Vaccine mandates for domestic travel, outgoing international flights to be suspended

The federal government announced on Tuesday it will be dropping the requirement that domestic and outbound international travellers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, effective June 20.

In an earlier version of this story, senior government sources told CTV News that the new travel restrictions and lifting vaccine mandates would come into effect on Wednesday.

Foreign nationals coming to Canada will still be required to be vaccinated.

CTV News app sign-up: Breaking news alerts and top stories delivered right to you

The mandates first came into effect in October 30, 2021, and have required all passengers on planes or trains to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to be allowed to board.

The mandates have been the subject of heavy criticism from the Conservative Party of Canada in the House of Commons in recent months.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Air turbulence: When can it become dangerous?

Flight turbulence like that encountered by a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday is extremely common, but there's one aspect of severe turbulence an aviation expert says can lead to serious injury.

B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack

British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'

People in Gaza are 'wasting' from famine: World Food Programme director

World Food Programme executive director Cindy McCain says people living in Gaza are 'wasting' as famine concerns continue amid the war between Israel and Hamas.

WATCH

WATCH Why today's inflation numbers are good if you have a mortgage

New inflation data is 'welcome news' for consumers and an economist says it could signal the possibility for a interest rate cut as several core measures also continue to ease.

Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team

The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.

OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead

Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.

Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say

An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.

'Miscommunication' Liberals say of Speaker Fergus event invite Conservatives call partisan

House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus is facing fresh Conservative-led calls to resign, this time over "very partisan" and 'inflammatory' language used – the Liberals say mistakenly – to promote an upcoming event.

'Mr. Trump doesn't worry us', says Canadian ambassador

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues the 'Team Canada' charm offensive to U.S. lawmakers and business leaders, Canada's ambassador to the United States downplayed the effect of another Trump presidency on Canada.

Canada

OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead

Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack

British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
Internet searches, Facebook messages of admitted serial killer used as evidence in Winnipeg trial

The trial of a Winnipeg man who has admitted to killing four women has heard he searched the internet to look up the definition of what it means to be a serial killer.
3D printed gun with expanded clip seized on Ontario highway

Multiple charges were laid against a 19-year-old man after police found a homemade firearm during a traffic stop in the Township of King.
Three accused of Sikh activist's murder face court in person, fourth attends by video

Four Indian nationals accused in the murder of British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar are all due in court Tuesday.
Orphan orca's extended family spotted off northeast side of Vancouver Island

Members of a killer whale pod related to an orphan orca calf that escaped a remote British Columbia tidal lagoon last month have been spotted off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.

World

Air turbulence: When can it become dangerous?

Flight turbulence like that encountered by a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday is extremely common, but there's one aspect of severe turbulence an aviation expert says can lead to serious injury.
People in Gaza are 'wasting' from famine: World Food Programme director

World Food Programme executive director Cindy McCain says people living in Gaza are 'wasting' as famine concerns continue amid the war between Israel and Hamas.
Ex-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani pleads not guilty to felony charges in Arizona election interference case

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani pleaded not guilty Tuesday to nine felony charges stemming from his role in an effort to overturn Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss in Arizona to Joe Biden.
Biden's approval rating falls to lowest level in nearly two years: Reuters/Ipsos poll

U.S. President Joe Biden's public approval rating this month fell to its lowest level in almost two years, tying the lowest reading of his presidency in a warning sign for his reelection effort, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed.
UN halts all food distribution in Rafah after running out of supplies in the southern Gaza city

The United Nations said Tuesday it suspended food distribution in the southern Gaza city of Rafah due to lack of supplies and insecurity. It also said no aid trucks entered in the past two days via a floating pier set up by the U.S. for sea deliveries.
Trump's social media account shares a campaign video with a headline about a 'unified Reich'

A video posted to Donald Trump's account on his social media network included references to a “unified Reich” among hypothetical news headlines if he wins the election in November.

Politics

'Mr. Trump doesn't worry us', says Canadian ambassador

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues the 'Team Canada' charm offensive to U.S. lawmakers and business leaders, Canada's ambassador to the United States downplayed the effect of another Trump presidency on Canada.
'Miscommunication' Liberals say of Speaker Fergus event invite Conservatives call partisan

House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus is facing fresh Conservative-led calls to resign, this time over "very partisan" and 'inflammatory' language used – the Liberals say mistakenly – to promote an upcoming event.
Canada 'very closely' monitoring top court's push to prosecute Gaza war crimes: Joly

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says Canada is 'very closely' following a push from the International Criminal Court to prosecute the Israeli prime minister and Hamas leaders over the war in the Gaza Strip.

