Definition of 'fully vaccinated' not changing to three doses, for now, PHAC says

The definition of “fully vaccinated” in Canada won’t be amended to include a booster shot, even as calls mount for Canadians to get a vaccine top-up, the Public Health Agency of Canada says.

The federal government continues to define a full series of a vaccine or a combination of vaccines as two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccines or at least one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, a spokesperson told CTVNews.ca in an emailed statement.

“As the epidemiological context of COVID-19 continues to evolve, the Government of Canada will continue to monitor the efficacy and effectiveness of vaccines being used in Canada and may provide further recommendations on the definition of a fully vaccinated person, if required,” the statement reads.

Newsletter sign-up: Get The COVID-19 Brief sent to your inbox

Public health officials are urging eligible Canadians to receive an additional booster shot to enhance protection against the fast-spreading Omicron COVID-19 variant of concern.

Provinces and territories are charged with determining the eligibility criteria for booster shots as well as the logistical components of the rollout.

For example, in Ontario, where Omicron cases are steadily rising, those 18 years and older can now receive a third dose so long as their second was administered three months ago. Other regions are maintaining a six-month interval between doses.

The federal government has confirmed that Canada has procured enough vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna to provide a booster shot to all eligible Canadians.

However, when asked by CTV News last week if it had a delivery schedule in place with either company, no answer was given by the office of Procurement Minister Filomena Tassi and officials from Public Services and Procurement Canada.

Public Health experts say it’s too early to tell whether a fourth dose might be needed to protect against COVID-19 variants but it’s likely an annual booster shot will be necessary.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident

One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.

'Of course, yes': Poland latest European country with interest in Canadian LNG

The President of Poland says his country would 'of course' be interested in purchasing Canadian liquefied natural gas if it were available, while the Canadian federal government has said it is 'not interested' in subsidizing future projects.

Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution

Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.

Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report

A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.

Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner

An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.

Britney Spears settles long-running legal dispute with estranged father, finally bringing ultimate end to conservatorship

Britney Spears has reached a settlement with her estranged father more than two years after the court-ordered termination of a conservatorship that had given him control of her life, their attorneys said.

Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario

Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.

Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay

Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.

A top Qatari official urges Israel and Hamas to do more to reach a ceasefire deal

A senior Qatari official has urged both Israel and Hamas to show "more commitment and more seriousness" in ceasefire negotiations in interviews with Israeli media, as pressure builds on both sides to move toward a deal that would set Israeli hostages free and bring potential respite in the nearly seven-month-long war in Gaza.

Canada

B.C. breweries take home awards at World Beer Cup

Out of more than 9,000 entries from over 2,000 breweries in 50 countries, a handful of B.C. brews landed on the podium at the World Beer Cup this week.
'Divest now': Students launch encampment at McGill University

Several students have launched an encampment at McGill University as they call on the institution to cut financial ties with Israel.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus

A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report

A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident

One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Haida Elder suing Catholic Church and priest, hopes for 'healing and reconciliation'

The lawyer for a residential school survivor leading a proposed class-action defamation lawsuit against the Catholic Church over residential schools says the court action is a last resort.

World

A munitions explosion at a Cambodian army base kills 20 soldiers, but its cause is unclear

Security was tight around a military base in southwestern Cambodia on Sunday, a day after a huge explosion there killed 20 soldiers, wounded others and damaged nearby houses.
Passage of harsh anti-2SLGBTQ+ law in Iraq draws diplomatic backlash

Human rights groups and diplomats criticized a law that was quietly passed by the Iraqi parliament over the weekend that would impose heavy prison sentences on gay and transgender people.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution

Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
Pope makes landmark visit to Venice Biennale and proclaims that 'the world needs artists'

Pope Francis has become the first pontiff to visit Venice's contemporary art festival during a trip which saw him visit a female prison and rehabilitate the reputation of a pioneering American nun artist.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison

Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
Russian drones set a hotel ablaze in a Ukrainian Black Sea city

Russian drones early Sunday struck the Black Sea city of Mykolaiv, setting a hotel ablaze and damaging energy infrastructure, the local Ukrainian governor reported, while ammunition shortages continued to hobble Kyiv's troops in the more than two-year-old war.

Politics

What Trudeau's podcast appearances say about the Liberals' next ballot box question

Trudeau recently appeared on four podcasts as he travels the country talking up the Liberals' latest budget, which he's pitching as a plan to inject more economic fairness into society for those under 40 — a cohort that has kept Trudeau in power since 2015 but is increasingly turning to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay

Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
'Of course, yes': Poland latest European country with interest in Canadian LNG

The President of Poland says his country would 'of course' be interested in purchasing Canadian liquefied natural gas if it were available, while the Canadian federal government has said it is 'not interested' in subsidizing future projects.

