5 things to know for Friday, November 12, 2021

TORONTO -

Police investigate an anti-vaccination demonstration, thousands of interpreters are still stuck in Afghanistan, and Britney Spears' conservatorship is again in front of a judge. Here's what you need to know to start your day.

1. 'Just so perverse': Kelowna RCMP confirm they are investigating "a disruption" in a city park involving as many as 100 anti-vaccination demonstrators as veterans and members of the public gathered to pay their respects for Remembrance Day.

2. Canadian repatriated: A Canadian woman stranded in Iraq for four months will be issued an emergency passport, allowing her to fly home to reunite with her five-year-old daughter, CTV News has confirmed.

3. Afghan interpreters: A retired general says "literally thousands" of interpreters who helped Canadian troops and their families remain stuck in Afghanistan.

4. Rittenhouse trial: Prosecutors and defence attorneys for Kyle Rittenhouse will return to the courthouse without the jury present on Friday, to finalize how jurors will be instructed when they get the case next week.

5. Generation gap: A new poll shows the sharp differences in beliefs between generations in Canada, with more than half of Canadians under 40 surveyed perceiving the baby boomer legacy as negative.

One more thing…

Free Britney: A judge in L.A. is set to decide today, whether to terminate the conservatorship that has exercised vast control over Britney Spears' life and money for nearly 14 years.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

'Some structural damage' from wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., mayor confirms

More than one home has been damaged or lost due to a massive wildfire outside of the B.C. community of Fort Nelson, the mayor confirmed Wednesday.

'Very expensive lunch': Sask. driver says he got a cellphone ticket for using his points app in the drive-thru

A warning from a Saskatoon driver about using your fast-food app while in the drive-thru line — a trip to get some free lunch cost him a lot more than he bargained for.

B.C. YouTuber ordered to pay $350K for 'relentless' online defamation campaign

An 'unrepentant' YouTuber has been ordered to pay $350,000 in damages as compensation for a 'relentless' campaign of defamation waged online against a business owner and his company, the B.C. Supreme Court has ruled.

Chief says grave search at B.C. residential school brings things 'full circle'

Chief Robert Michell says relief isn't the right word to describe his reaction as the search begins for unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school he attended in northern British Columbia.

'Endless Shrimp' just one misstep for Red Lobster as it eyes bankruptcy protection

While it's unclear what these closures might mean for the 27 restaurants in Canada, Red Lobster is expected to file for bankruptcy protection in the U.S. this month.

B.C. man shot sex worker in the back during drug-fuelled birthday, court hears

A man from B.C.'s Lower Mainland has been sentenced to four years behind bars after shooting a sex worker in the back during a drug-fuelled 43rd birthday.

Ontario's 'Crypto King' Aiden Pleterski arrested

Of the $40-million Aiden Pleterski was handed over two years, documents show he invested just over one per cent and instead spent $15.9 million on "his personal lifestyle." The 25-year-old Oshawa, Ont. man was arrested and charged with fraud and money laundering on Tuesday.

'Inhumane conditions': 68 dogs pulled from Winnipeg home

Nearly six dozen dogs were seized from a home Wednesday morning by the Winnipeg Humane Society. It is the largest known seizure of animals in the city’s history.

New study shows financial impact of homelessness on our health-care system

A new study out of London, Ont. lays out the cost of the homelessness crisis on our health-care system.

Canada

4th Indian national charged in murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar makes first court appearance

The fourth suspect in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 22-year old Amandeep Singh, appeared via telephone due to technical difficulties for his first court appearance at Surrey Provincial Court Tuesday.
'The whole country is not on fire': Canadian tourism industry struggles as fires rage

Canada's tourism industry is trying to put on its Sunday best this week, showcasing itself to more than 500 international travel agents and tour operators at the largest annual tourism convention in Canada.
Quebec court rejects McGill injunction request to remove encampment

A Quebec judge has rejected McGill University's request for an injunction to remove the pro-Palestinian encampment on the university's campus in downtown Montreal.
Person responsible for 1996 drugging of 'Titanic' crew likely not a local: Halifax police

Halifax Regional Police believe a non-resident could be responsible for the infamous drugging of numerous crew members of the 'Titanic' movie with a hallucinogenic in 1996.
B.C. man shot sex worker in the back during drug-fuelled birthday, court hears

A man from B.C.'s Lower Mainland has been sentenced to four years behind bars after shooting a sex worker in the back during a drug-fuelled 43rd birthday.
'Inhumane conditions': 68 dogs pulled from Winnipeg home

Nearly six dozen dogs were seized from a home Wednesday morning by the Winnipeg Humane Society. It is the largest known seizure of animals in the city’s history.

