5 things to know for Thursday, September 16, 2021

TORONTO -

Canada has now fully vaccinated 78.21 per cent of the country's eligible population. Here’s what else you need to know to start your day.

1. Inside the ICU: The truth of the fourth wave of COVID-19 in Canada is starkly clear inside the intensive care unit at Hamilton General, where the majority of COVID-19 patients on life support are young and unvaccinated.

2. Vaccine passport: With daily COVID-19 cases exceeding 1,000 in Alberta, Premier Jason Kenney’s government has joined other provinces across Canada in announcing a proof of vaccination program.

3. Representation in Parliament: Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau won’t formally commit to a specific target for representation of Black, Indigenous, and people of colour in cabinet, despite doing so for women in 2015.

4. Pandemic voting measures: Thousands of Canadians will not be able to vote in the upcoming federal election because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Elections Canada said.

5. Election result wait: Canadians are inching closer to election day, when the 36-day campaign will reach its conclusion, but will there actually be a clear winner on Sept. 20? The short answer: it’s complicated.

One more thing…

Mystery solved: The mystery behind the origins of a supernova first spotted by 12th-century Chinese and Japanese astronomers has been solved, according to an international team of 21st-century astronomers.

This illustration made available by the European Southern Observatory in 2014 shows shows dust surrounding a supernova explosion. (M. Kornmesser/ESO via AP)

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't

Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.

How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'

The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.

NEW

NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?

As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.

'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date

A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.

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.

Arrest made, manslaughter charge pending in 2022 death of Calgary toddler

Calgary police have arrested a man and a charge is pending in connection with the death of a toddler in 2022.

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.

Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program

It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.

Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation

Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.

Canada

Judge to continue instructions to jury in trial of man accused of killing Toronto police officer

The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is set to continue her instructions to the jury today.
It's the biggest election in history. Here's why few Indians in Canada will take part

In the Indian general election that gets underway on Friday, almost a billion people are eligible to vote, but a vast majority of the overseas Indian community in Canada won't be casting a ballot.
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.
Gas prices across Ontario expected to climb to levels not seen since 2022, analyst says

Ontario is going to see a big jump at the pumps later this week as gas prices in the province hit levels not seen in nearly two years, according to one industry analyst.
Attempt to have murder charge quashed against alleged serial killer dismissed by judge

A motion filed by the man accused of killing four Indigenous women in Winnipeg to have one of those murder charges quashed has been dismissed by the judge – weeks before the start of his trial.
Doug Ford calls on Ontario Speaker to reverse Queen's Park keffiyeh ban

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on Speaker Ted Arnott to reverse a ban on keffiyehs at Queen's Park, describing the move as “needlessly” divisive.

World

Prominent figure in German far-right party stands trial over alleged use of Nazi slogan

One of the most prominent figures in the far-right Alternative for Germany party went on trial Thursday on charges of using a Nazi slogan, months before a regional election in which he is running to become his state's governor.
California sets long-awaited drinking water limit for 'Erin Brockovich' contaminant

California regulators voted Wednesday to establish a drinking water limit on hexavalent chromium, a toxic chemical compound made infamous by the movie 'Erin Brockovich.'
UN Security Council to vote Friday on Palestinian membership

The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote Friday on a Palestinian request for full UN membership, said diplomats, a move that Israel ally the United States is expected to block because it would effectively recognize a Palestinian state.
Trump lawyers say Stormy Daniels refused subpoena outside a Brooklyn bar, papers left 'at her feet'

Donald Trump's legal team says it tried serving Stormy Daniels a subpoena as she arrived for an event at a bar in Brooklyn last month, but the porn actor, who is expected to be a witness at the former president's criminal trial, refused to take it and walked away.
Russia reports downing 5 Ukrainian military balloons in Kyiv's latest apparent war innovation

Russian air defences downed what authorities described as five Ukrainian balloons overnight, the defence ministry in Moscow said Thursday, as the sides kept up long-range strikes that have featured heavily in what has largely become a war of attrition.
Elephant roams Montana's busiest street after escaping from circus

The sound of a vehicle backfiring spooked a circus elephant while she was getting a pre-show bath in Butte, Montana, leading the pachyderm to break through a fence and take a brief walk, stopping noontime traffic on the city's busiest street before being loaded back into a trailer.

