Travel industry bracing for customer concerns as Omicron variant emerges

Canada's travel industry is bracing for a rise in customer concerns after the identification of a new COVID-19 variant.

Travel agents and industry associations say customers are starting to ask about cancellation policies after the Omicron variant was detected in southern Africa on Friday and confirmed in Canada, with two cases found in Ottawa on Sunday.

Kristin Hoogendoorn of KMH Travels in Mississauga, Ont. says her clients aren't scrambling to cancel vacations yet, but a few have asked about money-back policies.

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

With little known about the new variant and how vaccines will fare against it, Hoogendoorn worries people will panic and cancel their travel plans, even if public health advice around vacations doesn't change.

That could be devastating for the travel and hospitality industry, which has experienced a massive drop in customers since COVID-19 emerged.

Companies in the sector started to rebound earlier this year, when cases of the virus decreased, but if the new variant winds up to be more virulent or deadly, Hoogendoorn believes that recovery will be further delayed.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 29, 2021.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite

Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.

Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park

A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.

Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices

A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.

MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh

MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.

Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier

Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.

Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump

As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.

Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight

After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.

Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising

A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.

Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3

Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.

Canada

Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms

A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.
P.E.I. chef warns about scam video 'deepfake' advertisement circulating on Facebook

A Prince Edward Island chef and TV host is warning people about a fake video advertisement that features him offering hundreds of dollars worth of cookware for free -- in return for credit card details.
Jury selected for Winnipeg trial of man accused of killing four women

A jury has been selected for the trial of a Winnipeg man accused of killing four women.
RCMP officers had no legal authority to enter man's home, make arrest: B.C. court

A B.C. man has been found not guilty of assaulting two RCMP officers – with the court finding he was resisting an "unlawful entry and arrest" in his home before he was tasered, taken down and hauled away in handcuffs.
'Extreme drought' in area of early-season wildfire near Chetwynd, B.C.

British Columbia's first wildfire evacuation order of this season lasted under 24 hours, but local officials say dry conditions mean the risk is still high.
RCMP confirms 2 bodies found in U.S. are missing B.C. kayakers

Mounties on Vancouver Island have confirmed that two bodies recovered by United States authorities earlier this week are those of a pair of missing kayakers from British Columbia.

World

Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump

As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Burkina Faso's army massacred over 200 civilians in a village raid, Human Rights Watch says

Military forces in Burkina Faso killed 223 civilians, including babies and many children, in attacks on two villages accused of cooperating with militants, Human Rights Watch said in a report published Thursday.
USC cancels graduation ceremony and dozens are arrested on other campuses as anti-war protests grow

Some U.S. universities called in police to break up demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war, resulting in ugly scuffles and dozens of arrests, while others appeared content to wait out student protests Thursday, as the final days of the semester ticked down and graduation ceremonies loomed.
More than 100 inmates break free from an old Nigerian prison after heavy rains

More than 100 inmates escaped from an old and decrepit prison near Nigeria's capital after overnight heavy rains destroyed parts of the facility, a prison official said Thursday as security agencies searched for the fugitives.
Here's why Harvey Weinstein's New York rape conviction was tossed and what happens next

Here's what you need to know about why movie mogul Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction was thrown out and what happens next.
Chef Jose Andres says aid workers killed by Israeli airstrikes represented the 'best of humanity'

The seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed by Israeli airstrikes represented the "best of humanity" and risked everything "to feed people they did not know and will never meet," Jose Andres, the celebrity chef who founded the organization, told mourners who gathered Thursday to honor the dead.

Politics

Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight

After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Court ruling affirms law curbing parliamentary immunity of spy watchdog members

The Ontario Court of Appeal has affirmed the constitutionality of a law that limits members of a spy watchdog from using their parliamentary immunity to speak out.
Canada's auto sector faces an EV renaissance, but local job protection is a concern

Canada's auto industry is experiencing a renaissance as it transitions from building gas-powered vehicles to ones that run on batteries, but some are raising the alarm over the protection of local jobs.

Health

Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise

When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
CTE: Researchers believe widespread brain injury may contribute to veteran suicide rate

Researchers are working to better understand if some Canadian military veterans may be suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, also known as CTE -- a disorder previously found in the brains of professional football and hockey players after their death.
LHSC performs a Canadian first in robot-assisted direct lateral spine surgery

Spine surgery may never be the same for people with chronic back pain and other physical ailments.

