5 things to know for Thursday, February 2, 2023

A gay man issues a court challenge over Canada's policy restricting sperm bank donations, a Quebec woman is surprised to find her stolen car had been used in brazen Ontario robbery, and actor Ryan Reynolds drops by a Toronto college and surprises students. Here's what you need to know to start your day.

1. Exclusive: Challenge to sperm donation policy: A gay man is taking the federal government to court, challenging the constitutionality of a policy restricting sexually active gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned.

2. 'Insane' robbery: A Quebec woman says she was very surprised to find her stolen car had been used in what’s being described as an "absolutely insane" Ontario mall robbery.

3. Journalist dies after attack: A long-time CBC radio producer who was the victim of a random assault in Toronto last week has died, the public broadcaster confirms.

4. Police brutality: Following the death of Tyre Nichols, progress on combating police brutality in the U.S. appears difficult, if not unlikely, as legislation has stalled.

5. Reynolds drops in: Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds drops by a Toronto college, surprising students in the midst of a school project.

One more thing…

Radioactive: After a radioactive capsule went missing in Australia, could the same happen in Canada?

In this handout provided by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services in Australia, the size of the capsule is compared to a 10 cent coin.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

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.

Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance

Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.

World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says

The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.

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.

Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change

Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.

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.

Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order

People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.

U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote

The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.

'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.

Canada

Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order

People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck

Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
An 'ambitious' global plastic treaty demands limits on production, Guilbeault says

A global treaty to end plastic waste will not be ambitious enough if it does not include some limits on plastic production, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said Tuesday as the fourth round of negotiations kicked off in Ottawa.
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.
'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.
Fewer medical students going into family medicine contributing to doctor shortage

As some family doctors are retiring and others are moving away from family medicine, there are fewer medical students to take their place.

World

U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote

The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says

The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
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.
College students, inmates and a nun: A unique book club meets at one of America's largest jails

An unconventional book club inside one of America's largest jails brings college students and inmates together to tackle books that resonate with the mostly Black and Latino group members.
UN calls for investigation into mass graves uncovered at two Gaza hospitals raided by Israel

The United Nations called Tuesday for 'a clear, transparent and credible investigation' of mass graves uncovered at two major hospitals in war-torn Gaza that were raided by Israeli troops.
North Korea officials visit Iran in a rare public trip

A North Korean delegation led by the cabinet minister for international trade is visiting Iran, the North's official media said on Wednesday in a rare public report of an exchange between the two countries believed to have secret military ties.

Politics

Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change

Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
Saskatchewan households will continue to receive carbon tax rebate: Trudeau

Households in Saskatchewan will continue to receive Canada Carbon Rebate payments, despite the province refusing to remit the federal carbon price on natural gas, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday.
An 'ambitious' global plastic treaty demands limits on production, Guilbeault says

A global treaty to end plastic waste will not be ambitious enough if it does not include some limits on plastic production, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said Tuesday as the fourth round of negotiations kicked off in Ottawa.

Health

Fewer medical students going into family medicine contributing to doctor shortage

As some family doctors are retiring and others are moving away from family medicine, there are fewer medical students to take their place.
Calls grow louder for changes to decriminalization in B.C.

Backlash to decriminalization dominated question period Monday in the B.C. legislature, with the Official Opposition BC United and BC Conservatives calling for the province to end the three-year pilot project.
Alzheimer's drug adoption in U.S. slowed by doctors' skepticism

Nine months into the U.S. launch of the first drug proven to slow the advance of Alzheimer's, Eisai and Biogen's Leqembi is facing an unexpected hurdle to widespread use: an entrenched belief among some doctors that treating the memory-robbing disease is futile.

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

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.
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.
Ex-gang leader's account of Tupac Shakur killing is fiction, defence lawyer in Vegas says

The defence attorney representing a former Los Angeles-area gang leader accused of killing music legend Tupac Shakur in 1996 in Las Vegas says his client’s accounts of the killing are fiction.

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.
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.
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.

Lifestyle

Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know

There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Calgary lawyer launches clothing line to champion Charter rights

A Calgary criminal defence lawyer has launched a clothing campaign to promote awareness about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection

A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.