Health

Global measles cases nearly doubled in one year, researchers say

The number of measles cases around the world nearly doubled from 2022 to 2023, researchers say, presenting a challenge to efforts to achieve and maintain elimination status in many countries.
Toxic testing standoff: Family leaves house over air quality

A Sherwood Park family says their new house is uninhabitable. The McNaughton's say they were forced to leave the house after living there for only a week because contaminants inside made it difficult to breathe.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising

Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).

Sci-Tech

Cisco reveals security breach, warns of state-sponsored spy campaign

State-sponsored actors targeted security devices used by governments around the world, according to technology firm Cisco Systems, which said the network devices are coveted intrusion points by spies.
These are the countries where TikTok is already banned

TikTok is in the crosshairs of authorities in the U.S., where a new law threatens a nationwide ban unless its China-based parent ByteDance divests. Here are the places that have partial or total bans on TikTok.
Hubble Space Telescope marks 34 years with new portrait of a 'cosmic dumbbell'

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning new image of the glowing gas ejected from a dying star, which in this case happens to resemble a 'cosmic dumbbell.'

Entertainment

California Disney characters are unionizing decades after Florida peers. Hollywood plays a role

California performers are organizing to be represented by a union now, more than four decades after their Florida counterparts did so.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison

Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
From pop to politics, what to know as Sweden prepares for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest

Taking place in May in Malmo, Sweden, the 68th annual competition will see acts from 37 countries vie for the continent’s pop crown in a feelgood extravaganza that strives — not always successfully – to banish international strife and division. And you don’t have to be in Europe to watch, or to help pick the winner.

Business

Fair share: the right office solution can take finding the right partner

The rise of remote and hybrid work has made it harder to justify a full office, so more are leaning on co-working spaces that they share with many others for convenience and cost savings. The choice, however, comes at the expense of privacy and control.
What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?

The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce “halal mortgages” as a way to increase access to home ownership.
Ottawa, Quebec commit $100M for semiconductor capacity in Bromont, Que., 280 jobs

The federal and Quebec governments are spending close to $100 million to boost the country's manufacturing capacity for semiconductors, which are vital in technologies ranging from artificial intelligence to quantum computing.

Lifestyle

Dishing out history: A look back at defunct restaurants in Winnipeg

Take an illustrated look back at the culinary history of Winnipeg.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million

An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months

During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.

Sports

Mookie Betts leads Dodgers past Blue Jays 4-2; Toronto drops fifth consecutive game

Mookie Betts went 3 for 5, including a triple and an RBI single, as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-2 on Saturday.
Offensive lineman Giovanni Manu selected by Detroit Lions, becomes 1st UBC player ever taken in NFL draft

Canadian football observers thought it could happen, and on Saturday, it did. Towering offensive lineman Giovanni Manu – who was born in Tonga and grew up in Pitt Meadows, B.C. – became the first player from the University of British Columbia ever to be selected in the NFL draft.
William Nylander returns to Maple Leafs lineup for Game 4 against Bruins

William Nylander has joined the Stanley Cup chase.

Autos

'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments

An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Ford just reported a massive loss on every electric vehicle it sold

Ford’s electric vehicle unit reported that losses soared in the first quarter to US $1.3 billion, or US$132,000 for each of the 10,000 vehicles it sold in the first three months of the year.
Honda to get up to $5B in govt help for EV battery, assembly plants

Honda is set to build an electric vehicle battery plant next to its Alliston, Ont., assembly plant, which it is retooling to produce fully electric vehicles, all part of a $15-billion project that is expected to include up to $5 billion in public money.

Vancouver is one step closer to getting a Filipino cultural centre, society says

As the Lower Mainland's Filipino community gathered in South Vancouver for Lapu-Lapu Day on Saturday, one of the festival's organizers set its sights on creating a future focal point for such gatherings.
B.C. breweries take home awards at World Beer Cup

Out of more than 9,000 entries from over 2,000 breweries in 50 countries, a handful of B.C. brews landed on the podium at the World Beer Cup this week.
Powerful penalty kill a big part of playoff success for Vancouver Canucks

The special teams unit has become a strength for the Canucks, particularly in the first-round playoff series against the Nashville Predators which the Canucks lead 2-1 heading into Sunday's Game 4.

Toronto

BOS LEADS TOR 3-1
BOS LEADS TOR 3-1 Marchand stars again, Swayman solid as Bruins push frustrated Leafs to the brink

Brad Marchand became the Bruins' all-time leading playoff goal-scorer and added an assist as Boston suffocated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1 on Saturday to take a 3-1 lead in the teams' first-round playoff series.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony

One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario

Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.

