Mask requirements return, high-risk offender released, MacDermott family pleads for answers: Most read stories of the week
University of Waterloo brings back masking requirement
(Dan Lauckner / CTV Kitchener)
Masks will be required for all indoor academic activities, including lectures, seminars, labs and tests at the University of Waterloo.
The university announced the change to its masking policy Tuesday. It says it’s aimed at protecting students and staff while minimizing COVID-19-related disruptions during the upcoming exam season.
“We’ve been looking at the data in the community and across Ontario, and [we are] seeing some trends that indicate we might be seeing more COVID now and in the future,” said Nick Manning, associate VP of communications at the University of Waterloo.
“We need to act to create some protection for the really important exam season that’s coming up.”
The updated policy requires masks during all forms of academic instruction, but people teaching or presenting are allowed to remove their face coverings if they can physically distance themselves from others in the room.
READ MORE: The top stoires from last week
High-risk offender release prompts public advisory in Brantford
Eugene Soucey, 59, has been released from prison. (Brantfrod Police Service)
The Brantford Police Service is issuing a public advisory regarding the release of a high-risk offender into the community.
Eugene Soucey, 59, has been released with police warning he “poses a high-risk to re-offend or breach his terms of release.”
On Wednesday, police said he had completed his sentence and is now residing in the City of Brantford.
“The Brantford Police Service is issuing this information and public advisory after careful consideration of all related issues, including privacy concerns, in the belief that it is clearly in the public interest to inform members of the community of the release of Soucey,” a police news release said.
'We just want answers': Family of Kitchener, Ont. man missing for 20 years issues new call for information
David MacDermott was 30 years old when he mysteriously went missing in 2002. (Krista Sharpe/CTV Kitchener)
Wednesday marks 20 years since David MacDermott’s family last saw or heard from him.
The 30-year-old Kitchener resident mysteriously went missing in 2002.
“Now he'd be 50, I can't even imagine,” his mother Linda Shaw told CTV News. “You know, what he would look like? Would he have a family? Children?”
His family is making yet another plea to the public to help them find out what happened.
Since the day David went missing, his family says they’ve been left with very few clues.
David MacDermott's mother and sisters lay out photos of him on the kitchen table. (Krista Sharpe/CTV Kitchener)
“He was planning on going out for a friend’s birthday,” one of David’s sisters, Colleen Stevens, explains.
Neighbourhood shaken after two men shot in Kitchener
Waterloo regional police on Mooregate Crescent in Kitchener on Monday Nov. 7, 2022. (Chris Thomson/CTV Kitchener)
Two men were transported to hospital Sunday night after a shooting in Kitchener’s Mooregate Crescent and Hazelglen Drive area.
Waterloo regional police say they received a report of shots fired in the neighbourhood around 11:30 p.m.
“I had gone to bed early and I was sleeping and I just woke up to these ‘bang bang bang’ – like six of them,” said Amy Reynard who lives in the area.
When officers arrived, they found two men with gunshot wounds.
Police say both were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
“There’s no current threat to public safety and we are still trying to determine if this incident is indeed targeted,” Const. Bradley Hickey said.
'Shock, happiness, bewilderment': Guelph man to return home after being detained in the Dominican Republic since April
File photo: Captain Robert Di Venanzo (left) was stranded in the Dominican Republic since spring of 2022.
Twelve Canadians, who have been detained in the Dominican Republic since April, have been told they are going home.
“Just shock, happiness, bewilderment and just thrilled,” said Robert Di Venanzo, who was one of those arrested nearly seven months ago.
The Guelph man was one of the Pivot Airlines pilots meant to fly back to Toronto from Punta Cana. Instead, Di Venanzo and four crew members, as well as seven passengers, were arrested after they reported finding more than 200 kilograms of cocaine on their chartered plane.
“In a matter of about five hours feeling really good about what we had found and reported to: ‘Oh my goodness, what is going on?’” said Di Venanzo.
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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Fall sitting bookended by Liberal byelection losses ends with Trudeau government in tumult
The House of Commons adjourned on Tuesday, bringing an end to an unstable fall sitting that has been bookended by Liberal byelection losses. The conclusion of the fall sitting comes as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority government is in turmoil.
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
Canadian government announces new border security plan amid Donald Trump tariff threats
The federal government has laid out a five-pillared approach to boosting border security, though it doesn't include specifics about where and how the $1.3-billion funding package earmarked in the fall economic statement will be allocated.
B.C. teacher disciplined for refusing to let student use bathroom
A teacher who refused to let a student use the bathroom in a B.C. school has been disciplined by the province's professional regulator.
Most Canadians have heard about Freeland's resignation from Trudeau cabinet, new poll finds
The majority of Canadians heard about Chrystia Freeland's surprise resignation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet, according to a new poll from Abacus Data released Tuesday.
Police chief says motive for Wisconsin school shooting was a 'combination of factors'
Investigators on Tuesday are focused on trying to determine a motive in a Wisconsin school shooting that left a teacher and a student dead and two other children in critical condition.