Politics

House admonishes ArriveCan contractor in rare parliamentary show of power

MPs enacted an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power on Wednesday, summonsing an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons where he was admonished publicly and forced to provide answers to the questions MPs said he'd previously evaded.
Government proposes new policy for federally regulated employees to disconnect from work

In their 2024 budget, the federal government wants to amend the Canada Labour Code, so employers in federally regulated sectors will eliminate work-related communication with employees outside of scheduled hours. If implemented, this would affect roughly 500,000 employees across the country.
Disappointment widespread over budget's proposed $200-month disability benefit funding

Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.

Health

Province says 'heavy lifting' done on new family doctor funding model, but negotiations continue

Progress has been made on a new compensation model for family doctors, with the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) hopeful for a fall rollout.
Workers warn of dangers if six Public Health Ontario labs close

Public Health Ontario workers say the potential closure of six laboratories across the province would be dangerous and increase inequity in northern Ontario.
NEW
NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?

As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.

Sci-Tech

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.
Ancient skeletons unearthed in France reveal Mafia-style killings

More than 5,500 years ago, two women were tied up and probably buried alive in a ritual sacrifice, using a form of torture associated today with the Italian Mafia, according to an analysis of skeletons discovered at an archeological site in southwest France.
Weight-related bullying risk goes up the more time teens spend on social media, study shows

There are a lot of risks when it comes to adolescents using screens — and a new multinational study shows weight-related bullying may be among them.

Entertainment

Ashanti and Nelly are engaged and expecting a baby

Congratulations are in order for singer Ashanti and rapper Nelly. The reunited couple have gone public with both a pregnancy and their engagement.
After 40 years in Park City, Sundance exploring options for 2027 film festival and beyond

The Sundance Film Festival may not always call Park City, Utah, home. The Sundance Institute has started to explore the possibility of other U.S. locations to host the independent film festival starting in 2027, the organization said Wednesday.
Young New Brunswick songwriter makes appearance on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show'

Eight-year-old songwriter Zuri Hamilton from Miramichi, N.B., got to show off her talent on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' on Monday.

Business

How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'

The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Solving shortage of construction workers key to housing growth: experts

Solving a longstanding construction worker shortage will be key to boosting housing supply, experts say, as Canada's national housing agency continues to forecast housing start levels that fall short of growing demand.
Plant-based sector focused on better price, taste and texture amid consumer wariness

The plant-based protein industry is focused on improving the price, taste and texture of its products as it weathers a period of consumer wariness brought on by the rising cost of living.

Lifestyle

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.
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.
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.

Sports

Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA for life

Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
Judge hits the tiebreaking single in 9th as Yankees rally to avoid sweep with 6-4 win over Blue Jays

Giancarlo Stanton homered in the ninth inning and Aaron Judge added a go-ahead two-run double to lead the New York Yankees to a 6-4 comeback win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday at Rogers Centre.
Caitlin Clark will make US$76,535 from her WNBA salary this year. The top NBA draft pick will earn US$10.5 million

Caitlin Clark's salary compared to top National Basketball Association players is drawing attention to Women's National Basketball Association players' pay and the often massive gender gap in professional sports salaries. The highest-paid WNBA player made a US$242,000 salary, while the league minimum salary in the NBA is over a million dollars in 2023.

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

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.

B.C. child killer's lawyer walks out of review hearing

The lawyer representing child-killer Allan Schoenborn walked out of his client's annual review hearing Wednesday – abruptly ending proceedings marked by tense exchanges and several outbursts.
Police investigating daredevil videos of 'urban climber' in Vancouver

A social media daredevil has been doing death-defying stunts in the Vancouver area, prompting safety concerns and at least one police investigation.
Truck driver airlifted to hospital after head-on collision with school bus: Mission RCMP

The driver of a pickup truck was airlifted to hospital after a head-on collision with a school bus outside Mission on Wednesday afternoon, according to authorities.

Toronto

Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program

It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
NEW
NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?

