5 things to know for Thursday, March 17, 2022

Hundreds are feared trapped in a Ukraine theatre hit by a Russian airstrike, travellers may soon face a rush on booking getaways, and Kanye West is suspended from Instagram for posting a racial slur. Here's what you need to know today.

1. Shelter strike: Ukrainian authorities struggled to determine the fate of hundreds of civilians who were sheltering in a theatre smashed by a Russian airstrike in the besieged city of Mariupol.

2. Ballerina protest: One of the stars of Moscow's Bolshoi Ballet, Olga Smirnova, has quit the company over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying that "we cannot remain indifferent."

3. Deadly crash: Two golfing students from Ontario are in critical condition after a crash that killed nine people in Texas.

4. Railway labour dispute: Close to 3,000 employees of Canadian Pacific Railway could be off the job Sunday, after the company issued a 72-hour lockout notice.

5. Ye can't say that: Kanye West has been suspended from Instagram for posting a racial slur directed at "Daily Show" host Trevor Noah.

One more thing…

Book fast and be flexible: Canadian travellers who have been deterred from leaving the country due to COVID-19 testing requirements may soon find themselves rushing to book a trip abroad.

Travelers are photographed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, on Thursday, December 16, 2021. The federal government is warning Canadians against non-essential travel internationally due to the risk of the Omicron variant that causes COVID-19. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Tijana Martin

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

'Oh my God, you're my brother': Man in his 70s discovers 6 unknown siblings

After receiving a DNA kit one Christmas from his son-in-law, Hugh McCormick soon discovered that he had six unknown siblings, with whom he shared the same birth parents.

No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator

Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.

'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering

Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.

Rates of cancer declining in Canada, but more work needed to save lives: projections

A new study projecting declining rates of cancer cases and deaths in Canada demonstrates the success of prevention and early detection programs, but also highlights areas where more work is needed to save and prolong lives, researchers say.

Canucks hold off Oilers for 4-3 win in Game 3

Brock Boeser had two goals and an assist, and the Vancouver Canucks hung on for a 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of their second-round Stanley Cup playoff series.

Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition

An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.

Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding

Police are searching for a male suspect after a man was “slashed in neck” on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and died.

WATCH

WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway

There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.

'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise's disappearance

It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.

Canada

Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition

An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place

The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
Chris Hadfield inspires youth musical in Sudbury

YES Theatre Young Company opened its acclaimed kids’ show, One Small Step, at Sudbury Theatre Centre on Saturday.
'Oh my God, you're my brother': Man in his 70s discovers 6 unknown siblings

After receiving a DNA kit one Christmas from his son-in-law, Hugh McCormick soon discovered that he had six unknown siblings, with whom he shared the same birth parents.
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise's disappearance

It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping

Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.

World

Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Michael Cohen: A challenging star witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial

He once said he would take a bullet for Donald Trump. Now Michael Cohen is prosecutors' biggest piece of legal ammunition in the former president's hush money trial.
U.S. delivers some of its strongest public criticism of Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday delivered some of the Biden administration’s strongest public criticism yet of Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza.
Over 300 dead, thousands displaced in northern Afghanistan as floods affect region

The UN food agency estimated that unusually heavy seasonal rains in Afghanistan have left more than 300 people dead and thousands of houses destroyed.
U.S. plans to impose major new tariffs on EVs, other Chinese green energy imports, AP sources say

The Biden administration plans to impose major new tariffs on electric vehicles, semiconductors, solar equipment and medical supplies imported from China, according to a U.S. official and another person familiar with the plan.
Schools turn to artificial intelligence to spot guns as companies press lawmakers for state funds

Kansas could soon offer up to US$5 million in grants for schools to outfit surveillance cameras with artificial intelligence systems that can spot people carrying guns. But the governor needs to approve the expenditures and the schools must meet some very specific criteria.

Politics

Feds 'committed to doing more,' but minister offers no timeline for Canadian Disability Benefit boost

Amid significant criticism from advocates, Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities Minister Kamal Khera is defending her government's long-promised, newly unveiled Canada Disability Benefit, calling the funds an "initial step," but without laying out a timeline for future expansion of the program.
RCMP boss expresses desire for new law to deal with threats against politicians

RCMP commissioner Mike Duheme says he wants the government to look at drafting a new law that would make it easier for police to pursue charges against people who threaten elected officials.
Trudeau points to fire fight, says Meta news ban degrades safety as it makes billions

Justin Trudeau says Meta is making billions off people, but taking no responsibility for the well-being of communities they profit from.

