Pfizer claims 3rd dose 'strongly' boosts protection against Delta variant

A third dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine can "strongly" boost protection against the Delta variant -- beyond the protection afforded by the standard two doses, suggests new data released by Pfizer on Wednesday.

The data posted online, which are expected to be discussed in a company earnings call on Wednesday morning, suggest that antibody levels against the Delta variant in people ages 18 to 55 who receive a third dose of vaccine are greater than five-fold than following a second dose.

Among people ages 65 to 85, the Pfizer data suggest that antibody levels against the Delta variant after receiving a third dose of vaccine are greater than 11-fold than following a second dose.

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There's "estimated potential for up to 100-fold increase in Delta neutralization post-dose three compared to pre-dose three," researchers wrote in the Pfizer data slides.

The data have not yet been peer-reviewed or published.

The data also show that antibody levels are much higher after a third dose than a second dose against the original coronavirus variant and the Beta variant, first identified in South Africa.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

'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.

'Very expensive lunch': Sask. driver says he got a cellphone ticket for using his points app in the drive-thru

A warning from a Saskatoon driver about using your fast-food app while in the drive-thru line — a trip to get some free lunch cost him a lot more than he bargained for.

B.C. YouTuber ordered to pay $350K for 'relentless' online defamation campaign

An 'unrepentant' YouTuber has been ordered to pay $350,000 in damages as compensation for a 'relentless' campaign of defamation waged online against a business owner and his company, the B.C. Supreme Court has ruled.

Chief says grave search at B.C. residential school brings things 'full circle'

Chief Robert Michell says relief isn't the right word to describe his reaction as the search begins for unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school he attended in northern British Columbia.

'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.

B.C. man shot sex worker in the back during drug-fuelled birthday, court hears

A man from B.C.'s Lower Mainland has been sentenced to four years behind bars after shooting a sex worker in the back during a drug-fuelled 43rd birthday.

'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.

Ontario's 'Crypto King' Aiden Pleterski arrested

Of the $40-million Aiden Pleterski was handed over two years, documents show he invested just over one per cent and instead spent $15.9 million on "his personal lifestyle." The 25-year-old Oshawa, Ont. man was arrested and charged with fraud and money laundering on Tuesday.

Driver said he smoked pot oil, took medication before Florida crash that killed 8 Mexican workers

A man with a long record of dangerous driving told investigators he smoked marijuana oil and took prescription drugs hours before he sideswiped a bus, killing eight Mexican farmworkers and injuring dozens more, according to an arrest report unsealed Wednesday.

Canada

4th Indian national charged in murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar makes first court appearance

The fourth suspect in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 22-year old Amandeep Singh, appeared via telephone due to technical difficulties for his first court appearance at Surrey Provincial Court Tuesday.
'The whole country is not on fire': Canadian tourism industry struggles as fires rage

Canada's tourism industry is trying to put on its Sunday best this week, showcasing itself to more than 500 international travel agents and tour operators at the largest annual tourism convention in Canada.
Quebec court rejects McGill injunction request to remove encampment

A Quebec judge has rejected McGill University's request for an injunction to remove the pro-Palestinian encampment on the university's campus in downtown Montreal.
Person responsible for 1996 drugging of 'Titanic' crew likely not a local: Halifax police

Halifax Regional Police believe a non-resident could be responsible for the infamous drugging of numerous crew members of the 'Titanic' movie with a hallucinogenic in 1996.
B.C. man shot sex worker in the back during drug-fuelled birthday, court hears

A man from B.C.'s Lower Mainland has been sentenced to four years behind bars after shooting a sex worker in the back during a drug-fuelled 43rd birthday.
'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.

