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.

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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

Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family

The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.

Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level

On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.

This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale

There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.

Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario

A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months

Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey

Former FBI director James Comey says while he believes former U.S. president Donald Trump "will be defeated" in the upcoming presidential election, he doesn’t think it’s a given.

'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature

Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.

Beef on and off the ice: Who has the best steak between Alberta and Texas?

As the Edmonton Oilers battle the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup Playoffs' Western Conference Finals, there's some beef brewing off the ice as well.

Pedestrian dies after being hit by train in Brockville, Ont.

Brockville Police says a pedestrian has died following a collision with a train that was heading to Toronto.

107-year-old luxury rail car ready for visitors after major restoration

Car 14 is a luxury passenger car that once made regular runs from London to Port Stanley starting in 1917.

Canada

Pedestrian dies after being hit by train in Brockville, Ont.

Brockville Police says a pedestrian has died following a collision with a train that was heading to Toronto.
107-year-old luxury rail car ready for visitors after major restoration

Car 14 is a luxury passenger car that once made regular runs from London to Port Stanley starting in 1917.
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family

The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
'Lots of love, darling': Hundreds of love letters dating back to 1920s up for sale

Hundreds of love letters from decades past are up for grabs, offering a peek into days when pen and ink were conveyors of connection when miles apart.
Vancouver synagogue holding service after arson attack

A Vancouver synagogue is set to hold its first service after an arson attack charred the building's front door and left the Jewish community shaken.
Tick season is underway in Ontario. Here's how to protect yourself

Tick season is well underway and there is a new species of ticks causing new diseases, which is why you need to take steps to protect yourself.

World

Israel describes a permanent ceasefire in Gaza as a 'nonstarter,' undermining Biden's proposal

Israel’s prime minister on Saturday called a permanent ceasefire in Gaza a "nonstarter" until long-standing conditions for the ending the war are met, appearing to undermine a proposal that U.S. President Joe Biden had announced as an Israeli one.
Malaysian climber who died in a cave near the top of North America's tallest mountain is identified

A Malaysian climber likely died of exposure and altitude-related illness earlier this week after sheltering for days in a snow cave with minimal survival gear near the top of Denali, North America's tallest mountain in Alaska.
Philadelphia sets Guinness World Record for most-attended drag story time event

Over 260 people were in attendance for a record-breaking drag queen story time event in Phialdelphia.
Republicans join Trump's attacks on justice system and campaign of vengeance after guilty verdict

Embracing Donald Trump's strategy of blaming the U.S. justice system after his historic guilty verdict, Republicans in Congress are fervently enlisting themselves in his campaign of vengeance and political retribution in the GOP bid to reclaim the White House.
U.S. defence secretary says war with China neither imminent nor unavoidable, stressing need for talks

United States Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin told a gathering of top security officials Saturday that war with China was neither imminent nor unavoidable, despite rapidly escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, stressing the importance of renewed dialogue between him and his Chinese counterpart in avoiding "miscalculations and misunderstandings."
Idaho jury deliberating sentence for man who killed wife and girlfriend's 2 children

Jurors resumed deliberations Saturday on whether a man should be sentenced to death after being convicted days earlier of the murders of his wife and his girlfriend’s two youngest children in Idaho.

Politics

'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election

The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey

Former FBI director James Comey says while he believes former U.S. president Donald Trump "will be defeated" in the upcoming presidential election, he doesn’t think it’s a given.
Is carbon pricing a politically feasible climate policy? Research says maybe not

Research suggests the Liberals may be fighting a losing battle, and some experts are urging policymakers to look for alternative policies to lower emissions, warning the threat of climate change is too dire to delay action.

Health

'A lot of function has been coming back': Hospital uses video games in patient rehab

The Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary has become one of the few hospitals in Canada to offer an adaptive gaming system for patient therapy.
These are the recalls in Canada this week

Health Canada recalled various items this week, including more unauthorized products, counterfeit drugs and bassinets.
Transplant patient stable and on dialysis after pig organ removed due to 'unique challenges' with heart, kidney health

A genetically engineered pig kidney has been removed from a transplant patient after it started losing function, according to a statement on Friday from NYU Langone Health. The patient, 54-year-old Lisa Pisano of New Jersey is stable and has started dialysis, her doctors said.