Calgary

Family arrives safely in Calgary after escaping the war in Gaza

It was a long-awaited reunion at the Calgary International Airport Saturday as Ossama Zaqqout hugged his parents, who had just arrived after fleeing the war in Gaza.
Russian drones set a hotel ablaze in a Ukrainian Black Sea city

Russian drones early Sunday struck the Black Sea city of Mykolaiv, setting a hotel ablaze and damaging energy infrastructure, the local Ukrainian governor reported, while ammunition shortages continued to hobble Kyiv's troops in the more than two-year-old war.
'Of course, yes': Poland latest European country with interest in Canadian LNG

The President of Poland says his country would 'of course' be interested in purchasing Canadian liquefied natural gas if it were available, while the Canadian federal government has said it is 'not interested' in subsidizing future projects.

Ottawa

What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?

The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce “halal mortgages” as a way to increase access to home ownership.
Text messages asking to make payments for speeding violations scam, City of Ottawa warns

The City of Ottawa is warning people of a new scam asking residents to make payments by text messages.
Warm, rainy Sunday in Ottawa, here’s when it’ll stop raining

Sunday seems quite warm in the capital this Sunday, but rain and thunderstorms are not making it feel like spring.

Montreal

Quebec singing star and cultural icon Jean-Pierre Ferland dies at 89

Quebec singing star and cultural icon Jean-Pierre Ferland died on Saturday at the age of 89.
'Divest now': Students launch encampment at McGill University

Several students have launched an encampment at McGill University as they call on the institution to cut financial ties with Israel.
Transit trips up among seniors since Montreal introduced free fare program, city says

A costly program offering free public transportation fares to Montreal seniors is paying off, the city said in a recent report as it documented a spike in transit use among people age 65 and older.

Edmonton

Oilers coach calls McDavid and Draisaitl’s playoff performances remarkable

Kris Knoblauch is five months into watching Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl go to work.
Russian drones set a hotel ablaze in a Ukrainian Black Sea city

Russian drones early Sunday struck the Black Sea city of Mykolaiv, setting a hotel ablaze and damaging energy infrastructure, the local Ukrainian governor reported, while ammunition shortages continued to hobble Kyiv's troops in the more than two-year-old war.
'Of course, yes': Poland latest European country with interest in Canadian LNG

The President of Poland says his country would 'of course' be interested in purchasing Canadian liquefied natural gas if it were available, while the Canadian federal government has said it is 'not interested' in subsidizing future projects.

Atlantic

Bidders express interest in buying all or part of SaltWire newspaper business

A Toronto-based restructuring firm says several bidders have offered to buy all or part of SaltWire Network and The Halifax Herald, the two insolvent companies that operate Atlantic Canada's largest newspaper enterprise.
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay

Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
Halifax Wanderers kick off season with home opener against Ottawa

Halifax’s professional soccer team kicks off its sixth season against Ottawa on Saturday with a sold-out crowd of 6,500 fans on the Wanderers Grounds.

Winnipeg

A timeline of the Jeremy Skibicki case

The trial for the man accused of killing four Indigenous women in Winnipeg is set to get underway on April 29.
Canadian history sizes down in small scale model competition

A Winnipeg scale model builder is using his craft to showcase a large piece of Canadian history in miniature form.
Ice pileup warnings for Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg this weekend

With heavy wind gusts expected along Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg this weekend, the provincial government is warning residents and property owners about potential ice pileups.

Regina

Regina's Dunlop Art Gallery welcomes new installation

'Feel through the Deepness to see,' an art installation by artist Rita McKeough, will be calling the Dunlop Art Gallery home for the next two months.
Annual model train showcase rolls into Regina

Regina's annual model train showcase rolled into town this weekend at the Caledonian Curling Club.
Commissionaires at RPL Central Branch named regional team of the year

The team of Commissionaires at The Regina Public Library’s downtown branch have received one of the organization’s top honours.

Kitchener

Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000

Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.
Pedestrian seriously hurt following hit-and-run crash in Cambridge, driver arrested

A driver has been arrested and a pedestrian has been seriously injured following a hit-and-run crash in Cambridge.
Cambridge Moves for Mental Health draws dozens in spite of weather

Rainy weather for the second year in a row once again did not deter attendees from a special fundraising event.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon care home workers escalating strike action

Workers at group homes run by LutherCare Communities in Saskatoon are escalating their strike action.
Saskatoon Indigenous and Palestinian communities gather in collective prayer for Gaza

On Saturday, in a display of cross-cultural solidarity, members of the Indigenous and Palestinian communities gathered in Saskatoon for an event steeped in prayer and dance.
Saskatoon police investigating after body found at recycling facility

The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) and Saskatchewan Coroners Service are investigating after a woman’s body was found at a recycling facility Friday morning.

Northern Ontario

French River area preparing for worsening flooding with more rain expected

The Municipality of French River has been under a flood watch since Thursday evening and many residents told CTV News that they fear the already high water levels combined with the rain forecasted in the coming days may cause more widespread flooding.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident

One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for Sudbury, West Nipissing

Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several communities in northeastern Ontario on Saturday afternoon – primarily the Greater Sudbury area and West Nipissing.

