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

Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict

Canada called for "all parties" to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.

'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug

A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.

After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living

Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.

'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam

A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.

Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday

More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.

After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'

The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.

Taylor Swift drops 15 new songs on double album, 'The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology'

On Friday, the pop star released her 11th album and at 2 a.m. Eastern, she released "The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology," featuring 15 additional songs.

American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple

American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.

DEVELOPING

DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack

Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.

Canada

'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug

A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Bigger boats, more nets, people arrive in Zeballos, B.C., for new orca rescue attempt

A large seine fishing vessel capable of casting a net strong enough to hold a nearly 700-kilogram killer whale calf has arrived in Zeballos, B.C., to participate in the latest attempt to rescue the young orca stranded in a remote tidal lagoon.
'Dangerous man' with firearm in Bible Hill in custody: N.S. RCMP

The RCMP says a 'dangerous man' with a firearm in Bible Hill, N.S., is in custody Friday morning.
Facebook Marketplace seller must refund buyer over false advertising, B.C. tribunal decides

A Facebook Marketplace seller is being ordered by B.C.'s small claims tribunal to repay hundreds of dollars after selling a product under false advertising.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations

The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
B.C. Mountie's appeal of sex crime convictions dismissed

B.C.'s highest court has dismissed an appeal by an RCMP officer who was found guilty of sex crimes involving teen girls, upholding his conviction.

World

BREAKING
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site

An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
3 dead amid heavy flooding caused by record rain in the UAE

Three people have died in the United Arab Emirates as a result of heavy flooding caused by record-setting rains this week, officials said Friday.
Armenian victims group asks International Criminal Court to investigate genocide claim

A human rights organization representing ethnic Armenians submitted evidence to the ICC, arguing that Azerbaijan is committing an ongoing genocide against them.
Stabbed Sydney Assyrian church bishop says he forgives attacker

An Assyrian church bishop who was stabbed during a service at his church said on Thursday he was recovering quickly, and that he had forgiven his attacker as police ramped up investigation into the riots triggered after the bishop's stabbing.
Jury selection could be nearing a close in Donald Trump's hush money trial in New York

A third panel of potential jurors will be questioned Friday in Donald Trump's hush money case, drawing jury selection a step closer to completion in the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president.
Kenyan military chief died in helicopter crash, says president

Kenya's military chief, Francis Ogolla, died in a helicopter crash in the western part of the country on Thursday, President William Ruto announced in a televised address.

Politics

LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership

Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict

Canada called for "all parties" to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men

Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.

Health

After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'

The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug

A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
B.C. premier defends drug decriminalization as controversy grows, feds scrutinize program

The premier of British Columbia is continuing to defend the three-year pilot program underway in his province that’s decriminalized personal possession of hard drugs, even as the federal government sends its minister responsible to discuss growing concerns and controversies.

Sci-Tech

This ancient snake in India might have been longer than a school bus and weighed a tonne

An ancient giant snake in India might have been longer than a school bus and weighed a tonne, researchers reported Thursday.
Meta's newest AI model beats some peers. But its amped-up AI agents are confusing Facebook users

Facebook parent Meta Platforms unveiled a new set of artificial intelligence systems Thursday that are powering what CEO Mark Zuckerberg calls 'the most intelligent AI assistant that you can freely use.'
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public

New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.

Entertainment

Taylor Swift drops 15 new songs on double album, 'The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology'

On Friday, the pop star released her 11th album and at 2 a.m. Eastern, she released "The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology," featuring 15 additional songs.
Opinion
Opinion 'Sasquatch Sunset' review: There won't be a weirder movie in theatres this year

Rare is the movie that can ride the line between scatological and sublime, absurdist and acute.
Randy Bachman digs into his past with plans to auction off 200 of his guitars

Randy Bachman is bidding farewell to some of the instruments that shaped his legendary rock career, including the guitar used to compose the Guess Who classic 'American Woman.'

Business

Google fires 28 workers in aftermath of protests over big tech deal with Israeli government

Google has fired 28 employees in the aftermath of protests over technology that the internet company is supplying the Israeli government amid the Gaza war, further escalating tensions surrounding a hot-button deal.
'Won't be a quick fix': Indigo needs turnaround as privatization nears, experts say

As Canada's biggest bookstore-turned-gift-giver's-paradise edges toward privatization, it's evident from a stroll around one of its Toronto stores that the retailer knows some things haven't been working.
Starbucks will roll out a redesigned plastic cup in Canada this month in a bid to reduce plastic waste

Booming sales of cold drinks at Starbucks have created a problem: growing amounts of plastic waste from the single-use cups that Frappuccinos, Refreshers, cold brews and other iced drinks are served in.