World

DeSantis, amid criticism, signs Florida bill making climate change a lesser state priority

Climate change will be a lesser priority in Florida and largely disappear from state statutes under legislation signed Wednesday by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that also bans power-generating wind turbines offshore or near the state's lengthy coastline.
Lawyer opens defence of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez in his corruption trial by blaming his wife

A lawyer for U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez blamed the politician's wife Wednesday for his legal problems, telling a jury at the start of a corruption trial that the Democrat wasn't aware his spouse had taken gifts from a trio of businessmen and didn't know about cash and gold bars hidden in a closet at their New Jersey home.
Colorado teen pleads guilty in death of driver who was hit in the head by a rock

A second teen pleaded guilty on Wednesday in the death of a 20-year-old driver who was hit in the head by a rock that crashed through her windshield in suburban Denver last year.
Stormy Daniels' husband says they'll likely leave country if Trump is acquitted

The husband of adult film actress Stormy Daniels said on Tuesday that there’s a 'good chance' the couple will leave the country if former U.S. president Donald Trump is acquitted in his Manhattan criminal trial.
Driver said he smoked pot oil, took medication before Florida crash that killed 8 Mexican workers

A man with a long record of dangerous driving told investigators he smoked marijuana oil and took prescription drugs hours before he sideswiped a bus, killing eight Mexican farmworkers and injuring dozens more, according to an arrest report unsealed Wednesday.
Why the speech by Kansas City Chiefs kicker was embraced at Benedictine College's commencement

Kansas City Chiefs' Harrison Butker may have stirred controversy in some quarters for his proclamations of conservative politics on Saturday, but he received a standing ovation from graduates at the Benedictine College commencement ceremony.

Politics

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.
Spy agency CSIS reveals 24 harassment investigations in annual report

Canada's spy agency says in its annual public report that it dealt with 24 harassment investigations last year involving complaints by its staff.

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

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.
U.S. intelligence officials wanted to meet with Transport Canada's UFO 'lead'

Canada's transportation department had a UFO 'lead' who tried to 'quell' media interest and planned to meet with U.S. intelligence officials.

Entertainment

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.
Person responsible for 1996 drugging of 'Titanic' crew likely not a local: Halifax police

Halifax Regional Police believe a non-resident could be responsible for the infamous drugging of numerous crew members of the 'Titanic' movie with a hallucinogenic in 1996.
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.

Business

'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.
Boeing breached 2021 737 MAX criminal prosecution deal, says U.S. DOJ

The U.S. Justice Department said late on Tuesday that Boeing Co had breached its obligations in a 2021 agreement that shielded the planemaker from criminal prosecution over fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people.

Lifestyle

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.
OPINION
OPINION If you think you can’t focus for long, you’re right: Sandee LaMotte

Regaining your focus requires you to be mindful of how you are using technology -- a daunting task if you consider the average American spends at least 10 hours a day on screens.

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

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.
'Very expensive lunch': Sask. driver says he got a cellphone ticket for using his points app in the drive-thru

A warning from a Saskatoon driver about using your fast-food app while in the drive-thru line — a trip to get some free lunch cost him a lot more than he bargained for.
$1.6B parts plant for Honda electric vehicle batteries coming to Niagara Region

A Japanese company has announced it will build an approximately $1.6-billion plant in Ontario's Niagara Region that will make a key electric vehicle battery component as part of Honda's supply chain in the province.

'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.
Former B.C. premiers join in calls for a right-of-centre party merger

A seismic shift could be coming to the B.C. political landscape as backroom talks to strike a deal between the province's two right-of-centre parties are underway.
Fans in Latvia watching Canucks games at 4 a.m. to see national hero Silovs

The legend of Arturs Silovs seems to grow every game – whether he’s staring down Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl with the game on the line, or joking about it after.

Toronto

GARDINER GRIDLOCK
GARDINER GRIDLOCK 'Needs to be done faster': Calls grow for construction to pick up the pace

In the final report of a three-part series on Gardiner Gridlock, CTV Toronto asks what more can be done to alleviate the impact of the construction that has been a tipping point for Toronto traffic.
Ontario's 'Crypto King' Aiden Pleterski arrested

Of the $40-million Aiden Pleterski was handed over two years, documents show he invested just over one per cent and instead spent $15.9 million on "his personal lifestyle." The 25-year-old Oshawa, Ont. man was arrested and charged with fraud and money laundering on Tuesday.
The list of attractions offering free admission to Toronto library card holders just got longer. What to know

The list of attractions and venues in Toronto that offer free admission to millions of eligible participants has expanded as part of a new collaboration between two of the city's iconic institutions.