London

5 people 'narrowly' escape residence during early morning fire

Working smoke alarms and an alert passerby are credited with saving the lives of several people after a fire broke out at a home in the city’s south end early Sunday morning.
Police, fire crews investigating 'suspicious fire' in vacant London, Ont. building

London police and fire inspectors are investigating a fire in a vacant building on South Street Sunday morning.
Police investigating after senior drowns in Meaford

Police in Meaford are investigating after a senior drowned Saturday morning.

Barrie

Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident

One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Police investigating after senior drowns in Meaford

Police in Meaford are investigating after a senior drowned Saturday morning.
All things maple syrup celebrated at annual Elmvale festival

Despite the poor weather, a festival celebrating all things maple syrup drew thousands of people to Elmvale on Saturday.

Windsor

VIDEO
VIDEO From Windsor high school grad to New York Giant: Theo Johnson selected in NFL Draft

A former graduate of Holy Names Catholic High School in Windsor will soon be moving to New York after being selected during the 2024 NFL Draft.
'Altercation involving a knife' prompts several charges for 21-year-old man

A man is facing several charges after allegedly possessing a knife during an altercation and fleeing from police early Sunday morning.
'It’s just life changing': No need to sell home after Windsorite wins 100K

Playing bingo in April made a local resident $100,000 richer -- and will keep him in his home.

Vancouver Island

B.C. breweries take home awards at World Beer Cup

Out of more than 9,000 entries from over 2,000 breweries in 50 countries, a handful of B.C. brews landed on the podium at the World Beer Cup this week.
Canucks defeat Predators in Game 3, take 2-1 series lead

J.T. Miller had a goal and assist and the Vancouver Canucks edged the Nashville Predators 2-1 to re-take the lead in their first-round playoff series.
Haida Elder suing Catholic Church and priest, hopes for 'healing and reconciliation'

The lawyer for a residential school survivor leading a proposed class-action defamation lawsuit against the Catholic Church over residential schools says the court action is a last resort.

Kelowna

B.C. breweries take home awards at World Beer Cup

Out of more than 9,000 entries from over 2,000 breweries in 50 countries, a handful of B.C. brews landed on the podium at the World Beer Cup this week.
B.C. man rescues starving dachshund trapped in carrier: BC SPCA

An emaciated dachshund is now recovering thanks to a Good Samaritan who found the pup near a biking trail in Kelowna, according to the BC SPCA.
Search crews called in after missing Kelowna senior's truck found

Search and rescue crews have been called in after a vehicle belonging to a missing senior was located near a rural intersection outside of Kelowna Tuesday.

Lethbridge

Bandits get hat trick from Logan Sawyer en route to 8-2 win over Okotoks

The Brooks Bandits got down to business Friday, defeating the Okotoks Oilers 8-2.
'No real winner' following first Alberta NDP leadership debate: political scientist

An Alberta political scientist said the NDP leadership hopefuls remained fairly even following the first of the party’s debates.
Multiple grass fires sparked near Kipp rail yard

It was a busy Wednesday evening for fire crews in Lethbridge County after multiple grass fires were sparked near the Kipp rail yard.

Sault Ste. Marie

Elliot Lake hospital moving towards ‘normalcy’ with mask-friendly policy

St. Joseph’s General Hospital Elliot Lake says it is moving towards “normalcy” by transitioning to a mask-friendly policy.
Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for Sudbury, West Nipissing

Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several communities in northeastern Ontario on Saturday afternoon – primarily the Greater Sudbury area and West Nipissing.
Ontario Chamber of Commerce delegates sew up quilt blocks for residential school survivors

About 100 delegates from around the province travelled to Timmins, Ont., for its annual general meeting and convention at Cedar Meadows Resort and Spa.

N.L.

Voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole never considered moving out of St. John's

Legendary sportscaster Bob Cole was a Newfoundlander through and through, and his daughter says his connection to the province was 'everything' to him.
Cenovus fined $2.5 million for biggest oil spill in Newfoundland and Labrador history

Cenovus Energy has been ordered to pay a $2.5-million fine for its role in the largest offshore oil spill ever recorded in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit

As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.

Definition of 'fully vaccinated' not changing to three doses, for now, PHAC says

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

BOS LEADS TOR 3-1 | Marchand stars again, Swayman solid as Bruins push frustrated Leafs to the brink

VIDEO | From Windsor high school grad to New York Giant: Theo Johnson selected in NFL Draft

BOS LEADS TOR 3-1 Marchand stars again, Swayman solid as Bruins push frustrated Leafs to the brink

VIDEO From Windsor high school grad to New York Giant: Theo Johnson selected in NFL Draft