Health

Rates of cancer declining in Canada, but more work needed to save lives: projections

A new study projecting declining rates of cancer cases and deaths in Canada demonstrates the success of prevention and early detection programs, but also highlights areas where more work is needed to save and prolong lives, researchers say.
Cannabis, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week

Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis and vehicle components.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere

For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.

Sci-Tech

Trudeau points to fire fight, says Meta news ban degrades safety as it makes billions

Justin Trudeau says Meta is making billions off people, but taking no responsibility for the well-being of communities they profit from.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto

A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas

A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.

Entertainment

Chris Hadfield inspires youth musical in Sudbury

YES Theatre Young Company opened its acclaimed kids’ show, One Small Step, at Sudbury Theatre Centre on Saturday.
Swiss fans get ready to welcome Eurovision winner Nemo back home

Swiss Eurovision fans were getting ready Sunday to give a hero's welcome to singer Nemo, who won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest with "The Code," an operatic pop-rap ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing a nongender identity.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings

This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.

Business

No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator

Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.
Balancing act: Canadian North’s first Inuk CEO juggles Arctic airline challenges

With carriers' flight volumes above the 60th parallel hovering below pre-pandemic levels, Canadian North’s first Inuk CEO now bears the task of balancing those financial and logistical challenges with the needs of communities for which she feels a deep affinity.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan

Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.

Lifestyle

opinion
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool

Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Here are some gardening questions, answers

When it comes to gardening, a lot of questions come up, including the best way to keep pets away from plants, maintaining your lawn and keeping the dandelions at bay.
For moms-to-be, it's possible to take maternity leave without breaking the bank

Pregnancy is often an exciting and anxious time for parents-to-be. And while painting the nursery and choosing a stroller are typically on the agenda, experts say preparing financially for a maternity leave can help reduce stress later on as well.

Sports

Canucks hold off Oilers for 4-3 win in Game 3

Brock Boeser had two goals and an assist, and the Vancouver Canucks hung on for a 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of their second-round Stanley Cup playoff series.
Santana's three-run homer lifts Twins over Jays in Manoah's best start of the year

Alek Manoah allowed three runs — all unearned — over seven innings to lower his earned-run average from 13.50 to 4.91 in his best outing of the year. He allowed four hits and a walk, striking out six.
Atlanta Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, secure No. 1 overall pick

The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA draft lottery on Sunday, landing the No. 1 pick and a potential cornerstone player in a year where there’s no clear-cut choice.

Autos

After layoffs, Musk says Tesla to spend US$500M on charging network

Tesla will spend more than US$500 million to expand its fast-charging network, CEO Elon Musk said on Friday, days after abruptly laying off employees who were running the business.
Her SUV was stolen in Montreal. A Good Samaritan on Facebook helped her get it back

Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it

If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.

Canucks beat Oilers 4-3 to take back series lead

The Vancouver Canucks beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 Sunday night and now lead the second round series 2-1.
'It happened so fast': Evacuees describe fleeing Fort Nelson wildfire

Thousands have been forced to flee a wildfire burning near Fort Nelson. Meanwhile, some experienced volunteers are staying behind to fight the fire.
Wind could push rapidly growing wildfire into Fort Nelson, B.C.: BCWS

A fast-growing wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., that has forced thousands to flee their homes could spread into the town itself, the B.C. Wildfire Service warned.

Toronto

1 person critically injured in North York shooting: paramedics

One person suffered serious, life-threatening injuries after a shooting in North York early Monday morning, Toronto paramedics say.
Ontario's need for nurses, PSWs to top 33K and 50K by 2032: document

Ontario will need 33,200 more nurses and 50,853 more personal support workers by 2032, the government projects — figures it tried to keep secret but were obtained by The Canadian Press.
Road rage, alcohol leads to four-vehicle crash on Hwy. 403 in Mississauga: OPP

Four people were injured, two seriously, after a multi-vehicle collision involving road rage and alcohol on Highway 403 in Mississauga, Ontario Provincial Police say.

Calgary

Sunday morning collision between vehicle and cyclist sends 1 to hospital

A vehicle collided with a cyclist Sunday morning in southeast Calgary.
Calgary Stampeders' training camp opens with an abundance of quarterbacks

Quarterback meetings were crowded to start Calgary Stampeders' training camp.
Over 5,000 people celebrate Mother’s Day at SportChek event

Over 5,000 Calgarians celebrated Mother’s Day Sunday in a time-honoured city tradition: by going for a run.

