FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign before Trump takes office in January

Toby MacDonald has spent the past six years trying to gather all the information she can on what led to multiple asbestos breaches at her daughter's Summerside high school, Three Oaks Senior High, during renovations in 2017. Those renovations were conducted while students were still attending classes. Families were not initially notified. In a recent video posted to social media, MacDonald laid out dozens of pages on the floor, from a response to one of her many freedom of information requests, in an effort to show much information had been redacted — that is, removed from the documents by the P.E.I. government before being released. "All those squares?" she says in the video, referring to white boxes with black outlines, indicating where information has been severed. "That's information that is being withheld from parents." 'What was in that dust?' P.E.I. woman searches for answers about mishandling of asbestos in daughter's school $1,318 fee for TOSH renovation documents 'not reasonably calculated,' says privacy commissioner MacDonald has reached a conclusion after her years-long quest for answers. Calling freedom of information on P.E.I. "our last line of defence for transparency and accountability" in a private message to CBC News, she described the system in one word: "Broken." Skepticism about ability to prompt change On Friday, MLAs on P.E.I.'s standing committee on health and wellness will begin discussions on a review of the province's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act . Light streams in through restored windows at Province House, the traditional seat of the provincial government on Prince Edward Island, in a photo from November. Freedom of information requirements are referred to as 'sunshine laws' in some jurisdictions. (Julien Lecacheur/CBC) Under law, that review is required to get underway sometime in 2024, meaning the committee is getting started just in time. But one member of the committee already worries the review may not have the scope or depth to lead to whatever changes are required. Back in March, Green MLA Peter Bevan-Baker managed to convince MLAs from all parties to vote in favour of creating a special committee that could devote more time to the task. Analysis The yawning black hole that can be P.E.I.'s access to information system P.E.I. spending millions in hope of hosting NHL Awards, documents show But that idea became snagged on a technicality. While MLAs voted for Bevan-Baker's amendment, the Progressive Conservative government never called back the actual motion he amended for a final vote. That means the province's health committee will be juggling freedom of information matters, among all its other responsibilities. How P.E.I.'s freedom of information system works — and doesn't work 39 minutes ago Duration 2:52 Requests for government information by a Prince Edward Island citizen or media agency can take years to fulfill — especially if the province has redacted so much information that the document doesn't reveal what the applicant wants to know. The privacy commissioner's office says the workload from handling appeals is overwhelming. Can a planned review by MLAs fix anything? "And so we end up with a situation where the busiest committee in the house is now tasked with dealing with a hugely important piece of legislation," Bevan-Baker said Thursday, suggesting the committee will struggle to deal with its mandate covering health care, housing, social development and justice issues while delivering the review. "If you look at what I would call the deterioration of the ability of citizens to get information about their government — which is sort of a fundamental principle of any democratic society — things have really gone downhill," he said of freedom of information in the province. Green MLA Peter Bevan-Baker tried to get a separate committee designated to review the province's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, but the effort came to nothing because a legislative motion was never called for a final vote. (CBC) How the NHL numbers were obtained As one example, he pointed to the province's contract with the NHL. Tourism Minister Zack Bell tabled a copy of the deal that the Liberals had actually obtained through an access request. In both cases the dollar amounts were redacted. P.E.I.'s health-care system 'backed up and overburdened,' consultant says in report 20 corporations with ties to Irvings own more than 12,000 acres on P.E.I. Another standing committee used its subpoena power to compel Bell to table an unredacted copy of the contract. Without the ability to issue a subpoena, members of the public would have to ask P.E.I.'s privacy commissioner to conduct a review if they felt the government was withholding information it was required by law to release. Those appeals are taking years to complete. MacDonald said