Sci-Tech

Boeing and NASA decide to move forward with historic crewed launch of new spacecraft

After years of delays and a dizzying array of setbacks during test flights, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is finally set to make its inaugural crewed launch.
ByteDance prefers TikTok shutdown in U.S. if legal options fail, Reuters sources say

TikTok owner ByteDance would prefer to shut down its loss-making app rather than sell it if the Chinese company exhausts all legal options to fight legislation to ban the platform from app stores in the U.S., four sources said.
Colombia becomes first country to restrict U.S. beef due to bird flu in dairy cows

Colombia has restricted the import of beef and beef products coming from U.S. states where dairy cows have tested positive for avian influenza as of April 15, according the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Entertainment

Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising

A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Estate of Tupac Shakur sends cease-and-desist letter to Drake over AI vocals

A lawyer representing the estate of Tupac Shakur has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Drake after he used an AI-generated likeness of the late rapper's voice in a diss track.
'The Last Timbit': Tim Hortons musical coming to Toronto

In the last year, Tim Hortons has treated cottaging Canadians to a boat drivethru, revived its beloved Dutchie doughnut and launched flatbread pizzas. But perhaps its biggest surprise will come this summer.

Business

Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: Jobs report

The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
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.
Boeing's financial woes continue, while families of crash victims urge U.S. to prosecute the company

Boeing said Wednesday that it lost US$355 million on falling revenue in the first quarter, another sign of the crisis gripping the aircraft manufacturer as it faces increasing scrutiny over the safety of its planes and accusations of shoddy work from a growing number of whistleblowers.

Lifestyle

Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers

A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.
Secret $70M Lotto Max winners break their silence

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.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'

For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.

Sports

Smash cars and catfish: What Nashville has in store for the Vancouver Canucks

After dropping Game 2 at home on Tuesday, the Vancouver Canucks are now in Nashville for Games 3 and 4 of their first-round matchup against the Predators. And fans there are gearing up for a unique playoff tradition that gives new meaning to Bridgestone Arena’s nickname: Smashville.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3

Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier

Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.

Autos

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.
How Volvo landed a cheap Chinese EV on North American shores in a trade war

A made-in-China electric vehicle will hit North American dealers this summer offering power and efficiency similar to the Tesla Model Y, the world's best-selling EV, but for about US$8,000 less.

Vancouver developer apologizes for housing scandal at Little Mountain

It’s arguably the biggest social housing scandal in Vancouver’s history and today the developer responsible for the Little Mountain project apologized for the multi-year delay that’s left a massive plot of land vacant during a housing crisis.
'So shocking': Roommate of victim left reeling after fatal White Rock stabbing

The roommate and long-time friend of the young man who was killed in White Rock Tuesday night, says he’s still in disbelief over what happened.
Inquest into B.C. police shooting deaths recommends emergency events be recorded

An inquest jury looking into the police shooting deaths of a man and the woman he was holding hostage has recommended that events involving the emergency response team be recorded with both video and audio.

Toronto

Suspect, 3 persons of interest sought after man falls to death from downtown Toronto balcony

Toronto police say the homicide unit is investigating after a man was reportedly pushed to his death from a balcony downtown late Wednesday night.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh

MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Man shot and killed in violent home invasion at Etobicoke townhouse, police say

Toronto police say they are searching for three suspects after a man was shot and killed inside an Etobicoke townhouse during what investigators have described as a violent home invasion.

Calgary

Calgary CO call in Brentwood sends 7 people to hospital

Seven people were taken to Calgary hospitals on Thursday for carbon monoxide exposure.
Calgary financial advisor charged after allegedly embezzling nearly $5M

A Calgary man who worked as a senior financial advisor has been charged with fraud and theft after police say he misappropriated nearly $5 million from his clients.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park

A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.

