These are the 5 headlines you should read this morning

A former sniper speaks out about a COVID-19 policy since found "unconstitutional," the NDP leader confronts a "homophobic" heckler and a look at what India's rice export ban means for Canadians.

Here's what you need to know to start your day:

1. Alleged intimidation: A non-binding decision on vaccine mandates made by a Canadian military tribunal could result in a flood of new lawsuits against the federal government.

2. Heckler confronted: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh was quick to clap back at a drive-by heckler on Tuesday.

3. Bill C-18: Meta says it is officially moving to end news access for Canadians on its Facebook and Instagram platforms.

4. 'Do not panic buy': Here's what India's rice ban means for Canada.

5. Deferring retirement: Statistics Canada has found many workers would delay retirement if given the opportunity to reduce their working hours and alleviate workplace stress.

One more thing…

Man gets 40 years for prison escape bid months before expected release date from 7-year sentence

This photo illustration from Pexels shows bars in a prison cell. (Pexels)

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died

Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'

Kidnapped by her father and kept in a crawl space: Court documents reveal Montreal horror story

A Montreal father who kidnapped his daughter who has autism and lied to police when they asked where she was should serve three years in prison, a Crown prosecutor said.

Ontario's so-called 'Crypto King' soliciting investments as recently as February: police

Police are alleging that Ontario’s so-called ‘Crypto King’ Aiden Pleterski was soliciting investments as recently as February – almost two years after he was petitioned into bankruptcy for allegedly running a Ponzi scheme worth more than $40 million.

Pierre Poilievre presses Justin Trudeau for summer pause on carbon and fuel taxes

To give Canadians a break on their summer road trips, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to suspend all gas and diesel taxes from Victoria Day to Labour Day.

Noticed a new payment? Some Canadians get first carbon rebate

Many Canadians found a message from the Canada Revenue Agency this week as they received their first direct deposit for the Canada Carbon Rebate.

Teen died from eating a spicy chip as part of social media challenge, autopsy report concludes

A medical examiner says a Massachusetts teen who participated in a spicy tortilla chip challenge died from ingesting a substance 'with a high capsaicin concentration.'

Protecting your car from the growing risk of keyless vehicle thefts

Auto technology has evolved and many newer cars use wireless key fobs and push-button starters instead of traditional metal keys. But that technology also makes things easier for thieves.

WATCH

WATCH Scientists get a surprising glimpse at a rare deep-sea squid

Scientists from the University of Western Australia and Kelpsie Geociences in the U.K. say they were surprised to discover an underwater camera caught video of a rare deep-sea squid.

There's a new workers' rights treaty in Canada. What does it mean for you?

Although a global workers' treaty has been in force in Canada since January, an employment lawyer believes it won't do anything more to protect employees from violence and harassment.

Canada

Kidnapped by her father and kept in a crawl space: Court documents reveal Montreal horror story

A Montreal father who kidnapped his daughter who has autism and lied to police when they asked where she was should serve three years in prison, a Crown prosecutor said.
Ontario's so-called 'Crypto King' soliciting investments as recently as February: police

Police are alleging that Ontario’s so-called ‘Crypto King’ Aiden Pleterski was soliciting investments as recently as February – almost two years after he was petitioned into bankruptcy for allegedly running a Ponzi scheme worth more than $40 million.
Fort Nelson, B.C., wildfire expands to 127 square kilometres, but away from town

British Columbia's wildfire service says the blaze threatening the northern community of Fort Nelson now spans nearly 130 square kilometres, but it had spread away from the town along its southern flank.
Wood Buffalo officials to provide update on wildfire burning out of control near Fort McMurray

The MWF-017 wildfire burning southwest of Fort McMurray is the only wildfire classified as out of control in Alberta, provincials announced in an update on Thursday morning.
Father charged with second-degree murder in daughter's stabbing death southwest of Montreal

A father has been charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of his 34-year-old daughter in southern Quebec.
NEW
NEW Victoria Day travel plans? Here are some tips for a smooth trip

May 20 is Victoria Day. If you're going across the border this long weekend, follow these tips for a smoother trip.