Sci-Tech

Boeing's first astronaut flight called off at the last minute in latest setback

A last-minute problem nixed Saturday’s launch attempt for Boeing's first astronaut flight, the latest in a string of delays over the years.
Japan billionaire Maezawa cancels moon trip due to uncertainty over SpaceX rocket development

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa on Saturday canceled his planned flight around the moon on a SpaceX vehicle because of uncertainty about when it may be possible.
Google makes fixes to AI-generated search summaries after outlandish answers went viral

Google said Friday it has made "more than a dozen technical improvements" to its artificial intelligence systems after its retooled search engine was found spitting out erroneous information.

Entertainment

Eminem releases 'Houdini' single with a star-filled music video

Eminem appears to be killing off his alter ego in his latest project, an album titled, 'The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace).'
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'

Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
Daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt files court petition to remove father's last name

A daughter of actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filed paperwork to legally remove "Pitt" from her name on the day she turned 18.

Business

Live Nation reveals data breach at its Ticketmaster subsidiary

Live Nation is investigating a data breach at its Ticketmaster subsidiary, which dominates ticketing for live events in the United States.
Fast food chain value deals ramp up in the United States: What does it mean for Canada?

After years of price increases and a decline in customers, fast food chains in the United States are competing with each other and offering value deals in hopes of bringing more foot traffic into their establishments.
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection

A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.

Lifestyle

Philadelphia sets Guinness World Record for most-attended drag story time event

Over 260 people were in attendance for a record-breaking drag queen story time event in Phialdelphia.
Beef on and off the ice: Who has the best steak between Alberta and Texas?

As the Edmonton Oilers battle the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup Playoffs' Western Conference Finals, there's some beef brewing off the ice as well.
A deep dive into petrichor, the smell that follows rain

It’s that familiar smell that comes after a light rain, petrichor. And it turns out, there’s a good reason we can detect it.

Sports

Real Madrid wins Champions League after beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in final

Real Madrid wins the Champions League after beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final.
On a wing and a prayer, pigeon rescued by a French Open chair umpire during match

This one's for the birds: A pigeon landed on the court during a French Open match Saturday, leading the chair umpire to use a towel to rescue the fallen fowl.
Five things to know about the NHL playoffs

The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers are both one win away from advancing to the Stanley Cup final.

Autos

U.S. Labor Department sues Hyundai over U.S. child labour, court filing shows

The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday sued South Korean auto giant Hyundai Motor Co., an auto parts plant and a labour recruiter over illegal use of child labour in Alabama.
Montreal driver says it's quicker to drive to the U.S. than the West Island

Richard D'Agostino says he was aghast to find out that it was going to take him over an hour to get to Dollard-des-Ormeaux from downtown Montreal.
Canadians' interest in buying EVs fades as barriers, concerns remain: J.D. Power

A new study finds fewer Canadians say they're interested in buying an electric vehicle as concerns remain about limited driving ranges, high prices and a lack of charging stations.

1 dead, suspect at large after shooting in Maple Ridge, B.C.

Gunshots drew a significant police response to the Metro Vancouver suburb of Maple Ridge early Friday evening.
'It was so nice': Vancouver students take home big prizes at national science fair

Vancouver was well represented at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Ottawa this week.
Surrey car crash sends 4 to hospital

Four people are in hospital after a serious car crash near the Surrey-Langley border on Saturday morning, according to police.

Toronto

'A beautiful tribute': Caroline Huebner Parkette officially unveiled in Toronto

Dozens of people gathered at a newly-renamed park in Toronto’s east end Saturday morning to celebrate the life of its namesake, Caroline Huebner-Makurat, who was struck and killed by a stray bullet 11 months ago.
TTC streetcar derailed, 3 people injured in downtown Toronto crash

A TTC streetcar was derailed and three people were injured, two seriously, in a crash involving a vehicle in downtown Toronto Saturday morning.
Lack of skilled workers identified as risk in Pickering nuclear plant refurbishment timeline, documents show

It could take at least 11 years to complete the refurbishment of the Pickering nuclear plant, according to documents prepared by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), however a lack of skilled workers and potential scope adjustments could impact the project.

