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

Child under 5 dies of measles in Ontario: PHO

A young child has died of measles in Ontario, marking the first death in the province from the highly contagious virus in more than 10 years, a Public Health Ontario report confirms.

NEW

NEW Pack the macaroni necklace: Lessons on evacuations from a woman who fled one of Canada's worst wildfires

Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.

Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn

Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.

'Ugly produce': One way Canadians are shrinking rising grocery bills

As the cost of food in Canada has risen, grocery shoppers are looking at ways to reduce their grocery bill, and more are choosing price over beauty, turning to companies that deliver so-called 'misfit' produce at a fraction of the cost.

Vatican revamps norms to evaluate visions of Mary as it adapts to Internet age and combats hoaxers

The Vatican on Friday radically reformed its process for evaluating alleged visions of the Virgin Mary, weeping statues and other seemingly supernatural phenomena, insisting on having the final say in whether the events are worthy of popular devotion.

Wildfires burning across Canada: Communities threatened as flames creep closer

Thousands of residents fled Fort McMurray this week, fearing a repeat of the 2016 wildfire that forced out the entire community and torched more than 2,400 homes.

5 secrets to moving better and preventing avoidable injury

Countless people seek emergency care for back pain, muscle strains and similar injuries resulting from “moving wrong” during mundane, everyday tasks such as bending over to tie shoes, lifting objects or doing household chores.

Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.

French police fatally shoot a man suspected of setting fire to a synagogue

French police shot and killed a man armed with a knife and a metal bar who is suspected of having set fire to a synagogue in the Normandy city of Rouen early on Friday, the latest apparent act in a storm of antisemitism roiling France amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Canada

No charges for Montreal imam who delivered speech at pro-Palestinian rally

Quebec's Crown prosecution office said it will not lay charges against a Montreal imam following comments he made at a pro-Palestinian rally last fall.
Ottawa police investigating reported hijab-pulling at Israeli flag ceremony in Ottawa

The Ottawa Police Service says its hate crime unit is investigating a reported hijab-pulling incident at Tuesday's protest at Ottawa City Hall when the Israeli flag was raised for the country's independence day.
'Ugly produce': One way Canadians are shrinking rising grocery bills

As the cost of food in Canada has risen, grocery shoppers are looking at ways to reduce their grocery bill, and more are choosing price over beauty, turning to companies that deliver so-called 'misfit' produce at a fraction of the cost.
'Implausible': B.C. judge rejects man's claim that indecent exposure was accidental

A judge has rejected a B.C. man's claim that his genitals "accidentally" fell out of his shorts – twice – at a Surrey mall, finding him guilty of indecent exposure.
Video showing teen altercation in Fredericton sparks police investigation, calls for change

A video of a fight between two teens is being investigated by Fredericton police.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect

Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.

World

Texas governor pardons ex-Army sergeant convicted of killing Black Lives Matter protester

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a full pardon Thursday for a former U.S. Army sergeant convicted of murder for fatally shooting an armed demonstrator in 2020 during nationwide protests against police violence and racial injustice.
French police fatally shoot a man suspected of setting fire to a synagogue

French police shot and killed a man armed with a knife and a metal bar who is suspected of having set fire to a synagogue in the Normandy city of Rouen early on Friday, the latest apparent act in a storm of antisemitism roiling France amid the Israel-Hamas war.
Vatican revamps norms to evaluate visions of Mary as it adapts to Internet age and combats hoaxers

The Vatican on Friday radically reformed its process for evaluating alleged visions of the Virgin Mary, weeping statues and other seemingly supernatural phenomena, insisting on having the final say in whether the events are worthy of popular devotion.
Putin says Russia wants a buffer zone in Ukraine's Kharkiv but has no plans to capture the city

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Moscow's offensive in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region aims to create a buffer zone but has no plans to capture the city.
North Korea test-fires suspected missiles a day after U.S. and South Korea conduct a fighter jet drill

North Korea fired suspected short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Friday, South Korea's military said, a day after South Korea and the U.S. flew powerful fighter jets in a joint drill that the North views as a major security threat.
Slovak authorities charge 'lone wolf' with assassination attempt on the prime minister

Slovak authorities charged a man Thursday with attempting to assassinate Prime Minister Robert Fico, saying he acted alone in a politically motivated attack.