Sports

Predators centre from Metro Vancouver facing off against team he once idolized

As a young hockey player growing up in North Vancouver, Colton Sissons was a die-hard Canucks fan. Twelve years after being drafted by Nashville, the Predators centre is facing off against the Canucks during the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in his career.
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.
Canada's favourite sport to watch is hockey, survey shows

The 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs have already delivered a fever level of fan excitement in Canada.

Autos

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.
Electric car sales to rise but affordability in focus, IEA says

Electric car sales will rise strongly in 2024 and increasingly undercut oil demand, the International Energy Agency forecast on Tuesday, adding affordability and charging infrastructure would be key to future growth.
More than 55,000 Ford vehicles recalled over battery issue

Ford recalled more than 55,000 trucks and SUVs over a battery detection issue, according to a Transport Canada recall notice.

'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.
Predators centre from Metro Vancouver facing off against team he once idolized

As a young hockey player growing up in North Vancouver, Colton Sissons was a die-hard Canucks fan. Twelve years after being drafted by Nashville, the Predators centre is facing off against the Canucks during the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in his career.
B.C. mayor 'calling BS' on province's new housing target list

The province revealed 20 more cities that will be getting housing targets on Tuesday, but the mayors of some communities on the list argue that they’re already doing everything they can to build and that they’re being singled out.

Toronto

'It's just so hard to let it go': Umar Zameer still haunted by death of Toronto police officer

“It's just so hard to let it go. I mean, everyone is telling me, ‘you have to move on,’ but I know someone is not here [anymore]. So I don't know how I will move on." That’s what Umar Zameer, the man recently acquitted in the death of a Toronto police officer, told CTV News Toronto in a sit-down interview on Tuesday.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams

Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada

A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.

Calgary

Calgary rezoning debate: What's at stake?

A marathon meeting over proposed blanket rezoning in Calgary continued Tuesday in front of a noticeably smaller crowd at city hall.
'Sign of the times': Bowness residents watch as rezoning, construction changes community around them

In the northwest Calgary community of Bowness, single-family homes are making way for multi-family apartments and row houses.
Calgary police release name of Redstone homicide victim

Calgary police say a woman who died in the community of Redstone over the weekend is the city's seventh homicide of 2024.

Ottawa

Reusable container pilot project coming to Ottawa grocery stores

A new federal pilot project is in the works to reduce single-use plastics at major grocery retailers and it's taking place right here in Ottawa.
Ottawa murder suspect on list of Canada's top 25 most wanted fugitives

A Toronto man wanted in connection to a double homicide at an Ottawa shopping centre has been named one of the top 25 most wanted fugitives in Canada.
Not so fast! Grade 5 students get a firsthand lesson in speeding outside their school

Grade 5 students in Stittsville had class outdoors Tuesday, to see firsthand what traffic is like right outside their school.

Montreal

RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya

The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
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.
Ahead of SAQ two-day strike, CEO confident agreement will be reached

On the eve of a two-day strike at the Societe des alcools du Quebec (SAQ), the president and CEO of the state-owned company says he is confident of reaching an agreement.

Edmonton

Fire that destroyed historic Hangar 11 is suspicious: EPS

The Edmonton Police Service has confirmed a fire that destroyed a historic hangar in central Edmonton is considered suspicious.
High prices? 'Kings fatigue'? Empty seats evident at Oilers' playoff series-opening home-ice win

The Oilers announced a sellout crowd for their 7-4 win over Los Angeles on Monday that opened a first-round playoff series with the Kings. Unoccupied seats, however, were noticeable throughout the arena.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order

People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.

Atlantic

Police release name of teen who died following incident in Halifax mall parking lot

Halifax Regional Police has confirmed the identity of the teen who died following an incident in the parking lot of the Halifax Shopping Centre Monday.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax

A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.
N.B. mother pushes for age mandate changes at childrens' hospital in light of son’s 16th birthday

A New Brunswick mom is speaking out for her son after learning that after over a decade of care, he is now too old for the IWK in Halifax, which age mandate is 16 years of age for children

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.
'We always have a thoughtful process for that': The dark reality facing aging zoo animals

Anyone who visits Assiniboine Park Zoo can see empty or near-empty exhibits scattered throughout the grounds – spaces that previously served as homes for aging animals that have since passed away.
Winnipeg man bringing his 119-year-old home back to its original glory

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

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.
'No better namesake': Veteran support program honours James Smith victim

A new mental health support program for veterans is honouring the life of a Sask. man killed during the mass stabbings on the James Smith Cree Nation.
Sask. teachers to hold online meetings prior to deal vote

The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation said its members are "strongly encouraged" to attend one of two online town hall meetings scheduled to happen prior to a membership vote on a possible deal.