Calgary

Dog Jog raises money for animals cared for at the Calgary Humane Society

Hundreds of people and their dogs are expected in North Glenmore Park for the Calgary Humane Society’s annual Dog Jog Saturday.
June marks the beginning of National Indigenous History Month

Canadians will spend this month learning about and celebrating the cultures, languages, knowledge, histories, and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, as June has been designated as National Indigenous History Month.
Ukrainian culture front and centre at weekend festival

Calgary’s Ukrainian community is inviting everyone to come out experience their culture and cuisine Saturday.

Ottawa

2 children among 5 people hospitalized after head-on crash on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa's west end

Two young children and three adults were seriously injured in a major collision on Highway 417 between Palladium Drive and Carp Road in Ottawa's west end Friday afternoon.
Pedestrian dies after being hit by train in Brockville, Ont.

Brockville Police says a pedestrian has died following a collision with a train that was heading to Toronto.
Old florescent light forces evacuation at Billings Bridge Mall

Billings Bridge Shopping Centre was evacuated Saturday afternoon due to electrical issues, Ottawa Fire Services says.

Montreal

Stabbed man stumbles into pharmacy in Montreal's Village, police investigating

Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating after a young man was stabbed in The Village neighbourhood on Saturday morning.
Making Quebec bilingual: 'What a lack of respect,' says Jolin-Barrette of the idea

Quebec Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette added his voice to the Bloc Québécois and Conservatives in Ottawa who are outraged by comments made by Liberal MP Angelo Iacono, who said Quebec would benefit from becoming an officially bilingual province rather than having only French as its official language.
Quebec adopts bill granting 'parental union' to unmarried couples

On Friday, Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette welcomed the unanimous adoption a day earlier of his Bill 56 amending the Civil Code and creating a new parental union regime in Quebec.

Edmonton

Bottom feeders in November, Oilers sit one win away from Stanley Cup final

The Edmonton Oilers — among the Stanley Cup favourites when training camp opened — had got off to a disastrous start to the NHL season.
Man on scooter killed in Old Strathcona crash

A 40-year-old man was killed in a crash in Old Strathcona early Saturday morning.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature

Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.

Atlantic

N.B. reaches tentative agreement with union representing social workers and psychologists

The New Brunswick government has reached a tentative agreement with a local union representing social workers among other professions in the province.
Gunshots fired at home in East Preston, police investigating

RCMP in Halifax are searching for information after shots were fired at a home in East Preston, N.S., on Saturday.
Halifax’s Emera Oval opens for the summer

With the summer season just around the corner, Halifax’s Emera Oval is now open for the public.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg looking at fining residents for putting contaminated items in trash

The City of Winnipeg is asking the public if homeowners should have to pay for throwing contaminated items in their trash and recycling carts.
Osborne Village Starbucks permanently closed

Osborne Village residents will have to find a new spot to get their caffeine fix, as the River Avenue Starbucks location is closing up shop for good.
'Lots of love, darling': Hundreds of love letters dating back to 1920s up for sale

Hundreds of love letters from decades past are up for grabs, offering a peek into days when pen and ink were conveyors of connection when miles apart.

Regina

Death investigation underway in Regina

An investigation is underway in Regina after an injured man died in hospital on Saturday.
Iceland glacier covered in volcanic ash inspiration for Sask. artist

A Saskatchewan artist had a unique setting for his latest piece.
Goats return to Wascana Park for a good cause

Goats have invaded Wascana Centre again but all for a good cause.

Kitchener

Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario

A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Two celestial shows will be visible across Canada this week

Canada is getting not one – but two – celestial shows over the next few days. Keep an eye on the sky for the northern lights and parade of planets!
Man on Canada’s Most Wanted list for Kitchener, Ont. shooting, arrested

Habiton Solomon, who was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for a fatal 2023 shooting in Kitchener, Ont., is now in police custody.

Saskatoon

Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting

A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting nearly cost the city dearly.
Negotiations between Sask. teachers and province to resume next week

Saskatchewan teachers and the province are set to resume negotiations on Wednesday.
Saskatoon’s Ward 2 council member Hilary Gough won’t seek re-election

As Saskatoon's official campaign period begins, another city council member bows out of the race.

Northern Ontario

Sudbury police searching for two motorcyclists following crash at Maley Drive underpass

Greater Sudbury Police Service is looking for two motorcyclists – one of whom may be “seriously injured.”
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family

The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
22-year-old driver charged with stunt driving on Hwy. 11

A 22-year-old driver was travelling more than 150km/h on Highway 11 in Benoit Township east of Timmins, Ont., on Friday.