After investigating Jan. 6, House GOP sides with Trump and goes after Liz Cheney
Wrapping up their own investigation on the Jan. 6 2021 Capitol attack, House Republicans have concluded it's former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney who should be prosecuted for probing what happened when then-President Donald Trump sent his mob of supporters as Congress was certifying the 2020 election.
Wine may be good for the heart, new study says, but experts aren’t convinced
Drinking a small amount of wine each day may protect the heart, according to a new study of Spanish people following the plant-based Mediterranean diet, which typically includes drinking a small glass of wine with dinner.
The Canada Post strike is over, but it will take time to get back to normal, says spokesperson
Canada Post workers are back on the job after a gruelling four-week strike that halted deliveries across the country, but it could take time before operations are back to normal.
London
-
WATCHWATCH Supporters of Councillor Stevenson disrupt council meeting that imposed 30-day suspension of pay for bullying staff
Coun. Susan Stevenson has been docked 30-days’ pay after an investigation by the Integrity Commissioner determined she bullied and harassed a senior city staffer.
-
London man sentenced for his role in shooting death
A London man has been sentenced for his role in the shooting death of Josue Silva.
-
Death investigation underway in Hanover
Officials have released few details about a death investigation in Hanover.
Windsor
-
Canada Post strike ends, but Windsor businesses still feel the pain
While small businesses in Windsor are relieved to see Canada Post moving again, many are still feeling the sting of the four-week work stoppage.
-
Shots fired at home in east Windsor
Windsor police are looking for a suspect after multiple shots were fired at a home in east Windsor.
-
Windsor transitional home gets a helping hand ahead of the holidays
A Windsor philanthropist has donated an abundance of food for those seeking help at a sober living transition home on Windsor's west side ahead of the holidays.
Barrie
-
'We've been scammed,' Customers allege floating home company owner left them in limbo after payment
Several customers of a floating home company say their dream of living on the water has turned into a financial and emotional nightmare.
-
New taser technology put to the test as Barrie police undergo training
Police officers in Barrie participated in a jolting experience on Monday as they voluntarily felt the effects of a new conducted energy weapon during an intensive training session.
-
Two drivers nabbed for allegedly speeding over 150km/h on Highway 11
Police patrolling Highway 11 in Orillia pulled over two vehicles on Tuesday morning, each allegedly travelling more than 60 kilometres per hour over the posted limit.
Northern Ontario
-
Two in northern Ont. charged with manslaughter in death of a child
Two people have been charged with manslaughter and other offences in connection with the death of a seven-year-old two years ago in Hearst, Ont.
-
'There's just no rhyme or reason': Sault gun shop owners frustrated by additions to gun ban
The federal government’s recent expansion of its gun buy-back program has frustrated firearm owners and sellers in the Sault Ste. Marie area.
-
Volunteer firefighters in Markstay-Warren say they have been harassed by local councillor
Volunteer firefighters in Markstay-Warren say they have had enough of what they call unfair public scrutiny from a local municipal councillor.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
'There's just no rhyme or reason': Sault gun shop owners frustrated by additions to gun ban
The federal government’s recent expansion of its gun buy-back program has frustrated firearm owners and sellers in the Sault Ste. Marie area.
-
Two Quebecers used fake IDs to try to access money in northern Ontario, police say
Two people from Quebec were caught trying to use fake IDs last week to access money from two northern Ontario businesses, Ontario Provincial Police say.
-
Sault bookkeeper charged with stealing $559K from employer
A 50-year-old who managed the finances for a business in Sault Ste. Marie has been charged with embezzling $559,701.63 from the business in just more than four years.
Ottawa
-
Inquest jury deems Abdirahman Abdi's death after arrest a homicide, makes recommendations
The jury at a coroner's inquest deemed the 2016 death of an Ottawa man after his violent arrest a homicide, as it made more than 50 recommendations Tuesday aimed at preventing similar deaths in the future.
-
Villa Marconi, board refute union allegations about hygiene care
The chair of the board of directors at Villa Marconi, a long-term care facility on Baseline Road, says allegations around supply shortages leading to neglect of resident hygiene are "all false."
-
Ottawa Public Health asking customers of south Ottawa Tim Hortons to monitor for hep A symptoms
Ottawa Public Health is warning residents about a possible risk of exposure to hepatitis A at a local Tim Hortons in the city's south end.
Toronto
-
Two men charged in death of Markham real estate agent as search continues for murder suspect
Two people have been charged in connection with the disappearance and death of a Markham real estate agent whose remains were found in Parry Sound over the summer.
-
2 people seriously injured in Scarborough shooting
Toronto police say two people have been injured in a shooting in Scarborough.
-
Canadian government announces new border security plan amid Donald Trump tariff threats
The federal government has laid out a five-pillared approach to boosting border security, though it doesn't include specifics about where and how the $1.3-billion funding package earmarked in the fall economic statement will be allocated.
Montreal
-
69-year-old woman dies after being struck by city bus in Montreal-North
Montreal police (SPVM) have confirmed that a pedestian has died after a collision with an STM bus in the Montreal-North borough on Tuesday evening.