As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'They needed people inside Air Canada': Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist

Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.

Calgary

Arrest made, manslaughter charge pending in 2022 death of Calgary toddler

Calgary police have arrested a man and a charge is pending in connection with the death of a toddler in 2022.
'Blue Sky City': Calgary unveils new brand

Calgary has a new brand and it's looking up.
Ranchers 'vindicated' but concerned after court forces government to share coal policy documents

It took four years in court, but a group of Eastern Slope ranchers will finally get access to thousands of pages of documents outlining when and how the province decided to tear up 44 years of coal policy.

Ottawa

BREAKING
BREAKING Fatal crash closes section of Hwy. 417 in Ottawa's east end

One person is dead following an overnight crash on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa's east end. The westbound lanes of the Queensway are closed between Innes Road and the Hwy. 174 split.
Here's when gas prices will drop 4 cents a litre in Ottawa

Canadians for Affordable Energy president Dan McTeague says gas prices will drop 4 cents a litre on Friday, one day after prices increased 14 cents a litre.
'We'd like to see it move faster': The push to increase activity in downtown Ottawa

Talk of transitioning federal buildings into housing has been in the works for a couple of years and it's a move that business leaders in Ottawa say can't come soon enough.

Montreal

Gas prices jump up past $1.90 across Quebec

Motorists are facing higher prices in many parts of Quebec as gas stations switch from winter to summer gasoline.
Legault still doesn't know the price of a 4 1/2 in Montreal

François Legault still doesn't know the price of a 4 1/2 apartment in Montreal, three years after getting bogged down on the issue.
Montreal police open fire on driver in suspected stolen vehicle intervention

Quebec's police watchdog has opened an investigation into a Montreal police (SPVM) intervention in the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough that ended with one person seriously injured.

Edmonton

More than 150 people reported crashes in Edmonton Wednesday

More than 150 people have reported vehicle crashes in Edmonton on Wednesday.
Oilers a fitting opponent for what could be Coyotes' last game in Arizona

In at least a couple of ways, it's fitting the Edmonton Oilers will be the Arizona Coyotes' final opponent before the Desert Dogs shed their Kachina-styled uniforms for whatever hues and themes may await them in Salt Lake City.
Spring snow stalls golfers but moisture welcomed by courses and fire crews

While snow and ice aren't ideal weather for hitting the links, a local golf course said it's happy to see some April precipitation.

Atlantic

N.S. RCMP investigating sudden death in Bass River

The RCMP says it is investigating a sudden death in Nova Scotia’s Colchester County.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't

Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
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.

Winnipeg

'Totally wrong': Winnipeg man says landlord denied life-changing medical equipment

A Winnipeg man is raising a red flag after his landlord said no to health-care equipment that could change his life – a problem he believes is a human rights issue.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date

A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Attempt to have murder charge quashed against alleged serial killer dismissed by judge

A motion filed by the man accused of killing four Indigenous women in Winnipeg to have one of those murder charges quashed has been dismissed by the judge – weeks before the start of his trial.

Regina

Government, STF reach tentative agreement, members to vote

After two days of negotiations, the province has presented the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) a final offer, which will go to members for a vote.
Regina man says he was wrongfully evicted from seniors' facility and left with nowhere to go

A Regina man who says he was given two hours to vacate the seniors' home he lived in after being evicted should not have been forced to move in the first place.
SUMA conference concludes with bear pit session

The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) conference wrapped up on Wednesday with educational sessions in the morning, followed by a bear pit session for delegates to speak directly with the provincial government.

Kitchener

Wide turns leaving Ayr residents short on patience with transport truck traffic

People living in the community of Ayr say they are dealing with a safety concern due to transport trucks travelling through their downtown.
Customers react to pizza as a new menu item at Tim Hortons

Pizza and coffee wasn’t what Jeet Shergill was expecting to order on his lunch break, but he saw the posters of the new menu item at Tim Hortons and decided to give it a shot.
'They needed people inside Air Canada': Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist

Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.

