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

Hackers release corporate data stolen from London Drugs

Retailer London Drugs says cybercriminals who stole files from its corporate head office last month have released some of the data after it refused to pay a ransom.

Toronto man falls off his chair after seeing $70M Lotto Max win in his bank account

A Toronto man who won $70 million in a recent Lotto Max draw literally fell off his chair when he saw the funds in his bank account.

Montreal-area high school students protest 'sexist' dress code

Approximately 50 Montreal-area students — the vast majority of them female — were suspended Wednesday after their school deemed the shorts they were wearing were too short. On Thursday, several students staged a walk-out to protest what they believe is a "sexist" dress code that unfairly targets girls.

'Looking over our shoulders': A killing looms large in a little B.C. town

Something shifted in the pretty little village of Lumby, B.C., after Tatjana Stefanski vanished. It used to be the sort of place where parents let their kids roam free or play in the local creek, but everything has changed.

'I won't stop,' Celine Dion says in trailer for upcoming doc about her health woes

Celine Dion's fans are getting a first glimpse of the superstar's struggle with a rare neurological disorder in an emotional trailer for an upcoming documentary about her career and life.

Tim Meadows pledges not to shave until the Oilers win the cup, who are the team's other famous fans?

An unlikely celebrity emerged from social media to cheer on the Edmonton Oilers as they face the Dallas Stars tonight in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

American Airlines retreats after blaming a 9-year-old for not seeing a hidden camera in a lavatory

American Airlines has distanced itself from a court filing in which the carrier said a nine-year-old girl should have noticed there was a camera taped to the seat of an airplane lavatory.

Luxury beauty brand Clarins to pull out of Hudson's Bay stores in Canada

French luxury makeup and skincare brand Clarins is pulling out of Hudson's Bay stores in Canada.

'It's over': Minister says B.C.'s decision on Surrey police transition upheld in court

The B.C. Supreme Court has ruled in the provincial government's favour on the City of Surrey's legal challenge to its ongoing transition to a municipal police force, according to B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth.

Canada

Here's a look at the tentative deal on the table for Sask. teachers

Details of a tentative agreement between the province and Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation have been released.
Canadian Hurricane Centre says active storm season predicted for East Coast

The Canadian Hurricane Centre is predicting an active storm season off the country's East Coast this year, mainly due to record warm water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean.
Police charge woman, 74, in hijab-pulling incident at Israeli flag raising event

Ottawa police have laid charges in connection with a hate investigation into a hijab-pulling incident at Ottawa City Hall on May 14.
B.C. mayor hopes wildfire evacuees can return to Fort Nelson early next week

The mayor of the regional municipality that includes Fort Nelson, B.C., that was evacuated due to a threatening wildfire says local officials are pushing for a Monday or Tuesday deadline to start allowing about 4,700 residents home after nearly two weeks.
'It's over': Minister says B.C.'s decision on Surrey police transition upheld in court

The B.C. Supreme Court has ruled in the provincial government's favour on the City of Surrey's legal challenge to its ongoing transition to a municipal police force, according to B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth.
Montreal-area high school students protest 'sexist' dress code

Approximately 50 Montreal-area students — the vast majority of them female — were suspended Wednesday after their school deemed the shorts they were wearing were too short. On Thursday, several students staged a walk-out to protest what they believe is a "sexist" dress code that unfairly targets girls.

World

Building collapses in Spain's Palma de Mallorca, killing at least 4 people

A two-storey building collapsed on the beach in Palma de Mallorca on Thursday, killing at least four people and injuring 16 people in the tourism hot spot in Spain's Balearic Islands, the country's national police said.
A U.K. lawmaker returns to work as 'the bionic MP' after losing his hands and feet to sepsis

Britain's fractious politicians shared a rare moment of unity on Wednesday, when a Conservative lawmaker returned to work six months after sepsis put him in a coma and forced the amputation of his hands and feet.
Beach weather is here and so are sharks. Scientists say it's time to look out for great whites

Scientists with a Boston aquarium are encouraging beachgoers to report sightings of white sharks this holiday weekend after signs of shark bites were observed on multiple marine mammals.
'Ron, I love that you're back': Trump and DeSantis put primary fight behind them

Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are signaling to donors that they are putting their rivalry behind them.
American Airlines retreats after blaming a 9-year-old for not seeing a hidden camera in a lavatory

American Airlines has distanced itself from a court filing in which the carrier said a nine-year-old girl should have noticed there was a camera taped to the seat of an airplane lavatory.
Kosovo's parliament passes law on renting prison cells to Denmark

Kosovo's parliament approved a draft law Thursday on renting prison cells to Denmark to help it cope with its overpopulated prison system.