Ottawa

Criminal charge laid in 2023 hedge trimming death; company owner pleads guilty to Ministry of Labour charge

The supervisor of a 20-year-old man who died after he was electrocuted while trimming hedges in Manotick in May 2023 has been charged with criminal negligence causing death. Meanwhile, the company owner has pleaded guilty to a charge laid by the Ministry of Labour.
Attempted murder charges laid in Renfrew, Ont. double stabbing

Two people, including a 60-year-old man, are facing charges in connection with a double stabbing in Renfrew, Ont.
Here is where Ottawa's newest roundabout is planned and why OC Transpo says it's needed

Love them or hate them, roundabouts are found all-around the city, but a plan to a replace an Orléans intersection with one has some residents upset.

Montreal

Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms

A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising

A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
'There's really no justice': Quebec mother, daughter speak out after man gets house arrest for years of abuse

A mother and daughter are speaking out after a Quebec man was sentenced to house arrest for years of domestic abuse. They were both physically assaulted by the mother's ex-partner and say the offender got off with another light sentence.

Edmonton

UCP able to remove councillors and axe city bylaws in new sweeping bill aimed at municipal politics

The Government of Alberta wants to change how municipalities handle elections and local politics.
Oilers 'far superior' to Kings when they're on top of their game: analyst

It's a travel day for the Edmonton Oilers — and some of their fans are along for the ride.
Experts urge Albertans to check measles vaccine status after confirmed Edmonton case

A confirmed case of measles in Edmonton has prompted another plea from health officials for people to make sure vaccinations are up to date.

Atlantic

'They followed their gut': N.B. RCMP say wellbeing check led to rescue of human trafficking victims

The New Brunswick RCMP say a wellbeing check that led to the rescue of three women from alleged human trafficking in Moncton earlier this month was the result of someone following their gut.
2 teens charged in Halifax homicide: police

Two teenagers have been charged with second-degree murder in connection to an alleged homicide near the Halifax Shopping Centre earlier this week.
N.S. residents arrested at New Brunswick border with multiple weapons

Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers arrested two Nova Scotia residents at the New Brunswick border after they seized multiple prohibited firearms.

Winnipeg

'Deep ignorance': Calls for Manitoba trustee to resign sparked after comments about Indigenous people and reconciliation

A rural Manitoba school trustee is facing calls to resign over comments he made about Indigenous people and residential schools earlier this week.
Former Manitoba premier Heather Stefanson leaving politics after 23 years

Former Manitoba premier Heather Stefanson is resigning her legislature seat and leaving political life.
Arrest made in 2021 northern Manitoba double homicide: RCMP

Manitoba RCMP have arrested a suspect in relation to a 2021 double homicide in a remote northern community.

Regina

RCMP make 2 arrests in connection to Oxbow area homicide

Saskatchewan RCMP have made two arrests in a homicide investigation in the province's southeast.
'Get these doctors here': Sask. family calls on province to step up gastroenterologist recruitment

The Weber family is being forced to travel to Toronto due to a lack of pediatric gastroenterologists (GIs) in the province. The family’s situation was highlighted by Saskatchewan’s official opposition.
Looking ahead to the upcoming CFL Draft

The draft will take place on Tuesday, April 30, the Saskatchewan Roughriders currently hold the third overall pick.

Kitchener

Generational farm could be impacted if Wilmot land assembly goes ahead

A family of farmers say their operations would be significantly impacted if the Region of Waterloo goes ahead with a land assembly project in the Wilmot Township area.
Former Kitchener doctor accused of sexually assaulting patients makes brief court appearance as marathon trial continues

The trial for former neurologist Jeffrey (Scott) Sloka began two and a half years ago, and it remains unclear when there may be a verdict.
Drivers who got bad fuel from Guelph, Ont. gas station receiving compensation

Drivers who were hit with hefty repair bills after fueling up at a Guelph gas station appear to be finally getting their money back.

Saskatoon

Crown argues for life sentence for Sask. Mountie who shot and killed his lover

A Crown prosecutor says the former RCMP officer who shot and killed his lover should be sentenced to life in prison.
'Difficult to maintain': Private Sask. school embroiled in abuse allegations may soon close

A private Christian school at the centre of a civil lawsuit and several criminal cases might soon be taken over by an affiliated group, according to a letter obtained by CTV News.
Council votes for bike safety improvements at corner where cyclist was killed

Saskatoon city council is making road safety improvements following the death of a cyclist at a busy intersection last year.