Saskatoon

Sask. woman accused of driving while high in fatal crash takes the stand

The woman accused of hitting and killing a child while driving under the influence of THC was called to the stand on Wednesday.
Government, STF reach tentative agreement, members to vote

After two days of negotiations, the province has presented the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) a final offer, which will go to members for a vote.
Former Sask. massage therapist who sexually assaulted clients has day parole revoked

A former massage therapist who pleaded guilty to a string of sexual assaults has had his day parole revoked.

Northern Ontario

Body of missing man found, northern Ontario police say

The body of a missing man has been found after his vehicle was pulled into a northern creek on Saturday morning, Ontario Provincial Police say.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't

Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
'They needed people inside Air Canada': Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist

Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.

London

London police officer charged with impaired

According to the London Police Service (LPS), a 35-year-old Constable who lives in Woodstock was arrested and charged with impaired driving.
Twinning of Highbury Avenue for VW Plant starts Monday

The rapid pace of infrastructure needed to build the largest factory in Canada continues.
Historic first meeting in 150 years yields commitment to cooperate, and to hopefully meet again

The first joint meeting by the elected councils of the City of London and Oneida Nation of the Thames saw the long-time neighbouring communities take a collaborative step forward.

Barrie

Death investigation launched after body washes onto Lake Couchiching shore

Provincial police are investigating after a man's body washed up on the shores of Lake Couchiching in Severn Township.
Tim Hortons Roll Up The Rim contest faces backlash amid another ‘technical error’

Tim Hortons Roll Up The Rim contest may be in hot water yet again after several customers received emails falsely congratulating them on winning the Tracker boat worth nearly $60,000.
Multi-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck halts traffic

A multi-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck snarled traffic in Barrie on Wednesday afternoon.

Windsor

Illegal drugs seized from downtown Windsor business

Windsor police have seized nearly $42,000 in illegal drugs after raiding a psilocybin dispensary. Around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, police used a search warrant at the business in the 300 block of Ouellette Ave. near University Avenue.
Family saved by organ donors encourages registration

Morgan Hurt shares a birthday with her grandfather, Bruce Rand – but it’s the fact both have received life-saving organ donations that has really solidified their special bond.
Gas prices set to rise 'dramatically' Thursday

Many made a dash to the pumps because experts say the price of gas is set to rise Thursday.

Vancouver Island

B.C. asks anglers to help eradicate this sport fish common in the rest of Canada

The British Columbia government is encouraging anglers to pack their tackle boxes and head out to a remote lake on Vancouver Island as the province attempts to eradicate an invasive population of sport fish.
Parents fighting to save unique Mill Bay school from returning to catchment pool

Evan Jamieson’s nine-year-old son Oliver has thrived at Mill Bay Nature School in Mill Bay, B.C., despite all of his challenges.
No connection between police response, man's death near Vancouver Island trail: IIO

B.C.'s police watchdog has finished its investigation into an incident on Vancouver Island, concluding the actions of officers weren't connected to a man's death.

Kelowna

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.
Evacuation of Kelowna, B.C., apartment near construction site extended for two weeks

More than 80 residents from a low-income apartment building in Kelowna, B.C., have learned they won't be able to return to their homes for at least another two weeks.

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

Sault cracking down on people who misuse accessible parking spots

For the next several months, the City of Sault Ste. Marie will be cracking down on people who improperly use accessible parking spaces.
Suspected drug dealer assaulted officer, Sault police say

A suspect riding a bicycle on Gibbs Street in Sault Ste. Marie this week has been charged with assaulting police, along with drug-related offences.
Sault suspect exposed herself, charged at police with an umbrella

Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 26-year-old woman with several offences following an incident Monday morning.

N.L.

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.
A fish harvester's protest threatens Newfoundland and Labrador's crab season -- again

Longliners across Newfoundland and Labrador are tied up once again, as a new protest by the province's fish harvesters threatens to derail the crab fishery for a second straight year.

5 things to know for Thursday, September 16, 2021

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

NEW | Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?

NEW | Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?

NEW | Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?

BREAKING | Fatal crash closes section of Hwy. 417 in Ottawa's east end

NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?

NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?

NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?

BREAKING Fatal crash closes section of Hwy. 417 in Ottawa's east end