BREAKING
Huge lineups for free rapid COVID-19 kits in North Bay
North Bay residents are braving the cold to get their free COVID-19 rapid test kits from the Ontario Ministry of Health.
A test distribution pop-up at Nipissing University's athletics centre is being held over the next two days.
Pre-registration was required and spots were filled fast. The ministry is no longer taking registrations for this event.
"I got an email through the school, that said they were having this today. I put my name in, it was easy to sign up online and I got my time slot," Garret Gauthier told CTV News.
Each person that registered will be given one free test kit.
"You sign up online, go up and get it, worked out perfectly. I got in there, had to show my email for confirmation, picked up my kit and out you went," said Lisa O'Kane.
"I look after my parents, COVID-19 is a huge issue. I think it’s just good to be prepared all the time."
The Ontario government began handing out free tests as part of a "holiday testing blitz," with the Greater Toronto Area being prioritized.
"Given that they are not doing the nose tests to anybody who isn’t in danger or showing symptoms, we needed to do something to keep ourselves safe," said Randall Tilander.
Many critics expressed concern over the plan's rollout and lack of kits available in the north.
"Ontario currently has a limited supply of rapid antigen tests that are being prioritized for health care and highest-risk settings. This includes rapid antigen test use for 'test-to-work' in which asymptomatic staff in these sectors can return to work when they would otherwise be on isolation at home," Bill Campbell, a spokesperson for the ministry, told CTV News.
"Focusing the use of rapid antigen tests for these sectors will help keep hospitals, long-term care and retirement homes and congregate settings operating as safely as possible."
Hospitals, long-term care and retirement homes and congregate living settings are being prioritized when it comes to test availability.
Some of the people in line Tuesday were not happy about waiting in the cold.
"Why couldn’t they have a drive-thru to get my box, instead of standing here for half an hour? You won’t die from COVID, you’re going to die from pneumonia," said Fred Turner.
More test kits will be distributed Wednesday at the same spot, but the ministry is not taking any more registrations.
Top Stories
-
-
-
-
-
W5 investigationW5 investigation How did thieves steal your car? Maybe with a device they ordered online
-
-
-
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Biden greets Trump with handshake in Oval Office meeting
Donald Trump made a victor's return to Washington on Wednesday, visiting the White House for a lengthy meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden and committing to a straightforward transition of power as the president-elect moves quickly to build out his new administration.
'You couldn't open the door': Concerns over awareness of and access to Tesla emergency latch after 4 killed in Toronto, 5 killed in Wisconsin
When a Tesla crashed on Lakeshore Boulevard in Toronto last month, the first people on scene knew there were occupants inside but couldn't immediately get them out.
Mississauga, Ont. upholds ban on street sports, including hockey and basketball
Mississauga city council has voted to keep its residential street sports ban in place, meaning hockey and basketball on the road will remain out of bounds.
Guardian quits X social media platform, citing racism and conspiracy theories
British news publisher the Guardian said on Wednesday it will no longer post to X, citing 'disturbing content' on the social media platform, including racism and conspiracy theories.
Guns and drugs seized from organized crime group linked to Mexican cartel, RCMP say
Members of the RCMP’s federal police say they have arrested three men in B.C. for their alleged role in a 'transnational organized crime group' connected to Mexican drug cartels importing cocaine into Canada.
Overwhelmed families surrendering custody of their children to CAS
Overwhelmed families in Ontario are having to surrender their children to the Children's Aid Society, and according to the society, the residential crisis is part of the problem.
Trump's defence choice stuns the Pentagon and raises questions about the Fox News host's experience
President-elect Donald Trump stunned the Pentagon and the broader defence world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as his defence secretary, tapping someone largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the world's largest and most powerful military.
Prime Minister Trudeau makes trip to Bermuda to eulogize longtime family friend
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is travelling to Bermuda today to give a eulogy at the funeral for businessman Peter Green.
From passport applications to letters to Santa: How will you deal with a possible Canada Post strike?
CTVNews.ca wants to speak to Canadians of all backgrounds, whether you're a parent, student, worker, professional or business owner, about their concerns regarding a possible Canada Post strike or lockout.
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.
Barrie
-
OPP investigation underway near high school in Midland
A heavy police presence has been seen in a Midland neighbourhood on Wednesday morning.
-
Trial begins for Midland man accused of murder in death of tenant
The trial of a Midland man accused of murder in the death of his tenant and former friend is underway in a Barrie courtroom, where the jury will have to decide whether Rick Patrick killed Chris Forrester in self-defence.
-
Special GO train service added to accommodate Taylor Swift concert-goers
‘Swifties’ will be able to avoid the drive to Toronto and the hassle of parking and instead take the GO train from Barrie, with special rail services added for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert series.