Kitchener

'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.
$50,000 reward issued for Kitchener man’s alleged killer

Habiton Solomon is wanted in the fatal 2023 shooting of Joshua Tarnue in Kitchener.
Keffiyeh ban keeps Kitchener woman from entering Queen’s Park

A Palestinian woman from Kitchener is speaking out after she was denied entry into Queen’s Park over a cultural piece of clothing.

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.
Trudeau to Sask. residents: We're not coming for your carbon rebates

People in Saskatchewan will keep getting Canada Carbon Rebate payments, despite an ongoing feud between Ottawa and the provincial government.
'No better namesake': Veteran support program honours James Smith victim

A new mental health support program for veterans is honouring the life of a Sask. man killed during the mass stabbings on the James Smith Cree Nation.

Northern Ontario

Sudbury police still trying to solve 2022 murder at downtown apartment

Sudbury police are finally releasing the identity of the 50-year-old man who was found shot to death inside his downtown apartment in 2022 as the investigation continues.
North Bay doctor accused of assaulting patient, threatening another

A North Bay doctor is facing charges after allegedly assaulting a patient with a weapon and threatening another person at the hospital, police say.
BREAKING
BREAKING '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

Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck

Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
Rail safety advocate shares insight as questions linger over downtown London, Ont. freight train fire

Two days after a freight train with several cars engulfed by flames rolled through the heart of London, a rail safety advocate is speaking out about how changes should be expected.
'I’m a survivor': Witness tells jury of escape plan at sexual assault trial

A London, Ont. jury heard evidence on Tuesday of how the children involved in a case of sexual abuse eventually fled their home and contacted police.

Barrie

Man hospitalized with Legionnaire’s disease in 2022 files lawsuit against Orillia and contractors

An Orillia man who was says he was hospitalized for weeks after contracting Legionnaire’s disease in the fall of 2022 has filed a $2.6-million lawsuit against the city.
Massive theft ring busted: $300,000 recovered

Barrie police busted a massive theft ring and seized over 300,000 dollars in stolen property.
Police search for 11th most wanted person in high-profile abduction case

35-year-old Deshawn Davis is now the 11th most wanted person by police in Canada.

Windsor

Windsor shooting suspect John Managhan added to Canada’s most wanted list

A Windsor man sought for attempted murder has been named as one of Canada’s most wanted fugitives.
Petition urges Transit Windsor to halt bus route relocation, despite city's plan to proceed

Nearly 300 people have signed a petition calling for Transit Windsor to hold off on moving a bus route alongside a residential road in East Riverside — but the city is moving forward with the plan anyway.
Videos show suspect vehicle in shots fired investigations

Windsor police and Crime Stoppers have released new videos of a suspect vehicle with hopes of getting more information on recent shootings.

Vancouver Island

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.
Bodies found by U.S. authorities searching for missing B.C. kayakers

United States authorities who have been searching for a pair of missing kayakers from British Columbia since the weekend have recovered two bodies in the nearby San Juan Islands of Washington state.
Vancouver Island man looking to set 3 Guinness World Records on an electric mountain board

Bradley Smith has been electric skateboarding for the past nine years, a passion he says was "addictive" from the first time he tried it.

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

Northwest Ont. woman charged with stunt driving

A 43-year-old woman has been charged with stunt driving following an incident on Highway 17 in Terrace Bay on Sunday.
BREAKING
BREAKING '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.
One dead after ATV crash in Sault Ste. Marie

A 34-year-old from Sault Ste. Marie has died following a serious crash involving an ATV on Monday afternoon, police say.

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 Thursday, February 2, 2023

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

BREAKING | 'Armed and dangerous' southern Ont. man wanted by Manitoulin police

BREAKING | 'Armed and dangerous' southern Ont. man wanted by Manitoulin police

BREAKING 'Armed and dangerous' southern Ont. man wanted by Manitoulin police

BREAKING 'Armed and dangerous' southern Ont. man wanted by Manitoulin police