5 things to know for Monday, November 29, 2021

TORONTO -

The federal government plans to table a conversion therapy ban bill, Portugal reports 13 Omicron cases, and actor Jussie Smollett's trial begins. Here’s what you need to know to start your day.

1. Conversion therapy: The federal government is preparing to table a new, tougher bill today in its latest effort to ban conversion therapy in Canada.

2. B.C. floods: Abbotsford braces for yet another atmospheric river on Tuesday, as B.C. continues to deal with flooding.

3. Omicron variant: Portuguese health authorities said Monday they have identified 13 cases of the new Omicron coronavirus variant among team members of a professional soccer club.

4. Barbados independence: As Barbados prepares to form a republic and remove the Queen as its sovereign, some residents in the capital Bridgetown on Sunday acknowledged they remained confused about what the change means and how it will affect them.

5. Smollett trial: After nearly three years of delays, actor Jussie Smollett’s criminal trial is set to begin Monday. Smollett was charged with felony disorderly conduct after he allegedly staged a hate crime against himself.

One more thing…

Word of the Year: With an expanded definition to reflect the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, Merriam-Webster has revealed its 2021 word of the year.

Merriam-Webster has added 455 new words to the dictionary this month. (tofino/Alamy/CNN)

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.

'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date

A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.

New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive

New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic

A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.

All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province

There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.

Suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery caught on video

Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.

Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers

A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.

Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines

The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.

Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case

The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.

Canada

All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province

There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
Speed limits to increase on some sections of Ontario highways, province says

The Ontario government says it will be raising the speed limit along certain stretches of provincial highways soon, including Highway 401 and Highway 403.
Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines

The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
WATCH
WATCH Jewelry store robbery in Toronto caught on video

Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
LGBTQ2S+ rallies to be held across Canada, billed as largest since marriage equality

Organizations across the country are gearing up for what they describe as the largest LGBTQ2S+ mobilization since the push for marriage equality.
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.

World

Hamas releases video of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin in proof he survived Oct. 7 injuries

Hamas released a video of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin on Wednesday, the first proof that he survived being badly wounded during his capture on Oct. 7.
Military horses run loose in central London, injuring 4 people and causing havoc

Several military horses bolted during routine exercises near King Charles III's main residence in London on Wednesday and ran loose through the centre of the city, injuring at least four people and colliding with vehicles during the morning rush hour.
Australian police arrest 7 alleged teen extremists linked to stabbing of a bishop in a Sydney church

Australian police arrested seven teenagers accused of following a violent extremist ideology in raids across Sydney on Wednesday, as a judge extended a ban on social media platform X sharing video of a knife attack on a bishop that started the criminal investigation.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it's too late

Christine Roess is a retired consultant. Ezra Bozeman has spent the last 49 years in prison, serving a life sentence for a murder he says he didn’t commit. Against the odds, the two fell in love.
Biden signs a US$95-billion war aid measure with assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

U.S. President Joe Biden signed into law on Wednesday a US$95-billion war aid measure that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan and that also has a provision that would force social media site TikTok to be sold or be banned.
U.S. Supreme Court will consider when doctors can provide emergency abortions in states with bans

The U.S. Supreme Court will consider Wednesday when doctors can provide abortions during medical emergencies in states with bans enacted after the high court's sweeping decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

Politics

Trudeau won't comment on future of TikTok in U.S., says Canadian safety a priority

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he's not going to comment on the future of TikTok in the United States, but his own government will continue to look out for Canadians' security.
'Good luck with that': PM says Saskatchewan premier shouldn't pick fight with CRA

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the Canada Revenue Agency is 'very, very good' at getting the money it's owed, and Saskatchewan's premier should take note of that.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget

A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.

Health

U.S. FDA says commercial milk safe despite bird flu virus presence

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday that it had found bird flu virus particles in some samples of pasteurized milk, but said commercial milk supply remains safe.
Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines

The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations

B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.

Sci-Tech

U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature

The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
The first glow-in-the-dark animals may have been ancient corals deep in the ocean

Many animals can glow in the dark. Fireflies famously blink on summer evenings. But most animals that light up are found in the depths of the ocean.
Unprecedented images reveal jaw-dropping features of Jupiter's 'tortured moon'

Close flybys of Io, one of Jupiter’s moons and the most volcanically active world in our solar system, have revealed a lava lake and a towering feature called 'Steeple Mountain' on the moon's alien surface.