Calgary

'The bar is way too low': Dozens of violations found at Calgary daycare following parent complaints

Around two months after being closed for health violations, an inner city daycare in Calgary has now had its licence capacity reduced after several recent inspections revealed two dozen non-compliance concerns.
Man stabbed in downtown Calgary; police investigating

Police are investigating after a 40-year-old man was stabbed in downtown Calgary on Wednesday afternoon.
Danielle Smith reacts to Calgary council’s vote to pass blanket rezoning

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she remains "concerned" after Calgary councillors passed blanket rezoning on Tuesday.

Ottawa

NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING What's open and closed in Ottawa over the Victoria Day long weekend

CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at what's open and closed in Ottawa over the Victoria Day long weekend.
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board looks to integrate more special needs kids into general classroom

It could mark the biggest change in 25 years, as the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board looks to overhaul its elementary programs, a decision that could integrate more special needs students into the general classroom.
Ottawa community leader and businessman Larry Bradley passes away

Larry Bradley, a well-known community leader and Ottawa businessman, has died at the age of 74.

Montreal

Quebec court rejects McGill injunction request to remove encampment

A Quebec judge has rejected McGill University's request for an injunction to remove the pro-Palestinian encampment on the university's campus in downtown Montreal.
Woman, 34, found dead in Ormstown with stab wounds; man arrested

A 60-year-old man has been arrested after a woman's body was found with stab wounds in a home southwest of Montreal, Quebec provincial police say.
Man arrested 10 years after Longueuil bike path murder

A 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a decade-old murder case.

Edmonton

Edmonton family 'heartbroken' police officer evades charges in 2021 killing of unarmed man

An Edmonton police officer won't face charges for killing an unarmed man in 2021, despite Alberta's police watchdog finding evidence that an offence was committed.
Winds expected to move fire away from Fort McMurray on Wednesday: province

A wildfire burning near Fort McMurray is expected to move away from the community on Wednesday.
Oilers coach undecided which goalie will start Game 5 against Canucks

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch is undecided on who will be starting in net in Thursday night's Game 5 tilt against the Vancouver Canucks.

Atlantic

Two Catholic churches in Halifax are permanently closing their doors

Two prominent Catholic churches in Halifax are permanently closing their doors.
Halifax police searching for man missing from hospital

Halifax Regional Police, along with Ground Search and Rescue crews, are in the area of Dalhousie University Wednesday night searching for a man missing from a Halifax hospital.
Fire officials on edge as Nova Scotia dries up

With wildfire conditions worsening in Nova Scotia, efforts are underway to inform those living in encampments about potential hazards

Winnipeg

'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.
Admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki was at Winnipeg homeless shelter to ‘stalk his victims,’ witness testifies

A worker at a homeless shelter in Winnipeg says he met admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki who told him he was at the shelter to stalk his victims.
Arrest made after Winnipeg grocery store employees assaulted with brass knuckles: WPS

Police say a teenager is facing charges after three employees at a Winnipeg grocery store were assaulted with brass knuckles.

Regina

Regina Sexual Assault Centre opens new 'trauma informed' location

The Regina and Sexual Assault Centre (RSAC) has recently moved locations and its new space was designed with its purpose in mind.
As Sask. teachers vote on new sanctions mandate, education minister, STF say bargaining is restarting

Negotiations between the provincial government and Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) will be restarting on Wednesday, according to the province’s education minister.
Over 40 projects across Sask. recognized for sustainable development achievements

On Wednesday, over 40 projects across Saskatchewan were recognized for their efforts of Achievement in Education for Sustainable Development.