Ottawa

Ottawa church advocating for universal basic income as federal bills consider the issue

Ottawa's Rideau Park United Church has been raising awareness for universal basic income, a policy that would give a fixed amount to everybody, every month, regardless of their income.
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING Human chess game turns Parliament Hill black and white for Alzheimer's research

It’s a Queen's Gambit for Alzheimer’s on Parliament Hill, as dozens gathered to take part in a live game of chess on Sunday.
2 taken to hospital after 2-car crash on Richmond Road

Two people were taken to hospital after a two-vehicle crash in Ottawa's west end on Sunday afternoon.

Montreal

McGill to ask for injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment

Lawyers for McGill University are slated to be in court to seek an injunction to dismantle the pro-Palestinian encampment that has been on its grounds since last month.
Man sent for 'psychological care' after gunfire in Longueuil

A string of gunfire in Greenfield Park on Montreal's South Shore had Longueuil police investigating overnight.
Adopted daughter in the Netherlands reunited with sister in Montreal and mother in Colombia, 40 years later

Two daughters and a mother were reunited online 40 years later thanks to a DNA kit and a Zoom connection despite living on three separate continents and speaking different languages.

Edmonton

Canucks hold off Oilers for 4-3 win in Game 3

Brock Boeser had two goals and an assist, and the Vancouver Canucks hung on for a 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of their second-round Stanley Cup playoff series.
U of A defends decision to involve police in teardown of campus protest encampment

Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
2 arrested after man's dead body found in northeast Edmonton home Saturday: EPS

A man and woman were arrested Saturday after a man was found dead inside a northeast Edmonton home.

Atlantic

Firefighters respond to major fire at business in Bathurst, N.B.

Firefighters responded to a major structure fire in Bathurst, N.B., Saturday night.
One dead after two-vehicle crash in Wolfville Ridge, N.S.

Kings District RCMP is investigating after a collision in Wolfville Ridge, N.S., left one man dead on Saturday.
Man arrested for manslaughter in Cape Breton: police

A man in Sydney, N.S., has been arrested for manslaughter after a death in the community on Friday, according to police.

Winnipeg

Manitoba battling two wildfires around Flin Flon and The Pas, evacuation orders in effect

The province says several government agencies are currently responding to two wildfires around Flin Flon and The Pas.
Trial of Winnipeg serial killer expected to hear more testimony from police

The Winnipeg trial of admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki is expected to hear testimony today from a police officer who examined video surveillance.
Homicide investigation closes stretch of Portage Avenue

Winnipeg police closed a stretch of Portage Avenue on Sunday morning because of a homicide investigation.

Regina

Death investigation underway after injured man dies in hospital

Regina police have launched an investigation into the death of a man officers found gravely injured in the northwest of the city on Sunday.
'Genuine optimism': Riders open 2024 training camp with Harris at the helm

Sunday marked day one of training camp for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Saskatoon. The team was ecstatic to be back on the field for another year with quarterback Trevor Harris being no exception.
Sask. social services mobile outreach team doubles in size, expands access to community locations

Saskatchewan's Ministry of Social Services says its mobile outreach team is doubling in size. A total of 20 social workers will now provide services in the community rather than from a government office.

Kitchener

Gunshots ring out in Kitchener neighbourhood

Waterloo regional police say no one was hurt during a daylight shooting in Kitchener.
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise's disappearance

It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
Ontario's need for nurses, PSWs to top 33K and 50K by 2032: document

Ontario will need 33,200 more nurses and 50,853 more personal support workers by 2032, the government projects — figures it tried to keep secret but were obtained by The Canadian Press.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon police say violent crime is up 10 per cent since last year

Violent crime in Saskatoon was up by nearly 10 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, according to new data from the Saskatoon Police Service.
'It would change my life': Saskatchewan singer vying for $1 million on Canada's Got Talent final

Prince Albert singer Rebecca Strong is on the cusp of achieving a dream on Canada’s Got Talent as she stands among the final eight contestants.
No one injured in residential blaze, Saskatoon fire department says

The Saskatoon Fire Department says no one was injured in a fire in the Queen Elizabeth neighbourhood on Saturday evening.

Northern Ontario

37-year-old man dies following Sault police shooting

Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after a Sault Ste. Marie Police Service officer shot a 37-year-old man in the city’s west end on Saturday night.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering

Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
WATCH
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway

There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.

