Omicron subvariant BA.2 detected in Ontario
Health officials say they've detected at least 15 cases of the COVID-19 Omicron subvariant BA.2 in Ontario.
Public Health Ontario released the latest data on Friday afternoon, saying that eight of the cases were identified between Jan. 1, 2021 and Dec. 11, 2021, while the seven remaining cases were found between Dec. 12, 2021 and Jan. 8, 2022.
BA.2 is a descendant of the highly transmissible Omicron variant and has been found in at least 40 countries so far. It was first detected in November last year.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet dubbed BA.2 a "variant of concern," it is tracking its spread.
The subvariant is widely considered stealthier than the original version because particular genetic traits make it somewhat harder to detect. Some scientists have expressed worry that it could also be more contagious.
It is not yet clear whether it evades vaccines better or causes more severe disease.
The Omicron variant, B.1.1.529, has four sub-lineages: BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2 and BA.3.
Seven of the 15 cases in Ontario are from Toronto. Public Health Ontario did not identify the location of the remaining eight cases.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
WATCH LIVE | 'Too many children did not make it home': Anniversary of discovery at Canada's largest residential school
A daylong memorial began Monday in Kamloops, B.C., at the site of what was once Canada's largest residential school on the one-year anniversary of the announcement of the detection of unmarked graves.
Thousands in Ont., Que. still without power after storm leaves at least nine dead
Hundreds of thousands of people remain without power after Saturday's powerful storm that left at least nine dead and caused extensive damage throughout southern Ontario and Quebec.
Is my home or car covered from storm damage? In most cases yes, insurance bureau says
As residents in Ontario and Quebec work to repair the damage caused by a severe storm over the weekend, many may be wondering whether their homes and cars are covered from any damages. The Insurance Bureau of Canada says wind damage is usually covered, but to confirm with their provider what losses may be included.
Russian sentenced to life in Ukraine's 1st war crimes trial
A Russian soldier who pleaded guilty to killing a civilian was sentenced by a Ukrainian court Monday to life in prison -- the maximum -- amid signs the Kremlin may hold trials of its own, particularly of the captured fighters who held out at Mariupol's steel plant.
Monkeypox fears could stigmatize LGBTQ2+ community, expert says
A theory that the recent outbreak of monkeypox may be tied to sexual activity has put the gay community in an unfortunate position, having fought back against previous and continued stigma around HIV and AIDS, an LGBTQ2+ centre director says.
Walk out at trade meeting when Russia spoke 'not one-off,' says trade minister
The United States and four other nations that walked out of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group meeting in Bangkok over the weekend underlined their support Monday for host nation Thailand, saying their protest was aimed solely at Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine.
First of three flights bringing Ukrainians to Canada to land in Winnipeg
The first of three charter flights bringing Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia's invasion to Canada is to land in Manitoba this afternoon.
OPINION | Richard Berthelsen: What kind of King will Prince Charles be? Royal tour offers hints
The Canadian royal visit took place at a time when many are starting to view Prince Charles differently, given that his destiny to be King seems to loom closer, Richard Berthelsen writes in his exclusive column for CTVNews.ca.
Military members urged to contact Habitat for Humanity amid housing crisis
An email encouraging members of the Canadian Armed Forces to consider contacting Habitat for Humanity if they can't find affordable housing is casting a spotlight on a growing challenge facing many military personnel and their families.
Montreal
-
Hundreds of thousands of Quebec homes still without power after weekend storm
Hydro-Quebec states at the height of the storm, 550,000 customers were without power.
-
What's open and closed in Montreal this Victoria, Patriots' Day long weekend
Whether you call it Victoria Day or Patriots' Day, here's a list of what's open and closed on Monday, May 23.
-
Thousands in Ont., Que. still without power after storm leaves at least nine dead
Hundreds of thousands of people remain without power after Saturday's powerful storm that left at least nine dead and caused extensive damage throughout southern Ontario and Quebec.
London
-
Northern Tornadoes Project investigating East London for possible Tornado
Cleanup is still underway from Saturday’s massive storm that hit Southwestern Ontario, and not everyone in the region has their power restored.
-
Fire crews called to early morning blaze at Cargill Plant in London
London fire crews arrived to heavy smoke and flames Monday morning at the Cargill poultry processing plant.
-
IN PICTURES: Statue of baseball legend Fergie Jenkins unveiled at Wrigley Field in Chicago
Canadian baseball legend Fergie Jenkins was honoured by the Chicago Cubs Friday with the unveiling of a new statue at Wrigley Field.
Kitchener
-
“We want to give her her name back”: OPP plea for information in death of young girl found in the Grand River
Ontario provincial police are asking for the public’s help, as they continue to investigate the death of a young girl whose body was found in the Grand River in Dunnville.
-
Missing plane leaving Delhi, Ont. discovered in Northern Ontario
OPP say the missing plane that took off from Delhi, Ont. and never arrived at its destination was discovered Saturday in Lake Superior Provincial Park, about two kilometres east of Old Woman Bay.
-
Victoria Day: What's open and closed in Waterloo Region
The May Long Weekend is underway and Victoria Day celebrations are in full swing across Ontario.
Northern Ontario
-
Death toll after Ontario storm rises as crews work to restore power to 200K customers
Crews continue to try and restore power to more than 200,000 customers across Ontario after a storm ripped through the province over the weekend, leaving at least 10 people dead.