Entertainment

Channing Tatum is a creepy tech billionaire in new trailer for Zoe Kravitz's 'Blink Twice'

Blink and you'll miss the new trailer for director Zoe Kravitz's upcoming thriller starring Channing Tatum. Kravitz unveiled the first trailer for 'Blink Twice,' her directorial debut, on Tuesday and it’s every bit as creepy as the title sounds.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired

A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Spice Girls' Melanie C among performers at Stampede's Big Four Roadhouse

The Calgary Stampede has announced the lineup for the 2024 Big Four Roadhouse.

Business

Competition bureau finds 'substantial' anti-competitive effects with proposed Bunge-Viterra merger

The proposed merger of agricultural giants Viterra and Bunge is raising competition concerns from the federal government.
Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case

The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.
Liquor sales are a possibility in Alberta grocery stores, but expect pushback

Alberta's alcohol industry is pushing back against a provincial government consideration to allow liquor sales in grocery and convenience stores.

Lifestyle

Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers

A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.
A portrait by Gustav Klimt has been sold for US$32 million at an auction in Vienna

A portrait of a young woman by Gustav Klimt that was long believed to be lost was sold at an auction in Vienna on Wednesday for 30 million euros (US$32 million).
What it's like inside The Black Dog, the London pub made famous by Taylor Swift

It's a midweek lunchtime on an unassuming residential street in Vauxhall, south London. There aren't many people about – the occasional dog walker, a few runners, a couple of delivery drivers. I'’s pretty much what you’d expect on a drizzly work day.

Sports

BREAKING
BREAKING CFL suspends Shawn Lemon indefinitely for gambling

The CFL has suspended veteran defensive lineman Shawn Lemon indefinitely for betting on league games.
Veteran running back Andrew Harris to retire as member of Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Andrew Harris will finish his illustrious CFL career with his hometown team.
Nashville Predators level playoff series with 4-1 victory over Canucks

The Nashville Predators downed the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 Tuesday night and levelled the series at 1-1.

Autos

How Volvo landed a cheap Chinese EV on North American shores in a trade war

A made-in-China electric vehicle will hit North American dealers this summer offering power and efficiency similar to the Tesla Model Y, the world's best-selling EV, but for about US$8,000 less.
Tesla's first-quarter net income tumbles as falling global sales and price cuts reduce profits

Tesla's first-quarter net income plummeted 55 per cent as falling global sales and price cuts sliced into the electric vehicle maker's revenue and profit margins.
Josef Newgarden's win in IndyCar's season-opening race has been disqualified. O'Ward named winner

Josef Newgarden’s win in IndyCar’s season-opening race at St. Petersburg was disqualified Wednesday because Team Penske manipulated its push-to-pass system during the race, making Pato O’Ward the winner.

Brothers Keepers gang member in B.C. sentenced to 11 years in prison

A member of the Brothers Keepers gang in British Columbia, which police describe as an "extremely violent organized crime group," has been sentenced to 11 years in prison on drug-trafficking charges.
Man found dead in White Rock, homicide team investigating

A man was found dead in White Rock Tuesday night, leading to an investigation by B.C.’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
B.C. weather: 7 straight days of rain for Metro Vancouver, Victoria

B.C.'s South Coast is in for a wet week as Environment Canada's forecast for the region shows several days of rain in a row.

Toronto

Speed limits to increase on some sections of Ontario highways, province says

The Ontario government says it will be raising the speed limit along certain stretches of provincial highways soon, including Highway 401 and Highway 403.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic

A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Warmer weather on the horizon for Toronto starting this weekend

After a stretch of below seasonal temperatures this week, summer-like weather is set to arrive in Toronto late this weekend.

Calgary

Speed potentially a factor in Calgary crash that injured 3

Calgary police are asking witnesses to a weekend crash that injured three people to come forward.
Spice Girls' Melanie C among performers at Stampede's Big Four Roadhouse

The Calgary Stampede has announced the lineup for the 2024 Big Four Roadhouse.
Alberta premier stands by pick of 'contrarian' chair to lead COVID-19 data review

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says it’s a good idea to have a physician who accused the province of exaggerating COVID-19's impact on hospitals now lead a review of pandemic-era health data.

