5 things to know for Thursday, January 20, 2022

Canada Post workers ordered to wear issued masks only, some wealthy Canadians want the rich to pay their fair share, and a Canadian space pioneer marks her groundbreaking journey. Here's what you need to know today.

1. Mask compliance: Canada Post workers risk discipline if they wear masks other than ones issued by the Crown corporation, including N95 masks.

2. Plea for help: A young Afghan woman who escaped to Canada last summer is desperately worried for her family left behind and now living in hiding.

3. Tax the rich: A group of some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, including several Canadians, signed an open letter calling on peers to pay their fair share in taxes.

4. Health-care bonus: Former lab techs in Iqaluit say not receiving a bonus given to Nunavut nursing staff led them to resign after years of burnout.

5. Space trailblazer: Canada will mark the 30th anniversary of Roberta Bondar's groundbreaking journey, when she became the first Canadian woman to travel into space.

One more thing…

Extinction event: Earth is in the middle of its next mass extinction event and it may be too late to undo the harm inflicted, one study suggests.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%

Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.

Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.

Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.

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.

'It's discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh

Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.

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.

Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations

The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.

Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2

The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.

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.

Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change

The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.

Canada

'It's discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh

Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.
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.
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.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.

Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Toronto's police chief clarifies initial statement on Umar Zameer acquittal, says he 'accepts' jury's finding

Toronto's Chief of Police has clarified a statement that he'd hoped for "a different outcome" made just after Umar's Zameer acquittal, telling reporters Tuesday he supports and accepts the jury's finding in the five-week trial.
B.C. places online harms bill on hold after agreement with Meta, X, TikTok, Snapchat

The British Columbia government is putting its proposed online harms legislation on hold after reaching an agreement with some of the largest social media platforms to make people safer online.

World

Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank

Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
Mexico is 'champion' of fentanyl production, says country's head of detective service

The head of Mexico's detective service acknowledged Tuesday that the country is "the champion" of fentanyl production, contradicting President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
Ukraine suspends consular services for military-age men in draft push

Ukraine on Tuesday suspended consular services for military-age male citizens until May 18, criticizing Ukrainians abroad who it said expected to receive help from the state without helping it battle for survival in the war against Russia.
U.K. puts its defense industry on 'war footing' and gives Ukraine $850 million in new military aid

The U.K. prime minister said Tuesday the country is putting its defense industry on a 'war footing' by increasing defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by the end of the decade, and pledged to send arms worth $850 million to Ukraine.
Pro-Palestinian protests roiling U.S. colleges escalate with arrests, new encampments and closures

The student protests of Israel's war with Hamas that have been creating friction at U.S. universities escalated Tuesday as new encampments sprouted and some colleges encouraged students to stay home and learn online, after dozens of arrests across the country.
Lebanon's Hezbollah launches deepest attack into Israel since start of Gaza war

Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group said on Tuesday it had launched a drone attack against Israeli military bases north of the city of Acre, in its deepest strike into Israeli territory since the Gaza war began.

Politics

Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change

The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%

Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
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.

Health

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.
Studies show forever chemicals are found in much of Canada's water. Have they impacted you?

Share your story by emailing us at dotcom@bellmedia.ca with your name, general location and phone number in case we want to follow up. Your comments may be used in a CTVNews.ca story.
Quebec-based research initiative explores innovations in rural health care

Due to long distances and under-resourcing, trauma patients in rural Quebec are three times more likely to die before hospital admission than their urban counterparts. But a program called Living Lab Charlevoix is bringing medical students and residents to the north shore of the St. Lawrence River to change that.

Sci-Tech

Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse

Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Voyager 1 is sending data back to Earth for the first time in 5 months

For the first time in five months, NASA engineers have received decipherable data from Voyager 1 after crafting a creative solution to fix a communication problem aboard humanity’s most distant spacecraft in the cosmos.
Consciousness a 'realistic possibility' in birds, fish, squid and bees, scholars say

Biologists, cognitive scientists and philosophers across the globe say there is a reasonable possibility the vast majority of creatures on Earth are sentient in some way.