she has one underway dating from 2019. Documents released under access to information laws often have large sections redacted, or blacked out, because they are deemed to contain private or sensitive information. (Ivanoh Demers/Radio-Canada) CBC News has 11 reviews in progress with the privacy commissioner's office. The oldest is from a freedom of information request made in 2018. In October, reacting to a question about an ongoing review, the commissioner's office advised CBC News that it is dealing with "an overwhelming number of reviews awaiting deliberation and [an] increasing complexity of issues" in conducting them. P.E.I. government-commissioned report points to benefits of rental registry 10% of complaints against P.E.I. police in years leading up to 2023 substantiated, records show In its annual report for 2023 — released just last week — the privacy commissioner's office said provincial officials told it more than 500 access requests had been filed that year, and nearly one in 10 resulted in a request for a review from the commissioner. Doiron told CBC News last week that her office had recently added a fourth staff member to handle the workload and would soon add a fifth. Office of P.E.I.'s privacy commissioner working to tackle high case volume 8 days ago Duration 7:05 P.E.I.'s Information and Privacy Commissioner says a high caseload is causing delays in making decisions. CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin speaks with Denise Doiron about how her office is trying to get through its files. "The office of the commissioner is under-resourced. Government knows it and uses it to its advantage," Paul MacNeill, publisher of Island Press, told CBC News via email. He said access requests which used to take months now take years. "This is not in the public interest."1 2 3 4 5 6 Patna: As temperatures plummet and a chilly winter settles over the city, sales of heating appliances such as geysers, blowers and heaters are surging. Local traders anticipate this upward trend to persist through December and January, driven by the growing need for warmth and comfort. "Demand for winter appliances is encouraging this year," said Kundan Kumar, manager of a prominent electronics showroom. "We have seen a 15% increase in geyser sales across various categories compared to last year. Domestic buyers particularly favour geysers with capacities between 10 to 25 litres, priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000." Kumar said geysers in the market range from 3 litres for basic use to 100 litres for commercial purposes with prices ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 30,000. High-end products are also gaining traction, especially among health-conscious customers. "Oil heaters, which use OFR (oil-filled radiators) technology, are becoming popular," Kumar said. "These heaters operate with diathermic oil to transfer heat, ensuring they don't burn oxygen or deplete room humidity," he added. With prices ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000, oil heaters are considered a superior alternative to traditional electric blowers, which cost between Rs 2,000 and Rs 4,000. Adding to the excitement is the rising demand for hot-and-cold air conditioners — versatile appliances that cater to both summer and winter needs. "These ACs have seen a 50% increase in demand recently," Kumar said. "Priced between Rs 45,000 and Rs 70,000, they offer the dual advantage of cooling in summer and heating in winter, making them a smart investment for extreme weather conditions," he added.Key details about the man accused of killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO

Gunmen in Haiti killed nine people in the latest spasm of violence by the Caribbean nation's powerful gangs, a community leader said Wednesday. The gangsters attacked Tuesday evening in the town of Petite-Riviere in central Haiti, Bertide Horace, a spokeswoman for a community association in the surrounding Artibonite region, told AFP. Two of the fatalities were adolescents and the attackers kidnapped an undisclosed number of people and set fire to houses, Horace said, adding: "We counted nine bodies." Video footage of the bodies circulated on social media, as the attack angered residents of the town. The assault was seen as revenge by gangsters against locals who had helped officers retake control of a police headquarters, she added. Haiti's powerful gangs control most of the capital city Port-au-Prince and commit random acts of kidnapping, rape and other extreme violence despite the deployment of a Kenyan-led force that is trying to help the outgunned local police restore some semblance of order. Over the weekend, nearly 200 people were killed in Port-au-Prince as a gang leader convinced that his son's illness stemmed from a voodoo spell attacked followers of the religion, according to an organization called the Committee for Peace and Development. The United Nations put the death