-
Major fire in Montreal-North apartment building leaves 30 families homeless
The Montreal Fire Service battled a three-alarm fire in Montreal-North on Tuesday evening.
-
Another woman testified against Just for Laughs founder as civil trial continues
The civil lawsuit against Gilbert Rozon, founder of Just for Laughs, continued Monday as nine women seek damages, alleging sexual assault by Rozon.
Atlantic
-
Snow forecast to fall in parts of the Maritimes this week
As rainy and gusty weather clears the Maritimes Tuesday, a round of snow and rain is lined up for late week.
-
Sex-ed group deemed 'inappropriate' by Tory government returns to N.B. schools
A sexual-education group whose presentations were deemed "clearly inappropriate" by the previous New Brunswick Progressive Conservative government has been cleared to return to the province's schools.
-
N.B.'s Horizon Health Network says they've 'planned far more diligently' for holiday season
With both sick and holiday seasons here, New Brunswick's Horizon Health Network say it's prepared heading into the holidays with proactive steps being taken.
Winnipeg
-
'Drastic measures' needed as Manitoba faces $1.3B deficit, experts say
With both Manitoba and Canada facing deficits far exceeding what they had hoped, experts warn drastic measures will be needed but fear Manitobans will be the ones paying.
-
Winnipeg to start exploring the potential of 24-hour firefighter shifts
Firefighters in Winnipeg could one day work around the clock, like they already do in other cities.
-
One arrested following school threats: Winnipeg police
The Winnipeg Police Service is providing more details about three threats made toward two schools Monday and Tuesday, which resulted in the arrest of a 13-year-old girl.
Calgary
-
Calgary man pleads guilty to manslaughter in 2022 shootings
A Calgary man was sentenced to 16 years in jail after pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with two 2022 shootings.
-
'Condensed timeline' puts pressure on Calgary council to approve Green Line project
With timelines tightening, Calgary city council is asking for an urgent meeting with the Alberta government to discuss a reworked plan to build a multibillion-dollar light-rail-transit line connecting the city's southeast to downtown.
-
Sexual assault, breach of trust charges laid against former Calgary police officer
Vancouver police say Sgt. Matthew Ball and Const. Ryan Johnston, both of the Central Saanich Police, formed separate "intimate" and "inappropriate" relationships with a woman in her mid-20s they met while on duty.
Edmonton
-
Police officer hurt, 2 arrested after gun fight reported at Stantec Tower
A police officer and two men were taken to hospital on Tuesday after an arrest at Stantec Tower.
-
Caught on camera: Porch pirate steals dirty diapers from Edmonton step
A would-be thief got away with a bag of dirty diapers after snagging what they thought was a package off an Edmonton porch.
-
Lots of snow and some serious cold coming to Edmonton region Wednesday
Prepare for a significant dump of heavy snow Wednesday.
Regina
-
Conflict of Interest Commissioner recommends reprimand for Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill
Saskatchewan's Conflict of Interest Commissioner (COIC) is recommending a reprimand for Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill after finding he broke legislative rules when a company tied to his family participated in government contracts.
-
Chappell Roan 'looking at venues' for possible Sask. show
American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan is expressing some interest towards performing in Saskatchewan – after shouting out the province in a yet to be released song.
-
Sask. local businesses seeing holiday sales dip due to Canada Post strike
Canada Post employees are heading back to work after a month-long dispute – leading many local businesses to breathe a sigh of relief. However, business is not back to usual just yet.
Saskatoon
-
First Nation leaders push to close 'loophole' laws after judge stays fatal THC-impaired driving charge
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) wants to change the Criminal Code of Canada to prioritize victims that are children.
-
'She was fiercely competitive': Saskatoon historic Olympic medal winner honoured
One of Saskatoon’s most famous Olympians finally gets her official recognition — and it’s been almost a century in the making.
-
Sask. local businesses seeing holiday sales dip due to Canada Post strike
Canada Post employees are heading back to work after a month-long dispute – leading many local businesses to breathe a sigh of relief. However, business is not back to usual just yet.
Vancouver
-
City staff recommend demolition for derelict vacant building in downtown Vancouver
The City of Vancouver’s chief building official has deemed a 176-room hotel in the heart of the city’s downtown too derelict and poorly maintained to remain standing.
-
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
-
'It's another Hail Mary pass by the Trudeau government': Experts and B.C. businesses react as GST holiday begins
B.C. businesses have been left scrambling to make the federal government's decision to slash GST for the holidays a reality.
Vancouver Island
-
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
-
Langford council votes unanimously in favor of purchasing Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre
Langford city council has voted unanimously in favor of purchasing the Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre for the price of $35 million. The facility's largest tenant is the YMCA/YWCA, which operates the municipality's only public pool.
-
Tofino Harbour Authority closed due to standoff with 'squatter,' agency says
The Tofino Harbour Authority says it has temporarily shuttered its office in the coastal Vancouver Island community due to an escalating standoff with the operator of a so-called "squatter" vessel.