World

DeSantis, amid criticism, signs Florida bill making climate change a lesser state priority

Climate change will be a lesser priority in Florida and largely disappear from state statutes under legislation signed Wednesday by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that also bans power-generating wind turbines offshore or near the state's lengthy coastline.
Lawyer opens defence of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez in his corruption trial by blaming his wife

A lawyer for U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez blamed the politician's wife Wednesday for his legal problems, telling a jury at the start of a corruption trial that the Democrat wasn't aware his spouse had taken gifts from a trio of businessmen and didn't know about cash and gold bars hidden in a closet at their New Jersey home.
Colorado teen pleads guilty in death of driver who was hit in the head by a rock

A second teen pleaded guilty on Wednesday in the death of a 20-year-old driver who was hit in the head by a rock that crashed through her windshield in suburban Denver last year.
Stormy Daniels' husband says they'll likely leave country if Trump is acquitted

The husband of adult film actress Stormy Daniels said on Tuesday that there’s a 'good chance' the couple will leave the country if former U.S. president Donald Trump is acquitted in his Manhattan criminal trial.
Driver said he smoked pot oil, took medication before Florida crash that killed 8 Mexican workers

A man with a long record of dangerous driving told investigators he smoked marijuana oil and took prescription drugs hours before he sideswiped a bus, killing eight Mexican farmworkers and injuring dozens more, according to an arrest report unsealed Wednesday.
Why the speech by Kansas City Chiefs kicker was embraced at Benedictine College's commencement

Kansas City Chiefs' Harrison Butker may have stirred controversy in some quarters for his proclamations of conservative politics on Saturday, but he received a standing ovation from graduates at the Benedictine College commencement ceremony.

Politics

Ottawa to acquire Quebec Bridge from CN, will spend $1 billion on span over 25 years

The federal government says it has reached a deal with Canadian National Railway Company to acquire the historic Quebec Bridge.
Pierre Poilievre says he'll try to forbid illicit drug use in Canada's hospitals

Federal Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre says the Conservatives will put forward legislation that would forbid Ottawa from "ever" granting provinces exemptions to allow illicit drug use in hospitals.
Spy agency CSIS reveals 24 harassment investigations in annual report

Canada's spy agency says in its annual public report that it dealt with 24 harassment investigations last year involving complaints by its staff.

Health

New study shows financial impact of homelessness on our health-care system

A new study out of London, Ont. lays out the cost of the homelessness crisis on our health-care system.
P.E.I. proposes banning Islanders of a certain age from purchasing tobacco products in new health plan

A new proposal to ban Islanders of a certain age from ever buying tobacco products could put Prince Edward Island at the forefront of the battle against smoking.
'It could mean a cure': Cautious optimism for groundbreaking ALS research at Western

ALS patient Mathew Brown said he’s hopeful for future ALS patients after news this week of research at Western University of a potential cure for ALS.

Sci-Tech

In first AI dialogue, U.S. cites 'misuse' of AI by China, Beijing protests Washington's restrictions

U.S. officials raised concerns about China's 'misuse of AI' while Beijing's representatives rebuked Washington over 'restrictions and pressure' on artificial intelligence, the governments said separately Wednesday, a day after a meeting in Geneva on the technology.
B.C. government and social media giants make deal on non-consensual intimate images

The British Columbia government and social media giants have made what they call a "historic collaboration" for youth safety online.
U.S. intelligence officials wanted to meet with Transport Canada's UFO 'lead'

Canada's transportation department had a UFO 'lead' who tried to 'quell' media interest and planned to meet with U.S. intelligence officials.

Entertainment

Sophie Turner says split from Joe Jonas 'were the worst few days of my life'

Sophie Turner is now the happiest she’s been in “a really long time,” but she went through struggle to get there.
Person responsible for 1996 drugging of 'Titanic' crew likely not a local: Halifax police

Halifax Regional Police believe a non-resident could be responsible for the infamous drugging of numerous crew members of the 'Titanic' movie with a hallucinogenic in 1996.
Man pleads guilty in theft of Arnold Palmer green jacket, other Masters memorabilia from Augusta

A former warehouse assistant for the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia pleaded guilty on Wednesday to transporting millions of dollars worth of stolen Masters tournament memorabilia and historic items, including one of Arnold Palmer's iconic green jackets.