toll at 184, including 127 elderly men and women. Around 5,000 people have died in the country's unrest this year, according to the United Nations. Haiti has suffered from decades of instability, but the situation escalated in February when gangs launched coordinated attacks in the capital to overthrow then-prime minister Ariel Henry. The medical charity Doctors without Borders (MSF) said Wednesday it would partially resume its activities in Port-au-Prince, less than a month after suspending its operations over threats to its staff. The United States meanwhile announced extended restrictions on US flights to Haiti, with the Federal Aviation Administration set to ban planes from operating under 10,000 feet around capital Port-au-Prince. The regulator had previously banned flights to Haiti after gangs shot at planes, but had eased restrictions on November 20. The new regulation goes into effect Thursday. jds/dw/mlm/des/jgc

Youngkin seeks additional $290 million boost for school constructionThe chief executive of the North West Co. Inc. is rejecting accusations that its stores in remote Indigenous communities hiked food prices as funding flowed in this year from federal programs aimed at making necessities more affordable. Dan McConnell made the comments Tuesday during a call for shareholders discussing the company's third-quarter financial results, in which it reported consolidated sales of $637.5 million. "Absolutely not," he said when asked if the company's stores in Northern Canada were raising prices when federal funding arrived in the region. "We're actually looking at lowering prices by bringing in other options and lower cost items under a private label program." The North West Co. operates 118 Northern grocery stores in remote communities across Northern Canada, as well as a host of other businesses, including Quickstop convenience stores in Northern Canada and Alaska and a dozen Cost-U-Less stores in regions including St. Maarten, the Hawaiian Islands and the Caribbean. Last month, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the land-claims body representing Nunavut Inuit, said it is planning to investigate whether retailers, including Northern stores, hiked food prices after communities began receiving money this year under the federal Jordan's Principle and Inuit Child First Initiative programs. The programs provide funding to ensure children get adequate food and education. The consolidated sales figure reported for North West Co.'s third quarter, which ended Oct. 31, marks a 3.3-per cent increase over the same quarter last year, but McConnell said that didn't translate to the bottom line, as the company's net earnings were $36.4 million, down from $38 million in the third quarter of 2023. The company also faced a seven per cent increase in selling, operating and administrative costs compared with the same quarter last year, partly driven by higher minimum wages and new hiring, McConnell said. Sales in the company's Canadian operations were up by four per cent, thanks in part to increased demand in communities where people qualified for government funding and payouts from a 2021 settlement between Canada and certain First Nations over drinking water. "In Canada, we expect consumer demand in the fourth quarter and into 2025 to continue to be positively impacted by the distribution of First Nations drinking water settlement payments and government spending on First Nations Child and Family Service programs, including Jordan's Principle and the Inuit Child First programs," McConnell told shareholders during the call. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2024. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks Here Are All The Gift Wrapping Supplies You Should Order Before The Holidays 19 Practical Gifts That Anyone Would Love To Unwrap 23 Great Secret Santa Gifts Under $15 From Amazon Canada Home The Good Stuff: Our Favourite Christmas Lights For 2024 Our Guide To The Best Sectional Sofas You Can Get In Canada Our Guide To The Best Electric Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Gifts 26 Crowd-Pleasing Gifts For The Pickiest People On Your List The Best Gifts To Give Teachers Under $25 15 Amazon Canada Stocking Stuffers Under $10 That Everyone Will Love Beauty Our Guide To The Best Self Tanners You Can Get In Canada 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit Deals Black Friday May Be Over, But You Can Still Take Advantage Of These Amazing Sales On Amazon Canada It's Officially Travel Tuesday: Here Are The Best Deals On Flights, Hotels, And Vacations The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 40% Off For Cyber Monday CTVNews.ca Top Stories BREAKING | Flair Airlines CFO charged with involuntary manslaughter linked to fatal car crash in U.S. Flair Airlines' chief financial officer Sumanth Rao is facing involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with a fatal crash involving an underage driver who had