What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Dec. 9-11

Ottawa Top Stories

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

EXCLUSIVE

EXCLUSIVE | Gay man taking Canadian government to court, says sperm donation restrictions make him feel like a 'second-class citizen'

A gay man is taking the federal government to court, challenging the constitutionality of a policy restricting sexually active gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned.

The Pride flag flies on Parliament Hill following a ceremony with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Wednesday, June 1, 2022 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Quebec woman shocked to find stolen Audi driven through Ontario mall in 'insane' robbery

A Quebec woman said she was very surprised to find her stolen Audi had been used in what’s being described as an “absolutely insane” Ontario mall robbery.

Shubenacadie Sam to make 2023 Groundhog Day prediction

Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam is about to emerge from her burrow to make her annual Groundhog Day prediction.

Former CBC journalist dies after random attack on Toronto street, new suspect photo released

A long-time CBC radio producer who was the victim of a random assault in Toronto last week has died, the public broadcaster confirms.

5 things to know for Thursday, February 2, 2023

A gay man issues a court challenge over Canada's policy restricting sperm bank donations, a Quebec woman is surprised to find her stolen car had been used in brazen Ontario robbery, and actor Ryan Reynolds drops by a Toronto college and surprises students. Here's what you need to know to start your day.

Actor Ryan Reynolds surprises students during tour of Toronto college

Canadian Actor Ryan Reynolds dropped by a Toronto college on Wednesday, surprising students in the midst of a school project.

New opera by Haitian-Canadian composer puts Black performers, stories in spotlight

When the opera 'La Flambeau' premieres next week in Montreal, Black performers will be front and centre in an artistic medium where they have historically been under-represented.

After Tyre Nichols funeral, Biden faces pressure on policing

In Washington progress on police brutality appears difficult, if not unlikely. Bipartisan efforts to reach an agreement on policing legislation stalled more than a year ago, and President Joe Biden ended up instead signing an executive order named for George Floyd, whose murder at the hands of Minneapolis police set off nationwide protests nearly three years ago.

Militant who killed 101 at Pakistan mosque wore uniform

A suicide bomber who killed 101 people at a mosque in northwest Pakistan this week had disguised himself in a police uniform and did not raise suspicion among guards, the provincial police chief said on Thursday.

Atlantic

Shubenacadie Sam to make 2023 Groundhog Day prediction

Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam is about to emerge from her burrow to make her annual Groundhog Day prediction.
New 911-dispatch system keeps New Brunswick firefighters off medical calls

A new 911 dispatch system in New Brunswick means that now fire departments aren’t getting dispatched to all medical calls leaving residents waiting and first responders in the dark.
$31-million lottery ticket sold in Cape Breton, largest win ever in the Maritimes

Atlantic Lottery says someone in Cape Breton has a record-breaking, multimillion-dollar winning lottery ticket.

Toronto

Quebec woman shocked to find stolen Audi driven through Ontario mall in 'insane' robbery

A Quebec woman said she was very surprised to find her stolen Audi had been used in what’s being described as an “absolutely insane” Ontario mall robbery.
Two people in hospital after minivan slams into tree in North York

Two people were taken to a trauma centre with serious injuries after a minivan struck a pole and a tree in North York overnight.
Tenants of midtown Toronto apartment have been without heat for a week

Hundreds of tenants at a midtown Toronto apartment building have been without heat for a week now, and many are worried with the arrival of bitter-cold temperatures.

Montreal

Canada's new anti-Islamophobia representative apologizes for comments about Quebecers

Canada's new special representative on combating Islamophobia has apologized for words that hurt Quebecers after leaders in that province called for her resignation.
WEATHER
WEATHER | Extreme wind chills, flurries heading for Montreal

After an extremely mild month of January, the province is bracing for a blast of arctic air.
Police investigating double stabbing at Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve apartment

Montreal police say two men are in hospital Wednesday night with stab wounds after an altercation in a home in the city's Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough.

Northern Ontario

Car, train collide in Sudbury, two people in hospital in stable condition

Two people are in Health Sciences North in stable condition following a collision Sunday in Sudbury between a train and a vehicle.
Alberta police believe 'Dances With Wolves' star may have abused local victims

Tsuut'ina Nation Police Service officials are encouraging any local victims to come forward following the arrest of actor Nathan Lee Chasing Horse in Las Vegas on sex assault charges.
'Immediately stop' wearing these sweaters and hoodies, Health Canada warns

Nearly 130,000 Helly Hansen sweaters and hoodies have been recalled in Canada due to flammability concerns.