Toronto
-
Police associations call for 'immediate action' on bail reform after Toronto gunfight
Three police associations are calling on the federal government to take “immediate action “on bail reform after officers performing a bail compliance check in Toronto’s west end found themselves in the middle of a gun fight between two groups.
-
Police say 18-year-old man twice fled from officers while operating stolen vehicles
Police have issued an arrest warrant for an 18-year-old man who they say twice fled from officers in a dangerous manner while behind the wheel of stolen vehicles.
-
Your ultimate guide to Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour stops in Toronto
It’s been a long time coming for Canadian Swifties and the wait is over. So, we have compiled everything Swifties need to know about the concerts.
Ottawa
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Ottawa taxpayers facing 3.9% tax hike, 5% hike in transit fares in 2025 budget
Ottawa residents are facing a 3.9 per cent property tax increase and a 5 per cent hike in transit fares, as the city of Ottawa "uses a lot of duct tape" to fill a $120 million hole in the 2025 OC Transpo budget.
-
Driver loses 4-day old vehicle after being stopped for speeding on Ottawa road
An Ottawa driver's new vehicle has been impounded for 14 days after they were stopped for speeding in Ottawa's south end.
-
Ottawa high school principal apologizes for song played during Remembrance Day assembly
The principal of an Ottawa high school is apologizing to students, parents and guardians after an Arabic-language song was played during the school's Remembrance Day service. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is conducting a "thorough investigation" to ensure it "is addressed appropriately and meaningfully."
Kitchener
-
Toronto teenager charged with first degree murder in Kitchener, Ont. homicide
A teenager has been charged as part of an investigation into Waterloo Region’s first homicide of 2024.
-
Three employees and a patient assaulted at Guelph General Hospital
A man has been charged after four people, including a patient, were assaulted at Guelph General Hospital.
-
Kitchener woman facing charges, including impaired driving, in deadly Markham crash
A Kitchener woman allegedly involved in a wrong-way crash that left one person dead and two others seriously injured, including herself, is facing impaired and dangerous driving charges.
London
-
'No' group may seek legal advice as local council officially declares itself willing host of nuclear waste
Despite a difference of less than 100 votes, there will not be a recount in the Municipality of South Bruce, after councillors decided to unanimously accept the community’s nuclear waste referendum results
-
Marion Simpson, mother, educator and athlete, passes away
CTV News brought you a story in October about Simpson, a former teacher at Ryerson Public School in London, reuniting with former student and Hollywood legend Victor Garber, at his Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony.
-
'Renoviction' claim refuted by landlord seeking to double units inside south London buildings
The proposed doubling of units within a south London rental property has sparked concern among existing tenants who fear they will be displaced.
Windsor
-
Michigan kills Canada geese as Windsor, Ont. weighs non-lethal solutions
As Windsor, Ont. moves forward with a newly approved “goose management strategy” focused on non-lethal methods, Michigan has taken a different approach — implementing a policy to euthanize Canada geese that require removal from urban areas.
-
Wanted assault suspect turns himself in
A wanted suspect has turned himself into police after an alleged aggravated assault and robbery.
-
Pet and Wildlife Rescue to benefit from Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie campaign
Local charities will once again be benefiting from some festive cookies at Tim Hortons.
Montreal
-
New bridge on Ile-Bizard finally opens with 4 lanes
After more than two years of construction and some traffic headaches, work on the new Jacques-Bizard bridge is finally finished and all four lanes are now open.
-
Quebec Solidaire wants oil companies to pay for environmental damage
Québec Solidaire (QS) is calling on the Quebec government to sue the big oil companies for the damage caused by climate change.
-
PQ leads in Quebec voting intentions as CAQ loses more support: poll
The Parti Québécois (PQ) has grown its lead in voter intentions among Quebecers while the ruling Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) has lost more support, according to a new poll.
Winnipeg
-
Manitoba premier shuffles cabinet, creates technology portfolio
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has shuffled his cabinet, adding three fresh faces and creating an Innovation and New Technology department.
-
Bruce Springsteen's first-ever Winnipeg performance set for tonight
A rock legend is set to hit the stage for his first-ever Winnipeg concert on Wednesday night.
-
B.C. RCMP bust operation shipping 'large amounts' of drugs to Yukon, Manitoba
Four people have been arrested in connection with a drug trafficking operation that was allegedly shipping “large amounts” of controlled substances from B.C. to other parts of Canada, the RCMP announced Wednesday.
Atlantic
-
N.S. man, 22, charged with impaired driving in 2023 crash that killed 2
A Windsor, N.S., man is facing impaired driving charges in connection with a collision that killed two people in August 2023.