been drinking at his Atlanta-area home. DEVELOPING | Luigi Mangione shouts as he is led into courthouse where he contests extradition to N.Y. The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggled with deputies and shouted Tuesday while arriving for a court appearance in Pennsylvania, a day after he was arrested at a McDonald’s and charged with murder. National rent prices decline year-over-year to 15-month low: report A new report says average asking rents fell nationally on a year-over-year basis to $2,139 in November, marking a 15-month low. Drugs, guns, stolen vehicles and inadmissible entries mark busy year at border: CBSA The Canada Border Services Agency says there’s been an increase in the confiscation of illegal items at border crossings, as well as a jump in inadmissible foreign nationals attempting to enter Canada from the U.S., this year compared to last. Some added sugar sources are worse than others for disease risk, study suggests Sugar isn’t helpful when looking to reduce heart disease risk –– but sweet drinks are the worst, according to a study. There are better sweet treats. Company ordered to refund B.C. Telus customer who accidentally sent it payments A B.C. Telus customer who mistakenly sent online banking payments to a company with a similar name will get refunded after a small claims decision handed down Monday. Legal experts sound alarm on Legault's threat to use notwithstanding clause to ban public prayer Legal experts say the increasing tendency of provincial premiers to use the notwithstanding clause is a worrying trend that disregards the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Meth wrapped as Christmas gifts seized from Vancouver passenger at New Zealand airport A woman travelling from Vancouver to New Zealand was arrested after a search of her carry-on duffel bag found methamphetamine wrapped as Christmas presents, according to authorities. 'Governor Justin Trudeau': Trump appears to mock PM in social media post Amid a looming tariff threat, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump appears to be mocking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, referring to him as 'Governor Justin Trudeau' in a post on Truth Social early Tuesday. Vancouver Suspect in Vancouver 'sucker punch' incident also charged in 2 other random assaults, police say The suspect arrested last week for allegedly sucker-punching a stranger in downtown Vancouver has been charged in a total of three separate stranger assaults, police announced Tuesday. Thwarted taxi getaway leads to significant weapons seizure in northern B.C. The arrest of a man who allegedly set a stolen car on fire in front of police and tried to flee in a taxi led Mounties to properties in northern B.C. where multiple weapons were seized, according to authorities. Company ordered to refund B.C. Telus customer who accidentally sent it payments A B.C. Telus customer who mistakenly sent online banking payments to a company with a similar name will get refunded after a small claims decision handed down Monday. Toronto 'We are a threat to the U.S.': Ford suggests reason for Trump's proposed tariffs Premier Doug Ford is touting the strength of Ontario’s manufacturing sector, suggesting that U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs may have something to do with him seeing the province as a “threat.” Police in York Region arrest 17 suspects allegedly part of criminal network involved in GTA home invasions Police in York Region have arrested 17 people and seized $14 million worth of drugs in connection with a 'criminal network' allegedly actively planning home invasions, armed robberies and drug trafficking. Ontario doctor sees licence revoked for sexually abusing patients: disciplinary tribunal A disciplinary panel has revoked the licence of a family doctor in Hamilton, Ont. after they found he sexually assaulted two patients and repeatedly disregarded an order not be alone with patients without a monitor present. Calgary Several guns seized during searches of Calgary homes, vehicles: police A Calgary man is facing charges after police seized multiple guns during searches of vehicles and homes in south Calgary. Wildlife rehab facilities running holiday fundraising campaigns amid rising demand for care The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) and the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (Calgary Wildlife) say this is an important time of year to raise funds for their work in caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. Woman in life-threatening condition after being found on N.E. Calgary pathway A woman was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition after being found on the Nose Creek Pathway in northeast Calgary. Ottawa RAINFALL WARNING | Ottawa could receive up to 40 mm of rain Tuesday and Wednesday Ottawa is set to receive a soaking from Mother Nature, with up to 40 mm of rain possible over the next two days. Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Ottawa and eastern Ontario, calling for rain, heavy at times, tonight and on Wednesday. Ashcroft Homes receives court-ordered protection as it deals with $284 million in debt Ottawa's Ashcroft Homes has received court-ordered protection from its creditors, as it owes banks and other lenders $284.5 million. 111 tickets issued in first 8 days of winter no-stopping restrictions on street near Ottawa Hospital General Campus A "no-stopping zone" is in effect on a section of the eastern side of Lynda Lane, near Smyth Road, between Dec. 1 and March 31. In the first eight days of the winter "no-stopping zone" rules, 111 tickets were issued to vehicles for violating the order. Montreal Legal experts sound alarm on Legault's threat to use notwithstanding clause to ban public prayer Legal experts say the increasing tendency of provincial premiers to use the notwithstanding clause is a worrying trend that disregards the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. CTV News anchor Mutsumi Takahashi to be named Citizen of honour in Montreal Longtime CTV News anchor Mutsumi Takahashi is being named as a Citizen of honour by the City of Montreal. Former Just for Laughs employee testifies about alleged 1987 assault by Gilbert Rozon A second accuser is on the stand today at the civil trial involving allegations of sexual assault against former Just for Laughs founder Gilbert Rozon. Edmonton Alberta family doctor suspended for unprofessional conduct An Alberta family doctor and veterinarian has been suspended for unprofessional conduct. Memorial to be held by first responders for Edmonton security guard slain on the job A group that represents first responders in Alberta says it plans to honour a security guard who was killed on the job in Edmonton last week. Man convicted in 2013 beating death of Ivan Stamp Edward Steven Robinson, 34, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Tuesday – more than 11 years after he beat Ivan Stamp to death in 2013. Atlantic Freezing rain warning issued in New Brunswick; Rainy, windy weather expected Thursday A developing storm will move into Quebec late Wednesday into Thursday, bringing rain and strong southerly winds to the Maritimes. N.B. RCMP releases photo of 'vehicle of interest' in Chipman double-homicide case The New Brunswick RCMP has released a photo of a “vehicle of interest” in connection to the deaths of two people in Chipman last month. Fredericton creates new task force to address public safety concerns Fredericton is creating a new task force to address growing concerns about public safety in the city. Winnipeg Doctors Manitoba warns of emergency room closures over holidays Doctors Manitoba is warning Manitobans that emergency rooms in rural and northern parts of the province might not be open when they need them. Winnipeggers hopeful after fall of Assad regime in Syria Winnipeg’s Syrian community is brimming with hope and happiness following the fall of the country’s brutal dictatorship—ending a 13-year-long civil war. Colleen Bready's Forecast: The deep freeze is coming Another day, another round of snow is falling in southern Manitoba on Tuesday—all before the first sustained deep freeze of the season sets in tonight. Regina Second ammonia leak delays reopening of Weyburn's Crescent Point Place and arena The City of Weyburn has revealed that Crescent Point Place and the Tom Zandee Sports Arena will remain closed – following a second ammonia leak in the facility's ice plant chiller. 'Relationship building': Bison shoulder mount gifted to Saskatchewan's Legislature The Saskatchewan Legislative Building is home to many priceless and symbolic objects. On Dec. 3, a bison shoulder mount joined the list of prestigious symbols on the walls of the caucus meeting room. Regina firefighters rescue cats and dogs from burning duplex Crews from the Regina Fire and Protective Services (RFPS) were on scene of an incident at a multi-family building late Monday evening. Kitchener Waterloo Region mistakenly applied $13.7M discount to Amazon build in Blair The Region of Waterloo will not be able to demand $13.7 million from a developer after they said a discount was mistakenly issued for the development of an Amazon fulfillment centre. Petition seeks to save U of G greenhouse from demolition The fate of a historic greenhouse on the University of Guelph campus hangs in the balance. Canadian man sentenced to prison for embezzling US$1.4M U.S. authorities have sentenced a Canadian man to 20 months in prison for a US$1.4-million embezzlement scheme. Saskatoon Emergency crews searching the South Saskatchewan River for body of missing man Saskatoon police and firefighters have begun searching the South Saskatchewan River for the body of a 48-year-old man who went missing late last month. Sask. RCMP lay murder charge in fatal February shooting The Saskatchewan RCMP have charged a man with first-degree murder for