Ottawa

Ontario to increase speed limit on Hwy. 416 to 110 km/h

Beginning this summer, the speed limit will increase from 100 km/h to 110 km/h on approximately 70 kilometres of Hwy. 416 between Hwy. 401 and Ottawa.
Residents raise concerns about plan for Inuit women's shelter in Ottawa's south end

Residents in Ottawa's Hunt Club neighbourhood are raising concerns about plans to build an Inuit women's shelter in the south end neighbourhood.
Edmonton man on Canada's most wanted fugitives list could be in Ottawa: police

Police say they have reason to believe a man wanted for murder in Edmonton could be in the Ottawa area.

Montreal

Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition

The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
'Highly complex' work delays REM completion to West Island, North Shore

The completion of Montreal's Reseau express metropolitain has been postponed yet again.
Temperatures in Montreal to plummet after warm start to the week

A sharp cold front sweeping across Quebec should drop temperatures rapidly throughout the day, with some areas possibly seeing rain change to wet snow.

Edmonton

All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province

There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
LIVE @ 11:30 MT
LIVE @ 11:30 MT 7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders released

The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed "Project Gaslight."
8.9% property tax approved by Edmonton council

Edmonton city council unanimously agreed on an 8.9-per cent property tax increase Tuesday evening.

Atlantic

Funeral to be held Wednesday for 16-year-old Halifax homicide victim

A funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon in Bedford, N.S., for a 16-year-old boy who died earlier this week following an incident near the Halifax Shopping Centre.
Cape Breton man earns $1.5M in Scratch’N Win

A Cape Breton man won $1.5 million after buying $200-worth of Atlantic Lottery Scratch’N Win tickets.
Officers arrest 5 people from Maine for fishing infractions in Digby County, N.S.

Fishery officers seized more than three kilograms of elvers and arrested five people from Maine for Fisheries Act infractions in Digby County, N.S., on Saturday night.

Winnipeg

'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date

A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Man charged in previous shooting deaths arrested for third fatal shooting

A Winnipeg man previously arrested and charged in connection with two fatal shootings in the city has been arrested for first-degree murder related to a third shooting in March.
Look inside a restored 119-year-old home in North Point Douglas

When you step through the front door of Matthew Jacobi's 119-year-old home, it's like jumping back through history. For the past year, Jacobi has been restoring his Queen Anne Revival-era home in Winnipeg's North Point Douglas neighbourhood back to its former glory.

Regina

One year after fatal collision, Regina council has final say on lower speed limit in Cathedral

Regina city councillors are set to consider lowering the speed limit in the Cathedral neighbourhood to 30 kilometres per hour on Wednesday.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget

A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
Suspect in 2023 Regina homicide joins Canada's Top 25 Most Wanted

Daniel "Juma" Drie Atem, wanted in connection to a Regina homicide last summer, is now one of Canada's Top 25 Most Wanted.

Kitchener

Pedestrian seriously hurt after crash in Kitchener

A pedestrian had to be taken to an out-of-region hospital following a crash in Kitchener.
Undisclosed project filming in Cambridge today

Expect delays on Queen Street in Cambridge today as film crew shoots in the area.
'My parking is my freedom': Kitchener resident barred from garage despite illness

For Kitchener resident Chris Wilson, indoor parking is much more than a convenient place to leave his vehicle.

Saskatoon

Punched, kicked, spat on: Saskatoon Transit workers call for help after violent assaults

The union representing the city’s bus drivers says violence against transit workers is out of control.
Sask. RCMP say this Alberta man tampered with his electronic monitoring device

Spiritwood RCMP are asking the public for help locating 33-year-old Nathaniel Sakebow of Edmonton.
'Everybody's getting too old': Saskatoon's iconic Blue Diamond restaurant is up for sale

One of the owners of Saskatoon’s iconic diamond-shaped restaurant says his family is looking to sell the business and building because “everybody’s getting too old.”

Northern Ontario

'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date

A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000

An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
'Armed and dangerous' southern Ont. man wanted by Manitoulin police

Police on Manitoulin Island are looking for an 'armed and dangerous' man following an incident involving a firearm on Friday.

London

Smashed windshield and speeding leads to charges

OPP have charged a driver in Lambton County for speeding and operating an unsafe vehicle after a traffic stop on Tuesday. Around 12:40 p.m., police stopped a vehicle on Townsend Line in Arkona for reportedly driving over 80 km/h in a posted 50 km/h zone.
Temporary layoffs announced at Goderich salt mine

A mild winter is being blamed for 87 miners and maintenance staff being laid off at Goderich’s salt mine.
Olympic athlete talent search coming to London, Ont.