Health

Nestle to sell $5 pizza, sandwiches in the U.S. for Wegovy, Ozempic users

Nestle will market a new, US$5 line of frozen pizzas and protein-enriched pastas in the United States which it says it designed specifically for people taking drugs such as Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks

As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
Cannabis legalization coincided with uptick in ER visits from seniors: study

A new study has linked the legalization of cannabis with a rise in the number of Ontario seniors visiting emergency rooms.

Sci-Tech

Is that 'Her'? OpenAI pauses a ChatGPT voice after some say it sounds like Scarlett Johansson

OpenAI says it plans to halt the use of one of its ChatGPT voices after some users said it sounded like Scarlett Johansson, who famously voiced a fictional, and at the time futuristic, AI assistant in the 2013 film 'Her.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC

Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Air turbulence: When can it become dangerous?

Flight turbulence like that encountered by a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday is extremely common, but there's one aspect of severe turbulence an aviation expert says can lead to serious injury.

Entertainment

Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say

An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.
'Documents are fraudulent': Graceland is not for sale, Elvis Presley's granddaughter says in lawsuit

Riley Keough, the granddaughter of Elvis Presley, is fighting plans to publicly auction his Graceland estate in Memphis after a company tried to sell the property based on claims that a loan using the king of rock ’n’ roll's former home as collateral was not repaid.
Trump campaign calls 'The Apprentice' 'blatantly false,' director offers to screen it for him

Donald Trump's reelection campaign called 'The Apprentice,' a film about the former U.S. president in the 1980s, 'pure fiction' and vowed legal action following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. But director Ali Abbasi is offering to privately screen the film for Trump.

Business

WestJet delays merger with Sunwing Airlines to 2025

WestJet says it will delay its planned integration of Sunwing Airlines until April 2027.
Loblaw boycott organizers say they plan to keep movement going past May

The organizers of a month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores say they've decided to extend the boycott past May.
How much more Canadian consumers are paying, compared to this time last year

Canada's annual inflation rate slowed to a three-year low of 2.7 per cent in April, matching expectations, and core measures continued to ease, data showed on Tuesday, likely boosting chances of a June interest rate cut.

Lifestyle

Climbing limits are being set on Mount Fuji to fight crowds and littering

Those who want to climb one of the most popular trails on Japan's iconic Mount Fuji will have to book a slot and pay a fee as crowds, littering and climbers who try to rush too fast to the summit cause safety and conservation concerns at the picturesque stratovolcano.
'Wonderful community': Manito Ahbee Festival wraps up its 19th year

Around 15,000 people passed through Red River Exhibition Park this weekend to mark the 19th annual Manito Ahbee Festival celebrating Indigenous culture and heritage.
The secret Italian lakes that most tourists don't know about

Italy has dozens of secret smaller lakes that boast superb scenery, unknown to mass tourism, where locals get together on day trips and enjoy picnics.

Sports

Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team

The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.
New Leafs coach eyes opportunity to build, push team over the hump

Craig Berube says the opportunity to help a team with a wealth of talent get over the hump in the playoffs was a driving force in becoming head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Caitlin Clark signs multiyear deal with Wilson Sporting Goods for signature basketball line

Caitlin Clark signed a multiyear deal with Wilson Sporting Goods for a signature basketball line, the company announced Tuesday.

Autos

'Do it all before you drive': Tips to avoid being distracted behind the wheel

Almost everyone is guilty of distracted driving at one point and time, but according to a report from Transport Canada using their most recent data from 2021, 25 per cent of fatal crashes involve speeding, while another 20 per cent involve distracted driving.
Conservatives, NDP should be 'celebrating' EV deals: industry minister

Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne says federal opposition parties should be 'celebrating' the recently announced electric vehicle deals, despite their criticisms the Liberals refuse to make public the terms and conditions laid out in the contracts.
Edmunds: The five things you need to know before buying your first used Tesla

It’s a good time to be in the market for a used Tesla.

B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack

British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
Orphan orca's extended family spotted off northeast side of Vancouver Island

Members of a killer whale pod related to an orphan orca calf that escaped a remote British Columbia tidal lagoon last month have been spotted off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.
B.C. government says planning underway for new high school in Langford

The British Columbia government says planning is underway to construct a new high school in Langford, west of Victoria.

Toronto

Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team

The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.
Police in Ontario say suspects charged in armed home invasion near Toronto part of ‘larger criminal network’

Police in Ontario say a group of suspects charged in an armed home invasion north of Toronto last year were driving a vehicle stolen in a carjacking in Calgary just one month earlier.
Thousands of TTC workers could be on strike as of June 7

Thousands of TTC workers could walk off the job starting on June 7 after the Ontario Ministry of Labour issued a no-board report to their union on Tuesday.