Politics

As Poilievre calls for summer road trip carbon tax break, Trudeau accuses him of 'axing the facts'

To give Canadians a break on their summer road trips, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to suspend all gas and diesel taxes from Victoria Day to Labour Day.
Most Canadians support abortion, one-third see Conservatives as least supportive: poll

Eight in 10 Canadians back a woman's right to an abortion and two in three don't want the notwithstanding clause used to restrict access to abortions, a new poll suggests.
Canada sanctions four Israelis over West Bank violence, pledges $65M for humanitarian aid in Gaza

Canada on Thursday imposed its first-ever sanctions on what the foreign ministry called 'extremist' Israeli settlers in the West Bank, and said Ottawa was weighing additional measures to deter settler violence against Palestinians.

Health

'Lifetime of worse health': B.C. doctor warns about long-term impacts of wildfire smoke

Southern British Columbians may see smoky skies from wildfires burning in the northeastern part of the province over the weekend and one local doctor is warning of the potential long-term health risks associated with that poor air quality.
5 secrets to moving better and preventing avoidable injury

Countless people seek emergency care for back pain, muscle strains and similar injuries resulting from “moving wrong” during mundane, everyday tasks such as bending over to tie shoes, lifting objects or doing household chores.
Child under 5 dies of measles in Ontario: PHO

A young child has died of measles in Ontario, marking the first death in the province from the highly contagious virus in more than 10 years, a Public Health Ontario report confirms.

Sci-Tech

Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn

Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Black bear cub with 'severe neurological disease' euthanized in Banff

A black bear cub with signs of neurological disease was euthanized in Banff last week.
Unusual giant planet as fluffy as cotton candy spotted by astronomers

What is big, with a fluffy, cotton candy-like composition? Turns out, a planet. An international coalition of astronomers has newly discovered an unusual planet, dubbed WASP-193b, that’s about 50 per cent bigger than Jupiter and somehow still the second lightest planet ever found.

Entertainment

Chasing Amy: How Marisa Abela became Amy Winehouse for 'Back to Black'

There’s no point asking Marisa Abela to sing Amy Winehouse songs at karaoke. Her friends have already tried and failed. But you can see her sing — and become — Winehouse in the new film “Back to Black,” which opens in the U.S. on Friday.
Lainey Wilson opens, Jordan Davis wins song of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards

Just after Lainey Wilson lit up the stage with a cover of Little Texas’ “God Blessed Texas” into her new single, “Hang Tight Honey," Clay Walker and Randy Travis presented Jordan Davis with song of the year at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards for his ubiquitous country radio hit “Next Thing You Know.”
Hawaii native Savannah Gankiewicz crowned Miss USA after the previous winner resigned

Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii was crowned Miss USA 2023 on Wednesday, more than a week after the previous titleholder resigned citing her mental health.

Business

Loblaw agrees to sign grocery code of conduct after months of negotiations

Loblaw Cos. Ltd. said Thursday it's ready to sign on to the grocery code of conduct, paving the way for an agreement that's been years in the making.
Half of telecom providers not following website complaints section rules: watchdog

Canada's telecom and television complaints watchdog says many telecom providers aren't following complaints section rules on their websites, and it's particularly concerned about some repeat offenders.
Key Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems is laying off 450 after production of troubled 737s slows

A key Boeing supplier that makes the fuselages for its popular 737 Max airplanes is laying off about 450 workers because production has slowed down ever since a panel flew off one of those airplanes operated by Alaska Airlines in midair in January.