Entertainment

John Lennon's lost 1960s acoustic guitar to go up for auction

A previously lost 12-string acoustic guitar that belonged to the late John Lennon will go up for sale at an auction in May after it was recently found in the attic of a home in Britain.
Taylor Swift's 'Tortured Poets Department' shatters streaming records across Spotify, Amazon, Apple

Taylor Swift's latest album, 'The Tortured Poets Department,' which dropped on Friday, became the most-streamed album on its first day across Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music.
Victoria Beckham reunites with the Spice Girls for iconic singalong at 50th birthday party

Victoria Beckham, the fashion designer once known best as Posh Spice, celebrated her 50th birthday this weekend in London, where she was joined by her former Spice Girls bandmates.

Business

Cyberattacks are on the rise, and that includes small businesses. Here's what to know

Cyberattacks on businesses are rising, including small businesses. It's a troubling trend because a breach can be very costly and time consuming if owners don't have a plan to deal with one.
Equifax Canada testing use of rental payment data for credit scores

Equifax Canada is exploring how rent data could factor in to credit scores to help make credit and financial services accessible to more people.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say

As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.

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

Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2

The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations

The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
OPINION
OPINION An ode to perhaps the greatest Jewish baseball player on Passover

Passover helped to remind me of a conversation I had a month ago with my friend Noam in which I said, “Hank Greenberg would have been a top-100 baseball player had it not been for World War II.”

Autos

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.
Honda to build electric vehicles and battery plant in Ontario, sources say

Honda Canada is set to build an electric vehicle battery plant near its auto manufacturing facility in Alliston, Ont., where it also plans to produce fully electric vehicles.

LIVE
LIVE Date set for Surrey Police Service to take over from RCMP: Farnworth

A date has been set for the Surrey Police Service to replace the RCMP and become the police of jurisdiction in B.C.'s fastest-growing city.
Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2

The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
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.

Toronto

Umar Zameer speaks out after acquittal in death of Toronto police officer

“We hoped for this day, but we were scared that it would not never ever come because it took so long.” 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.
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.
'It's discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh

Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.

Calgary

Calgary police chief weighs in on the complexities of protecting sex workers

Calgary's police chief is encouraging sex trade workers to report abuse, assaults and any other issues they encounter to the recently-created Bad Date Line.
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.
Missing Calgary man last seen in Tuscany, may be travelling in Chevy Cruze

Calgary police have released a photo of a missing man with hope the public can help locate him.

Ottawa

NCC to close 1.2 km stretch of Queen Elizabeth Driveway to vehicles this summer

The National Capital Commission will close a section of Queen Elizabeth Driveway to vehicles seven days a week this summer, but only a shorter section of the road will be open for active transportation in July and August.
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.
Here's where a new bowling alley is opening in Kanata

Bowlers will soon have a spot to throw strikes in Ottawa's west end. Oakville-based Splitsville has announced plans to open a location at the Kanata Centrum in the fall.

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.
Province won't have to cover meal, alcohol costs of L.A. Kings games in Quebec City

The Quebec government will not have to cover the cost of meals and alcohol for Los Angeles Kings players coming to Quebec City for two exhibition games this fall.
Thieves allegedly attempt to steal thousands of litres of gasoline in Brossard

Two thieves allegedly attempted to steal 'thousands' of litres of gasoline from a Brossard service station.

Edmonton

Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar

A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Pride flag stolen from St. Albert home

St. Albert RCMP are searching for the person who was caught on camera tearing down and stealing a Pride flag from a home in the Lacombe subdivision.
ASIRT completes investigation into presumed death of man who fell into North Saskatchewan River

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has wrapped up its investigation into the role of police in the presumed drowning death of a man earlier this month.

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.
Woman fighting cancer seeks donations for son with progressive disease

A Nova Scotia mother battling Stage 4 cancer is seeking donations to help her travel for treatment and adjust her home for her son who is living with a progressive disease that limits his mobility.

Winnipeg

Whiteout Street Party to bring road closures, transit reroutes

With the Whiteout Street Party taking place on Donald Street, several road closures will be put in place.
RCMP arrest man who allegedly exposed himself at a Manitoba daycare

A 44-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly exposed himself to children and staff at a Manitoba daycare.
Manitoba creates provincial spine surgery program

Manitoba will be performing more spinal surgeries in the province, Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said Tuesday.