Lifestyle

After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living

Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis

Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
Beagles rescued from American animal testing facility find loving foster homes in Alberta

Ten beagles rescued from animal testing in the United States arrived in Alberta on Wednesday, thanks to a Canadian charity.

Sports

Jets take down Canucks 4-2 as both teams wrap up regular season

Nikita Chibrikov scored the game-winner in his NHL debut and Cole Perfetti tallied a pair of goals as the Winnipeg Jets defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4-2 to close out their regular seasons on Thursday.
Chasing 5th straight win, Nelly Korda is 2 shots back at Chevron Championship after a first-round 6

Nelly Korda, who is looking to tie an LPGA Tour record with her fifth straight win, shot a 4-under 68 on Thursday in the opening round of the Chevron Championship, leaving her two shots behind leader Lauren Coughlin in the year's first major.
UBC football star turning heads in lead up to NFL draft

At 6'8" and 350 pounds, there is nothing typical about UBC offensive lineman Giovanni Manu, who was born in Tonga and went to high school in Pitt Meadows.

Autos

Tesla wants shareholders to reinstate US$55 billion pay package for Musk rejected by Delaware judge

Tesla will ask shareholders to reinstate a US$55 billion compensation package for CEO Elon Musk that was rejected by a judge in Delaware this year and to move the electric car maker's corporate home from Delaware to Texas.
Hazard ahead: Are cuts at Tesla a warning sign for the EV market in Canada?

Tesla has hit a series of roadblocks, including increased competition and declining sales. The company announced Monday it is slashing 10 per cent of its global workforce.
London, Ont. driver charged after travelling nearly 200 km/h on Highway 401

A driver from London will have to find alternative transportation after an OPP officer clocked them travelling nearly 200 km/h on Highway 401 over the weekend.

Local Spotlight

UBC football star turning heads in lead up to NFL draft

At 6'8" and 350 pounds, there is nothing typical about UBC offensive lineman Giovanni Manu, who was born in Tonga and went to high school in Pitt Meadows.

Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing

Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.

Molly on a mission: N.S. student collecting books about women in sport for school library

Molly Knight, a grade four student in Nova Scotia, noticed her school library did not have many books on female athletes, so she started her own book drive in hopes of changing that.

Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation

Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.

Marmot in the city: New resident of North Vancouver's Lower Lonsdale a 'rock star rodent'

When Les Robertson was walking home from the gym in North Vancouver's Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood three weeks ago, he did a double take. Standing near a burrow it had dug in a vacant lot near East 1st Street and St. Georges Avenue was a yellow-bellied marmot.

Teen charged with 4 counts of robbery after allegedly snatching iPhones at SkyTrain station

Metro Vancouver Transit Police say a young offender has been charged with four counts of robbery in relation to incidents that occurred at a Burnaby transit hub over the course of a year.
Facebook Marketplace seller must refund buyer over false advertising, B.C. tribunal decides

A Facebook Marketplace seller is being ordered by B.C.'s small claims tribunal to repay hundreds of dollars after selling a product under false advertising.
Bigger boats, more nets, people arrive in Zeballos, B.C., for new orca rescue attempt

A large seine fishing vessel capable of casting a net strong enough to hold a nearly 700-kilogram killer whale calf has arrived in Zeballos, B.C., to participate in the latest attempt to rescue the young orca stranded in a remote tidal lagoon.

Toronto

'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam

A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday

More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
What the jury didn't hear at the trial of a man accused of killing a Toronto officer

Here are some other things jurors didn’t hear about the case.

Calgary

Calgary mayor to comment on controversial rezoning plan

Mayor Jyoti Gondek is expected to share her thoughts on Calgary's rezoning plan – one of the most contentious issues to face the city in recent years.
'One of the brightest little girls I know': Family of Calgary toddler killed in 2022 speaks out

Calgary police say Winston Campbell, 45, has been charged in the death of a two-year-old girl in 2022.
Students helping food insecure students through the U of C's Science Community Garden

Science students at the University of Calgary use their roof top greenhouse to conduct all kinds of projects and had a little extra space that wasn't being used. so some of them came up with the idea of growing food for the campus food bank.

