Riders sign 2022 first round pick Emilus

Louisiana Tech wide receiver Samuel Emilus (19) scores a touchdown in the second half against UTSA cornerback Ken Robinson (21) during an NCAA college football game in Ruston, La., Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

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Celebrations, protests take place on Canada Day in Ottawa

Thousands of people wearing red and white and waiving Canadian flags packed downtown Ottawa to celebrate Canada's 155th birthday on Friday, while groups of protesters popped up around Parliament Hill to protest COVID-19 vaccines and federal restrictions.

Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill on Friday evening, as Canadians celebrated Canada's 155th birthday. (Jeremie Charron/CTV News Ottawa)

'Summer of recovery': Pandemic-stricken tourism industry sees signs of optimism

Canada Day has kicked off the unofficial start of summer, and the tourism sector is hopeful the first season in three years largely free of COVID-19 restrictions will marshal a much-needed boost for a pandemic-stricken industry.

Biden intends to nominate a conservative, anti-abortion lawyer to federal judgeship, Kentucky Democrats say

U.S. President Joe Biden intends to nominate an anti-abortion Republican lawyer to a federal judgeship, two Kentucky Democrats informed of the decision say.

'We have to build bridges': Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk on Ukraine, reconciliation

Moving toward reconciliation doesn't come from jumping 'the queue to perfection,' but by building bridges and trusting one another, Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk told CTV News Channel during Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa on Friday.

The Canadian flag in the context of 'Freedom Convoy' and residential schools

In the wake of last year’s discoveries of unmarked graves at residential schools and the prominent displays of the Canadian flag during 'Freedom Convoy' protests, some Canadians are re-evaluating the meaning of the national symbol.

'Not going to happen in our lifetime': First-time homebuyers share their struggles with purchasing a home

A recent survey shows nearly 50 per cent of Canadians who rent expect to do so forever. As rising interest and inflation rates contribute to a sense of pessimism among first-time homebuyers in Canada, some are sharing their struggles with purchasing their first house.

'Respect and Honour' theme for Saskatoon Canada Day celebrations

Canada Day will look a little different in Saskatoon as things move downtown.
'It's recent': Survivor reflects on last Sask. residential school closing 25 years ago

It's been 25 years since Saskatchewan's last residential school closed, but some are still healing.
City of Saskatoon to host wide range of summer activities for kids, youth

The City of Saskatoon will be running 46 summer play programs from July 4 until August 25.

Winnipeg

'Changing the course of history': How Winnipeggers celebrated Canada Day

In-person Canada Day festivities made a return on Friday for the first time since the pandemic started, with residents bringing back old traditions and creating new ones.
'Abortion is health care': Pro-choice group rallies in support of a woman's right to choose

A pro-choice rally was held at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Friday -- a week after Roe v. Wade was reversed by the United States Supreme Court.
Body found in Assiniboine River: RCMP

Officers with the Manitoba RCMP have confirmed that a body was found in the Assiniboine River on Thursday.

Calgary

Thousands of Calgarians gather for restriction-free Canada Day festivities with focus on reconciliation

Friday marked the first Canada Day in two years without any public health restrictions, which meant Calgarians were finally able to gather at several in-person events across the city.
Monument unveiled at a southeast Calgary park to honour Vietnamese boat people

Members of Calgary’s Vietnamese community gathered Friday at The Journey to Freedom Park to celebrate the unveiling of a meaningful monument.
Longtime Calgary Flames organist Willy Joosen passes away

The Flames lost their longtime organist Friday, when Willy Joosen died.

Edmonton

Edmonton's Canada Day fireworks back in full force

An explosive comeback will light up the Edmonton sky Friday night as Canada Day fireworks return to pre-pandemic proportions.
Local beekeeper looking for help in high-stakes hive rescue

A local beekeeper is asking for help to rescue a colony of honeybees from a junior high school.
Bannock and berries a hit for local ice cream shop

A local ice cream shop is offering a unique ice cream flavour with Indigenous roots, and proceeds raised supporting the community.

Toronto

Ontario's six-month gas tax cut starts today. Here's what you need to know

Ontario drivers experienced some relief from record-setting prices at the pump on Friday as the province's gas tax cut came into effect.
Canada Day fireworks cancelled at Toronto park after vendor pulls out last minute

One of Toronto’s Canada Day fireworks displays has been cancelled and another has been postponed after a vendor pulled out at the last minute.
3 dead, 2 others seriously injured in collision in Brock Township

Three people are dead, and two others are seriously injured, including a child, in a collision in Brock Township.