a fatal February shooting in North Battleford. Sask. hockey player recovering after near fatal skate accident during game The Sask East Hockey League (SEHL) has released details of a near fatal accident at one of its games over the weekend – which saw a Churchbridge Imperials player suffer serious injuries after being struck with a skate. Northern Ontario Northern Ont. man on probation charged with intimate partner violence, firearms offences New details have emerged about a police standoff in northern Ontario that sent a school and day care into lockdown last month after police lay intimate partner violence-related charges. Sault suspect tied snowblower to truck bumper, arrested for impaired, weapons offences A suspended driver in Sault Ste. Marie has been charged with more than a dozen offences after someone reported a pickup truck driving around with a snowblower tied to the bumper. Two charged with assault following downtown Sudbury altercation Two people from Greater Sudbury have been charged with assault, weapons and several other offences following an incident Tuesday morning in downtown Sudbury. London A chilly dip for a good cause: gearing up for the New Year’s Huron Polar Plunge Residents of Huron County will start the new year with a chilly dip in Lake Huron to raise money for the Huron and Area Search and Rescue Team, and Huron Perth Alzheimer's Society. Fog advisory issued for London area, with snowsqualls on the way Environment Canada has issued a fog advisory for London, Parkhill, and eastern Middlesex County – that fog advisory sprawls through much of southern Ontario this afternoon and isn’t expected to let up anytime soon. 47-year-old charged in October collision that killed Sarnia pedestrian The man that struck and killed a pedestrian in a collision in Sarnia has been charged with careless driving causing death. Barrie Essa Twp. couple accused of human trafficking face new charges An Essa Township couple in the midst of a human trafficking trial have been arrested and charged again, this time with allegedly breaching their bail terms. Boy, 15, arrested after allegations of sexual assault in Barrie A young teen faces charges following an alleged assault involving two girls at a Barrie mall. 85-foot hydro pole snaps in ice storm Orangeville county roads are closed after a hydro pole snapped early Tuesday morning. Windsor Charges dropped, pleas accepted, trial confirmed in murder of UWindsor student on Walpole Island Warning: This article contains details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader’s discretion is advised. Stretching holiday budgets: How shoppers at Devonshire Mall are navigating inflation Despite a challenging year marked by inflation and rising costs, holiday shoppers at Windsor's Devonshire Mall pressed on Tuesday, determined to check some items off their gift list. Police seeking suspects in home invasion and assault investigation The Windsor Police Service is searching for two suspects in relation to a home invasion and assault investigation. Vancouver Island Man in hospital, suspect at large after stabbing in Nanaimo, B.C. Mounties are investigating after a 50-year-old man was reportedly stabbed Tuesday morning at a park in Nanaimo, B.C. B.C. Lions' Teuhema suspended for two games after positive drug test The CFL suspended defensive lineman Sione Teuhema of the B.C. Lions for two games Tuesday after he tested positive for a banned substance. BREAKING | Flair Airlines CFO charged with involuntary manslaughter linked to fatal car crash in U.S. Flair Airlines' chief financial officer Sumanth Rao is facing involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with a fatal crash involving an underage driver who had been drinking at his Atlanta-area home. Kelowna Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas. Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026 The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday. 545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day. Lethbridge Charges laid after drugs, weapons seized from multiple southern Alberta homes Four people are facing charges after drugs and weapons were seized from multiple southern Alberta homes as part of a trafficking investigation late last month. Lethbridge Hurricanes drop off donations at Chinook Regional Hospital Members of the Lethbridge Hurricanes visited the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday to help deliver thousands of teddy bears collected during Friday's game against the Medicine Hat Tigers. 