Ottawa

OPP reminds drone operators it's illegal to operate a drone near emergency sites following Hwy. 417 fatal crash

Ontario Provincial Police are reminding people that it is illegal to fly a drone over traffic collision sites, after drone footage captured over a fatal crash on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa appeared online.
5 vehicles a day reported stolen in Ottawa so far in 2024, statistics show

Statistics available on the Ottawa Police Service's crime map shows there have been 560 vehicle thefts reported across Ottawa since Jan. 1. Police reported 504 vehicles stolen in the first six months of 2023, and 387 vehicle thefts between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2022.
Crash causes beer kegs to spill on Hwy. 401 on-ramp in Brockville, Ont.

Ontario Provincial Police responded to the single-vehicle crash on Highway 401 at West North Augusta Road early Friday morning.

Montreal

American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple

American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Here are the Montreal road closures planned for the weekend

Those driving in and around Montreal on the weekend should be aware that construction work will result in some major route closures.
Quebec judge suspends parts of Bill 96 that apply to English school boards

The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is celebrating what it calls a 'significant win' in court after a judge stayed parts of Quebec's language laws that apply to English school boards across the province.

Edmonton

MacKinnon has 2 assists, breaks franchise's single-season points mark as Avs beat Oilers 5-1

Valeri Nichushkin scored twice, Nathan MacKinnon added two assists to break the franchise’s single-season points mark and the Colorado Avalanche cruised into the playoffs behind a 5-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night.
New study explores visitor experiences in Alberta dark sky preserves

The health and environmental benefits of protecting a region from light pollution are already well established, and one only has to look at the stream of visitors to the Jasper Dark Sky Festival or the Alberta's newest dark sky preserve in Lakeland Provincial Park to get a sense of how "astrotourism" can boost rural economies.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday

More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.

Atlantic

'Dangerous man' with firearm in Bible Hill in custody: N.S. RCMP

The RCMP says a 'dangerous man' with a firearm in Bible Hill, N.S., is in custody Friday morning.
Price of gas jumps nearly 10 cents in Nova Scotia

As predicted, gas prices increased overnight in the Maritimes, though the price of diesel decreased by a few cents.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday

More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.

Winnipeg

WINSAR members ready to answer the call for missing persons

In southern Manitoba, members of Winnipeg Search and Rescue (WINSAR) remain vigilant as they assist in finding a missing Manitoban.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug

A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Winnipeg Jets release Round 1 playoff schedule

The Winnipeg Jets have released its first round playoff schedule.

Regina

'Poor choice of words': Education Minister apologizes for remarks made to Sask. mother

On Thursday, Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill apologized for remarks he made to a mother who had advocated for better classroom supports earlier this week.
Sask. dental providers and seniors raise concerns over federal dental care plan

With the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) set to roll out on May 1, many dental care providers have concerns and unanswered questions about the plan.
'Bad taste in your mouth': Regina man mistakenly told he won $50K boat through Roll up the Rim

Chris Ross was pleasantly surprised when Tim Hortons sent him an email summarizing his "Roll up the Rim" winnings for the season. The email claimed Ross had won a boat valued at over $50,000 – but it was a mistake.

Kitchener

Landlords reporting increase in tenants refusing to pay rent or leave

A property management company in Fergus is still cleaning up after they say a tenant trashed one of their units and refused to pay rent -- and they say it's not the only similar case they've dealt with recently.
Strange beasts stalking Silver Lake in Waterloo

Don’t be alarmed if you see some strange new creatures in Waterloo Park.
Ontario Review Board hearing considers Udo Haan’s future

An Ontario Review Board hearing was held at the Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care in St. Thomas on Thursday to consider the future of Udo Haan.

Saskatoon

'Poor choice of words': Education Minister apologizes for remarks made to Sask. mother

On Thursday, Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill apologized for remarks he made to a mother who had advocated for better classroom supports earlier this week.
Saskatoon police committing three officers to curb crime in Pleasant Hill

The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) is dedicating three officers to a specialized unit to help curb crime in the Pleasant Hill neighbourhood.
New Sask. dental hygienist degree program to offer strictly evening classes

A new dental hygienist degree program is launching at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) in September to help meet a growing demand for oral health specialists.

Northern Ontario

BREAKING
BREAKING Sudbury police investigating threat found in high school bathroom stall

Sudbury police will have an increased presence at a local high school after two threatening messages were found in a bathroom stall.
Fatal crash at northern Ont. business on Highway 17

One person has died as the result of a single-vehicle crash at a northern Ontario business on Highway 17 on Thursday afternoon, police say.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living

Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.

