'It breaks my heart': Celine Dion cancels 'Courage World Tour' concerts

Canadian singer Celine Dion has cancelled all of her concerts scheduled through to early spring 2024.

In a statement Friday, Dion announced all remaining Courage World Tour shows have been cancelled due to an ongoing medical condition.

"I'm so sorry to disappoint all of you once again," Dion said in a statement. "I'm working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you're 100 per cent."

Dion, 55, was diagnosed last year with a rare neurological condition known as stiff person syndrome (SPS).

WHAT'S STIFF PERSON SYNDROME

SPS is a neurological condition that impacts a person's muscles, and in Dion’s case, it hinders her ability to perform.

People with SPS have described the condition as "excruciating" and say it causes "debilitating" pain because of heightened sensitivity to noise and touch. The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says SPS has "features" of an autoimmune disorder.

"It’s not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything now until I’m really ready to be back on stage again," the Canadian icon said Friday. "I want you all to know, I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!”

Read more: How Celine Dion's diagnosis changed understanding of living with stiff person syndrome

Last month, Dion released new music and revealed her acting debut in a new romantic comedy. Her first single, "Love Again," was the title track from an upcoming film where she plays a supporting role.

The film tells the story of a woman who finds solace from the sudden death of her fiancé by texting his old cell phone number, only to find a new connection with a different man who had the number reassigned to him.

Read more: Why Celine Dion's voice might sound different on new single

A total of 42 shows have been cancelled. Tickets will be refunded via the original point of sale, according to tour organizers.

Ticketholders with additional questions are asked to reach out to their original point of purchase.

With files from CTV News' Natasha O'Neill and CTV News Montreal's Lillian Roy

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Quebec man, 81, gets prison sentence after admitting to killing wife with Alzheimer's disease

An 81-year-old Quebec man has been sentenced to prison after admitting to killing his wife with Alzheimer's disease.

Canada Post quarterly loss tops $300M as strike hits second week -- and rivals step in

Canada Post saw hundreds of millions of dollars drain out of its coffers last quarter, due largely to its dwindling share of the parcels market, while an ongoing strike continues to batter its bottom line.

Trump chooses Bessent to be Treasury secretary and Vought as top budget official

President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that he'll nominate hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, an advocate for deficit reduction, to serve as his next treasury secretary. Trump also said he would nominate Russel Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget.

'Immoral depravity': Two men convicted in case of frozen migrant family in Manitoba

A jury has found two men guilty on human smuggling charges in a case where a family from India froze to death in Manitoba while trying to walk across the Canada-U.S. border.

Pat King found guilty of mischief for role in 'Freedom Convoy'

Pat King, one of the most prominent figures of the 2022 'Freedom Convoy' in Ottawa, has been found guilty on five counts including mischief and disobeying a court order.

Trump supporters review-bomb B.C. floral shop by accident

A small business owner from B.C.’s Fraser Valley is speaking out after being review-bombed by confused supporters of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump this week.

Nearly 46,000 electric vehicles recalled in Canada over potential power loss

Nearly 46,000 electric vehicles from Kia, Hyundai and Genesis are being recalled in Canada over a potential power loss issue that can increase the risk of a crash.

Canada's tax relief plan: Who gets a cheque?

The Canadian government has unveiled its plans for a sweeping GST/HST pause on select items during the holiday period. The day after the announcement, questions remain on how the whole thing will work.

Grey Cup streaker fined $10K, banned from BC Place

The woman who ran across the field wearing nothing but her shoes at last weekend’s Grey Cup has been given a fine and banned from BC Place.

Canada

'Immoral depravity': Two men convicted in case of frozen migrant family in Manitoba

A jury has found two men guilty on human smuggling charges in a case where a family from India froze to death in Manitoba while trying to walk across the Canada-U.S. border.
Officer shoots, kills armed teen on northern Manitoba First Nation: RCMP

A police officer fatally shot an armed teenager on a First Nation north of Lake Winnipeg, RCMP said Friday.
Trump supporters review-bomb B.C. floral shop by accident

A small business owner from B.C.’s Fraser Valley is speaking out after being review-bombed by confused supporters of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump this week.
Quebec man, 81, gets prison sentence after admitting to killing wife with Alzheimer's disease

An 81-year-old Quebec man has been sentenced to prison after admitting to killing his wife with Alzheimer's disease.
Pat King found guilty of mischief for role in 'Freedom Convoy'

Pat King, one of the most prominent figures of the 2022 'Freedom Convoy' in Ottawa, has been found guilty on five counts including mischief and disobeying a court order.
Former Quebec pension fund workers charged in U.S. in Indian government bribery case

Quebec’s pension fund manager says it is co-operating with United States authorities after three former employees were indicted in federal court in Brooklyn, N.Y., in an alleged scheme to give hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes to the Indian government.

World

Trump chooses Bessent to be Treasury secretary and Vought as top budget official

President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that he'll nominate hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, an advocate for deficit reduction, to serve as his next treasury secretary. Trump also said he would nominate Russel Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget.
Texas school board approves optional curriculum that incorporates Bible lessons for K-5 classes

Public schools in Texas now can use a new, state-written curriculum infused with Bible stories after the state’s school board voted in favour on Friday.
Colorado funeral home owners who let nearly 190 bodies decay plead guilty to corpse abuse

The owners of a Colorado funeral home who let nearly 200 bodies decay in a room-temperature building and gave grieving families fake ashes pleaded guilty on Friday to corpse abuse.
Vang Vieng: What to know about the Laos backpacker town at centre of suspected methanol poisonings

The deaths of six foreign tourists linked to a suspected mass methanol poisoning has thrown a spotlight on a small town in Southeast Asia that has worked hard in recent years to shed its reputation for excess.
Matt Gaetz says he's not returning to U.S. Congress next year

Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who withdrew from consideration as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general on Thursday, said Friday he will not be returning to U.S. Congress next year.
Rare first edition of Machiavelli's famous leadership treatise, 'The Prince,' goes up for auction

The Italian Renaissance diplomat Niccolò Machiavelli has become synonymous with subtle scheming. And now, an extremely rare first edition of his most famous work, the political manual 'The Prince,' is going up for auction, with an expected sale price of up to £300,000 (US$375,000).

Politics

The winners and losers of the Liberals' holiday tax break and cash giveaway

The Liberal government is pulling out the federal wallet to put more money into people's pockets over the holidays, but its recently announced affordability measures create winners and losers.
No evidence linking Modi to criminal activity in Canada: national security adviser

A senior official says the Canadian government is not aware of any evidence linking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to alleged criminal activity perpetrated by Indian agents on Canadian soil.
Halifax Security Forum begins amid questions on Canada's military spending

The Halifax International Security Forum opened Friday with Defence Minister Bill Blair defending Canada's military spending amid mounting pressure on NATO members to do more following Donald Trump's win in the U.S. presidential election.

Health

Tracking respiratory viruses in Canada: RSV, influenza, COVID-19

As the country heads into the worst time of year for respiratory infections, the Canadian respiratory virus surveillance report tracks how prevalent certain viruses are each week and how the trends are changing week to week.
U.S. confirms first case of bird flu in a child

A child in California is recovering at home from a confirmed case of bird flu. They are the first child in the United States to test positive for avian influenza.
Mpox still a health emergency, says WHO

The Mpox outbreak continues to represent a public health emergency, the World Health Organization said on Friday.

Sci-Tech

Fast-forming alien planet has astronomers intrigued

Astronomers have spotted orbiting around a young star a newborn planet that took only three million years to form, quite swift in cosmic terms.
Elon Musk has pledged to settle Mars. This book offers a reality check

The promise of starting life anew on Mars may appear alluring as the climate crisis intensifies and space and rocket technology advances. But the reality would be dreadful, according to experts.
New Brunswick oysters test positive for dermo disease, first confirmed case in Canada

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says oyster samples from New Brunswick's east coast have tested positive for two diseases, one of which has been found for the first time in Canada.

Entertainment

ANALYSIS
ANALYSIS Will 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' give us the new ‘Barbenheimer’? This weekend will be the judge

With 'Gladiator II' and the first part of 'Wicked' coming out, movie theatres are hoping that another 'Barbenheimer' drives audiences by the millions.
Michael Buble to host 2025 Juno Awards, Sum 41 to be inducted into Music Hall of Fame

Pop crooner Michael Buble is set to host the Juno Awards for the third time next year.
Caravaggio portrait goes on public display for the first time in Rome

A portrait by baroque painter Caravaggio of of Monsignor Maffeo Barberini is going on display in Rome, from Nov. 23 until Feb. 23, 2025, at Palazzo Barberini.

Business

U.S. court tosses hostile workplace, pay discrimination claims against BlackBerry

A U.S. court has closed the door on "hostile work environment" and wage discrimination claims made by a former BlackBerry Ltd. executive who accused the company's CEO of sexually harassing her and then retaliating against her when she reported the behaviour.
Maple Leaf Foods launches defamation lawsuit against Canada Bread and Grupo Bimbo

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. has launched a defamation lawsuit against Canada Bread Co. Ltd. and its parent company Grupo Bimbo.
Canada Post quarterly loss tops $300M as strike hits second week -- and rivals step in

Canada Post saw hundreds of millions of dollars drain out of its coffers last quarter, due largely to its dwindling share of the parcels market, while an ongoing strike continues to batter its bottom line.

Lifestyle

What to do if your luggage is lost, delayed, stolen or damaged

There are things you can do and strategies you can take to help avoid losing a bag or at least minimize the impact of delayed, lost, stolen and damaged luggage.
Cheating on your spouse no longer a crime in New York, with repeal of little-known 1907 law

New York on Friday repealed a seldom-used, more than century-old law that made it a crime to cheat on your spouse — a misdemeanor that once could have landed adulterers in jail for three months.
Canoeist is paddling the 9,650-kilometre Great Loop out of gratitude for life

Peter Frank has paddled from Michigan's Upper Peninsula in June to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland this month in his 1982 Sawyer Loon decked canoe, but he’s still got a long way to go.

Sports

Skilled burglars are targeting pro athletes' homes, leagues warn. Here's what we know

At least three professional sports leagues warned their teams this week that organized and skilled groups are targeting the homes of athletes for break-ins, including while the players are away at games.
The man who ended Nadal's career helps the Netherlands beat Germany to reach the Davis Cup final

The last man to face and beat Rafael Nadal in professional tennis, Tallon Griekspoor, help the Netherlands reach its first Davis Cup final by sweeping Germany.
Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules

A woman who claimed mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor 'brutally raped and battered' her in a Dublin hotel penthouse was awarded nearly 250,000 euros on Friday by a civil court jury in Ireland.

Autos

Nearly 46,000 electric vehicles recalled in Canada over potential power loss

Nearly 46,000 electric vehicles from Kia, Hyundai and Genesis are being recalled in Canada over a potential power loss issue that can increase the risk of a crash.
Northvolt says Quebec battery plant will proceed despite bankruptcy filing

Northvolt AB has filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States, but said the move will not jeopardize the manufacturer's planned electric vehicle battery plant in Quebec — though hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars invested in the parent company could be lost.
Canadian drivers own their poor road habits: survey

Canadian drivers are regularly in a hurry to get to their destination and a majority are willing to take unnecessary risks on the road, according to the results of a new survey.

UBC students turn to ‘destructive therapy’ to navigate exam season

Chemistry graduate students at the University of British Columbia are using a unique form of therapy to navigate through the always stressful exam season.
Trump supporters review-bomb B.C. floral shop by accident

A small business owner from B.C.’s Fraser Valley is speaking out after being review-bombed by confused supporters of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump this week.
Grey Cup streaker fined $10K, banned from BC Place

The woman who ran across the field wearing nothing but her shoes at last weekend’s Grey Cup has been given a fine and banned from BC Place.

Toronto

Trudeau announces funding to feed 160,000 Ontario students

An additional 160,000 students in Ontario will get access to free meals, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced at a Brampton, Ont. school Friday.
3 charged in connection with collision between TTC bus and stolen BMW that injured 9

Three people are facing charges in connection with a carjacking of a stolen BMW that collided with a TTC bus in North York early Monday morning.
Toronto man onboard Blue Origin flight to space says he 'can't wait to go again'

Henry Wolfond returned to Earth Friday morning after a quick trip to the edge of space. The Toronto finance executive was part of a six-person crew onboard the New Shepard, a reuseable rocket designed for space tourism by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin.

Calgary

'Sounded like a bomb': Mahogany residents stunned by townhouse explosion, fire

Investigators are working to piece together what caused an explosion and fire at a six-plex in the southeast Calgary community of Mahogany.
Sixth person charged in Tara Miller's death

Alberta RCMP have charged a sixth person in connection with the death of Calgarian Tara Miller.
‘Pinch me I’m dreaming:’ Calgary drummer pulled from crowd to play with the Arkells

For young musicians, to be up on stage in front of thousands of people, would be a dream come true. That’s exactly what happened to a Calgary girl, after being invited to play with Canadian rock icons The Arkells.

Ottawa

Seniors facing 60% hike for OC Transpo monthly transit pass in 2025 under new proposal

Ottawa seniors will be facing a 60 per cent hike in transit fares in 2025, instead of a 120 per cent increase, under a new plan to halve a proposed hike in fares for riders over the age of 65.
Ottawa Food Bank declares an emergency amid record-breaking usage

The Ottawa Food Bank is calling the record-breaking visits to its food programs "a declaration of emergency," with children and youth and newcomers accounting for more than a quarter of visits last year.
Orleans man calls for changes after service guide dog attacked by another dog

An Orléans man who uses a service guide dog wants to see changes to rules surrounding dog attacks, after his guide dog was attacked by another dog last month.

Montreal

3 arrested at pro-Palestinian, anti-NATO protest downtown Montreal

As NATO officials met up in Montreal, pro-Palestinian protesters flooded downtown in solidarity with those in Gaza.
Federal GST holiday on restaurant meals offers temporary relief

Canadians dining out this holiday season will enjoy a temporary financial break as the federal government removes the 5 per cent GST on dine-in, takeout, and delivery meals from Dec. 14 to Feb. 15.
Quebec man, 81, gets prison sentence after admitting to killing wife with Alzheimer's disease

An 81-year-old Quebec man has been sentenced to prison after admitting to killing his wife with Alzheimer's disease.

Edmonton

Indigenous vendors featured at River Cree Holiday Market

The fourth annual River Cree Resort and Casino holiday market is taking place this weekend.
Drake's clothing brand launches NHL collection including Oilers merch

Drake's October's Very Own (OVO) clothing has launched an NHL collection.
What were those columns of light over Edmonton Thursday?

Social media lit up with pictures of the evening sky over the Edmonton area late Thursday. Weather conditions were just right for what are known as 'light pillars.'

Atlantic

P.E.I. teen sentenced to 2 years in custody in death of Tyson MacDonald

A teen who pleaded guilty in the death of 17-year-old Tyson MacDonald on Prince Edward Island last year has been sentenced to two years in custody.
Taylor Swift Fan brings souvenir home to Nova Scotia from the Eras tour

Annie Gallant, a 10-year-old from Nova Scotia, brought home a special gift from her first concert.
New Brunswick government re-evaluates construction of $66-million jail in Grand Lake

The New Brunswick Liberal government says construction of a new $66-million jail in Grand Lake is under review, and could possibly be cancelled.

Winnipeg

Semi leaves Winnipeg overpass, hits train, causes derailment

Winnipeg police are responding to a train derailment and semi collision that has closed the Perimeter Highway and a section of Fermor Avenue Friday afternoon.
Manitoba reports first case of mpox, province says risk to public is low

The Manitoba government is reporting the first confirmed case of mpox in the province, noting it is also a strain that has not been seen in Canada before.
Towing company sues Winnipeg councillor, other towing company for defamation

A Winnipeg towing company is suing a Winnipeg city councillor and another local towing company, claiming comments they made about contracts in the city have defamed them.

Regina

Ministry of Highways releases annual snow campaign as Sask. braces for more snow

Snowplows will be on standby ready to go as the province is expected to get more snow over the weekend.
Chiropractor accused of sexually assaulting 7 women denies all allegations as part of second day of testimony

Ruben Manz, a Regina-based chiropractor accused of sexually assaulting seven women from 2010 through 2021, denied ever touching any of the alleged victims in a sexual nature while under oath.
Here's a look inside the Globe Theatre before it reopens

The format is the same, but the venue looks very different from the last time audiences were inside Regina's Globe Theatre after extensive renovations.

Kitchener

Advocates push for anti-renoviction bylaws as Waterloo Region reports affordable housing progress

On National Housing Day, housing advocacy group ACORN continued to push for anti-renoviction bylaws.
Man charged in Kitchener crash involving Grand River Transit LRT

Charges were laid after a crash between an LRT train and a Dodge vehicle shut down a busy Kitchener street for more than eight hours on Thursday.
How University of Waterloo researchers could help charge your devices by moving your body

Imagine being able to charge your devices through your body’s movements.

Saskatoon

Why isn't Saskatoon's new downtown shelter open yet?

Saskatoon's new downtown shelter must undergo renovations before it can open, according to the operator of the site.
Sask. principal has sexual assault conviction overturned in light of 'butt-grabbing game'

A Saskatchewan principal sentenced to six months behind bars for sexual assault has another chance to prove he’s the victim of a middle-school prank that escalated out of control.
Prince Albert food bank faces soaring demand

The Prince Albert Food Bank is grappling with a significant surge in demand, with the number of hampers doubling since 2017.

Northern Ontario

Senior killed in dog attack in northern Ont.

An 81-year-old was killed in a dog attack this week in Bonfield, Ont. Police believe three dogs were involved.
Woman stabbed multiple times in Sudbury altercation

A 30-year-old woman is in hospital in Sudbury after she was stabbed multiple times early Friday morning in Chelmsford.
Police investigating death in Magnetawan, Ont.

The Almaguin Highlands detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is investigating a sudden death in Magnetawan.

London

Victim forced into a vehicle, assaulted, robbed, and held against their will: police

Investigation revealed that an argument between a group of people – who were known to each other – escalated, resulting in the victim bring driven away in the vehicle against their will.
VIDEO
VIDEO London house fire spreads to neighbouring property

London fire crews and police are on scene of a house fire in east London. Crews were called to the 1800 block of Culver Drive, east of Third Street and south of Oxford Street, around 11:30 a.m.
Canada's tax relief plan: Who gets a cheque?

The Canadian government has unveiled its plans for a sweeping GST/HST pause on select items during the holiday period. The day after the announcement, questions remain on how the whole thing will work.

Barrie

Highway 400 closed in Muskoka Lakes after fatal propane truck rollover

Emergency crews were called to Highway 400 in Georgian Bay Township Friday morning after a fatal tanker truck rollover.
Drug trafficking investigation results in largest fentanyl seizure in Simcoe County: OPP

Two people are facing drug trafficking charges after what provincial police are calling the largest fentanyl seizure in Simcoe County.
Barrie magic mushroom dispensary closed after company announces its shuttering Ont. locations

The doors are locked and the OPEN sign is off on Friday at an illegal magic mushroom dispensary in downtown Barrie one day after FunGuyz announced it would shutter its 30 Ontario locations.

Windsor

Truck fire on the Ambassador Bridge

Windsor fire responded to a transport truck fire on Friday afternoon on the Ambassador Bridge.
4 Windsor, Chatham-Kent councillors oppose use of notwithstanding clause on encampments

Four councillors from Windsor and Chatham-Kent are among 72 municipal leaders opposing a letter from 15 Ontario mayors that supports Premier Doug Ford's push to use the notwithstanding clause to clear homeless encampments.
Concerns over people attempting to cross Detroit River illegally

Windsor Port Authority’s harbour master is raising concern about the number of people attempting to cross the Detroit River illegally following the most recent U.S. presidential election.

Vancouver Island

Campbell River high school closure extended due to fire

Carihi Secondary school in Campbell River is closed due to a fire on the property overnight – drawing a firefighting response from multiple departments and a crowd of onlookers.
Grey Cup streaker fined $10K, banned from BC Place

The woman who ran across the field wearing nothing but her shoes at last weekend’s Grey Cup has been given a fine and banned from BC Place.
Ship strikes kill thousands of whales. A study of hot spots could map out solutions

A study of hot spots for collisions between ships and whales around the world, including Canadian waters, offers a map for measures to prevent the deadly strikes that could drive some species to extinction, one of the British Columbia-based authors says.

Kelowna

Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops

Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops.
Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior

British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year.
B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids

A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail.

Lethbridge

Snowfall warning issued for Lethbridge as organizations, businesses prepare for winter weather

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a snowfall warning for Lethbridge and parts of southern Alberta, with about 20 to 30 centimetres of snow expected to fall by Sunday.
Hurricanes kick off U.S. road trip with a loss, falling 4-0 to Silvertips

The Hurricanes launched a three-game road trip south of the border Wednesday dropping a 4-0 game to the league-best Everett Silvertips.
Lethbridge residents asked to show some love to downtown businesses during holidays

A new citywide campaign is hoping to encourage residents to shop, eat and explore local this holiday season.

Sault Ste. Marie

After a year of struggle, centre that helps Sault youth to move to a building with heat

Sault-based charity Save Our Young Adults, or SOYA, will soon move to a new home -- for good reason.
$3M donation to help repair arena in Elliot Lake

The City of Elliot Lake said Thursday it has received a $3-million donation from Edward and Suzanne Rogers for the Centennial Arena restoration.
Sault College accounting students get a head start on their careers

Students in Sault College’s business accounting program have a new learning pathway that will ultimately give them a head start to a career.

N.L.

As N.L. firm pivots, scientists say Canada's green hydrogen dreams are far-fetched

A Newfoundland energy company's embrace of data centres is raising doubts about eastern Canadian hopes of harnessing the region's howling winds to supply Germany with power from green hydrogen.
Canadian leads group pushing Vatican for zero-tolerance policy on abuse by clergy

An international group led by a Canadian is in Rome this week to push the Catholic Church to adopt a zero-tolerance policy on abuse by clergy.
Newfoundland wind-to-hydrogen company eyes data centre as international market lags

A company hoping to build a multi-billion-dollar wind-to-hydrogen project in western Newfoundland is eyeing other options as Canada's plans to supply Europe with green energy have not yet materialized.

'It breaks my heart': Celine Dion cancels 'Courage World Tour' concerts

WHAT'S STIFF PERSON SYNDROME

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

ANALYSIS | Will 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' give us the new ‘Barbenheimer’? This weekend will be the judge

WATCH | 'Fireball' meteor lights up Calgary's sky

VIDEO | London house fire spreads to neighbouring property

ANALYSIS Will 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' give us the new ‘Barbenheimer’? This weekend will be the judge

WATCH 'Fireball' meteor lights up Calgary's sky

VIDEO London house fire spreads to neighbouring property