenings for anyone experiencing grief or sadness around the holidays.
Community art project helps people share pandemic experiences with quilting

A community art project is helping people across Waterloo Region share their COVID-19 pandemic experiences in a safe and creative way.

Autos

Canadian billionaire's son Lance Stroll 'very satisfied' with strides made in F1 season

Canada's Lance Stroll started the Formula One season hoping to end a run of three largely frustrating seasons on the circuit.
Ferrari CEO resigns 2 years after replacing Marchionne

Luxury sports car maker Ferrari says its chief executive, Louis Camilleri, has resigned for personal reasons.
B.C. driver pulled over in bus lane had just failed a driving test – for driving in a bus lane

A driver pulled over in Vancouver on Wednesday told police she'd just failed a driving test for a similar violation.

Sports

Canadian running back Chuba Hubbard declares he's preparing for NFL draft

Canadian running back Chuba Hubbard says he's begun preparing for the 2021 NFL draft.
Report: Cleveland Indians changing name after 105 years

The Cleveland Indians are changing their name after 105 years.
OBITUARY
OBITUARY | Former Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche general manager Pierre Lacroix has died at the age of 72

Former Avalanche general manager Pierre Lacroix has died at the age of 72, the Colorado organization confirmed in a news release Sunday afternoon.

Climate and Environment

As leaders set fresh climate goals, Biden pledges U.S. support

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden pledged Saturday to rejoin the Paris climate accord on the first day of his presidency, as world leaders staged a virtual gathering to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the international pact aimed at curbing global warming.

Activists light candles showing the slogan ' Fight For 1 Point 5' in front of the Brandenburg Gate during a protest of the Fridays For Future movement on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement, in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. (Britta Pedersen/dpa via AP)

For the first time, researchers say they found microplastics in the placenta

EU leaders agree to reduce emissions after all-night talks

European Union leaders reached a hard-fought deal Friday to cut the bloc's net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 per cent by the end of the decade compared with 1990 levels, avoiding a hugely embarrassing deadlock ahead of a UN climate meeting this weekend.

'It can no longer be free to pollute:' Updated climate plan includes carbon tax hikes

The federal government has released a $15-billion plan to meet its climate change commitments that includes steady increases to its carbon tax in each of the next 10 years. "It can no longer be free to pollute anywhere in the country," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday.

Tipping point? Experts say the Paris agreement changed the climate on climate

Five years after it was passed, the Paris agreement may finally be changing the climate on climate change, with some activists saying it contributed to a stronger climate movement.

The Bottom Line

Don Martin: Like the lockdown? Sleep better on a ventilator? Then refuse the vaccine.

A nurse pulls a ventilator into an exam room where a patient with COVID-19 went into cardiac arrest Monday, April 20, 2020, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Yonkers, N.Y. The emergency room team successfully revived the patient. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Don Martin: Fiscal update shows a revamp, like spring and an election, is coming

Amid the dizzying lineup of 12-digit figures financing the government’s pandemic response were the monetary makings for whatever the prime minister has in mind to revamp Canadian society once the pandemic passes, Don Martin writes in his latest column for CTVNews.ca.

Don Martin: It's Ford versus Kenney in a race for the best pandemic playbook

Criticism towards Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and praise for Ontario Premier Doug Ford on their handling of the pandemic all comes down to optics, Don Martin writes in his latest column for CTVNews.ca.

Don Martin: The second lockdown cometh, but Canadians may resist house arrest

Government responses to COVID-19 have become a disjointed game of catch-up and confusion, Don Martin writes in his latest column for CTVNews.ca.

Don Martin: For the Canadian mouse, relief in having a next-door American elephant who won't rampage without a reason

P.R.E.S.I.D.E.N.T. B.I.D.E.N: That’s how you spell relief to most Canadians as adult supervision seems set to return to the White House, Don Martin writes.

CTV News | Canada News | Top Stories

MORE TOP STORIES

NEW | Resilience of Canada's refugees celebrated in UN agency anniversary cookbook

NEW | 'Tuesday is V-Day': COVID-19 vaccine task force leader says Ont. is ready to start inoculations

Top Videos

CTV National News for Dec. 13: Vaccine arrives in Canada

Canada welcomes its first doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine

Businesses in two Ontario regions prepare for lockdown

Study shows dogs are able to detect COVID-19 in human sweat

B.C. churches hold Sunday services despite health orders

Toronto business owners charged with breaking lockdown rules