Northern Ontario

Former head of Ont. tech company charged in $6M fraud case

A years-long fraud investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police’s anti-rackets branch has resulted in fraud and other charges for the former head of BioNorth Technology Group, Frank Benincasa
Secret $70M Lotto Max winners break their silence

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.
Fire victims in Timmins say thieves have stolen their personal belongings

A month after an accidental fire forced more than 100 people out of their apartments at the Empire Complex in Timmins, residents are now dealing with being victims of theft.

London

Aamjiwnaang First Nation declares state of emergency over benzene levels

On Thursday, Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Chris Plain declared a state of emergency due to the high levels of benzene.
Laid off workers seeking severance say 'Shame on Wescast'

A crowd of former Wescast employees and supporters rallied outside Wescast Industries in Wingham, Ont. on Thursday, requesting the severance pay they're owed.
LHSC performs a Canadian first in robot-assisted direct lateral spine surgery

Spine surgery may never be the same for people with chronic back pain and other physical ailments.

Barrie

One person charged following shootings in Bradford

One person has been charged following a series of shootings in August and September in Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Honda unveils $15B investment plan to build new EV plant in Alliston

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford visited Alliston on Thursday to unveil a $15 billion investment in an electric vehicle and battery facility.
Highschool students compete in mock trial at Barrie courthouse

A group of teens entered the Barrie courtroom on Thursday and participated in a mock trial competition.

Windsor

'A slap in the face': Foreign workers still building NextStar battery plant in Windsor: CBTU

Canada’s Building Trades Unions is demanding the federal government intervene as it alleges local workers are being “sidelined” by foreign employees.
Oversized danger: pedestrian advocacy groups call for smaller trucks and SUVs

A coalition of 60 pedestrian and cycling safety advocacy groups is calling for government regulation and auto industry changes after data showed the dangers caused by large trucks and SUVs towards pedestrians.
Car theft suspect sought on Tecumseh Road

Windsor police are asking for the public's help identifying a suspect after a car theft on Tecumseh Road.

Vancouver Island

Hiker airlifted to hospital in critical condition after falling into Vancouver Island canyon

A hiker was airlifted to hospital in critical condition Tuesday after he fell approximately 60 metres into a canyon on Vancouver Island.
B.C. civil lawsuit against Sex Pistols guitarist alleges 1980 sexual assault

A Vancouver woman has filed a civil lawsuit against Paramount Pictures Corp. and punk rocker Stephen Jones of The Sex Pistols alleging he sexually assaulted her as a teenager while she was a movie extra more than 40 years ago.
Harbour Air commits to buying 50 electric engines for seaplane fleet

Harbour Air is travelling towards a more sustainable future, looking to electrify its fleet of 45 aircraft.

Kelowna

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.
Homicide investigation underway after body found near Kelowna, B.C.

Major crime detectives in British Columbia are investigating a suspected homicide after a body was found in a remote area southeast Kelowna over the weekend.

Lethbridge

Former U of L student awarded diversity, equity and inclusion medal by NASA

A former University of Lethbridge student has been awarded the Medal for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equity by NASA.
Oilers get hat trick from MacNeil en route to 4-1 win over Bandits

The Okotoks Oilers bounced back against the Bandits Wednesday night, defeating Brooks 4-1.
Fire risk for southern Alberta high: Natural Resources Canada

It’s not even May 1 and the fire risk for southern Alberta is already alarming.

Sault Ste. Marie

Garden River chief meets with disgruntled band members over payout concerns

Some members of the Garden River First Nation are demanding answers regarding the disbursement of the Robinson-Huron Treaty settlement funds.
OPP and Treaty Three police lay murder charge in northwestern Ont.

The Ontario Provincial Police, in partnership with the Treaty Three Police Service, have charged a suspect with murder following a homicide in a remote northwestern Ontario community.
Youth charged in the Sault for firing cap gun at passersby

A 15-year-old in Sault Ste. Marie has been charged following an incident on Bay Street on Tuesday.

N.L.

Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition

A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.
Rideshare platform Uber expands to Newfoundland and Labrador

Uber Technologies Inc. says it has brought its ridesharing platform to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Newfoundland director found creeping terror of 'The King Tide' in a tiny coastal town

Newfoundlander Christian Sparkes has shot several films around his home province, but with his new psychological thriller 'The King Tide' he saw an opportunity to wander into one unique town that had eluded him over the years.