Politics

U.S. senators write to Trudeau asking him to meet 2% GDP defence spending commitment

A bipartisan group of 23 U.S. senators have written to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urging his country to live up to its commitment to spend 2 per cent of GDP on defence amid concerns that key members of the NATO alliance are not pulling their weight.
New bill would let Canadians pass citizenship rights down to children born abroad

A new government bill tabled in the House of Commons on Thursday would allow Canadians to pass citizenship rights down to their children born outside the country — a move that would add an unknown number of new citizens.
Trudeau's speech to union delegates took aim at Conservatives

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's trip to the United States targeted U.S. lawmakers, but also his political opponents in Canada, as his speech to one of the largest unions in North America attempted to make the case that his party cares more about workers’ rights than Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives.

Health

Waste from mill worsening mercury contamination in river near Grassy Narrows: study

Industrial discharge from a paper mill in northern Ontario is exacerbating mercury contamination in a river system near a First Nation that has been plagued with mercury poisoning for decades, a new study suggests.
Tobacco industry aims to hook new generation on vapes, WHO says

Tobacco companies still actively target young people via social media, sports and music festivals and new, flavoured products, the World Health Organization said on Thursday, accusing companies of trying to hook a new generation on nicotine.
Michigan farmworker diagnosed with bird flu, becoming 2nd U.S. case tied to dairy cows

A Michigan dairy worker has been diagnosed with bird flu — the second human case associated with an outbreak in U.S. dairy cows.

Sci-Tech

OpenAI to start using news content from News Corp. as part of a multi-year deal

Joining news organizations that have chosen to collaborate rather than fight with the best-known artificial intelligence company, News Corp. has struck a multi-year deal to share news content with OpenAI for both training purposes and to answer questions from users.
Tick season, warmer weather sparks fears about Lyme disease spread in Canada

The surge in Canada's tick population is linked to recent changes in our climate, according to Mount Allison University biology professor Vett Lloyd.
Michigan farmworker diagnosed with bird flu, becoming 2nd U.S. case tied to dairy cows

A Michigan farmworker has been diagnosed with bird flu — the second human case associated with an outbreak in U.S. dairy cows.

Entertainment

'I won't stop,' Celine Dion says in trailer for upcoming doc about her health woes

Celine Dion's fans are getting a first glimpse of the superstar's struggle with a rare neurological disorder in an emotional trailer for an upcoming documentary about her career and life.
Cassie Ventura breaks her silence on 2016 video that showed her being physically assaulted by Sean 'Diddy' Combs

Cassie Ventura has shared a statement expressing her gratitude for the support she has received since CNN's publication of a 2016 surveillance video that showed her being physically assaulted by her then-boyfriend, Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
Ticketmaster Timeline: A running list of clashes between the event organizer, fans and artists

The U.S. Justice Department filed a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and parent company Live Nation Entertainment on Thursday.

Business

Hackers release corporate data stolen from London Drugs

Retailer London Drugs says cybercriminals who stole files from its corporate head office last month have released some of the data after it refused to pay a ransom.
U.S. government sues Ticketmaster owner and asks court to break up company's monopoly on live events

The U.S. Justice Department sued Ticketmaster and its parent company Thursday, accusing them of running an illegal monopoly over live events in America and asking a court to break up the system that squelches competition and drives up prices for fans.
Luxury beauty brand Clarins to pull out of Hudson's Bay stores in Canada

French luxury makeup and skincare brand Clarins is pulling out of Hudson's Bay stores in Canada.