Ottawa

Celebrations, protests take place on Canada Day in Ottawa

Thousands of people wearing red and white and waiving Canadian flags packed downtown Ottawa to celebrate Canada's 155th birthday on Friday, while groups of protesters popped up around Parliament Hill to protest COVID-19 vaccines and federal restrictions.
Driver killed in two-vehicle crash in Ottawa's west end

Emergency crews responded to a collision involving an SUV and a pickup truck at the intersection of Merivale Road and Baseline Road just before 11 a.m. Friday.
Four places to check out this year's Canada Day fireworks in Ottawa

With the main show at LeBreton Flats this year instead of Parliament Hill because of construction, the location of the fireworks show has changed, so the usual spots won't get you the best view.

Vancouver

Former high-ranking Mountie facing discipline over letter to Arlene Westervelt's sister

A former B.C. Mountie is facing discipline for communicating with the sister of a woman found dead in Okanagan Lake.
11-hour wait, 3-hour parking limit: Man ticketed while stuck in B.C. passport line

Marc Diaz is warning others after he spent 11 hours waiting at the Surrey, B.C., passport office this week, only to return to his car and find an $80 ticket – because the adjoining parking lot has a three-hour limit.
Memorial ride planned for PhD student killed while cycling in downtown Vancouver

Days after a 28-year-old cyclist was killed by a dump truck in downtown Vancouver, a memorial ride is being planned in his honour.

Montreal

Quebec could see increase in unhoused people as leases expire across province: housing group

A prominent housing advocacy group fears Quebec could see an increase in households left without a permanent place to live as leases expire across the province on July 1.
Quebec summer camps struggling to find staff, keep up with rising costs

This year, Quebec summer camps are facing staffing shortages and rising costs, and some have had to cut back on spaces leaving families in the lurch.
MISSING
MISSING | Police ask for public's help to find missing Laval man

Laval police are asking for the public's help to find 30-year-old Mario Minassian.

Vancouver Island

B.C. judge dismisses realtor's claim dealership misled him about Ford Mustang

A Vancouver Island real estate agent has lost his bid to recover a deposit he made on a new Ford Mustang that he intended to offer as a prize in a year-long contest in 2020.
No risk to public after police speak to 'suspicious' men reported in Saanich

A search for two "suspicious" men in Saanich Thursday afternoon ended with no risk to the public, police said.
Ferry passengers again facing hours-long waits at Horseshoe Bay

There was more frustration for BC Ferries passengers at the Horseshoe Bay terminal Friday, with some waits extending upwards of five hours at the outset of the long weekend.

Atlantic

Spouse of gunman to testify at N.S. shooting hearings but won't be cross-examined

The spouse of the gunman in the Nova Scotia mass shooting will testify mid-July before a public inquiry, but she won't face direct questions from lawyers representing victims' families.
'It’s a waste of time': Low turnout for the final day of school in Nova Scotia

As Claire Mahaney-Lion dropped her son off at school this morning, she questioned the reasons behind scheduling a school day that would last fewer than two hours.
Saint John celebrates Memorial Cup win with parade Thursday

Saint John is having its dog day. The host city of the 2022 Memorial Cup is celebrating after the Saint John Sea Dogs bested the Hamilton Bulldogs 6-3 in front of a capacity crowd during Wednesday's championship game at TD Station.

Northern Ontario

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76 in Sudbury also held Canada Day celebrations.

There was music and dancing with everyone taking time to honour the dedication of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy in Canada today at the legion.
Honouring fallen OPP constable Marc Hovingh

A special ceremony was held today on Manitoulin island, where friends and loved ones of a fallen OPP constable gathered to rename a local marina in his honour.
Canada Day means something different for everyone.

For Ukrainians who were able to flee from Russia's invasion into the country, Canada has become a safe haven.

Kitchener

'There is a real need for blood': Emergency responders launch blood donation challenge

Emergency service workers in the Region of Waterloo kicked off a friendly competition Friday to see which team can donate the most blood by Labour Day.
OPP want to talk to man who paved Puslinch, Ont. driveway without permission

OPP are trying to identify a man who they say was involved in an "unwanted residential paving incident" in Puslinch, Ont.
Tre Ford to start for Edmonton Elks in Canada Day game

The Edmonton Elks are counting on Tre Ford, the former University of Waterloo football star, to start Friday's game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.