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.
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.
Melfort Mustangs look to sweep Flin Flon Bombers at home in SJHL final

The Melfort Mustangs are leading the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League [SJHL] championship series 2-0 against the Flin Flon Bombers after winning the first two games on the road.

Kitchener

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

Habiton Solomon is wanted in the fatal 2023 shooting of Joshua Tarnue in Kitchener.
Conestoga College hiring a group of 'lamb-scapers'

Conestoga says it’s the first college or university in Ontario to use sheep to maintain vegetation on campus.
Suspicious package scare leads to evacuation in Guelph

Several businesses in Guelph’s north end were evacuated Tuesday morning after a suspicious package was found at the Canada Post distribution centre on Woodlawn Road.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon care home workers issue strike notice

Workers at group homes run by LutherCare Communities in Saskatoon have issued a strike notice after negotiations stalled between the union and employer.
Sask. broker says halal mortgages are not a new concept in Canada

A Saskatoon mortgage broker says the federal government’s move to help Muslim Canadians get into the housing market by promoting halal mortgages is not such a radical idea — it’s helping families buy their first home without breaking their faith.
Saskatoon man charged after loaded gun found

A 23-year-old man from Saskatoon faces firearm charges following a police investigation on Friday.

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.
BREAKING
BREAKING 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.
Collision closes the Kingsway in Sudbury

One person has been sent to hospital following a single-vehicle collision Tuesday at a busy intersection in Greater Sudbury.

London

Bus rapid transit celebrates project milestone

London’s bus rapid transit project (BRT) is celebrating a milestone this week, with the arrival and installation of the first transit shelter in the city’s downtown core.
Car fire on Highway 401 sends one person to hospital

The Dutton/Dunwich Fire Department responded to the scene near mile marker 142 between Currie Road and Iona Road, after the vehicle caught fire.
Police looking for source of more than 1,000 911 calls

Ontario Provincial Police are looking for the person or people responsible for calling 911 more than 1,000 times in a single night.

Barrie

Full road closure set to take place on Barrie's east end

Construction continues at Allandale Transit Terminal, with a three-day road closure set to take place on Barrie's east end.
Distressed elderly man rescued from marina

An elderly man was hauled from the water Sunday evening after plunging into a marina and struggling to stay afloat.
Forest collision leads to impaired driving charges

Police laid impaired driving charges following a single-vehicle collision into the forest in Tiny Township on Monday night.

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.
'It’s so sad': Six cars involved in early morning crash

Just before 5 a.m., police were called to the scene of the multi-vehicle crash between on Bruce Avenue between Giles Boulevard and Clinton Street.
'Strengthen the Core' revitalization plan unveiled by city and police

A new revitalization plan has been unveiled for downtown Windsor.

Vancouver Island

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.
B.C. places online harms bill on hold after agreement with Meta, X, TikTok, Snapchat

The British Columbia government is putting its proposed online harms legislation on hold after reaching an agreement with some of the largest social media platforms to make people safer online.
Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2

The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.

Kelowna

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.
Nurses rally at B.C. Interior hospital over security, staffing concerns

Nurses held a rally Wednesday at a hospital in the B.C. Interior that closed its emergency department more than a dozen times last year due to insufficient staff.

Lethbridge

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.
Lethbridge green cart program a success one year in, city says

The City of Lethbridge is calling the first year of its curbside organics waste collection program a success.
Coaldale RCMP seek information on hit-and-run

Coaldale RCMP are looking for the public's help to locate a suspect in a hit-and-run in a McDonald's parking lot earlier this month.

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.

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.
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine

Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.

5 things to know for Thursday, January 20, 2022

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

OPINION | An ode to perhaps the greatest Jewish baseball player on Passover

LIVE | Date set for Surrey Police Service to take over from RCMP: Farnworth

BREAKING | North Bay doctor accused of assaulting patient, threatening another

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

OPINION An ode to perhaps the greatest Jewish baseball player on Passover

LIVE Date set for Surrey Police Service to take over from RCMP: Farnworth

BREAKING North Bay doctor accused of assaulting patient, threatening another

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