Lifestyle

What it's really like to live in Antarctica

A five-month-long slumber party. A college dorm. An introvert’s hell. Those are just some of the words residents of Antarctica use to describe life in the world’s coldest, most mysterious continent.
Sam Butcher, artist who created Precious Moments figurines of teardrop-eyed children, dies at 85

Sam Butcher, the artist who created the Precious Moments figurines depicting angelic teardrop-eyed children, has died. He was 85.
Toronto man falls off his chair after seeing $70M Lotto Max win in his bank account

A Toronto man who won $70 million in a recent Lotto Max draw literally fell off his chair when he saw the funds in his bank account.

Sports

Tim Meadows pledges not to shave until the Oilers win the cup, who are the team's other famous fans?

An unlikely celebrity emerged from social media to cheer on the Edmonton Oilers as they face the Dallas Stars tonight in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
'This team is Canada's team': Here's what you need to know about the WNBA's Toronto expansion

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has officially announced that it’s expanding north of the border with a first-ever Canadian team in Toronto.
Montreal's Poulin, Toronto's Spooner, New York's Carpenter named PWHL MVP finalists

Toronto's Natalie Spooner, Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin and New York's Alex Carpenter are the Billie Jean King MVP award finalists for the Professional Women's Hockey League's inaugural season.

Autos

How to make your car ready for summer

If you’re planning a road trip this summer, it won’t hurt to make sure your car is reliable and would take you there and back.
BMW unveils its latest 'Art Car,' courtesy of abstract artist Julie Mehretu

BMW and Ethiopian-American artist Julie Mehretu unveiled her newest 'Art Car' at the Pompidou Centre in Paris, France.
Canada ranks among the world's top 10 countries for stolen vehicles: Interpol

Interpol says more than 200 stolen Canadian vehicles have been found each week across the globe since February.

Hackers release corporate data stolen from London Drugs

Retailer London Drugs says cybercriminals who stole files from its corporate head office last month have released some of the data after it refused to pay a ransom.
'It's over': Minister says B.C.'s decision on Surrey police transition upheld in court

The B.C. Supreme Court has ruled in the provincial government's favour on the City of Surrey's legal challenge to its ongoing transition to a municipal police force, according to B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth.
VPD officers were not negligent in case where man jumped from bridge, IIO finds

Two Vancouver police officers who met with a man shortly before he jumped off of the Granville Street Bridge and was critically injured "performed their duties appropriately," according to B.C.'s police watchdog.

Toronto

Toronto man falls off his chair after seeing $70M Lotto Max win in his bank account

A Toronto man who won $70 million in a recent Lotto Max draw literally fell off his chair when he saw the funds in his bank account.
UofT won't cut ties with Israeli unis, will explore disclosure of investments

The University of Toronto, where students set up a pro-Palestinian encampment weeks ago, says it will not end any partnerships with Israeli universities as protesters have demanded.
Potential tornado 'surreal' for residents who witnessed damaging storm in southern Ontario

Witnessing a potential tornado was 'surreal' for residents who caught a glimpse of the damaging storm in southern Ontario on Wednesday night.

Calgary

Most new fires reported in Calgary Forest Area: Alberta Wildfire

Wildfire officials keeping an eye on Alberta's forests say there's been an alarming number of fires, with most of them found in the Calgary Forest Area over the long weekend.
Calgary Stampeders kick off '200 Club' campaign offering season-ticket experience for women

With the Calgary Stampeders' season set to kick off, there's a push to get more female fans to the stadium.
Calgary fundraiser will help charity grant wishes for seniors

A Canadian charity that grants wishes for seniors is hosting a fundraiser in Calgary this weekend.

Ottawa

Ottawa police investigating death of a gosling in Kanata

Ottawa police are investigating after someone allegedly stomped on a gosling in Kanata. Police say it appears that Canada geese laid eggs in the area, 'and on May 21, a suspect stomped on one of the hatched babies.'
Police charge woman, 74, in hijab-pulling incident at Israeli flag raising event

Ottawa police have laid charges in connection with a hate investigation into a hijab-pulling incident at Ottawa City Hall on May 14.
Treasury Board president urges managers to be flexible on exemptions for new 3-day office mandate

The president of the Treasury Board is standing by the federal government's new hybrid office mandate for federal public servants, but is urging managers to be flexible for staff requiring exemptions.