Business

'Endless Shrimp' just one misstep for Red Lobster as it eyes bankruptcy protection

While it's unclear what these closures might mean for the 27 restaurants in Canada, Red Lobster is expected to file for bankruptcy protection in the U.S. this month.
Ontario to change how it compensates injured migrant workers

Ontario will revamp how it compensates injured migrant workers.
Boeing breached 2021 737 MAX criminal prosecution deal, says U.S. DOJ

The U.S. Justice Department said late on Tuesday that Boeing Co had breached its obligations in a 2021 agreement that shielded the planemaker from criminal prosecution over fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people.

Lifestyle

An airplane passenger was spotted in an overhead bin. Here’s why that’s a terrible idea

Airplane overhead compartments. Home to luggage of all shapes and sizes, the odd coat or two, several duty-free bags, a fair bit of dust and… passengers?
Certain vegetarian diets significantly reduce risk of cancer, heart disease and death, study says

Eating a vegan, vegetarian or lacto-ovo vegetarian diet reduces risks of developing cancer, heart disease and dying early from cardiovascular disease, according to new analysis.
OPINION
OPINION If you think you can’t focus for long, you’re right: Sandee LaMotte

Regaining your focus requires you to be mindful of how you are using technology -- a daunting task if you consider the average American spends at least 10 hours a day on screens.

Sports

Indigenous consultant accuses NHL's Blackhawks of fraud, sexual harassment

A consultant the Chicago Blackhawks hired to improve relationships with American Indian tribes has filed a lawsuit accusing the team, its charity foundation and its CEO of fraud, breach of contract and sexual harassment.
Canadiens goaltender Carey Price to receive honorary doctorate from UNBC

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Northern British Columbia on May 31 at the school's convocation ceremony.
Man pleads guilty in theft of Arnold Palmer green jacket, other Masters memorabilia from Augusta

A former warehouse assistant for the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia pleaded guilty on Wednesday to transporting millions of dollars worth of stolen Masters tournament memorabilia and historic items, including one of Arnold Palmer's iconic green jackets.

Autos

Impaired drivers in Ontario could soon face stiffer penalties

The Ontario government is expected to introduce legislation on Wednesday that, if passed, will see impaired drivers face stiffer penalties.
'Very expensive lunch': Sask. driver says he got a cellphone ticket for using his points app in the drive-thru

A warning from a Saskatoon driver about using your fast-food app while in the drive-thru line — a trip to get some free lunch cost him a lot more than he bargained for.
$1.6B parts plant for Honda electric vehicle batteries coming to Niagara Region

A Japanese company has announced it will build an approximately $1.6-billion plant in Ontario's Niagara Region that will make a key electric vehicle battery component as part of Honda's supply chain in the province.

'Some structural damage' from wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., mayor confirms

More than one home has been damaged or lost due to a massive wildfire outside of the B.C. community of Fort Nelson, the mayor confirmed Wednesday.
B.C. man shot sex worker in the back during drug-fuelled birthday, court hears

A man from B.C.'s Lower Mainland has been sentenced to four years behind bars after shooting a sex worker in the back during a drug-fuelled 43rd birthday.
Former MLB star Justin Morneau headlines B.C. Sports Hall of Fame class of 2024

New Westminister's Justin Morneau headlined the group of athletes, builders, and media members inducted into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame Wednesday.

Toronto

GARDINER GRIDLOCK
GARDINER GRIDLOCK 'Needs to be done faster': Calls grow for construction to pick up the pace

In the final report of a three-part series on Gardiner Gridlock, CTV Toronto asks what more can be done to alleviate the impact of the construction that has been a tipping point for Toronto traffic.
Ontario's 'Crypto King' Aiden Pleterski arrested

Of the $40-million Aiden Pleterski was handed over two years, documents show he invested just over one per cent and instead spent $15.9 million on "his personal lifestyle." The 25-year-old Oshawa, Ont. man was arrested and charged with fraud and money laundering on Tuesday.
The list of attractions offering free admission to Toronto library card holders just got longer. What to know

The list of attractions and venues in Toronto that offer free admission to millions of eligible participants has expanded as part of a new collaboration between two of the city's iconic institutions.

Calgary

Danielle Smith reacts to Calgary council’s vote to pass blanket rezoning

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she remains "concerned" after Calgary councillors passed blanket rezoning on Tuesday.
'The bar is way too low': Dozens of violations found at Calgary daycare following parent complaints

Around two months after being closed for health violations, an inner city daycare in Calgary has now had its licence capacity reduced after several recent inspections revealed two dozen non-compliance concerns.
Calgary monitoring northern Alberta wildfires, preparing for evacuees

The City of Calgary says it’s monitoring the wildfire situation and resulting smoke, as evacuees flee from wildfire zones in northern Alberta.