London

Mix of sun and cloud expected Sunday ahead of gloomy work week

The early morning hours Sunday might see some rainfall — but that's expected to end in the early afternoon.
SIU investigation into man who was bit by London police dog concludes

The director of Ontario's Special Investigations Unit has found no reasonable grounds to believe a London police officer committed a criminal offence after a man who was arrested was 'seriously injured' by the bite of a police service dog.
CTV News London’s top stories from this week

In case you missed it, CTV News London has compiled all the top local stories from this week into one video for your convenience.

Barrie

Innisfil Beach Road to close under Highway 400 Saturday overnight

Continued construction at the Innisfil Beach Road exit of Highway 400 will close certain areas of the interchange from Saturday evening through Sunday morning, allowing crews to remove the existing Highway 400 northbound bridge.
Baseball program for children with disabilities launches in Orillia
BREAKING
BREAKING Barrie woman sentenced to jail for impaired driving collision involving 3 pedestrians

Cassie Korzenko, the Barrie woman who pleaded guilty to three counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm for crashing into three pedestrians, arrived at the courthouse three hours late for her sentencing hearing.

Windsor

Body of missing Windsor man, last seen late last year, recovered in Detroit River

Since the start of this year, multiple search efforts have been conducted to locate Scott Kersey who was last seen on Dec. 29, 2023.
2 arrested after officers seize loaded shotguns from Glengarry apartment building: Windsor police

Windsor police officers say they have arrested two people and seized loaded shotguns from apartment units in the city's core.
Final frame for Windsor's last five-pin bowling alley

After 78 years in Windsor, the doors at Playdium Lanes have closed for a final time.

Vancouver Island

WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection

A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family

The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Victoria welcomes first of 2 electric fire trucks

The Victoria Fire Department has a new tool in its toolbox. The department says its first electric fire truck will do everything the old diesel-powered fire trucks do with some new capabilities.

Kelowna

Fire that destroyed Kelowna auto shop investigated as arson: RCMP

Mounties in Kelowna have deemed a fire that ripped through an automotive repair business in Kelowna over the weekend suspicious in nature.
Police try to identify man who allegedly chased kids from Kamloops park

Mounties in Kamloops are appealing for information after two recent reports of a man chasing children in a park.
Kelowna firefighters knock down large blazes at house, auto shop

Firefighters in Kelowna were busy on Sunday morning, knocking down two “major” structure fires.

Lethbridge

Okotoks lives by the long ball, crushing three homers in 10-2 defeat of Bombers in Brooks

The Okotoks Dawgs won their first road victory of the season Friday, defeating the Brooks Bombers 10-2.
Brooks strikes first in Rocky Mountain Challenge, topping Surrey 5-2

The Brooks Bandits spread the scoring around Friday night, en route to a 5-2 victory over the Surrey Eagles in the opening game of the Rocky Mountain Challenge.
Kids get chance to get up close to heavy equipment at Big Truck Petting Zoo

Fire trucks, garbage trucks, excavators and more will be on display Saturday in Lethbridge at the Big Truck Petting Zoo.

Sault Ste. Marie

Trio arrested after medicine stolen from northern Ont. home

Provincial police say medication was stolen from a residence in Blind River, Ont., on Thursday.
Sault police seize cash, $67K in drugs, stolen guitar

Six people are facing drug and several other charges after police in Sault Ste. Marie raided a residence on Wellington Street West on Thursday evening.
Alberta murder suspect arrested in northern Ont.

A man wanted for first-degree murder in Alberta was arrested this week after police deployed a spike belt on Highway 17 near Schreiber, Ont.

N.L.

Solutions coming for piled-up bodies outside Newfoundland hospital

Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador say they are only weeks away from a solution to move unclaimed human remains out of roadside freezers and into a nearby hospital.
Newfoundland television station hit by ransomware attack, data breach

The company behind a popular independent television station in Newfoundland and Labrador says it was hit by a cyberattack.
DNA provides a break in this decades-old cold case

A skull was found along a backroad near St. John's more than 20 years ago. Now, police have finally identified the victim of the homicide.

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

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

BREAKING | Barrie woman sentenced to jail for impaired driving collision involving 3 pedestrians

BREAKING Barrie woman sentenced to jail for impaired driving collision involving 3 pedestrians