London

Human trafficking-related charges laid by London police

London police have charged a man from Manitoba with human trafficking-related charges. Police in the 600 block of Wellington Rd. near Wilkins Street when they saw a vehicle with stolen plates in a parking lot.
Crash causes power outage in St. Thomas

According to police, there was “significant damage” to the hydro pole, causing a power outage to the surrounding areas.
Man arrested after police locate stolen vehicle

A Lucan man is facing a number of charges after police said they recovered a stolen truck.

Barrie

Serious rollover on Highway 400 sends mother to hospital

Person airlifted to Toronto after a rollover on Highway 400 Friday morning.
Clock ticking on CAA's Worst Roads campaign

CAA's Worst Roads campaign ensures municipalities know which roads its residents feel need rapid improvement.
Driver suffers life-threatening injuries in Hwy 12 collision

One person suffered life-threatening injuries after a collision with a commercial vehicle on Highway 12 at Forest Avenue in Orillia early Thursday afternoon.

Windsor

Police in Windsor looking for Ramtin Bayat

Windsor police are asking the public to keep an eye out for a man last seen in the downtown area.
Store employee threatened with knife during robbery

Police said a person went to a market in the 2100 block of Huron Church Road near McKay Avenue and left the store without paying for about $200 worth of items.
Missing 82-year-old man has been found

Windsor police have located an 82-year-old man.

Vancouver Island

Bigger boats, more nets, people arrive in Zeballos, B.C., for new orca rescue attempt

A large seine fishing vessel capable of casting a net strong enough to hold a nearly 700-kilogram killer whale calf has arrived in Zeballos, B.C., to participate in the latest attempt to rescue the young orca stranded in a remote tidal lagoon.
Facebook Marketplace seller must refund buyer over false advertising, B.C. tribunal decides

A Facebook Marketplace seller is being ordered by B.C.'s small claims tribunal to repay hundreds of dollars after selling a product under false advertising.
Jets take down Canucks 4-2 as both teams wrap up regular season

Nikita Chibrikov scored the game-winner in his NHL debut and Cole Perfetti tallied a pair of goals as the Winnipeg Jets defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4-2 to close out their regular seasons on Thursday.

Kelowna

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.
B.C. to add 240 complex-care housing units throughout province

British Columbia is planning to add 240 new units to its complex-care housing program, providing homes for people with mental-health and addictions challenges that overlap with other serious conditions.

Lethbridge

Deterrent sentence possible, expert says, after trio convicted in connection to Coutts border blockade

Three men who helped lead and co-ordinate the 2022 border blockade at Coutts, Alta., have been found guilty of public mischief.
Central Alberta man arrested in connection with grandparent scam

Lethbridge police have arrested a Vermilion, Alta., man in connection with a 'grandparent scam' that took aim at a local senior.
Woman, 61, killed in crash north of Coaldale, Alta.: RCMP

An Alberta woman was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on a highway north of Coaldale, Alta., on Wednesday morning.

Sault Ste. Marie

Fatal crash at northern Ont. business on Highway 17

One person has died as the result of a single-vehicle crash at a northern Ontario business on Highway 17 on Thursday afternoon, police say.
Northern Ont. woman wins big with gifted lottery scratch ticket

A 65-year-old northern Ontario woman says her winning lottery scratch ticket is the best present she has ever received.
Small northern Ont. town loses access to mobile cancer screening

A northern Ont. city councillor says she fears many women will go without the proper health care after town loses access to mobile cancer screening.

N.L.

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.
500 Newfoundlanders wound up on the same cruise and it turned into a rocking kitchen party

A Celebrity Apex cruise to the Caribbean this month turned into a rocking Newfoundland kitchen party when hundreds of people from Canada's easternmost province happened to be booked on the same ship.
Protest averted as Newfoundland and Labrador premier helps reach pricing deal on crab

A pricing agreement has been reached between crab fishers and seafood processors that will allow for Newfoundland and Labrador's annual crab fishery to get started.

5 things to know for Thursday, January 20, 2022

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

DEVELOPING | G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack

BREAKING | Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site

Opinion | 'Sasquatch Sunset' review: There won't be a weirder movie in theatres this year

BREAKING | Sudbury police investigating threat found in high school bathroom stall

DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack

BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site

Opinion 'Sasquatch Sunset' review: There won't be a weirder movie in theatres this year

BREAKING Sudbury police investigating threat found in high school bathroom stall