'Go beyond the board': Chess helping Alberta youth keep troubles in check Every Friday in a southern Alberta classroom, youth are learning how to keep their troubles in check. Sault Ste. Marie SPONSORED | Is your credit card’s travel insurance enough? When you’re planning a trip, you always want to ensure you have coverage for any unexpected events, whether that’s a medical emergency, needing to cancel a trip at the last-minute (or during the trip!), or even for lost baggage. Many credit cards offer travel insurance as a perk, but do they provide you with enough coverage? Sault suspect tied snowblower to truck bumper, arrested for impaired, weapons offences A suspended driver in Sault Ste. Marie has been charged with more than a dozen offences after someone reported a pickup truck driving around with a snowblower tied to the bumper. Coroner's inquest into Sault inmate's suicide death A coroner's inquest into the 2021 suicide of a Sault Ste. Marie inmate began Monday morning and is expected to last five days. N.L. Newfoundland towns light up harbours to honour fishers and pray for their safety On a twinkling wharf in a small Newfoundland town, a crowd of about 100 people stopped singing and chatting on Friday night to bow their heads in a moment of silence for local fish harvesters. North anxious over dwindling necessities, no Christmas gifts, due to postal strike Communities in Northern Canada say the postal strike is starting to choke off the supply and children in remote regions may not receive Christmas gifts this year. Not just for your parents: Facebook's buy-and-sell platform drawing back millennials The two-metre-tall anchor, believed to be from a century-old shipwreck, was salvaged by a fisherman in the 1980s. But last year, the 31-year-old Stapleton, who works as a navigation officer on a cargo ship, snapped it up on Facebook Marketplace. Local Spotlight Montreal man retiring early after winning half of the $80 million Lotto-Max jackpot Factor worker Jean Lamontagne, 63, will retire earlier than planned after he won $40 million on Dec. 3 in the Lotto-Max draw. Man, 99, still at work 7 decades after opening eastern Ontario Christmas tree farm This weekend is one of the busiest of the year for Christmas tree farms all over the region as the holidays approach and people start looking for a fresh smell of pine in their homes. Saskatoon honours Bella Brave with birthday celebration It has been five months since Bella Thompson, widely known as Bella Brave to her millions of TikTok followers, passed away after a long battle with Hirschsprung’s disease and an auto-immune disorder. Major Manitoba fossil milestones highlight the potential for future discoveries in the province A trio of fossil finds through the years helped put Manitoba on the mosasaur map, and the milestone of those finds have all been marked in 2024. The 61st annual Christmas Daddies Telethon raises more than $559,000 for children in need The 61st annual Christmas Daddies Telethon continued its proud Maritime tradition, raising more than $559,000 for children in need on Saturday. Calgary company steps up to help grieving family with free furnace after fatal carbon monoxide poisoning A Calgary furnace company stepped up big time Friday to help a Calgary family grieving the loss of a loved one. 'A well-loved piece': Historic carousel display from Hudson’s Bay Company store lands at Winnipeg shop When a carousel setup from the Hudson’s Bay Company became available during an auction, a Winnipeg business owner had to have it. Sask. doctor facing professional charges in circumcision case A Saskatoon doctor has been accused of unprofessional conduct following a high-cost adult circumcision that included a request for the patient to text unsecured post-op pictures of his genitals. Regina home recognized internationally for architectural design Jane Arthur and her husband David began a unique construction project in 2014. Now, a decade later, their home in Regina's Cathedral neighbourhood has won a title in the Urban House and Villa category at the World Architecture Festival. Politics Freeland doesn't commit to meeting her own deficit target in fall economic statement Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has not committed to meeting the $40.1-billion deficit target she set for the government last year, as the Liberal government appears to unshackle itself from constraints on spending ahead of a federal election. Canada continues to review Syrian refugee claims as European nations pause intake Immigration Minister Marc Miller says Canada will continue evaluating the asylum claims of people who have fled Syria, even as some European countries are pausing those claims after the Assad regime's fall. 