Lifestyle

Noticed a new payment? Some Canadians get first carbon rebate

Many Canadians found a message from the Canada Revenue Agency this week as they received their first direct deposit for the Canada Carbon Rebate.
Starbucks fan on decades-long journey to visit every store in the world

A Starbucks fan — whose name is Winter — is visiting Canada on a purposeful journey that began with a random idea at one of the coffee chain's stores in Texas.
An airplane passenger was spotted in an overhead bin. Here’s why that’s a terrible idea

Airplane overhead compartments. Home to luggage of all shapes and sizes, the odd coat or two, several duty-free bags, a fair bit of dust and… passengers?

Sports

Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5

J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Schauffele gets another major scoring record and sets the pace at PGA Championship

Xander Schauffele broke the PGA Championship scoring record, seizing on the rain-softened conditions at Valhalla on Thursday with a 9-under 62 to set the early target.
He had dreams of running for Canada in the Olympics, then he learned his family would be deported

A burgeoning track star says his dream of going to the Olympics is being derailed by a deportation order after Immigration officials rejected his family’s claim for asylum

Autos

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.
Protecting your car from the growing risk of keyless vehicle thefts

Auto technology has evolved and many newer cars use wireless key fobs and push-button starters instead of traditional metal keys. But that technology also makes things easier for thieves.
Impaired drivers in Ontario could soon face stiffer penalties

The Ontario government is expected to introduce legislation on Wednesday that, if passed, will see impaired drivers face stiffer penalties.

Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5

J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy

A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
'Another pair of eyes watching over me:' How a B.C. woman's guide dog saved her from drowning

A B.C. woman says her guide dog pulled her from a lake moments before she had a seizure, saving her life.

Toronto

Child under 5 dies of measles in Ontario: PHO

A young child has died of measles in Ontario, marking the first death in the province from the highly contagious virus in more than 10 years, a Public Health Ontario report confirms.
Faqiri family calls out Ontario gov't for lack of action on inquest recommendations

Five months after a coroner's inquest into the death of a mentally ill man at an Ontario jail, his family said Thursday the province has failed to implement any of the dozens of recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths in the future.
Thunderstorms may kick off long weekend weather but sunshine in the forecast

Torontonians may see a bit of unsettled weather to kick off the first long weekend of the summer.

Calgary

Massive fire breaks out at Wrangler Road facility

Smoke and flames could be seen from kilometres away, prompting numerous 911 calls after a blaze broke out on the eastern edge of Calgary near Glenmore Trail and Stoney Trail S.E.
'Need to strike a balance': Calgary looks to density and development to tackle its housing crisis

As a housing crisis continues in Calgary, the city is looking to strike a balance between increasing density – both in established neighbourhoods and in new ones.
'Wanting everybody to feel comfortable and welcome': Alberta couple killed in highway crash remembered

Family and friends are mourning the loss of an Alberta couple who were killed Sunday in a highway crash northwest of Lethbridge, Alta.

Ottawa

NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING From contentious beginnings to a community pillar: CHEO celebrates 50 years of care

It has been 50 years to the day since the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario first opened its doors.
Eliminating English-only education on table of OCDSB program review

More reaction is coming from parents as the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board looks to make major adjustments to its elementary programs including French immersion and how it is delivered.
Child under 5 dies of measles in Ontario: PHO

A young child has died of measles in Ontario, marking the first death in the province from the highly contagious virus in more than 10 years, a Public Health Ontario report confirms.

Montreal

Father charged with second-degree murder in daughter's stabbing death

A father has been charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of his 34-year-old daughter in southern Quebec.
Kidnapped by her father and kept in a crawl space: Court documents reveal Montreal horror story

A Montreal father who kidnapped his daughter who has autism and lied to police when they asked where she was should serve three years in prison, a Crown prosecutor said.
No charges for Montreal imam who delivered speech at pro-Palestinian rally

Quebec's Crown prosecution office said it will not lay charges against a Montreal imam following comments he made at a pro-Palestinian rally last fall.