Kitchener

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.
Former teacher, trustees voice opposition to revised WRDSB bylaws

Carolyn Burjoski was a delegate at the Waterloo Region District School board meeting on Monday night – the former teacher’s first time addressing trustees since her controversial 2022 appearance.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller weighs in on local international student enrollment

Marc Miller dropped by the CTV Kitchener studio to comment on international student enrollment in post secondary schools.

Saskatoon

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.
Saskatoon nurses call code blue over emergency room crowding

Nurses at Saskatoon's Royal University Hospital are once again warning the public of dangerous overcrowding inside one of Saskatchewan's busiest hospitals.
Saskatoon pastor turned council hopeful disputes status of shelter

Robert Pearce, a local pastor who plans on running for city council, believes the homeless shelter in Fairhaven violates zoning bylaws.

Northern Ontario

'Very expensive lunch': Sask. driver says he got a cellphone ticket for using his points app in the drive-thru

A warning from a Saskatoon driver about using your fast-food app while in the drive-thru line — a trip to get some free lunch cost him a lot more than he bargained for.
Tazed and bitten in the face: Sudbury police dealt with some wild cases last month

The monthly police services board in Greater Sudbury gives the public insight into the day-to-day operations of police, including some of the cases they deal with far from the spotlight.
Victim loses $2M in online romance scam

A Malahide Township resident is out more than $2 million following a romance scam.

London

PLAYOFF TRACKER
PLAYOFF TRACKER London Knights sweep Oshawa Generals, win 5th OHL Championship

The London Knights have won their fifth OHL title after sweeping the Oshawa Generals in the league’s championship series.
'There is somebody in there!': Man pulled from burning Old East London apartment

Life-saving efforts were performed on a man taken from a burning loft apartment in London, Ont. Wednesday evening.
Dog dies in central London, Ont. fire

London fire crews dealt with an intense afternoon fire, but say all occupants made it out safe.

Barrie

Barrie city council approves waterfront field development

With the chambers packed for a second week in a row, Barrie city councillors made a momentous vote on a new plan for the waterfront that has dividing many residents throughout the city.
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.
Loved ones seek justice for inmate's death in Penetanguishene jail

Loved ones of Tyler McCue, who died just before Christmas in 2022 while in custody at the Central North Correctional Centre, are speaking out, alleging he didn't receive the medical attention he needed.

Windsor

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.
Sinkhole causes detours in Sandwich

Transit Windsor says a sinkhole is causing detours in Sandwich Town.
Windsor police pilot local tech on bicycle fleet

The Windsor Police Service (WPS) is deploying police on bicycles decked out with technology supplied by a local company.

Vancouver Island

'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.
B.C. tribunal rules city not liable for vehicle damaged by pothole

A Victoria driver has learned the meaning of the old adage 'you can't fight city hall' – especially when It comes to potholes.
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.

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

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.
Lethbridge calls first year of encampment strategy a success

While they may not be noticeable to residents, the City of Lethbridge is making a few changes to its encampment strategy to help connect the city’s vulnerable population with services and support.

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.

Pfizer claims 3rd dose 'strongly' boosts protection against Delta variant

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

OPINION | If you think you can’t focus for long, you’re right: Sandee LaMotte

GARDINER GRIDLOCK | 'Needs to be done faster': Calls grow for construction to pick up the pace

NEW THIS MORNING | What's open and closed in Ottawa over the Victoria Day long weekend

PLAYOFF TRACKER | London Knights sweep Oshawa Generals, win 5th OHL Championship

OPINION If you think you can’t focus for long, you’re right: Sandee LaMotte

GARDINER GRIDLOCK 'Needs to be done faster': Calls grow for construction to pick up the pace

NEW THIS MORNING What's open and closed in Ottawa over the Victoria Day long weekend

PLAYOFF TRACKER London Knights sweep Oshawa Generals, win 5th OHL Championship