Calgary

Vandalism and theft to blame for internet, TV and phone outage in Calgary

A disruption to Internet, television and phone services in several north Calgary neighbourhoods is related to vandalism, CTV News has learned.
Calgary ridings lead Edmonton's in NDP membership sales

The Alberta NDP is gaining ground in Calgary, if the party's membership sales are any indication.
Inflation slows in Alberta, Calgary's inflation the highest in Canada

Despite inflation slowing in Alberta, the province's rent prices have increased by nearly twice the national average.

Ottawa

OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead

Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING 150 homes affected by gas leak in Blackburn Hamlet

Ottawa Fire Services is on scene of a gas leak in Blackburn Hamlet on Tuesday afternoon.
3 dead following collision on Guy Lafleur Highway in western Quebec

Quebec provincial police say three people are dead after a collision Monday on the Guy Lafleur Highway (formerly Highway 50) in Grenville-sur-la-Rouge.

Montreal

Judge challenges constitutionality of Quebec law requiring immediate translation in English trials

A Quebec Court judge has challenged the constitutionality of a section of the Charter of the French Language adopted by the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) government.
Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Montreal

There is a severe thunderstorm watch in place for the Montreal and Laval areas, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack

British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'

Edmonton

Province announces $340K to build permanent supportive housing at Joey's Home in Edmonton

Alberta announced money for housing for people living with disabilities on Tuesday.
UCP youth dance cancelled amidst criticism

A dance for people aged 14 to 25 by the United Conservative Party Lacombe-Ponoka constituency association appears to have been cancelled.
Amanda Marshall, Down With Webster, Death From Above 1979 and more to play KDays 2024

Canadian artists will take centre stage this July at KDays Music Fest.

Atlantic

Masstown, N.S., man facing child pornography, bestiality charges

A 25-year-old Nova Scotia man is facing several child pornography and bestiality charges.
N.S. woman charged in connection to deaths of 2 dogs

A Freeport, N.S., woman is facing criminal charges in connection to the death of two dogs earlier this year.
2026 trial date set for class-action lawsuit over Air Canada crash landing in 2015

A trial date has been set for 2026 in a class-action lawsuit regarding the crash landing of an Air Canada flight at the Halifax International Airport during a storm in 2015.

Winnipeg

Internet searches, Facebook messages of admitted serial killer used as evidence in Winnipeg trial

The trial of a Winnipeg man who has admitted to killing four women has heard he searched the internet to look up the definition of what it means to be a serial killer.
The Manitobans who have qualified for the Olympics in Paris

The 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris are just over two months away, and so far a pair of Manitobans will be representing Canada.
Stolen septic truck swerves through traffic, spike belt needed to stop it: Manitoba RCMP

A 29-year-old woman has been charged after police say she stole a septic truck from a Manitoba community and drove erratically on the highway.

Regina

Regina police fatally shot man who fired gun at them, investigation finds

Saskatchewan's police watchdog has offered more details into the serious incident involving Regina SWAT over the weekend. The incident ended with the death of a 65-year-old man – who was shot after allegedly firing a gun at police officers.
Workplace death reported at Nutrien Potash mine near Rocanville, Sask.

An employee at Nutrien's potash operation near Rocanville, Sask. was killed over the weekend, according to the company.
Motorcyclist killed in weekend collision in Moose Jaw

A motorcyclist is dead following a crash involving an SUV in east Moose Jaw, according to the city's police service.

Kitchener

EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE Long-time Toronto paramedic faces charges for misconduct inside Kitchener, Ont. strip club

A long-time member of the Toronto Paramedic Services is facing charges in relation to his conduct at a Kitchener, Ont. strip club.
Fireworks played part in Victoria Day shooting in Kitchener, say police

Police are investigating a Kitchener shooting that sent one person to hospital.
Man charged following disturbance inside Kitchener courthouse

A man has been charged with forcible confinement after Waterloo Regional Police were called to investigate a disturbance that took place inside the Kitchener courthouse.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon can expect more rainy days this week, with a risk of funnel clouds on Tuesday

Saskatoon residents can expect a week of cool and unsettled weather with a chance of showers most days.
Police investigating after armed robbery at Saskatoon store

Saskatoon police are investigating an armed robbery at a convenience store on the 1000 Block of 8th Street East.
Court eases internet restrictions for Sask. man who matched with a 15-year-old girl on Tinder

A Saskatchewan man who had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl he met on Tinder successfully appealed to shorten release conditions barring him from online dating.

Northern Ontario

Northern Ont. town looking at tiny homes to address housing crisis

The Town of Blind River is looking at using tiny homes to create smaller and more affordable housing in the community.
One person killed in Hwy. 17 crash in northwest Ont.

