Westjet passengers surprised by 'impromptu' speech by CEO on flight
Westjet passengers on a flight from Toronto were surprised when the airline's CEO stood up to give an impromptu speech before takeoff.
Darren Dreger, a sportscaster for TSN, told CTV News Toronto he was on a flight from Toronto to Calgary on Wednesday when Alexis von Hoensbroech got up and spoke to passengers.
"He gave an impromptu speech prior to take off on a flight from Toronto to Calgary," Dreger said. "He's a very pleasant man."
Dreger said von Hoensbroech thanked passengers for their business, and encouraged anyone who was interested in speaking with him to come visit him in Row 7, which was an economy seat.
In a statement to CTV News Toronto, Westjet said von Hoensbroech has made it "standard practice" for him, or any other member of the executive leadership team, to greet and welcome guests anytime they are onboard a Westjet flight.
Dreger’s tweet about the incident – in which he asked followers if they could confirm if the man speaking was in fact von Hoensbroech – has been viewed more than 650,000 times.
von Hoensbroech, who has been the WestJet CEO since February 2022, responded to Dreger on Twitter saying "Confirmed. It's me."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
5 dead after single-vehicle crash near Swan River, Man.
Swan River RCMP are investigating a single-vehicle crash that killed five people. Investigators believe the vehicle was travelling northbound when it went off the road, and that speed was a factor in the crash.
Two killed in bear attack at Banff National Park, grizzly euthanized: Parks Canada
Parks Canada says a bear attack in Alberta's Banff National Park has left two people dead. Officials say a response team trained in wildlife attacks was immediately mobilized but weather conditions at the time did not allow for helicopter use.
Federal prisoner with terminal illness granted parole on compassionate grounds to die outside of jail
A terminally ill federal prisoner, who has been fighting for a compassionate release to die outside of jail, has been granted day parole.
Chair hogs, dining divas and boorish boozers: Is cruising etiquette lost at sea?
When it comes to uncouth, uncultured and downright unacceptable behaviour on ships, experts in travel etiquette and cruising have seen it all. They share plenty of bad behaviours for passengers to avoid (and good ones they should emulate).
1 in 20 Americans used ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19, study finds
A recent study has found 1 in 20 people in the U.S. who contracted COVID-19 used non-evidence based treatment, such as ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, due to beliefs in vaccine-related misinformation.
Ontario expands pharmacists' prescription powers to include 6 more common ailments
Ontario residents can now access treatment and medication for six more common ailments at pharmacies across the province.
Airbnb guest who rented a room tied up, robbed Georgia homeowner at gunpoint, police say
Police say a man who used Airbnb to rent a room in Georgia ended up robbing the home's owner at gunpoint.
Why does a group of B.C. killer whales harass and kill porpoises without eating them?
A group of orcas that inhabit Canadian waters are known to harass and kill porpoises without eating them. A new study tries to explain why.
Ontario's minimum wage just went up. Here's what you need to know
Nearly a million minimum wage earners in Ontario got a pay bump today.
Montreal
-
CHUM brings back mask mandate as COVID-19 cases rise
Amid a rise in COVID-19 cases, the University of Montreal Hospital (CHUM) is bringing back its mask mandate starting Monday. The rule applies to anyone entering a patient’s room or care area—including visitors, staff and physicians, a CHUM spokesperson confirmed in a statement to CTV News on Saturday.
-
Communication system used by Montreal police, firefighters suffers outage overnight
The radio system used by Montreal police and firefighters suddenly stopped working overnight, cutting off communication for about two hours.
-
Quebec public-sector unions continue to see strong support for strike mandates
Members of several Quebec public-sector unions are continuing to vote in favour of strike mandates by large margins.
London
-
Alleged vandals cause $100K in damage to lakefront cottage
Huron County OPP is investigating after a seasonal cottage was allegedly wrecked by vandals causing more than $100,000 in damage.
-
No charges laid after man injured during arrest: SIU
The province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has determined there are no charges to issue against a London police officer after a man was seriously injured during his arrest this past June.
-
Ontario's minimum wage just went up. Here's what you need to know
Nearly a million minimum wage earners in Ontario got a pay bump today.
Kitchener
-
Most read stories of the week: Hit and run trial, encampment cleared, changes for CTV Kitchener
Sentencing in a hit and run trial, a Cambridge encampment being cleared, and some big changes for CTV Kitchener round out the most-read stories of the week.
-
Ontario's minimum wage just went up. Here's what you need to know
Nearly a million minimum wage earners in Ontario got a pay bump today.
-
Driver allegedly speeding tells OPP they’re late for tee time
A driver is facing speeding charges after allegedly telling Ontario Province Police, “I am running late for my tee time.”
Northern Ontario
-
Ontario city home to Nazi soldier that visited Parliament shares mixed emotions
North Bay, Ont. is currently home to a man who was honoured with a standing ovation in the House of Commons during a visit from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but whose presence in Parliament later caused global outrage and embarrassment when details emerged about his past as a Nazi soldier during the second World War.
-
5 dead after single-vehicle crash near Swan River, Man.