World

Slovak authorities charge 'lone wolf' with assassination attempt on the prime minister

The Slovak interior minister said Thursday that a 'lone wolf' has been charged in the shooting that seriously wounded Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Will jurors believe Michael Cohen? Defence keys on witness' credibility at Trump's hush money trial

With prosecutors' hush money case against Donald Trump barreling toward its end, their star witness will be back in the hot seat Thursday as defence lawyers try to chip away at Michael Cohen's crucial testimony implicating the former president.
China and Russia reaffirm ties as Moscow presses offensive in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Chinese leader Xi Jinping Thursday for China's proposals on ending the war in Ukraine, which have been rejected by Ukraine and its Western supporters as largely following the Kremlin's line.
Teen died from eating a spicy chip as part of social media challenge, autopsy report concludes

A medical examiner says a Massachusetts teen who participated in a spicy tortilla chip challenge died from ingesting a substance 'with a high capsaicin concentration.'
White House blocks release of Biden’s special counsel interview audio, says GOP is being political
Webb telescope uncovers merger of two massive black holes from early universe

The Webb Space Telescope has discovered the earliest known merger of black holes. These two gigantic black holes and their galaxies consolidated just 740 million years after the universe-forming Big Bang.

Politics

Pierre Poilievre presses Justin Trudeau for summer pause on carbon and fuel taxes

To give Canadians a break on their summer road trips, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to suspend all gas and diesel taxes from Victoria Day to Labour Day.
Ottawa to acquire Quebec Bridge from CN, will spend $1 billion on span over 25 years

The federal government says it has reached a deal with Canadian National Railway Company to acquire the historic Quebec Bridge.
Pierre Poilievre says he'll try to forbid illicit drug use in Canada's hospitals

Federal Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre says the Conservatives will put forward legislation that would forbid Ottawa from "ever" granting provinces exemptions to allow illicit drug use in hospitals.

Health

New study shows financial impact of homelessness on our health-care system

A new study out of London, Ont. lays out the cost of the homelessness crisis on our health-care system.
P.E.I. proposes banning Islanders of a certain age from purchasing tobacco products in new health plan

A new proposal to ban Islanders of a certain age from ever buying tobacco products could put Prince Edward Island at the forefront of the battle against smoking.
'It could mean a cure': Cautious optimism for groundbreaking ALS research at Western

ALS patient Mathew Brown said he’s hopeful for future ALS patients after news this week of research at Western University of a potential cure for ALS.

Sci-Tech

Webb telescope uncovers merger of two massive black holes from early universe

The Webb Space Telescope has discovered the earliest known merger of black holes. These two gigantic black holes and their galaxies consolidated just 740 million years after the universe-forming Big Bang.
In first AI dialogue, U.S. cites 'misuse' of AI by China, Beijing protests Washington's restrictions

U.S. officials raised concerns about China's 'misuse of AI' while Beijing's representatives rebuked Washington over 'restrictions and pressure' on artificial intelligence, the governments said separately Wednesday, a day after a meeting in Geneva on the technology.
B.C. government and social media giants make deal on non-consensual intimate images

The British Columbia government and social media giants have made what they call a "historic collaboration" for youth safety online.

Entertainment

Manitoba high school choir set to perform with Foreigner

A Manitoba high school choir is set to perform Foreigner's iconic power-ballad alongside the '80s band.
Mattea Roach finishes fifth in latest season of 'Jeopardy! Masters'

Mattea Roach has come in fifth place in the season annual 'Jeopardy! Masters' tournament.
Sophie Turner says split from Joe Jonas 'were the worst few days of my life'

Sophie Turner is now the happiest she’s been in “a really long time,” but she went through struggle to get there.