Ontario Provincial Police in Dryden are investigating a fatal commercial motor vehicle collision that took place Monday morning on Highway 17.
Community paramedicine program reduces 911 calls, visits to emergency dept.

A program that has paramedics visit patients in the patient’s home is helping to ease the pressure on hospital’s emergency department.

London

St. Thomas woman fears being 'boxed in' by Volkswagen construction

Majorie Nowlan, 87, resides within sight of the future Volkswagen battery plant. But unlike most of the neighbours, her land wasn’t bought out.
Bruce County soon to be home to second largest battery in Canada

Bruce County will soon be home to the second largest battery in Canada. The province's grid operator has awarded French renewable energy company Neoen a contract for a new 380 megawatt battery.
Weekend theft leads to arrest in north London

Around 2:20 a.m. on Saturday, police were notified by an alarm monitoring centre of the incident in the area of Hyde Park Road and South Carriage Road.

Barrie

Longtime Bradford couple found dead inside home in murder-suicide, police say

Police are providing more details about two people found dead inside a Bradford West Gwillimbury home last week.
Destructive fire in Muskoka campground causes $500,000 in damage

A destructive fire in a Huntsville campground over the weekend caused half a million dollars in damages.
School bus with students onboard becomes entangled in overhead lines

A busload of children heading to Hyde Park Public School in Barrie had an unexpected delay Tuesday morning when their school bus became entangled in overhead wires.

Windsor

Murder of former Windsorite solved after nearly 50 years by Alberta law enforcement

Melissa Rehorek, 20, was killed in September 1976 in Calgary.
Suspect charged after stabbing on University Avenue

Windsor police have charged a 25-year-old man after a stabbing on University Avenue over the weekend.
Damage estimated at $600,000 after east Windsor fire

Two people have been displaced after a fire in east Windsor.

Vancouver Island

B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack

British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
B.C. government says planning underway for new high school in Langford

The British Columbia government says planning is underway to construct a new high school in Langford, west of Victoria.
Orphan orca's extended family spotted off northeast side of Vancouver Island

Members of a killer whale pod related to an orphan orca calf that escaped a remote British Columbia tidal lagoon last month have been spotted off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.

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

Buttazzoni overtime goal propels Bandits past Crusaders 4-3 in BCHL playoff

With just over two minutes remaining in the first overtime, Mirko Buttazzoni scored to give the Bandits a 4-3 victory over the Sherwood Park Crusaders Saturday in Brooks.
Brooks fall 4-3 to Crusaders in BCHL playoff game

The Sherwood Park Crusaders got some great goaltending from Erick Roest Friday night on the way to a 4-3 victory over the Brooks Bandits.
Lethbridge home prices continue to rise

The average home price in Lethbridge has jumped 11.6 per cent in the last year. A home in Lethbridge now costs just over $374,000 on average. That's according to the latest data from the Alberta Real Estate Association.

Sault Ste. Marie

Sault police cleared in incident in which senior fractured a finger

Sault police did nothing wrong when a senior in a mental health crisis fractured his finger, Ontario’s police watchdog has concluded.
Sault, Ont., suspect charged with smearing feces

A 57-year-old suspect in Sault Ste. Marie has been charged with mischief in connection with an incident last month.
One person killed in Hwy. 17 crash in northwest Ont.

Ontario Provincial Police in Dryden are investigating a fatal commercial motor vehicle collision that took place Monday morning on Highway 17.

N.L.

Newfoundland grandmothers can wail on the accordion. A historian wants them on stage

79-year-old Madonna Wilkinson has been playing the accordion since she was 15, when she picked one up that had been left behind at one of her parents' rollicking parties in the oceanside town about 25 kilometres north of St. John's, N.L. She has played Sunday masses and St. Patrick's Day parties, and community events of all kinds.
The latest advice for expecting parents? Sign up for child care as soon as you're pregnant

Canada's new $10-a-day child care program is expanding, but there's growing evidence that demand for the program is rising even faster, leaving many parents on the outside looking in.
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.

Vaccine mandates for domestic travel, outgoing international flights to be suspended

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

WATCH | Why today's inflation numbers are good if you have a mortgage

VIDEO | Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner

DEVELOPING | 150 homes affected by gas leak in Blackburn Hamlet

EXCLUSIVE | Long-time Toronto paramedic faces charges for misconduct inside Kitchener, Ont. strip club

WATCH Why today's inflation numbers are good if you have a mortgage

VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner

DEVELOPING 150 homes affected by gas leak in Blackburn Hamlet

EXCLUSIVE Long-time Toronto paramedic faces charges for misconduct inside Kitchener, Ont. strip club