Montreal

Montreal-area high school students protest 'sexist' dress code

Approximately 50 Montreal-area students — the vast majority of them female — were suspended Wednesday after their school deemed the shorts they were wearing were too short. On Thursday, several students staged a walk-out to protest what they believe is a "sexist" dress code that unfairly targets girls.
Montreal's Plateau residents calling for increased security after triple homicide

There are growing calls for more security in Montreal, following a triple homicide in the Plateau on Tuesday, and multiple other violent deaths in recent weeks.
'I maintain my innocence': Quebec cardinal releases video to clear his name after sex-abuse allegations

Two days after a Vatican-mandated investigation found no evidence that Gerald Lacroix committed sexual abuse, the Quebec cardinal released a video statement saying he did nothing wrong.

Edmonton

Low mosquito numbers in Edmonton but expert warns that could change quickly

As Edmonton continues to see spring showers, pest management experts are keeping a close eye on what it means for mosquito development.
Murder charge laid in death of 15-year-old boy in north Edmonton

One person has been charged in the death of an Edmonton teen earlier this week.
Tim Meadows pledges not to shave until the Oilers win the cup, who are the team's other famous fans?

An unlikely celebrity emerged from social media to cheer on the Edmonton Oilers as they face the Dallas Stars tonight in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Atlantic

Tornado watch in effect for Mount Carleton - Renous Highway in New Brunswick

A tornado watch is in effect for Victoria County and Mount Carleton - Renous Highway in New Brunswick.
National Hurricane Center issues 2024 forecast

The National Hurricane Center of the United States has issued their forecast for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season
N.S. government reaches settlement agreement with Northern Pulp

More than two years after British Columbia-based Paper Excellence, owners of Northern Pulp – the idled pulp mill in Pictou County – filed a lawsuit against the Nova Scotia government, the two parties have reportedly reached a settlement agreement.

Winnipeg

Up to 70 mm of rain coming to parts of Manitoba, flooding possible

Manitobans are being warned about a major weather event heading to the southeast part of the province that could bring between 50 and 60 millimetres of rain.
Some dogs rescued from Winnipeg home now available for adoption

Days after 68 dogs were seized from a Winnipeg home due to inhumane conditions, some are ready to be adopted.
Carjacked vehicle crashes into Portage Ave. building

A downtown carjacking came to a sudden halt when a vehicle crashed into a building at 541 Portage Ave., the site of CBC Manitoba on Tuesday.

Regina

Here's a look at the tentative deal on the table for Sask. teachers

Details of a tentative agreement between the province and Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation have been released.
Sask. premier signals he would spend more to fix the failing Cumberland House highway

The mayor and councillors of Cumberland House have declared a state of emergency over the poor state of the only road in and out of town — Saskatchewan Highway 123.
'Beauty and the Beast' set to take the stage of Regina's Darke Hall

A classic Disney fairy tale is all set to take to the stage of Darke Hall in Regina this weekend.

Kitchener

Automated waste collection coming to Waterloo Region

Big changes are coming to Waterloo Region waste collection.
Region of Waterloo sees 5.5% population growth, Kitchener breaks 300,000 mark

2023 was a big year for population growth in the Region of Waterloo.
Protestors demand meeting with MPP over potential Wilmot land acquisition

A group of protestors, worried about Waterloo Region’s efforts to buy or expropriate land in Wilmot Township, took their concerns right to the door of MPP Mike Harris on Thursday.

Saskatoon

Sask. premier signals he would spend more to fix the failing Cumberland House highway

The mayor and councillors of Cumberland House have declared a state of emergency over the poor state of the only road in and out of town — Saskatchewan Highway 123.
Sask. town says the health authority hasn't staffed their once-busy clinic since the pandemic

Residents of Duck Lake and Beardy's and Okemasis' Cree Nation are renewing calls for help as their doctor’s clinic has sat empty since the pandemic.
Here's a look at the tentative deal on the table for Sask. teachers

Details of a tentative agreement between the province and Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation have been released.

Northern Ontario

Waste from mill worsening mercury contamination in river near Grassy Narrows: study

Industrial discharge from a paper mill in northern Ontario is exacerbating mercury contamination in a river system near a First Nation that has been plagued with mercury poisoning for decades, a new study suggests.
Toronto man falls off his chair after seeing $70M Lotto Max win in his bank account

A Toronto man who won $70 million in a recent Lotto Max draw literally fell off his chair when he saw the funds in his bank account.
Northern Ont. police seize weapons, $200K in drugs, Toronto pair charged

Three people, including two from Toronto, have been arrested in northern Ontario and Ontario Provincial Police have seized a haul of drugs, weapons and other items.