-
One N.S.-P.E.I. ferry may return to service sooner than expected: NFL
The MV Confederation, a ferry that runs between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, may be back in service earlier than expected.
-
History in Halifax is slowly being wiped off the map: study
Saint Mary's University archeologist Jonathan Fowler is sounding an alarm with a new study. According to Fowler, the centuries-old architecture that adds to Halifax’s heritage and historic vibe is slowly being wiped away as the city grows.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland man electrocuted by downed power line, two women injured
Police in Newfoundland say a man was electrocuted Saturday by a downed power wire about 10 kilometres north of St. John's, N.L.
-
What is 'recitation?' Newfoundland tradition-keeper returns to stage from 100-day cancer-treatment isolation
On Thursday morning, Dave Penny officially ended a suggested hundred-day isolation period that followed his diagnosis and stem cell treatment for non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. On Thursday night, Penny returned to a stage at a downtown St. John's bar, regaling a small crowd with songs and stories with a distinctive Newfoundland flair.
-
Newfoundland beach blobs are plastic pollution, but source remains unknown: scientist
A Memorial University scientist says the mysterious white blobs washing up on Newfoundland beaches are actually gobs of plastic -- and they need to be cleaned up.
Calgary
-
Cochrane RCMP lay charges in human trafficking investigation
Alberta RCMP say charges have been laid in connection with a human trafficking investigation.
-
Black bear spotted in southwest Calgary caught, euthanized
A black bear seen wandering in the Calgary community of Woodlands has been euthanized.
-
Alberta to announce plan to speed up home building
The Alberta government is set to announce a new initiative to help build homes in the province.
Edmonton
-
National defence department considering Edmonton for western CC-330 Husky base
Edmonton International Airport is negotiating to be the Department of National Defence's (DND) western main operating base for the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) CC-330 Husky fleet.
-
Alberta to announce plan to speed up home building
The Alberta government is set to announce a new initiative to help build homes in the province.
-
W5 investigation
W5 investigation How did thieves steal your car? Maybe with a device they ordered online
Digital devices that a Toronto-area police department warns are used in the most common method of stealing cars are for sale online for anyone to buy, a W5 investigation has found.
Regina
-
Here's where to watch Regina's election results tonight
CTV News Regina will be airing special coverage of Regina’s municipal election on Wednesday evening beginning at 9:30 p.m.
-
How many people voted in advance polls for Regina's municipal election?
Regina's municipal election is set for Nov. 13, but residents had the option of voting in advance polls this past weekend.
-
Sask. preparing for service disruptions ahead of potential Canada Post work stoppage
With a potential strike of Canada Post workers on the horizon, the Government of Saskatchewan is releasing its plans to ensure residents don’t miss out on payments, applications, and other necessary services.
Saskatoon
-
It's civic election day. Here's everything you need to know.
With civic election day here, the time has come for Saskatoon residents to choose their mayor, city councillors, and public and separate school board trustees.
-
Fourth suspect charged with murder after body found in Saskatoon home
Saskatoon police have made an additional arrest and laid more charges in a murder investigation that began in August.
-
Saskatoon small businesses cope as smashed windows impact their bottom line
Saskatoon police stats show incidents of property damage like smashed windows have risen in some neighbourhoods over most of the last five years, leaving businesses coping with the cost.
Vancouver
-
Guns and drugs seized from organized crime group linked to Mexican cartel, RCMP say
Members of the RCMP’s federal police say they have arrested three men in B.C. for their alleged role in a 'transnational organized crime group' connected to Mexican drug cartels importing cocaine into Canada.
-
Nearly 20,000 without power on B.C.'s South Coast after storm
Thousands of British Columbians woke up in the dark Wednesday after a windstorm rolled through the South Coast.
-
B.C. RCMP bust operation shipping 'large amounts' of drugs to Yukon, Manitoba
Four people have been arrested in connection with a drug trafficking operation that was allegedly shipping “large amounts” of controlled substances from B.C. to other parts of Canada, the RCMP announced Wednesday.
Vancouver Island
-
Nearly 20,000 without power on B.C.'s South Coast after storm
Thousands of British Columbians woke up in the dark Wednesday after a windstorm rolled through the South Coast.
-
Premier David Eby and NDP MLAs to be officially sworn in Wednesday
Swearing-in ceremonies continue Wednesday morning for the MLAs elected during last month's historic vote.
-
What do you do when a goose dies in your backyard, amid concerns about avian flu?
Experts and health authorities say that while the risk of human infection with the H5N1 strain of the avian influenza remains low, people should avoid contact with sick or dead birds.