London

Fire crews tackle east end blaze early Sunday morning

No injuries were reported after a garage fire spread into a vehicle early Sunday morning in the city’s east end.
Jewellery owner assaulted during robbery, suspect in custody

A 46-year-old individual is in custody and is facing multiple charges after allegedly robbing a Kincardine jewellery store early Saturday morning and assaulting the business owner.
'It would be life changing': Poplar Hill Lions Club fundraising for wheelchair-accessible swing

Olivia McIntosh loves to swing. Unfortunately, in a wheelchair with cerebral palsy (CP) and a global delay, the 17-year old from Ilderton, Ont. needs at least two people to help lift her and get her seated.

Barrie

How moms throughout Simcoe County spent Mother's Day

Businesses throughout Simcoe County were busy on Sunday for Mother's Day, as families celebrated the day dedicated to moms.
A portion of Essa Road closed this week for construction

Due to construction, motorists in Barrie who rely on Essa Road for their daily commute must plan alternative routes over the next few days.
One person killed, two injured in Innisfil crash

One person is dead after a two-vehicle crash in Innisfil Saturday morning.

Windsor

Teachers among those charged in underage prostitution investigation

Days after four people were charged in an underage prostitution investigation, it's been learned that two of the accused are reportedly employed by the University of Windsor and a high school in Essex.
No charges laid after pedestrian runs across street, is struck by pickup truck

No charges will be laid against the driver of a pickup truck after a woman ran across the road and was struck by the vehicle in Chatham over the weekend.
IN PICTURES
IN PICTURES The northern lights were visible across Windsor-Essex. Take a look

The most powerful geomagnetic storm in the past 20 years resulted in some awe-inspiring images captured by people all across Windsor-Essex.

Vancouver Island

Wind could push rapidly growing wildfire into Fort Nelson, B.C.: BCWS

A fast-growing wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., that has forced thousands to flee their homes could spread into the town itself, the B.C. Wildfire Service warned.
Canucks beat Oilers 4-3 to take back series lead

The Vancouver Canucks beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 Sunday night and now lead the second round series 2-1.
'It happened so fast': Evacuees describe fleeing Fort Nelson wildfire

Thousands have been forced to flee a wildfire burning near Fort Nelson. Meanwhile, some experienced volunteers are staying behind to fight the fire.

Kelowna

'Altercation' in Penticton leaves 1 dead: RCMP

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

A suspect is at large after robbing a convenience store at gunpoint in Merritt, B.C., Friday, according to local police.
Kamloops RCMP issue public warning about 2 men allegedly at centre of 'organized crime conflict'

After four targeted shootings in four days, Mounties in Kamloops are taking the unusual step of warning the public about two men they believe are likely to be targeted in future violent incidents.

Lethbridge

Medicine Hat, Alta., police arrest local man in child luring case

Thousands of messages were sent between a teenage girl in the U.S. and an Alberta man posing as a young boy, a police investigation has revealed.
Southern Alberta farmers optimistic after recent rainfall

After a dry winter, southern Alberta farmers were expecting it to be another tough growing season.
Rural crime in decline: southern Alberta RCMP

Rural crime is on the decline, the RCMP said in a media statement released by the Southern Alberta District (SAD) late Wednesday afternoon.

Sault Ste. Marie

NEW
NEW Expert expecting another big cruise ship season this summer

One expert says we might see a little bit of a dip, even still, he’s expecting another big cruise ship season on the Great Lakes, particularly when it comes to ports in northeastern Ontario.
IN PHOTOS
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in northern Ont.

Highlights of the views of the northern lights display in northern Ontario on Friday night and Saturday morning.
37-year-old man dies following Sault police shooting

Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after a Sault Ste. Marie Police Service officer shot a 37-year-old man in the city’s west end on Saturday night.

N.L.

'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say

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

Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.
Trucker's body found in trailer in Newfoundland after failed police search in Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police are facing tough questions about their search for a missing Newfoundland trucker whose rig was found two weeks ago in Ontario, then sent back to Newfoundland, where his body was found Monday in the trailer.

5 things to know for Thursday, March 17, 2022

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

WATCH | Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway

opinion | How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool

NEW THIS MORNING | Human chess game turns Parliament Hill black and white for Alzheimer's research

WATCH | Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway

IN PICTURES | The northern lights were visible across Windsor-Essex. Take a look

NEW | Expert expecting another big cruise ship season this summer

IN PHOTOS | Northern lights dance across the night sky in northern Ont.

WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway

opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool

NEW THIS MORNING Human chess game turns Parliament Hill black and white for Alzheimer's research

WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway

IN PICTURES The northern lights were visible across Windsor-Essex. Take a look

NEW Expert expecting another big cruise ship season this summer

IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in northern Ont.