Cheating allegations rock northern Ont. fishing tournament
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says it is investigating “a matter” related to the Top 50 Classic tournament held earlier this month on Lake Nipissing.
“The ministry is currently investigating these matters and as such we are unable to provide any further comment at this time,” the MNRF said in an email Thursday.
Sources have told CTV News that the controversy centres on allegations two teams altered the northern pike they caught Sept. 2 to give them an advantage in the tournament, which has a top prize of $10,000.
Under tournament rules, three of the five northern pike anglers catch must be 61 cm or shorter. In this case, the anglers are accused of catching longer pike and then trimming the tails to get them to the 61 cm limit.
A post on the tournament’s Facebook page refers to allegations of cheating in the tournament.
“These anglers are denying these acts,” the post said.
“That means without definitive proof that the anglers altered fish during tournament hours, they (were) entitled to fish on Sunday.”
The post also said that the people accused of cheating were being encouraged* to take a polygraph test to prove their innocence.
The post, dated Sept. 5, said organizers were trying to arrange the tests and added that anyone refusing to take the polygraph would be “permanently banned from top 50 Pike Series” and any related tournaments.
- Download the CTV News app now and get local alerts on your device
- Get local breaking news and updates sent to your email inbox
“We know the 2023 season didn’t end the way any of us wanted it to, however we wanted you to know it is being dealt with,” the post said.
In a message to CTV News, tournament organizers said they couldn’t comment on the incident until the MNRF completes its investigation.
“But we would be more than happy to once it’s concluded,” the message said.
Correction
An earlier version of this story said the anglers had agreed to take a polygraph. In fact, they were being encouraged to take it to clear their names.
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
Another inmate dead at notoriously harsh Newfoundland jail, officials confirm
An inmate has died at Her Majesty's Penitentiary in Newfoundland, one of the oldest operating provincial jails in the country, officials with the provincial Justice Department confirmed.
This Canadian couple used surrogacy to have a child. Here's what they want you to know
Families that need help conceiving a child are met with financial burdens that should be covered through government health care and insurance, advocates say.
Renowned Quebec entrepreneur, partner reported dead in Caribbean
Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his spouse Dominique Marchand have died in their adopted home of Dominica, in the Caribbean, a source has confirmed.
Ships face Houthi-claimed attack in Red Sea as officials say a U.S. warship also fires in self-defence
Commercial ships came under attack Sunday by drones and missiles in the Red Sea and a U.S. warship there opened fire in self-defence as part of an hourslong assault claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels, officials said.
Fatal stabbing of German tourist by suspected radical puts sharp focus on Paris Olympics
A bloodstain by a bridge over the Seine river was the only remaining sign on Sunday of a fatal knife attack 12 hours earlier on a German tourist, allegedly carried out by a young man under watch for suspected Islamic radicalization.
Israel says military offensive in crowded southern Gaza will be 'no less strength' than in the north
The Israeli military said Sunday it had expanded its ground operations to every part of Gaza and ordered more evacuations in the crowded south, followed by heavy bombardment, as it vowed that operations there against Hamas would be 'no less strength' than its earlier offensive in the north.
Kyiv investigates allegations Russian forces shot surrendering Ukrainian soldiers
Ukrainian officials on Sunday launched an investigation into allegations that Russian forces killed surrendering Ukrainian soldiers -- a war crime if confirmed -- after grainy footage on social media appeared to show two uniformed men being shot at close range after emerging from a dugout.
Rare Maud Lewis paintings up for auction online, valued at $35,000
Three rare Maud Lewis paintings are up for auction online today, estimated to be worth tens of thousands of dollars each.
Indonesia's Marapi volcano erupts and blankets nearby villages with ash
Indonesia's Mount Marapi in West Sumatra province erupted Sunday, spewing white-and-gray ash plumes more than 3,000 metres into the air and sending hot ash clouds several miles away.
Barrie
-
Police investigating suspicious fire at Blue Mountains housing development
Police in the Town of the Blue Mountains are investigating a suspicious fire at a housing development.
-
Barrie police inspector faces discreditable conduct charge following OPP investigation
A senior Barrie police officer is facing a charge of discreditable conduct following a recent investigation conducted by provincial police.
-
Arson charges laid after multiple fires at Collingwood tire shop last month
A man is facing charges of Arson after multiple fires broke out at a tire shop in Collingwood last month.
Toronto
-
What's Ontario's winter forecast this year? Here's what you need to know
Winter is coming, but what will that look like in Ontario? Well, El Niño could bring on a milder season than usual this year.
-
Police search for suspects, witnesses following Gardiner Expressway hit-and-run
Toronto police are searching for suspects following a hit-and-run on the Gardiner Expressway that left the road closed for several hours on Saturday.
-
Residents no longer asked to stay home in Hamilton neighhourhood as police conclude search in area, suspect outstanding
A shooting suspect in Hamilton’s McQuesten West neighbourhood is believed to have left the area and residents can now leave their homes, police say.
Ottawa
-
WINTER STORM WARNINGWINTER STORM WARNING Messy winter weather coming Ottawa's way this weekend
A messy mix of winter weather is about to hit Ottawa, with the potential to create serious traffic headaches Sunday and into Monday morning.
-
No injures to humans or animals reported after east-end barn fire
Ottawa Fire Services says no humans or animals were hurt as crews battled a barn fire in the city's rural east end earlier this weekend.