Business

Half of telecom providers not following website complaints section rules: watchdog

Canada's telecom and television complaints watchdog says many telecom providers aren't following complaints section rules on their websites, and it's particularly concerned about some repeat offenders.
'Endless Shrimp' just one misstep for Red Lobster as it eyes bankruptcy protection

While it's unclear what these closures might mean for the 27 restaurants in Canada, Red Lobster is expected to file for bankruptcy protection in the U.S. this month.
Ontario to change how it compensates injured migrant workers

Ontario will revamp how it compensates injured migrant workers.

Lifestyle

Noticed a new payment? Some Canadians get first carbon rebate

Many Canadians found a message from the Canada Revenue Agency this week as they received their first direct deposit for the Canada Carbon Rebate.
An airplane passenger was spotted in an overhead bin. Here’s why that’s a terrible idea

Airplane overhead compartments. Home to luggage of all shapes and sizes, the odd coat or two, several duty-free bags, a fair bit of dust and… passengers?
Certain vegetarian diets significantly reduce risk of cancer, heart disease and death, study says

Eating a vegan, vegetarian or lacto-ovo vegetarian diet reduces risks of developing cancer, heart disease and dying early from cardiovascular disease, according to new analysis.

Sports

Indigenous consultant accuses NHL's Blackhawks of fraud, sexual harassment

A consultant the Chicago Blackhawks hired to improve relationships with American Indian tribes has filed a lawsuit accusing the team, its charity foundation and its CEO of fraud, breach of contract and sexual harassment.
Canadiens goaltender Carey Price to receive honorary doctorate from UNBC

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Northern British Columbia on May 31 at the school's convocation ceremony.
Man pleads guilty in theft of Arnold Palmer green jacket, other Masters memorabilia from Augusta

A former warehouse assistant for the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia pleaded guilty on Wednesday to transporting millions of dollars worth of stolen Masters tournament memorabilia and historic items, including one of Arnold Palmer's iconic green jackets.

Autos

Is it safe to use your phone to collect points in the drive-thru?

The Saskatchewan RCMP wants you to know it’s not targeting drive-thrus to ticket people for using their fast food reward apps.
Protecting your car from the growing risk of keyless vehicle thefts

Auto technology has evolved and many newer cars use wireless key fobs and push-button starters instead of traditional metal keys. But that technology also makes things easier for thieves.
Impaired drivers in Ontario could soon face stiffer penalties

The Ontario government is expected to introduce legislation on Wednesday that, if passed, will see impaired drivers face stiffer penalties.

Fort Nelson, B.C., wildfire expands to 127 square kilometres, but away from town

British Columbia's wildfire service says the blaze threatening the northern community of Fort Nelson now spans nearly 130 square kilometres, but it had spread away from the town along its southern flank.
Canadian dog owners brace for stricter rules for entering U.S.

Travelling with a pet is already a challenge, but soon it could be even harder for dog owners heading down to the U.S.
'Do not rely on social media,' Fort Nelson mayor warns residents evacuated due to wildfires

As thousands of Fort Nelson, B.C., residents remain out of their homes due to the threat of wildfires, the town's mayor is warning the community to avoid social media rumours.

Toronto

Ontario's so-called 'Crypto King' soliciting investments as recently as February: police

Police are alleging that Ontario’s so-called ‘Crypto King’ Aiden Pleterski was soliciting investments as recently as February – almost two years after he was petitioned into bankruptcy for allegedly running a Ponzi scheme worth more than $40 million.
Railway cars loaded with sulphuric acid ran uncontrolled for nearly a kilometre, report finds

Railway cars loaded with sulphuric acid were not property secured by crew members when they derailed at the Canadian Pacific Railway Company’s Toronto Yard in Scarborough in 2022, according to a newly released report by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died

Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'

Calgary

Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died

Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Cougar frequenting Banff campground area: Parks Canada

Parks Canada has issued a warning for a campground in Banff due to a cougar frequenting the area.
10 things to do in Calgary over the Victoria Day long weekend

Ten local events and activities you can check out in Calgary this long weekend.