London

South London road reopens after 'serious' vehicle collision

Bostwick Road has reopened following a serious crash on Wednesday evening. Around 7:20 p.m., emergency crews responded to the scene in south London for the incident involving two vehicles.
Flair Airlines to operate London to Winnipeg flights this summer

On Wednesday, London International Airport and Flair Airlines announced the newest destination out of London, Ont., and if you’re a fan of Slurpees, then you might just be in luck.
Nearly $16K in drugs seized in drug investigation: Woodstock police

A man from Woodstock, Ont. is facing multiple charges after a search warrant revealed he was allegedly in possession of nearly $16,000 in illicit drugs, according to Woodstock police.

Winnipeg

Organization regulating medical care in Manitoba apologizes for Indigenous-specific racism in health care

The organization regulating medical care and services in Manitoba is apologizing for racism directed towards Indigenous people when accessing health care in the province.
'Almost impossible to use': city councillor calls for better sidewalk snow clearing

A city councillor wants snow plows to do a better job of clearing Winnipeg's sidewalks next winter.
Peg City Car Co-op asking city for more parking

A city committee is being asked to expand car sharing parking options to allow a local car co-op to meet demand.

Kitchener

Hearing to determine if Udo Haan not criminally responsible for wife’s death, Kitchener explosion

A hearing is underway to determine if Udo Haan is not criminally responsible for the death of his wife Edra Haan, who was found in the aftermath of the 2018 house explosion in Kitchener, Ont.
WRPS’ proposed $214 million budget brought forth to council

Chief Mark Crowell made a presentation at a council meeting Wednesday justifying the proposed $214 million budget for the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS).
Wiarton Willie set to make his Groundhog Day prediction

Wiarton Willie is set to make his spring prediction Thursday at 8:07 a.m. If the groundhog sees his shadow it will mean another six weeks of winter, but if he doesn’t, we could get an early spring.

Calgary

Calgary confrontation involved 4 vehicles, several communities and ended with a shooting

Calgary police are looking for suspects involved in an altercation that lasted for approximately an hour, spanned several communities and ended with a gun being fired.
Alberta police believe 'Dances With Wolves' star may have abused local victims

Tsuut'ina Nation Police Service officials are encouraging any local victims to come forward following the arrest of actor Nathan Lee Chasing Horse in Las Vegas on sex assault charges.
Police seek public assistance in northwest Calgary sexual assault

Calgary police are seeking public assistance to identify a suspect in a sexual assault that took place Wednesday.

Saskatoon

Man accused in Saskatoon killing uses social media to 'terrorize' victim's family, mother says

A man accused of killing his girlfriend is sending harassing social media messages to her family over social media — even though he's in jail.
Gallagher family awaits ‘a very long, drawn-out process’ ahead, as another accused pleads not guilty

Another person accused in the Megan Gallagher case has pleaded not guilty.
Saskatchewan not planning to decriminalize drug possession

Saskatchewan won't be following British Columbia's lead when it comes to decriminalizing drug possession.

Edmonton

'We are going to fix this': Alberta sends sheriffs downtown to help EPS amid mounting safety concerns

Police officers in downtown Edmonton will receive reinforcements from sheriffs later this month as part of a new provincial public safety initiative.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's former top doctor, hired by B.C. public health service

Alberta's former chief medical officer of health has landed a new role in British Columbia. Dr. Deena Hinshaw was named a deputy provincial health officer for B.C. on Wednesday.
'Landmark in this area': Holden residents saddened by theft of church bell, damage to belfry

Police are investigating after the bell was stolen from St. Mary's Church in Holden, Alta., causing significant damage to the building.

Vancouver

'It's a big concern': Private delivery of public health care grows yet again in B.C.

B.C.'s Ministry of Health is continuing its multi-year trend of paying millions more dollars each year to private surgical centres for the delivery of public health care, CTV News has learned.
Volunteers clean up homeless camp outside Chilliwack, amid environmental worries

Volunteers have been scrambling to clean up toxic materials left behind at a homeless camp along a sensitive fish-bearing stream outside Chilliwack.
Public hearing changes in Surrey stir controversy

Changes to the amount of time the public gets to voice their opinion during Surrey City Council meetings has caused controversy among former councillors.

Regina

A brief history of Saskatchewan's attempts to possess an official groundhog

The annual spectacle of Groundhog Day is here. However, in Saskatchewan, the prophesying event is without its central figure, an official groundhog.
Over 20 EMS positions to be added in Regina: province

The Government of Saskatchewan announced it will be adding 24.5 full-time equivalent positions to Regina EMS.
All eyes on Connor Bedard as Calgary Hitmen host Regina Pats

Connor Bedard has arrived in Calgary ahead of what's expected to be a completely full Scotiabank Saddledome when the Calgary Hitmen and Regina Pats square off.

What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Dec. 9-11

What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Dec. 9-11

NEW THIS MORNING | Activity in downtown Ottawa at 51 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in the fall, study finds

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

EXCLUSIVE | Gay man taking Canadian government to court, says sperm donation restrictions make him feel like a 'second-class citizen'

WEATHER | Extreme wind chills, flurries heading for Montreal