-
Here's what you can buy in Ottawa for over $1 million in 10 neighbourhoods
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at what you can buy for over $1 million in 10 neighbourhoods across Ottawa in December.
Kitchener
-
Pedestrian and young child struck while crossing a Kitchener street
A Cambridge man and a young child were taken to hospital Saturday afternoon after being struck by an SUV while crossing a Kitchener street.
-
Alleged victims speak out after a Waterloo, Ont. man posed as a CSIS agent and scammed women out of millions
Several women have come forward claiming they were victims of a romance scam by a Waterloo, Ont. man. Police believe he allegedly defrauded dozens of women out of more than $2 million over 15 years.
-
'Start thinking in innovative ways': Cambridge councillor pushing for new idea to tackle affordable housing crisis
A Cambridge city councillor is calling for a new way to tackle the local affordable housing crisis.
London
-
Two-vehicle collision temporarily closes Wonderland Road South between Highway 402 on-ramps
Injuries have been reported after a two-vehicle collision shut down a section of Wonderland Road South between the Highway 402 on-ramps late Saturday night.
-
Fog advisory issued for London, Ont.
The Forest City has found itself shrouded in fog on Sunday, and is therefore under an advisory by Environment Canada warning people to take extra caution if on the roads.
-
Sarnia, Ont. man facing weapons, drug charges following execution of search warrant
A Sarnia man is facing more than 30 criminal charges after multiple weapons, including a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, and illicit drugs were seized during a search warrant.
Windsor
-
Windsor police investigating 'targeted' double shooting
A man and a woman are suffering from serious gunshot-related injuries following a double shooting early Saturday morning at a downtown Windsor residence.
-
Salvation Army Windsor invites community to annual Christmas dinner celebration
With a goal of spreading joy and fostering a sense of togetherness during the holiday season, Salvation Army Windsor has announced its annual Christmas dinner celebration, and is inviting the entire community.
-
One dead, one in hospital after vehicle crashes into Lake Ontario
A man is dead and another is in hospital after a vehicle crashed into Lake Ontario early on Saturday morning.
Montreal
-
Renowned Quebec entrepreneur, partner reported dead in Caribbean
Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his spouse Dominique Marchand have died in their adopted home of Dominica, in the Caribbean, a source has confirmed.
-
WEATHER WARNING
WEATHER WARNING Snowfall warning issued for Montreal, southern Quebec
Environment Canada has issues a snowfall warning for many parts of southern Quebec, including the Montreal area.
-
Hundreds demonstrate against Quebec housing bill
Several hundred people demonstrated in Montreal on Saturday to oppose Bill 31 on housing, saying it will weaken the rights of renters.
Atlantic
-
The 60th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon nets over $600,000 for children in need
The 60th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon continued its Maritime traditions on Saturday, showcasing various Maritime talents throughout the seven-hour show.
-
Dozens took to the streets of Halifax calling for peace in Gaza
Dozens of Halifax residents gathered under gloomy skies – a reflection of their heavy hearts. They are calling for peace as the conflict between Gaza and Israel heats up again following the end of a humanitarian ceasefire.
-
New Brunswick market brings another reason to support local
Two vendors at Saturday’s Christmas craft and bake sale in Salisbury, New Brunswick brought forward some extra holiday cheer and another reason to support local.
Winnipeg
-
'It's historic': Holiday open house returns to Manitoba Legislature
A long-standing holiday tradition returned to the Manitoba Legislature Saturday.
-
Chad Allan, founding member of Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, dies at 80
Celebrated musician Chad Allan, who carved a place in Canadian rock music history as co-founder of iconic bands the Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, has died. He was 80.
-
North End duplex complete loss after fire sends one to hospital
One person is recovering in hospital after an overnight blaze in the North End.
Calgary
-
Ground broken on construction of new U of C veterinarian medicine facilities
The University of Calgary is receiving more provincial funding for its new veterinary medicine facilities.
-
Calgary police seek public assistance in search for Amanda Mary Hunt
Calgary police are asking for help finding a woman missing for almost a month.
-
Santa Shuffle kick starts Salvation Army Christmas program
Almost 400 runners left Eau Claire Saturday morning around 10, many dressed in Christmas attire for a chance to win some prizes.
Edmonton
-
Gun sighting prompts lockdown of West Edmonton Mall Saturday
West Edmonton Mall was locked down late Saturday afternoon after a shopper was seen with a gun.
-
'You can feel the excitement': Historic Italian Bakery reopens after arson
Edmonton's Chinatown warmly welcomed back a sweet Italian staple Saturday.
-
Canada's Alexandria Loutitt claims World Cup ski jumping silver
Canada's Alexandria Loutitt earned World Cup silver in women's ski jumping action on Sunday.
Vancouver
-
13-year-old boy and father targeted in Richmond double homicide, investigators say
Homicide investigators say the two people found dead inside a Richmond home Thursday night were father and son, and evidence gathered so far suggests they were targeted.
-
6-month ban, $2,000 penalty for Abbotsford dentist who admitted to improperly touching staff member
An Abbotsford dentist who was the subject of "extraordinary action to protect the public" earlier this year has reached a consent agreement with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals.
-
Number of British Columbians lost to toxic drugs in 2023 surpasses 2,000
At least 2,039 British Columbians have lost their lives to toxic drugs so far in 2023, according to the latest data release from the BC Coroners Service—marking the third year in a row more than 2,000 people have died from the province's ongoing overdose crisis.