Ottawa

Man jumps from second floor to escape fire in Ottawa's Alta Vista neighbourhood

The Ottawa Fire Service says firefighters responded to a call for a fire on Tall Oak Private, near the Ottawa Hospital General Campus, at approximately 9:30 a.m.
Early cancer diagnosis saves lives, Canada's healthcare system millions, research shows

Researchers at the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) say while recent research shows breast cancer cases are on the rise among younger Canadians (Link), early diagnosis not only saves lives, but also saves the country's healthcare system nearly $500 million.
Motorcyclist dead following collision in Russell, Ont.

Emergency crews responded to the crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV on Craig Street, west of Hamilton Road, in Russell at approximately 9:40 p.m. Wednesday.

Montreal

Kidnapped by her father and kept in a crawl space: Court documents reveal Montreal horror story

A Montreal father who kidnapped his daughter who has autism and lied to police when they asked where she was should serve three years in prison, a Crown prosecutor said.
Father charged with second-degree murder in daughter's stabbing death southwest of Montreal

A father has been charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of his 34-year-old daughter in southern Quebec.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died

Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'

Edmonton

Wood Buffalo officials to provide update on wildfire burning out of control near Fort McMurray

The MWF-017 wildfire burning southwest of Fort McMurray is the only wildfire classified as out of control in Alberta, provincials announced in an update on Thursday morning.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died

Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
LRT station closures planned due to track maintenance this weekend

The University and Government Centre LRT stations will be closed from May 18 to 20 due to planned track repairs in the area.

Atlantic

Two Catholic churches in Halifax are permanently closing their doors

Two prominent Catholic churches in Halifax are permanently closing their doors.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died

Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Daily burn ban fine raised to $25K in Nova Scotia

Lighting a fire during a daily burn ban in Nova Scotia will cost a pretty penny this summer.

Winnipeg

Ex-wife of Winnipeg serial killer recounts marriage of knife attacks, sex assaults

The ex-wife of admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki is recounting in court her violent life with him.
'Inhumane conditions': 68 dogs pulled from Winnipeg home

Nearly six dozen dogs were seized from a home Wednesday morning by the Winnipeg Humane Society. It is the largest known seizure of animals in the city’s history.
Suspicious death under investigation in Winnipeg

Winnipeg police are investigating the suspicious death of a 35-year-old man earlier this month.

Regina

'Enough is enough': Saskatchewan Speaker cuts up party membership card

Saskatchewan's legislative Speaker has cut up his party membership card, saying 'enough is enough' ahead of the last day of the spring sitting.
'Sacred work': Sask. First Nation learning how to conduct its own underground searches

Members of Piapot First Nation, students from the University of Winnipeg and various other professionals are learning new techniques that will hopefully be used for ground searches of potential unmarked grave sites in the future.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died

Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'

Kitchener

Puppies found abandoned in box by Hwy. 401 ramp

The local humane society is asking for the public's help to care for five puppies that were found abandoned in a box near Hwy. 401 in Kitchener.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died

Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
OPP release new information in alleged sexual assault at Fergus business

Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police say a woman was sexually assaulted by an unknown man at a Fergus retailer last week.

Saskatoon

Is it safe to use your phone to collect points in the drive-thru?

The Saskatchewan RCMP wants you to know it’s not targeting drive-thrus to ticket people for using their fast food reward apps.
'Enough is enough': Saskatchewan Speaker cuts up party membership card

Saskatchewan's legislative Speaker has cut up his party membership card, saying 'enough is enough' ahead of the last day of the spring sitting.
Sask. singer Rebecca Strong wins $1M, Canada's Got Talent

Rebecca Strong is Saskatchewan's newest millionaire after winning the grand prize on Canada's Got Talent.