Swan River RCMP are investigating a single-vehicle crash that killed five people. Investigators believe the vehicle was travelling northbound when it went off the road, and that speed was a factor in the crash.
-
Student organization responds to claims North Bay protests were a ‘publicity stunt’
Montreal Youth Students Organization responds to the Canadore College’s claim that recent protests about student housing issues were a “publicity stunt.”
Ottawa
-
Gee-Gees claim last-second win over Ravens in 2023 Panda Game
A field goal in the dying seconds of the Panda Game awarded the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees a narrow 18-16 win over the Carleton Ravens.
-
Ontario expands pharmacists' prescription powers to include 6 more common ailments
Ontario residents can now access treatment and medication for six more common ailments at pharmacies across the province.
-
OPP appeal for clues one year after Smiths Falls, Ont. man's disappearance
Ontario Provincial Police are asking the public for clues into the disappearance of a Smiths Falls, Ont. man one year ago.
Windsor
-
Chatham-Kent police warn drivers to watch for wildlife
Chatham-Kent police are reminding drivers to be more vigilant on the roads and watch for wildlife.
-
Windsor restaurant receives 2023 Travelers’ Choice award from Tripadvisor
A Windsor restaurant has been recognized as one of the top 10 per cent of restaurants worldwide, according to Tripadvisor.
-
Wyandotte Town Centre BIA to host turkey giveaway Monday
The Wyandotte Town Centre Business Improvement Association (BIA) is hosting a turkey giveaway to help residents complete their Thanksgiving feasts.
Barrie
-
Food truck explosion prompts investigation in Gravenhurst
Emergency crews are investigating after a food truck exploded in Gravenhurst Sunday morning.
-
Bradford Library workers strike ends, case goes to arbitration
After ten weeks of strike action, library workers in Bradford West Gwillimbury will be returning to work.
-
Two killed in bear attack at Banff National Park, grizzly euthanized: Parks Canada
Parks Canada says a bear attack in Alberta's Banff National Park has left two people dead. Officials say a response team trained in wildlife attacks was immediately mobilized but weather conditions at the time did not allow for helicopter use.
Atlantic
-
Rothesay Netherwood School honours late first recruit with memorial tournament
A basketball tournament in New Brunswick is honouring a player who passed away in a canoeing accident four years ago.
-
N.S. RCMP arrest man on province-wide warrant
RCMP in Nova Scotia say they have arrested a man on a province-wide arrest warrant on Saturday.
-
Apple farmers in N.S. doing fine despite a challenging season
It’s been a trying year for farmers in Nova Scotia, with record cold, dry weather and an abundance of rain taking a toll on the harvest, but apples seem to be doing just fine.
Calgary
-
Two killed in bear attack at Banff National Park, grizzly euthanized: Parks Canada
Parks Canada says a bear attack in Alberta's Banff National Park has left two people dead. Officials say a response team trained in wildlife attacks was immediately mobilized but weather conditions at the time did not allow for helicopter use.
-
Flames assistant GM Chris Snow dies from ALS complications
Calgary Flames vice-president of data and analytics and assistant general manager Chris Snow has died of complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
-
University of Calgary physicist joins other scientists in quest for anti-matter
It sounds like it should be a villain in a super-hero movie, but in reality, "anti-matter" remains one of the world's greatest mysteries.
Winnipeg
-
5 dead after single-vehicle crash near Swan River, Man.
Swan River RCMP are investigating a single-vehicle crash that killed five people. Investigators believe the vehicle was travelling northbound when it went off the road, and that speed was a factor in the crash.
-
Valid photo ID not required to vote in Manitoba
As the Oct. 3 provincial election fast approaches, a wide range of identification options and advances in technology are making it easier than ever for Manitobans to vote.
-
Winnipeg woman identified as hit-and-run victim: RCMP
RCMP continue to search for suspects after a fatal hit-and-run near Dugald, Manitoba.
Vancouver
-
Vancouver real estate lawyer suspended 6 weeks for professional misconduct
A Vancouver lawyer has agreed to a six-week suspension for committing several instances of professional misconduct.
-
Optimism, gratitude, and painful memories at B.C. events on Orange Shirt Day
Thousands of British Columbians donned orange shirts and listened attentively at events marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, with many Indigenous leaders expressing appreciation and optimism that the country is at a turning point.
-
'A hole in the hearts of so many': Langley football club dedicates game to slain officer
The Langley Rams football club started its game Saturday with an acknowledgement of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and a tribute to Const. Rick O’Brien.
Edmonton
-
Hughes helps Canucks power past Oilers 5-2
Defenceman Quinn Hughes has been a very good player for the Vancouver Canucks during the last four seasons.
-
Here's how Edmontonians marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
From a new garden on the Alberta Legislature Grounds, to cultural performances and history lessons – people in the Edmonton area marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with different events over the weekend.
-
The U.K. defense secretary suggests British training of Ukrainian soldiers could move into Ukraine
Britain's new defense secretary has suggested that British military training of Ukrainian soldiers, which currently takes place in U.K. bases, could move into western Ukraine.