Ottawa

Ottawa-Carleton District School Board looks to integrate more special needs kids into general classroom

It could mark the biggest change in 25 years, as the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board looks to overhaul its elementary programs, a decision that could integrate more special needs students into the general classroom.
Ottawa community leader and businessman Larry Bradley passes away

Larry Bradley, a well-known community leader and Ottawa businessman, has died at the age of 74.
Tougher impaired driving consequences on the way in Ontario

The Ontario government is bringing in tougher penalties as it looks to stem the alarming rise in the number of drivers getting behind the wheel drunk or high, sometimes with deadly consequences.

Montreal

Quebec court rejects McGill injunction request to remove encampment

A Quebec judge has rejected McGill University's request for an injunction to remove the pro-Palestinian encampment on the university's campus in downtown Montreal.
Woman, 34, found dead in Ormstown with stab wounds; man arrested

A 60-year-old man has been arrested after a woman's body was found with stab wounds in a home southwest of Montreal, Quebec provincial police say.
Man arrested 10 years after Longueuil bike path murder

A 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a decade-old murder case.

Edmonton

Edmonton family 'heartbroken' police officer evades charges in 2021 killing of unarmed man

An Edmonton police officer won't face charges for killing an unarmed man in 2021, despite Alberta's police watchdog finding evidence that an offence was committed.
Winds expected to move fire away from Fort McMurray on Wednesday: province

A wildfire burning near Fort McMurray is expected to move away from the community on Wednesday.
Current Fort McMurray fire situation triggering memories of 2016

Tuesday's drive out of Fort McMurray under orange, smoke-filled skies was a harrowing reminder for evacuees who also fled the threat of wildfire in 2016.

Atlantic

Two Catholic churches in Halifax are permanently closing their doors

Two prominent Catholic churches in Halifax are permanently closing their doors.
2 N.B. schools locked down after 'emergency operation'

Two New Brunswick schools locked down due to an “emergency operation” Wednesday afternoon.
P.E.I. proposes banning Islanders of a certain age from purchasing tobacco products in new health plan

A new proposal to ban Islanders of a certain age from ever buying tobacco products could put Prince Edward Island at the forefront of the battle against smoking.

Winnipeg

'Inhumane conditions': 68 dogs pulled from Winnipeg home

Nearly six dozen dogs were seized from a home Wednesday morning by the Winnipeg Humane Society. It is the largest known seizure of animals in the city’s history.
Admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki was at Winnipeg homeless shelter to ‘stalk his victims,’ witness testifies

A worker at a homeless shelter in Winnipeg says he met admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki who told him he was at the shelter to stalk his victims.
Arrest made after Winnipeg grocery store employees assaulted with brass knuckles: WPS

Police say a teenager is facing charges after three employees at a Winnipeg grocery store were assaulted with brass knuckles.

Regina

Regina Sexual Assault Centre opens new 'trauma informed' location

The Regina and Sexual Assault Centre (RSAC) has recently moved locations and its new space was designed with its purpose in mind.
As Sask. teachers vote on new sanctions mandate, education minister, STF say bargaining is restarting

Negotiations between the provincial government and Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) will be restarting on Wednesday, according to the province’s education minister.
Over 40 projects across Sask. recognized for sustainable development achievements

On Wednesday, over 40 projects across Saskatchewan were recognized for their efforts of Achievement in Education for Sustainable Development.

Kitchener

New study shows financial impact of homelessness on our health-care system

A new study out of London, Ont. lays out the cost of the homelessness crisis on our health-care system.
Former teacher, trustees voice opposition to revised WRDSB bylaws

Carolyn Burjoski was a delegate at the Waterloo Region District School board meeting on Monday night – the former teacher’s first time addressing trustees since her controversial 2022 appearance.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller weighs in on local international student enrollment

Marc Miller dropped by the CTV Kitchener studio to comment on international student enrollment in post secondary schools.

Saskatoon

Sask. singer Rebecca Strong wins $1M, Canada's Got Talent

Rebecca Strong is Saskatchewan's newest millionaire after winning the grand prize on Canada's Got Talent.
Saskatoon nurses call code blue over emergency room crowding

Nurses at Saskatoon's Royal University Hospital are once again warning the public of dangerous overcrowding inside one of Saskatchewan's busiest hospitals.
Two Sask. golfers hit a hole-in-one on the same day, at the same course

Some golfers go a lifetime without making a coveted hole-in-one, but one 16-year-old has already done it twice.