If you think you've got what it takes to become an Olympic athlete, you'll have a chance to show off your skills next month. The Canadian Olympic Committee is hosting a free talent search in London on May 4.

Barrie

Video surveillance footage reveals bizarre break-in at local vet hospital

Barrie Police laid charges on a man after video surveillance captured him breaking into a store and smashing the front glass door.
Impaired driver fails breathalyzer test: OPP

Police laid impaired driving charges following a traffic stop in Brockton on Tuesday evening.
Temporary closure on busy road in Innisfil: Starting next month

A two-week road closure will be in effect in Innisfil following the completion of a sanitary sewer tie-in.

Windsor

Wanted man arrested in sex assault case involving minor

A man wanted in a sexual assault investigation involving a minor was arrested in Brantford, Ont., and taken back to Windsor late Tuesday night.
Taser and drugs seized during traffic stop

Windsor police have charged two suspects after seizing illegal drugs and a Taser during a traffic stop.
Frost advisory issued for Windsor-Essex

Environment Canada has issued a frost advisory for Windsor-Essex.

Vancouver Island

Brothers Keepers gang member in B.C. sentenced to 11 years in prison

A member of the Brothers Keepers gang in British Columbia, which police describe as an "extremely violent organized crime group," has been sentenced to 11 years in prison on drug-trafficking charges.
Mounties will not be charged in shooting death of B.C. Indigenous man

Three Mounties in British Columbia will not face charges in the killing of a 38-year-old Indigenous man on Vancouver Island in 2021.
Vancouver Island man realizes childhood dream alongside Hollywood icon

To appreciate the two posters hanging in Stephen Campanelli’s laundry room, which he’s had for more than 40 years, you need to know he’s been a Clint Eastwood fan for even longer.

Kelowna

Search crews called in after missing Kelowna senior's truck found

Search and rescue crews have been called in after a vehicle belonging to a missing senior was located near a rural intersection outside of Kelowna Tuesday.
Homicide investigation underway after body found near Kelowna, B.C.

Major crime detectives in British Columbia are investigating a suspected homicide after a body was found in a remote area southeast Kelowna over the weekend.
Stolen snake named Milkshake returned to Kelowna pet store

A banana ball python that was stolen from a Kelowna pet store on Saturday has been returned unharmed, Mounties said.

Lethbridge

Alberta, B.C. preparing for early start to wildfire season

Wildfires in Alberta and B.C. appear to be getting off to an early start this year. Both province's wildfire services are doing what they can to prepare for what's expected to be a tough summer.
Man sent to hospital with head injury following Lethbridge encampment assault

An assault over property at a Lethbridge encampment ended with a man in hospital suffering from a serious head injury.
Southern Alberta woman wins $2M on Western 6-49 lottery

A southern Alberta woman says she began to hyperventilate when she realized she had won $2 million.

Sault Ste. Marie

Timmins mayor first to have baby while holding office

Michelle Boileau is set to be the first Timmins mayor to have a baby while in office as she announced her pregnancy Wednesday morning.
Soo Greyhounds out of the playoffs

It was a heartbreaking loss in Game 7 of the OHL playoffs for the Soo Greyhounds on Tuesday night in Saginaw.
Season 3 of Shoresy debuts May 24, Crave confirms

Season 3 of Shoresy, which is filmed and based in Sudbury, Ont., debuts next month with a two-episode premiere.

N.L.

Rideshare platform Uber expands to Newfoundland and Labrador

Uber Technologies Inc. says it has brought its ridesharing platform to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Newfoundland director found creeping terror of 'The King Tide' in a tiny coastal town

Newfoundlander Christian Sparkes has shot several films around his home province, but with his new psychological thriller 'The King Tide' he saw an opportunity to wander into one unique town that had eluded him over the years.
2 people dead, 4 others make it to shore after vessel capsizes in Newfoundland

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says two people were found dead and four others survived after a boat capsized off the west coast of Newfoundland.

5 things to know for Monday, November 29, 2021

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

WATCH | Jewelry store robbery in Toronto caught on video

BREAKING | CFL suspends Shawn Lemon indefinitely for gambling

LIVE @ 11:30 MT | 7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders released

WATCH Jewelry store robbery in Toronto caught on video

BREAKING CFL suspends Shawn Lemon indefinitely for gambling

LIVE @ 11:30 MT 7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders released