Latest updates: Tracking RSV, influenza, COVID-19 in Canada
Are we in the middle of flu season? How bad is RSV this year?
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.
The latest data, which covers the week ending Nov. 23, 2024, shows RSV infections continuing to rise across Canada, while COVID-19 rates are decreasing.
The influenza test positivity rate is low, but is "showing early signs of increase", according to the dashboard.
Virus spread is measured by looking at the percentage of tests for each virus that come back positive.
The charts below compare positivity rates for this season — which began at the end of August — with the previous two years.
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CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Uninspired Canada upset by Latvia in a shootout at world juniors
Eriks Mateiko scored the only goal of the shootout as Latvia stunned an alarmingly uninspired Canada 3-2 at the world junior hockey championship Friday.
Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments
Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state.
B.C. man who flipped 14 homes in four years is fined $2M for tax evasion
A serial property flipper in British Columbia has been convicted of tax evasion and fined more than $2 million for failing to report nearly $7.5 million in earnings.
Calgary Boxing Day crash victim identified, mother and sister still in hospital
A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police.
Missing dog returns to Florida family, rings doorbell
After a nearly weeklong search, Athena, a four-year-old German Shepherd and Husky mix, found her way home to her Florida family in time for Christmas Eve and even rang the doorbell.
'Home Alone' director Chris Columbus explains how the McCallisters were able to afford that house
Audiences have wondered for years how the family in 'Home Alone' was able to afford their beautiful Chicago-area home and now we know.
Scheffler to miss tournament after injuring hand making Christmas dinner
Scottie Scheffler will miss The Sentry tournament next month after the world number one suffered an accidental puncture wound to his right hand preparing Christmas dinner and had to have surgery, the PGA Tour said on Friday.
'Nobody should have to go through that': N.B. family grieving father, daughter killed in crash
A New Brunswick family is grieving the loss of a father and daughter in a crash.
Gerry Butts says Trudeau less likely to remain leader since Freeland quit
A former chief adviser and close friend to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday he doesn't think Trudeau will stay on to lead the Liberals in the next election.
Canada
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Tugboats, crews try to refloat ship stuck in St. Lawrence River near Montreal
A team of tugboats is being deployed to refloat a ship that has been stuck in the St. Lawrence River northeast of Montreal since Christmas Eve.
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Police watchdog investigating after officer shot crowd control gun at Ottawa man
Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after an Ottawa police officer shot a crowd control gun at a man, 43, Tuesday in Nepean.
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'Nobody should have to go through that': N.B. family grieving father, daughter killed in crash
A New Brunswick family is grieving the loss of a father and daughter in a crash.
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B.C. man charged with dangerous driving after elderly Good Samaritan killed in crash
A man is facing multiple charges of dangerous driving following a collision that led to the death of an 80-year-old Good Samaritan on Vancouver Island, B.C.
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Icebreaker on hand in Labrador to guide season's last freight arrivals by ferry
A Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker is in central Labrador until Saturday to guide the Kamutik W ferry on its last freight deliveries of the season.
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Calgary Boxing Day crash victim identified, mother and sister still in hospital
A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police.
World
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Italian journalist Cecilia Sala detained by police while reporting in Iran
An Italian journalist who was reporting in Tehran has been detained by the Iranian police, Italy's foreign ministry said in a statement Friday.
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New York correctional officers pummelled handcuffed man before death, footage shows
Newly released video of a fatal New York prison beating shows correctional officers repeatedly pummelling a handcuffed man, striking him in the chest with a shoe, and lifting him by the neck and dropping him.
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An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition
An online spat between factions of Donald Trump's supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House.
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Boston woman who residents call the 'Tom Brady of stealing packages' arrested
It's a touchdown for South Boston residents after a woman hailed the 'Tom Brady of stealing packages' was arrested.
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Relatives of Bashar Assad arrested as they tried to fly out of Lebanon, officials say
The wife and daughter of one of deposed Syrian president Bashar Assad ’s cousins were arrested Friday at the Beirut airport, where they attempted to fly out with allegedly forged passports, Lebanese judicial and security officials said. Assad’s uncle departed the day before.
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Man indicted in burning death of woman inside a New York City subway train, prosecutors say
The man accused of burning a sleeping woman to death inside a New York City subway train has been indicted on murder and arson charges, prosecutors announced Friday, as authorities continue working to identify the victim.
Politics
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Criminologist says Canada should better track foreign student departures
A Canadian criminologist who once worked on inland immigration enforcement for the Canada Border Services Agency says Canada needs to better track foreign nationals who arrive in the country on student visas.
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Gerry Butts says Trudeau less likely to remain leader since Freeland quit
A former chief adviser and close friend to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday he doesn't think Trudeau will stay on to lead the Liberals in the next election.
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Conservatives call for no-confidence vote by late January
Conservative MP Jonathan Williamson says he'll get the ball rolling early in the New Year on no-confidence vote that could bring down Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government in a little more than a month.
Health
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Whooping cough in Canada: Outbreaks or case increases reported in these provinces
Canadian health officials say they're seeing spikes in whooping cough cases in parts of the country as the U.S. deals with case numbers not seen in more than a decade.
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Virus in Louisiana bird flu patient shows mutations that could increase transmissibility to humans, CDC analysis finds
A genetic analysis of samples from the patient in Louisiana recently hospitalized with the country’s first severe case of H5N1 bird flu show the virus likely mutated in the patient to become potentially more transmissible to humans.
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Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials
Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border.
Sci-Tech
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Why Nefertiti still inspires, 3,300 years after she reigned
In the modern day, Nefertiti’s significance as a cultural icon remains strong.
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NASA spacecraft 'safe' after closest-ever approach to sun
NASA said on Friday that its Parker Solar Probe was 'safe' and operating normally after successfully completing the closest-ever approach to the sun by any human-made object.
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Civil War sword with N.B. ties now on display at Loyalist House
The blade of Dr. John F. Stevenson, who was born in Saint Andrews, N.B., is now part of the New Brunswick Historical Society’s collection after being purchased from a collector for $6,200 dollars.
Entertainment
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'Home Alone' director Chris Columbus explains how the McCallisters were able to afford that house
Audiences have wondered for years how the family in 'Home Alone' was able to afford their beautiful Chicago-area home and now we know.
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Judge says woman accusing Jay-Z, Sean 'Diddy' Combs of raping her at age 13 can proceed anonymously
An Alabama woman who says she was raped by Jay-Z and Sean 'Diddy' Combs when she was 13 can proceed anonymously, for now, in her lawsuit against the rap moguls, a judge ruled Thursday.
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Bad Bunny announces a new album, 'Debi Tirar Mas Fotos'
Happy holidays from Bad Bunny, who announced Thursday he will release a new album Jan. 5.
Business
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Markets stumble as Wall Street sells off Big Tech
U.S. stocks ended Friday in the red, closing out a lackluster week despite a year of historic highs.
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Trump asks U.S. Supreme Court to pause law that could ban TikTok
President-elect Donald Trump has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to pause implementation of a law that would ban popular social media app TikTok or force its sale, arguing he should have time after taking office to pursue a 'political resolution' to the issue.
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Montenegro approves the extradition of cryptocurrency mogul Do Kwon to the United States
Montenegro has approved the extradition of a South Korean mogul known as "the cryptocurrency king" to the United States, the Balkan country's Justice Ministry said on Friday.
Lifestyle
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Proposal gone wrong: Man opens ring box to find ring missing
Dave Van Veen wanted to make his proposal to his girlfriend, Kailyn Kenney, memorable. It was, but not for the reason he had hoped.
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Missing dog returns to Florida family, rings doorbell
After a nearly weeklong search, Athena, a four-year-old German Shepherd and Husky mix, found her way home to her Florida family in time for Christmas Eve and even rang the doorbell.
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'Something that connected us all': For 53 years, Sask. family celebrates holidays with street hockey game
For over 50 years, Stephen Lentzos and his family have celebrated Christmas Day with a street hockey game.
Sports
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Halifax Thunderbirds player Tyson Bell suspended, cited for assault in Colorado
The Halifax Thunderbirds has suspended player Tyson Bell following an alleged assault in Colorado.
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Uninspired Canada upset by Latvia in a shootout at world juniors
Eriks Mateiko scored the only goal of the shootout as Latvia stunned an alarmingly uninspired Canada 3-2 at the world junior hockey championship Friday.
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Scheffler to miss tournament after injuring hand making Christmas dinner
Scottie Scheffler will miss The Sentry tournament next month after the world number one suffered an accidental puncture wound to his right hand preparing Christmas dinner and had to have surgery, the PGA Tour said on Friday.
Autos
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Suzuki Motor former boss who turned the minicar maker into a global player dies at 94
Osamu Suzuki, the charismatic former boss of Suzuki Motor Corp. who helped turn the Japanese mini-vehicle maker into a globally competitive company, has died, the company said Friday. He was 94.
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More drivers opt for personalized plates in Sask. — and behind every one there's a story
You may have noticed a few more vanity plates on Saskatchewan roads in recent years, and every one of them comes with a personal story.
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Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker
Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have announced plans to work toward a merger that would form the world's third-largest automaker by sales, as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels.
Local Spotlight
Port Elgin, Ont. woman named Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard
A Port Elgin woman has been named one of three of Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guards in a recent contest.
'Something that connected us all': For 53 years, Sask. family celebrates holidays with street hockey game
For over 50 years, Stephen Lentzos and his family have celebrated Christmas Day with a street hockey game.
B.C woman awarded nearly $750K in court case against contractor
A B.C. woman has been awarded nearly $750,000 in damages in a dispute with a contractor who strung her along for a year and a half and failed to complete a renovation, according to a recent court decision.
Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters
Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather.
Teen cancer patient pays forward Make-A-Wish donation to local fire department
A 16-year-old cancer patient from Hemmingford, Que. decided to donate his Make-A-Wish Foundation gift to the local fire department rather than use it himself.
B.C. friends nab 'unbelievable' $1M lotto win just before Christmas
Two friends from B.C's lower mainland are feeling particularly merry this December, after a single lottery ticket purchased from a small kiosk landed them instant millionaire status.
'Can I taste it?': Rare $55,000 bottle of spirits for sale in Moncton, N.B.
A rare bottle of Scotch whisky is for sale in downtown Moncton, N.B., with a price tag reading $55,000.
No need to dream, White Christmas all but assured in the Maritimes
An early nor'easter followed by a low-pressure system moving into the region all but ensure a Maritime White Christmas
'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years
After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy.
Vancouver
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Vancouver artist and HIV advocate Joe Average dies at 67
Renowned Vancouver artist Joe Average, whose colourful work adorns murals and banners around the city, died at age 67 Tuesday, according to family and friends.
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'We're sending a clear message': B.C. prepares for home flipping tax amid criticism
Next week, when the calendars turn to 2025, the provincial government will begin imposing a 20-per-cent tax on all profits if a home is sold within a year of purchasing it.
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Drivers appeal for road marking visibility improvements on Sea to Sky Highway
Those living along the Sea to Sky corridor are appealing to the provincial government to improve the visibility of road markings along the key highway.
Toronto
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Toronto's New Year's Eve festivities: Road closures and Union Station access restrictions to manage crowds
The City of Toronto is taking steps to ensure New Year’s Eve revelers enjoy the festivities and get home safely.
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1 arrested, 1 outstanding after armed robbery at Ancaster cannabis dispensary
Police in Hamilton are looking for a man wanted in connection with an armed robbery at a cannabis dispensary in Ancaster.
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Toronto will see temps above-zero as New Year's Eve approaches, says Environment Canada
The final few days of 2024 will be mild in Toronto, Environment Canada says.
Calgary
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Calgary Boxing Day crash victim identified, mother and sister still in hospital
A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police.
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Albertans watching closely as Ottawa tries to talk down Trump tariffs
Alberta's politicians and business community will have eyes on Florida this weekend, following a federal government outreach trip.
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'Way more expensive this year': Canadians feeling post-Christmas, Boxing Day spending squeeze
As the holiday rush starts to slow, stress from holiday spending starts to grow.
Ottawa
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FREEZING RAIN WARNINGFREEZING RAIN WARNING Freezing rain expected in Ottawa Saturday morning ahead of warm spell
After some cold days and nights this past week, warmer weather is on the way.
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Police watchdog investigating after officer shot crowd control gun at Ottawa man
Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after an Ottawa police officer shot a crowd control gun at a man, 43, Tuesday in Nepean.
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Seeking solutions to the troubles facing downtown Ottawa
Rideau Street was once the heart of the capital's shopping district. For decades, people came from all over the region to shop, but with changing habits and the recent revolution in online shopping, many no longer head downtown to find that special item.
Montreal
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Here are the changes coming to Quebec in 2025
With the new year just days away, here is a look at the changes that are in store for Quebecers in 2025.
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Montreal SPCA at full capacity amid spike in pet surrenders
The holiday season is typically a slow period for the Montreal SPCA, but this year is different. The animal shelter says the tough economic climate has taken a toll on its operation, leaving it at full capacity.
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Tugboats, crews try to refloat ship stuck in St. Lawrence River near Montreal
A team of tugboats is being deployed to refloat a ship that has been stuck in the St. Lawrence River northeast of Montreal since Christmas Eve.
Edmonton
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'Way more expensive this year': Canadians feeling post-Christmas, Boxing Day spending squeeze
As the holiday rush starts to slow, stress from holiday spending starts to grow.
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Cell phone scam costs Edmontonians $600K: EPS
Edmonton police are warning residents about a cell phone scam that has so far defrauded victims of more than $600,000.
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2 teens hospitalized in Christmas Day fire
Two teens were hospitalized after a fire broke out at an apartment building in west Edmonton Christmas Day.
Atlantic
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One dead in two-vehicle collision in Sackville, N.B.
One person has died following a two-vehicle collision in Sackville, N.B., Friday.
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'Nobody should have to go through that': N.B. family grieving father, daughter killed in crash
A New Brunswick family is grieving the loss of a father and daughter in a crash.
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Man found dead inside tent in Dartmouth, police investigating
Halifax Regional Police is investigating a sudden death in Dartmouth, N.S.
Winnipeg
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Downtown Winnipeg a hub for research, baking and milling at Cereals Canada
High above on the tenth floor of a downtown Winnipeg office space, baking bread is a normal routine.
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Thousands of hockey players descend on Winnipeg for annual holiday competition
Around 2,500 players, 170 teams, and a few Winnipeg Jets have taken over the Hockey for All Centre to mark an annual tournament over the holidays.
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Duck Pond, rink at The Forks closed with warm temperatures to blame
If you were planning to go skating this weekend at The Forks or the Assiniboine Park Duck Pond, you will need to change your plans.
Regina
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Regina police chief says new initiatives to enhance community safety will come in 2025
Looking back after one year in his new role as the chief of the Regina Police Service, Farooq Hassan Sheikh is highlighting challenges the city faces, what has worked during his tenure and what can be done to improve policing in 2025.
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'Something that connected us all': For 53 years, Sask. family celebrates holidays with street hockey game
For over 50 years, Stephen Lentzos and his family have celebrated Christmas Day with a street hockey game.
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Regina police launch homicide investigation after injured man dies at scene
Regina police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man found gravely injured Thursday evening.
Kitchener
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Fire rips through former Peter Hay Knife Company building in Cambridge
Emergency responders were called to a fire in Cambridge on Thursday as flames ripped through the building that formerly belonged to the Peter Hay Knife Company.
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Influx of dogs in need, Waterloo Region dog rescue says
A not-for-profit dog rescue in Waterloo Region is putting out a call for help around the holidays.
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Chicopee Ski Resort opens, celebrates 90th anniversary
The slopes are officially open for the season at Chicopee Ski Resort in Kitchener.
Saskatoon
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The thrill is gone from Boxing Week shopping, Saskatoon residents say
Christmas has come and gone for most people, but the shopping hype continues as some get out of the house to take in the post-Christmas scene.
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Saskatoon sees return of normal winter conditions
Despite a strong start to winter with heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, December saw not much snow and mild temperatures into the Christmas holiday.
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Calgary woman killed in Saskatchewan highway crash
A 25-year-old woman from Calgary was killed in a crash on Highway 7, west of Rosetown, Saskatchewan on Christmas Eve.
Northern Ontario
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Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont.
A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges.
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Gerry Butts says Trudeau less likely to remain leader since Freeland quit
A former chief adviser and close friend to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday he doesn't think Trudeau will stay on to lead the Liberals in the next election.
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Five-vehicle crash closes Hwy. 11 in New Liskeard
A collision involving five vehicles closed Highway 11 in both directions Friday morning between Golf Course Drive in New Liskeard and Highway 66 in Kenogami.
London
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Collision and large power outage in east London
A reported collision in the area of Adelaide Street and Hamilton Road shut down a large area while emergency crews investigated on Friday evening.
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Despite best efforts, Cowan and Knights couldn't help Canada past Latvia at World Juniors
Canada looked to continue their perfect start to the World Juniors in Ottawa on Friday – but were stopped just short of victory by the Latvians, losing 2 – 3 in a shootout.
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Two seriously hurt in passenger vehicle collision with horse drawn carriage
A collision involving a horse drawn carriage in Norwich township on Friday afternoon has sent two people to hospital with serious injuries.
Barrie
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Driver faces licence suspension after nearly crashing into OPP cruiser
A Midland man received a seven-day licence suspension on Friday after a close call with an OPP cruiser led to an impaired driving investigation.
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'No excuse,' Driver caught speeding 160km/h in posted 80 zone: OPP
Provincial police issued a reminder to motorists to slow down after a driver was stopped for allegedly travelling double the posted speed limit though Kawartha Lakes on Friday afternoon.
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Are your bins still at the curb? Here are the changes to curbside collection
Curbside collection is delayed by one day this week due to the holidays.
Windsor
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VIDEOVIDEO Vehicle flipped on its roof in west Windsor collision
A dramatic collision on Windsor's west side left one van overturned on its roof earlier this afternoon.
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Carjacking suspects impersonated police, left victim stranded on 401 on Christmas Day: OPP
On Dec. 25 at 9:00 p.m., police received a call to the eastbound lanes of the 401 near the 65 km marker. There the victim was stopped by three people in two suspect vehicles, one with flashing red and blue lights in the windshield.
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Identity of 'suspected prowler' wanted
The Windsor Police Service is looking for help identifying a suspect involved in a prowler incident.
Vancouver Island
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'We're sending a clear message': B.C. prepares for home flipping tax amid criticism
Next week, when the calendars turn to 2025, the provincial government will begin imposing a 20-per-cent tax on all profits if a home is sold within a year of purchasing it.
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Former B.C. lawyer disbarred for 2nd time over sexual harassment
A former lawyer who was convicted of sexual assault in 2020 and disbarred last year has been handed a second disbarment for sexual harassment of a different client.
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2nd earthquake in 3 days reported off Vancouver Island coast
A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck off Vancouver Island's west coast early Friday morning, less than 48 hours after a 4.8-magnitude quake in roughly the same location on Christmas Day.
Kelowna
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B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation
More than 70 manmade beaver dams have been installed in Interior waterways since the B.C. Wildlife Federation project launched last year with the goal of building 100 dams by the end of 2025.
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B.C. man charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences after CBSA investigation
A resident of B.C.'s Interior has been charged with weapon and drug trafficking offences after an investigation launched by border agents at Vancouver International Airport earlier this year.
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B.C woman awarded nearly $750K in court case against contractor
A B.C. woman has been awarded nearly $750,000 in damages in a dispute with a contractor who strung her along for a year and a half and failed to complete a renovation, according to a recent court decision.
Lethbridge
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Hurricanes trade for Seattle power forward Jordan Gustafson as second half of WHL season set to go
The Lethbridge Hurricanes are once again making roster moves, announcing a major trade Friday morning for an impactful power forward.
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2024 second-highest visitation season for Waterton Lakes National Park
Visitation records at Waterton Lakes National Park were broken in 2024, with the year marking the second-busiest on record.
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Lethbridge teen found dead outside business on Boxing Day
Lethbridge police are investigating the suspicious death of a 13-year-old boy, whose body was found outside a business in the city's south side on Dec. 26.
Sault Ste. Marie
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Man shot by officer after firing at police car near Thunder Bay: SIU
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit is probing a shooting near Thunder Bay in which a man was shot and wounded by a police officer on Boxing Day.
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Alleged impaired driver crashes into police cruiser on Boxing Day
While on general patrol in northwestern Ontario on Boxing Day, an Ontario Provincial Police officer’s vehicle was struck.
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Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont.
A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges.
N.L.
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Icebreaker on hand in Labrador to guide season's last freight arrivals by ferry
A Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker is in central Labrador until Saturday to guide the Kamutik W ferry on its last freight deliveries of the season.
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Whooping cough in Canada: Outbreaks or case increases reported in these provinces
Canadian health officials say they're seeing spikes in whooping cough cases in parts of the country as the U.S. deals with case numbers not seen in more than a decade.
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Her son needed help with addiction. Instead, he's spending Christmas in N.L. jail.
As Gwen Perry prepares for a Christmas without contact from her son, who is locked inside a notorious St. John's, N.L., jail, she wants people to understand that many inmates need help, not incarceration.