Northern Ontario

Northern Ont. police searching for second stabbing suspect

One person is in custody while a second suspect is on the loose following a stabbing that sent two people to hospital in northern Ontario, police say.
Kidnapped by her father and kept in a crawl space: Court documents reveal Montreal horror story

A Montreal father who kidnapped his daughter who has autism and lied to police when they asked where she was should serve three years in prison, a Crown prosecutor said.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died

Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'

London

18 year old charged after crashing into school bus

An 18-year-old resident of Tillsonburg is facing charges after crashing into a school bus with students aboard in South-West Oxford early Thursday morning.
Oxford Street East reopened following house fire

Oxford Street East has reopened after a fire broke out at an east end residence on Thursday morning.
Investigation underway after assaults reported at 2 St. Thomas, Ont. high schools

An investigation is underway after two people were assaulted during separate incidents at St. Thomas high schools earlier this week.

Barrie

Out with Loblaws, in with Zehrs in Barrie's north end

Zehrs has returned to the north end of Barrie.
Orillia's famous yuletide tree has exited the city

Orillia's famous Christmas tree faces the wood chipper.
Construction on Barrie road extension in south end ahead of schedule

Work to extend Bryne Drive in Barrie's south end is ahead of schedule.

Windsor

Traffic blitz at intersections along Howard Avenue and Walker Road

Members of the Windsor Police Traffic Enforcement Unit were stationed at major intersections along Howard Avenue and Walker Road to conduct traffic stops and support road safety on Wednesday.
Owner of missing dog 'can’t sleep' 8 months after warrant was issued for woman who took Lemmy

It's been nearly eight months since a bench warrant was issued for the woman who Greg Marentette believes has possession of his Newfoundland dog — but no arrest has been made and Lemmy still has not been found.
Windsor man charged in 2023 hit-and-run in Guelph

A Windsor man has been charged almost 15 months after a hit and run in Guelph.

Vancouver Island

Fort Nelson, B.C., wildfire expands to 127 square kilometres, but away from town

British Columbia's wildfire service says the blaze threatening the northern community of Fort Nelson now spans nearly 130 square kilometres, but it had spread away from the town along its southern flank.
Pickleballers eye noise-reduction measures after North Saanich expulsion

A battle is brewing on the Saanich Peninsula after North Saanich council closed the only dedicated pickleball court in the area.
'Some structural damage' from wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., mayor confirms

More than one home has been damaged or lost due to a massive wildfire outside of the B.C. community of Fort Nelson, the mayor confirmed Wednesday.

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

Small town Alberta school to switch to 4-day week

A school west of Lethbridge has shortened its weekly schedule for the new year, a move the board says offers more flexibility for its students and their families.
City of Lethbridge working to keep post-secondary graduates local

Each year, 15,000 students study at either the University of Lethbridge or Lethbridge College. Now, the City of Lethbridge is working to figure out how it can get more of those students to stay after graduation.
Visitor information providers gain local tourism knowledge through interactive bus tour

Frontline workers in the hospitality and tourism industry took a tour around main attractions in Lethbridge to get a better understanding of local offerings.

Sault Ste. Marie

Sault council calls on province to recognize doctor shortage

Sault Ste. Marie city council is calling on the provincial government to recognize Ontario’s physician shortage.
Report about an ‘armed’ suspect on Manitoulin uncovers pellet, air gun

A major police operation in Wiikwemkoong on Tuesday was sparked by a report of an armed person in the community.
Sault woman charged with assault for throwing hypodermic needles

A 24-year-old woman has been charged with assault with a weapon following a confrontation between two strangers Tuesday in Sault Ste. Marie.

N.L.

Study says aquaculture likely driving wild salmon extinction in Newfoundland

A new study shows an Atlantic salmon population in southern Newfoundland is disappearing, and it says nearby aquaculture operations are a likely contributor to the decline.
'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.

These are the 5 headlines you should read this morning

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

WATCH | Scientists get a surprising glimpse at a rare deep-sea squid

NEW | Victoria Day travel plans? Here are some tips for a smooth trip

WATCH Scientists get a surprising glimpse at a rare deep-sea squid

NEW Victoria Day travel plans? Here are some tips for a smooth trip