Northern Ontario

'Very expensive lunch': Sask. driver says he got a cellphone ticket for using his points app in the drive-thru

A warning from a Saskatoon driver about using your fast-food app while in the drive-thru line — a trip to get some free lunch cost him a lot more than he bargained for.
Tazed and bitten in the face: Sudbury police dealt with some wild cases last month

The monthly police services board in Greater Sudbury gives the public insight into the day-to-day operations of police, including some of the cases they deal with far from the spotlight.
Victim loses $2M in online romance scam

A Malahide Township resident is out more than $2 million following a romance scam.

London

'There is somebody in there!': Man pulled from burning Old East London apartment

Life-saving efforts were performed on a man taken from a burning loft apartment in London, Ont. Wednesday evening.
Dog dies in central London, Ont. fire

London fire crews dealt with an intense afternoon fire, but say all occupants made it out safe.
Elgin County OPP confirm death of Tanya Wiebe 'a homicide'

More than three months after her death, OPP in Elgin County are confirming the death of Tanya Wiebe was the result of a murder-suicide.

Barrie

Construction on Barrie road extension in south end ahead of schedule

Work to extend Bryne Drive in Barrie's south end is ahead of schedule.
Loved ones seek justice for inmate's death in Penetanguishene jail

Loved ones of Tyler McCue, who died just before Christmas in 2022 while in custody at the Central North Correctional Centre, are speaking out, alleging he didn't receive the medical attention he needed.
Barrie city council expected to vote on proposed waterfront field development

For the second week in a row, Barrie council chambers could be standing room only as the City officially decides whether to proceed with plans for a new multi-purpose field along the waterfront.

Windsor

Sinkhole causes detours in Sandwich

Transit Windsor says a sinkhole is causing detours in Sandwich Town.
Windsor police pilot local tech on bicycle fleet

The Windsor Police Service (WPS) is deploying police on bicycles decked out with technology supplied by a local company.
Owner of missing dog 'can’t sleep' 8 months after warrant was issued for woman who took Lemmy

It's been nearly eight months since a bench warrant was issued for the woman who Greg Marentette believes has possession of his Newfoundland dog — but no arrest has been made and Lemmy still has not been found.

Vancouver Island

'Some structural damage' from wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., mayor confirms

More than one home has been damaged or lost due to a massive wildfire outside of the B.C. community of Fort Nelson, the mayor confirmed Wednesday.
B.C. tribunal rules city not liable for vehicle damaged by pothole

A Victoria driver has learned the meaning of the old adage 'you can't fight city hall' – especially when It comes to potholes.
Pickleballers eye noise-reduction measures after North Saanich expulsion

A battle is brewing on the Saanich Peninsula after North Saanich council closed the only dedicated pickleball court in the area.

Kelowna

'Altercation' in Penticton leaves 1 dead: RCMP

One person is dead after a fight in Penticton early Sunday morning, according to authorities.
Suspect fled in 2-door Fiat after convenience store robbery, Merritt RCMP say

A suspect is at large after robbing a convenience store at gunpoint in Merritt, B.C., Friday, according to local police.
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.

Lethbridge

City of Lethbridge working to keep post-secondary graduates local

Each year, 15,000 students study at either the University of Lethbridge or Lethbridge College. Now, the City of Lethbridge is working to figure out how it can get more of those students to stay after graduation.
Visitor information providers gain local tourism knowledge through interactive bus tour

Frontline workers in the hospitality and tourism industry took a tour around main attractions in Lethbridge to get a better understanding of local offerings.
Lethbridge calls first year of encampment strategy a success

While they may not be noticeable to residents, the City of Lethbridge is making a few changes to its encampment strategy to help connect the city’s vulnerable population with services and support.

Sault Ste. Marie

Sault council calls on province to recognize doctor shortage

Sault Ste. Marie city council is calling on the provincial government to recognize Ontario’s physician shortage.
Report about an ‘armed’ suspect on Manitoulin uncovers pellet, air gun

A major police operation in Wiikwemkoong on Tuesday was sparked by a report of an armed person in the community.
Sault woman charged with assault for throwing hypodermic needles

A 24-year-old woman has been charged with assault with a weapon following a confrontation between two strangers Tuesday in Sault Ste. Marie.

N.L.

Study says aquaculture likely driving wild salmon extinction in Newfoundland

A new study shows an Atlantic salmon population in southern Newfoundland is disappearing, and it says nearby aquaculture operations are a likely contributor to the decline.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say

Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland

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

5 things to know for Friday, November 12, 2021

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

OPINION | If you think you can’t focus for long, you’re right: Sandee LaMotte

GARDINER GRIDLOCK | 'Needs to be done faster': Calls grow for construction to pick up the pace

OPINION If you think you can’t focus for long, you’re right: Sandee LaMotte

GARDINER GRIDLOCK 'Needs to be done faster': Calls grow for construction to pick up the pace