London

Mayor to council: 'Get off my lawn'

London's mayor said he will not be supporting council when it comes to a 6 p.m. curfew on using gas lawn mowers and yard equipment. In a post on social media, Josh Morgan said, "We have far more pressing issues to deal with."
Richmond and Dundas office tower to become apartments

An office building at the heart of London’s core will soon house people, as the City of London announced its first office-to-residential conversion project on Thursday.
'It is a political choice to systematically undermine our public hospitals': Durham takes hospital fight to Queen’s Park

The Municipality of West Grey is taking their fight to save Durham’s hospital to court.

Barrie

BREAKING
BREAKING Child struck by recycling truck in Barrie neighbourhood

A child has been hospitalized in serious condition after being struck by a recycling truck in a Barrie neighbourhood.
Man dies following e-bike crash at family gathering

Provincial police say a 67-year-old man who crashed on an e-bike over the long weekend has died.
Tensions high as Barrie mayor faces protest while addressing downtown safety initiatives

Tensions were high Thursday morning between a small group of protesters and Barrie's mayor as the City and its partners touted ways they're working to address safety downtown.

Windsor

'It's called the snitch law': Riverside couple upset over city order to remove curbside landscaping

A Riverside couple is upset after a recent visit from the city’s bylaw enforcement, asking them to remove landscaping on their front lawn after a resident complained that it doesn’t conform to the city’s public right-of-way encroachment bylaws.
Essex County beekeeper feeling the sting of recent roadside hive heist

A Cottam area beekeeper is putting up a thousand dollar reward for information leading to the return of seven stolen bee hives nearly a month ago.
'TJ’s going after Ryan': Bartender testifies in Windsor, Ont. murder trial

Ryan Taylor is on trial for second-degree murder in the death of Thomas 'TJ' McIntyre, who died on Sept. 27, 2020, five days after being involved in a fight with Taylor. The jury has learned about the moments before the altercation, in the testimony of bartender Ashley Lavin.

Vancouver Island

Hackers release corporate data stolen from London Drugs

Retailer London Drugs says cybercriminals who stole files from its corporate head office last month have released some of the data after it refused to pay a ransom.
Mounties investigating after woman found unconscious in stolen car in Langford, B.C.

Mounties on Vancouver Island say a 29-year-old woman was arrested Tuesday after she was found unconscious in the driver's seat of a stolen vehicle.
'It's over': Minister says B.C.'s decision on Surrey police transition upheld in court

The B.C. Supreme Court has ruled in the provincial government's favour on the City of Surrey's legal challenge to its ongoing transition to a municipal police force, according to B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth.

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

31-year-old man wanted by Lethbridge police turns himself in

A Lethbridge man wanted on multiple outstanding warrants turned himself in to police, the LPS announced in a media statement Thursday.
Alberta gets D- on latest poverty report card; food banks trying to keep up with demand

Alberta received a D- grade on Food Bank Canada’s annual poverty report card – a mark that did not come as a surprise for many organizations in Lethbridge.
Alberta sheriffs close Medicine Hat property over violence, drug activity

Alberta sheriffs have closed a problem property in Medicine Hat, saying officers were frequently called to the home because of drug activity and violence.

Sault Ste. Marie

Sault tourism expecting fewer cruise ships this year

Tourism officials in Sault Ste. Marie are preparing for a quieter-than-usual cruise ship season.
Northern Ont. police seize weapons, $200K in drugs, Toronto pair charged

Three people, including two from Toronto, have been arrested in northern Ontario and Ontario Provincial Police have seized a haul of drugs, weapons and other items.
Sault impaired driver crashes into stone wall at cemetery, hides in the woods

A 67-year-old driver has been charged after a vehicle in Sault Ste. Marie sped through a stop sign and crashed into a cemetery.

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

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

BREAKING | Child struck by recycling truck in Barrie neighbourhood

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

BREAKING Child struck by recycling truck in Barrie neighbourhood