-
Suspended truck driver almost hits police cruiser on Hwy. 17
A suspended, uninsured driver of a tractor-trailer almost hit a police vehicle last week, East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police said Sunday.
-
First of three flights bringing Ukrainians to Canada to land in Winnipeg
The first of three charter flights bringing Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia's invasion to Canada is to land in Manitoba this afternoon.
Ottawa
-
110,000 Ottawa homes and businesses still without power two days after the storm
Hydro Ottawa says it could take three to four days to restore power to tens of thousands of Ottawa homes and businesses following Saturday's powerful storm.
-
All Ottawa Catholic schools closed on Tuesday to allow for storm cleanup
All Ottawa English Catholic elementary and secondary schools will be closed on Tuesday, and there will be no virtual learning, as the cleanup continues from Saturday's storm.
-
Northern Tornadoes Project continues to investigate damage from Ontario-Quebec storm
Western University's Northern Tornadoes Project is investigating the aftermath of the deadly storm that blew across southern Ontario and Quebec, but analysis will take time.
Windsor
-
Northern Tornadoes Project investigating East London for possible Tornado
Cleanup is still underway from Saturday’s massive storm that hit Southwestern Ontario, and not everyone in the region has their power restored.
-
Three impaired driving charges laid in Essex County over the long weekend
OPP in Essex County have arrested three people for impaired driving over the long weekend.
-
IN PICTURES: Statue of baseball legend Fergie Jenkins unveiled at Wrigley Field in Chicago
Canadian baseball legend Fergie Jenkins was honoured by the Chicago Cubs Friday with the unveiling of a new statue at Wrigley Field.
Barrie
-
What's open and closed in Simcoe County on Victoria Day
The long weekend will bring a number of closures on the Victoria Day Monday.
-
Jimmy Cuddy Trio headlining June event for local hospices
Three local women are spearheading an event next month to give back to a cause close to their heart, with the help of some well-known musicians.
-
New beer-themed spa opens in heart of Muskoka
An existing business in Muskoka is expanding its offerings to include a unique experience right in the heart of Torrance.
Atlantic
-
One fisherman dead following incident on remote lake near Saint John
New Brunswick RCMP say a Saint John man has died following an incident Saturday afternoon on Loch Alva Lake, near Musquash.
-
Man, 19, dies following single-vehicle crash in Shediac Cape, N.B.: police
A 19-year-old man has died following a single-vehicle collision in Shediac Cape, N.B.
-
'I'll be back next year to win it again': 2 Halifax runners win Blue Nose Marathon Sunday
Two new Haligonians won the Blue Nose Marathon Sunday, and for both, it was their first time winning a marathon.
Calgary
-
1 of 3 Alberta children hospitalized with severe acute hepatitis has been released
Three children in Alberta have now been hospitalized suffering from severe acute hepatitis not caused by known hepatitis viruses, officials said on Monday.
-
American Hockey League approves Stockton Heat move to Calgary
The American Hockey League board of governors has approved the relocation of the Flames' AHL franchise, the Stockton Heat, from California to Calgary, the team announced Monday.
-
Wreckage found of plane that disappeared in Ontario with Alberta men onboard, police say
The wreckage of a small plane that disappeared last month in northern Ontario with two men aboard has been located in Lake Superior Provincial Park.
Winnipeg
-
First of three flights bringing Ukrainians to Canada to land in Winnipeg
The first of three charter flights bringing Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia's invasion to Canada is to land in Manitoba this afternoon.
-
Manitoba man charged with manslaughter following deadly hotel assault
Officers with the Manitoba RCMP have charged a 30-year-old man with manslaughter following a fatal assault at a Thompson, Man., hotel.
-
'Sounds from the Sky:' First Nations pilot aims to inspire young Indigenous flyers
Timothy Atik (Tik) Mason has fond childhood memories of boarding large aircraft that would take him from Winnipeg to loved ones in his home community of St. Theresa Point First Nation in northern Manitoba.
Vancouver
-
WATCH LIVE
WATCH LIVE | 'Too many children did not make it home': Anniversary of discovery at Canada's largest residential school
A daylong memorial began Monday in Kamloops, B.C., at the site of what was once Canada's largest residential school on the one-year anniversary of the announcement of the detection of unmarked graves.
-
Gas stations, commercial lots in Vancouver must have EV chargers by 2025 or pay $10K a year
If a Vancouver gas station or commercial lot with 60 spots or more wants to avoid a $10,000 annual licence fee, it will need to have electric vehicle chargers available by 2025.
-
Shameful and racist: Trudeau on the Komagata Maru incident
Calling it racist and shameful, the prime minister issued a statement Monday on the anniversary of one of Canada's darker historical chapters.
Edmonton
-
Kane hat trick fuels Oilers 4-1 win over Flames to take series lead
Evander Kane scored a natural hat trick during an electric six-minute span and captain Connor McDavid provided more magic with three assists in another dominant performance as the Edmonton Oilers downed the Calgary Flames 4-1 on Sunday to take a 2-1 lead in their second-round playoff series.
-
1 of 3 Alberta children hospitalized with severe acute hepatitis has been released
Three children in Alberta have now been hospitalized suffering from severe acute hepatitis not caused by known hepatitis viruses, officials said on Monday.
-
Family of man killed in Chinatown attack hope for solutions to create a safer community
Family members remember one of the men killed in Chinatown this week as a kind and hardworking man, and hope that his needless death will lead to change.