Edmonton

Fort McMurray evacuees in Edmonton say they've been forced to spend hundreds on hotels, supplies

Some Fort McMurray evacuees say they're struggling to access supplies and accommodations after leaving their homes and travelling to Edmonton.
Miller scores late, Canucks edge Oilers to regain series lead

A late goal by J.T. Miller broke a deadlock that had lasted for almost two periods, grabbing a shot that had deflected off the post and sweeping it past goalie Calvin Pickard with 31.9 seconds left in the third period to lift the Vancouver Canucks to a 3-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers.
Edmonton police commission faces anger from public over police response at U of A encampment

The Edmonton Police Commission heard on Thursday from almost a dozen angry speakers demanding police accountability after the teardown of a protest encampment from the University of Alberta.

Atlantic

Transport truck drives off overpass in Lower Sackville, N.S., landing on highway below

Traffic came to a halt Thursday afternoon when a truck drove off an overpass along a Halifax-area highway.
Video showing teen altercation in Fredericton sparks police investigation, calls for change

A video of a fight between two teens is being investigated by Fredericton police.
NEW
NEW Pack the macaroni necklace: Lessons on evacuations from a woman who fled one of Canada's worst wildfires

Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.

Winnipeg

Heavy rain, toonie-sized hail hammer parts of Manitoba

A severe thunderstorm rolled through parts of Manitoba on Thursday evening, producing heavy rain and hail.
Prime minister to promote school nutrition program at Winnipeg school

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is scheduled to visit a school in Winnipeg today to promote his government's school nutrition program.
‘Great candidates for adoption’: Second chance for 68 dogs seized from Winnipeg home

A second chance could be coming for dozens of dogs seized from inhumane conditions at a Winnipeg home.

Regina

Saskatchewan RCMP asking for help in identifying human remains found near Moose Jaw

Saskatchewan RCMP are asking for the public's help in identifying human remains discovered in a wooded area near Moose Jaw.
Sask. teachers vote to renew mandate for job sanctions

Saskatchewan teachers have voted heavily in favour of a new mandate that allows job action to continue until an agreement with the province is reached.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect

Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.

Kitchener

Puppies found abandoned in box by Hwy. 401 ramp

The local humane society is asking for the public's help to care for five puppies that were found abandoned in a box near Hwy. 401 in Kitchener.
Hidden Gem: Stratford residents still lining up at Erie Drive In 53 years later

The Erie Drive In is what some might call the best kept secret in Stratford.
Waterloo, Ont. escape room broken into – again

Most people want to break out of an escape room. A Waterloo, Ont. business, however, has been broken into – not once – but twice.

Saskatoon

Sask. teachers vote to renew mandate for job sanctions

Saskatchewan teachers have voted heavily in favour of a new mandate that allows job action to continue until an agreement with the province is reached.
Saskatoon blind, deaf water skier ready to make waves at world championships

A Saskatoon water skier who is blind and deaf has partnered with a well-known artist to fundraise for the national adaptive water ski team.
Saskatoon is losing one of its Giant Tiger discount stores

Giant Tiger has announced that the company is closing a number of stores including one location in Saskatoon.

Northern Ontario

Northern Ont. police arrest second Moosonee stabbing suspect

Two suspects are in custody following a stabbing that sent two people to hospital in northern Ontario, police say.
Timmins council told it can’t evict people from encampments on public property

A legal clinic from southern Ontario is reminding Timmins city council that it’s “unlawful” in Ontario to evict people from homeless encampments on public property.
Child under 5 dies of measles in Ontario: PHO

A young child has died of measles in Ontario, marking the first death in the province from the highly contagious virus in more than 10 years, a Public Health Ontario report confirms.