'We are a threat to the U.S.': Ford suggests reason for Trump's proposed tariffs Premier Doug Ford is touting the strength of Ontario’s manufacturing sector, suggesting that U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs may have something to do with him seeing the province as a “threat.” Health Some added sugar sources are worse than others for disease risk, study suggests Sugar isn’t helpful when looking to reduce heart disease risk –– but sweet drinks are the worst, according to a study. There are better sweet treats. Some cancer patients may forgo care due to high treatment-related costs: report A Canadian Cancer Society report, published Monday in partnership with Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada with analysis by Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, estimates a cancer patient will face almost $33,000 on average in out-of-pocket cancer-related costs in their lifetime, including loss of income. Heart transplant recipients celebrate the Ottawa Heart Institute's 40 years of transplants More than 60 heart transplant recipients gathered Monday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Ottawa Heart Institute's first heart transplant and the second chances at life they received through its work. Sci-Tech LinkedIn pauses training AI models on Canadian user data: privacy commissioner Canada's privacy commissioner says LinkedIn has paused training its artificial intelligence models on data from Canadian users. Google says it has cracked a quantum computing challenge with new chip Google on Monday said that it has overcome a key challenge in quantum computing with a new generation of chip, solving a computing problem in five minutes that would take a classical computer more time than the history of the universe. 'Godfather of AI' Geoffrey Hinton receives Nobel Prize in physics As artificial intelligence pioneer Geoffrey Hinton strode across a Stockholm stage to receive his Nobel Prize for physics, the pride back home was palpable. Entertainment Jamie Foxx reveals he suffered a brain bleed and a stroke, says 'I don’t remember 20 days' Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx has opened up about the medical emergency he faced last year, revealing that he had a brain bleed that led to a stroke. Jerry Seinfeld, Kumail Nanjiani among headliners at Just For Laughs Vancouver Jerry Seinfeld is among the big names set to headline Just For Laughs Vancouver. Taxpayer-funded Eras Tour tickets returned by federal minister While tens of thousands of fans packed Vancouver's BC Place for the last shows of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour this weekend, a federal cabinet minister wasn't one of them. Business National rent prices decline year-over-year to 15-month low: report A new report says average asking rents fell nationally on a year-over-year basis to $2,139 in November, marking a 15-month low. Postal strike delaying delivery of medicine, necessities to remote areas: AFN chief The Assembly of First Nations says the ongoing postal strike is delaying supplies of medicine and other necessities to rural and remote communities. With employees in limbo, TikTok hoping for 'solution' to Ottawa's shutdown order The Liberal government's move to order the shutdown of TikTok's Canadian operations over national security concerns has left hundreds of the company's Canadian employees in limbo. Lifestyle The holidays can be an anxious time for some kids. Here's how parents can help Many kids and teens are looking forward to the holidays with great excitement, but others find it a difficult time of year filled with anxiety, stress and loneliness. Montreal man retiring early after winning half of the $80 million Lotto-Max jackpot Factor worker Jean Lamontagne, 63, will retire earlier than planned after he won $40 million on Dec. 3 in the Lotto-Max draw. Fast food 'value war' to last into 2025 as consumer appetite for deals heats up An onslaught of promotions has taken shape at just about every fast-food joint across the country, and the phenomenon has intensified into what industry watchers have dubbed a 'value war.' Sports Swimmer Summer McIntosh wins Northern Star Award as Canada's athlete of the year Swimmer Summer McIntosh has won the Northern Star Award as Canada's athlete of the year after a dominant performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Rays star Wander Franco faces sexual abuse, human trafficking charges in Dominican Republic Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is scheduled to go to trial Thursday in the Dominican Republic in a sexual abuse case involving a 14-year-old girl. Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko set to make 1st start of the season Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet says all-star goalie Thatcher Demko will make his first start of the season Tuesday when Vancouver hosts the St. Louis Blues. Autos 80-year-old driver with expired licence accused of going nearly double the speed limit in eastern Ontario Ontario Provincial Police say a man caught stunt driving on Highway 37 near Tweed, Ont. Thursday was 80 years old, and his licence was expired. More than 200,000 SUVs recalled in Canada, U.S. over fuel leak concern Honda is recalling approximately 12,000 vehicles in Canada Electric vehicle reliability improving but lagging gas models: Consumer Reports survey The reliability of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids has dramatically improved, narrowing a wide gap with gas-powered automobiles, according to the latest survey by Consumer Reports. Stay Connected