London

Unique circumstances lead OPP to reveal name of 'homicide/suicide' victim

It’s been three months since 38-year-old Tanya Wiebe was found dead inside a home on Roberts Line in Central Elgin.
Ukrainian Canadians mark Vyshyvanka Day in Victoria Park

Marking both celebration and sorrow, Ukrainian Canadians in London marched around Victoria Park on Thursday evening for Vyshyvanka Day.
Gorgeous weather on its way a 'win for a holiday weekend'

Londoners will be waking up to some cloud coverage Friday morning with a chance of showers, but CTV News London Meteorologist Julie Atchison says things will turn around for the better this long weekend.

Barrie

York Region schools sprout new tiny forests

A donation of 390 trees had Georgina kids planting trees at their schools.
Out with Loblaws, in with Zehrs in Barrie's north end

Zehrs has returned to the north end of Barrie.
Family of man killed in Springwater hit-and-run speak out at sentencing hearing

Six months after being found guilty of a fatal hit and run in 2018 that claimed the life of Dominik Adamek in Springwater Township, Maimuna Baldeh heard from his grieving family, who told the court about the pain they've endured since that day.

Windsor

'I was in disbelief': Lasalle, Ont. grandfather wins $100K with Encore

A LaSalle man is planning to give back to his community and go on a tropical getaway following a recent $100,000 lotto win.
Police seize over $250,000 in drugs, arrest 53-year-old man

Windsor police officers have arrested one suspect and seized over $250,000 in illegal drugs after an investigation.
Lane restrictions on Lauzon Parkway to continue for 3rd day

A heads up for drivers as lane restrictions will continue on Lauzon Parkway on Friday as sewer rehabilitation work is completed.

Vancouver Island

B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy

A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Eby warns about United-Conservative merger, says B.C. voters face 'starkest choice'

Premier David Eby delivered an election-style speech to his New Democrat caucus, warning of the potential merger between the opposition BC United and B.C. Conservative parties, saying the fall election is shaping up to be the "starkest choice in a generation."
B.C. nurse suspended for 'significant' privacy breaches

A nurse in Metro Vancouver has been suspended for two weeks and ordered to take remedial education after she accessed the personal health records of several people for no work-related purpose.

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

Downtown Lethbridge lawlessness task force seeing positive progress

Lethbridge has been working to address lawlessness in the city’s downtown over the past six months.
Patios and parklets program returns to downtown Lethbridge for 2024

It's just about patio season in Lethbridge, and the city is once again rolling out its annual patios and parklets program.
'Wanting everybody to feel comfortable and welcome': Alberta couple killed in highway crash remembered

Family and friends are mourning the loss of an Alberta couple who were killed Sunday in a highway crash northwest of Lethbridge, Alta.

Sault Ste. Marie

Ontario sends 10 northern fire ranger crews to fight wildfires in Manitoba

With no active wildland fires burning in northern Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry sent 10 crews to Manitoba to help battle the blazes there.
Sault Ste. Marie resident celebrates $250K lotto win

Patricia Doiron of Sault Ste. Marie won $250,000 playing Instant Bingo Multiplier.
Sault council calls on province to recognize doctor shortage

Sault Ste. Marie city council is calling on the provincial government to recognize Ontario’s physician shortage.

N.L.

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.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say

Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.

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

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

NEW | Pack the macaroni necklace: Lessons on evacuations from a woman who fled one of Canada's worst wildfires

NEW THIS MORNING | From contentious beginnings to a community pillar: CHEO celebrates 50 years of care

NEW | Pack the macaroni necklace: Lessons on evacuations from a woman who fled one of Canada's worst wildfires

NEW Pack the macaroni necklace: Lessons on evacuations from a woman who fled one of Canada's worst wildfires

NEW THIS MORNING From contentious beginnings to a community pillar: CHEO celebrates 50 years of care

NEW Pack the macaroni necklace: Lessons on evacuations from a woman who fled one of Canada's worst wildfires