Ontario family lawyer says custody issues could rise among unvaccinated parents
SUDBURY -
Ontario family lawyer Russell Alexander is warning parents who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine may be at risk of losing custody or access to their children.
"This is the next evolution for divorcing parents," said Alexander from Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers.
"There was a case out of Chicago recently where a woman lost custody of her 11-year-old boy because she was unvaccinated."
"That decision was changed later when there was a lot of hue and cry on social media over the decision. But it appears to be a pattern we could be seeing in Ontario."
Alexander said about a year ago, a dad was flaunting COVID restrictions and he lost custody of his child. And his access went to online only.
"When it comes to vaccinations, the test for the court is going to be what is in the best interest of the child."
Alexander said if there’s a vaccine available for you and you choose not to take it, regardless if the child is eligible or not, that may call into question your judgment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Still working full time on it:' One year later police continue to search for gunman in Caledon double murder linked to ex-Olympian
One year after a couple was shot and killed in their Caledon home in what investigators have described as a case of mistaken identity, Ontario Provincial Police say they are still trying to figure out who pulled the trigger.
A man called 911 for help during a home invasion. Las Vegas police fatally shot him
A Las Vegas man called for police help during a home invasion before an officer fatally shot him, according to authorities and 911 calls.
Scurvy resurgence highlights issues of food insecurity in Canada's rural and remote areas
A disease often thought to only affect 18th century sailors is reemerging in Canada.
'Very disturbing': Deepfake videos appear to target Canadian immigrants for thousands of dollars
Artificially generated videos of a Toronto-based lawyer asking for money appear to be just one way some try to exploit newcomers to Canada during a time of confusion around new immigration rules.
Montreal police chief expects additional arrests following anti-NATO protest
Montreal's police chief says he expects more arrests stemming from a Friday anti-NATO protest that turned violent, with smashed windows and burned cars in downtown Montreal.
Canada 'already past due' on NATO defence spending target: U.S. House intelligence committee chair Mike Turner
The chair of the United States House intelligence committee says Canada needs to accelerate its defence spending targets, especially with its military in 'desperate' need of investment.
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator' make gravity-defying theatre debuts
With a combined US$270 million in worldwide ticket sales, 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' breathed fresh life into a box office that has struggled lately.
Lotto Max jackpot hits $80M for second time ever
The Lotto Max jackpot has climbed to $80 million for just the second time in Canadian lottery history.
Nova Scotia Tories appear safe with close battle for second between Liberals and NDP
With two days left before Nova Scotians elect their next government, polls suggest Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston's decision to call an early vote will pay off and the real battle will be between the Liberals and NDP for second place.
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
-
Driver seriously injured after crashing into tree: OPP
An overnight crash in Tiny Township is under investigation, where a car allegedly crashed into a tree and both occupants were taken to hospital.
-
First snowfall hits region
Simcoe Muskoka saw its first signs of snow of the season Sunday morning, with a mix of flurries and rain leading to worsening road conditions and police reporting multiple collisions.
-
Orillia holiday festivities continue with Santa Claus Parade
The streets of Downtown Orillia were packed Saturday evening for the City’s 119th annual Santa Claus parade.
Toronto
-
Walking pneumonia is on the rise in Canada, but what about Ontario?
Doctors and emergency rooms across Canada have said they are seeing an unusual rise in walking pneumonia cases, particularly in children, but what about here in Ontario?
-
'It's an optimistic space:' Inside Toronto's new drug withdrawal centre
Joshua Orson sits on the edge of a bed in a bright, clean room, thinking about his journey from addict to health-care worker.
-
Routes to avoid during the 120th Santa Claus Parade on Sunday
The 120th Santa Claus Parade is back in Toronto on Sunday and will bring along some road closures.
Ottawa
-
Ottawa police arrest 2 during pro-Palestinian demonstrations Saturday
Ottawa police laid charges against two people during a pro-Palestinian demonstration on Saturday.
-
Here's how you can watch CTV News at Six on Sundays during the NFL season
With CTV broadcasting NFL football games on Sundays this season, CTV News at Six will be broadcasting live on our website and the CTV News App.
-
Sandy Hill apartment building evacuated for high levels of carbon monoxide
Ottawa firefighters evacuated an apartment building in Sandy Hill after detecting high levels of carbon monoxide on Saturday night.
Kitchener
-
Kitchener auto repair shop hosts fundraiser for children with disabilities, joined by hockey legend Wendel Clark
An auto repair shop based in Kitchener held a special fundraiser Saturday to help children and youth with physical disabilities, with former Maple Leafs captain Wendel Clark in attendance.
-
Colleges and universities face job cuts, deficits amid international student cap
Groups representing post-secondary institutions say this may just be the tip of the iceberg, as dramatic drops in international student enrolment exacerbate some schools' existing budget shortfalls.
-
Walking pneumonia is on the rise in Canada, but what about Ontario?
Doctors and emergency rooms across Canada have said they are seeing an unusual rise in walking pneumonia cases, particularly in children, but what about here in Ontario?
London
-
London fire on scene of blaze at house
The London Fire Department is on scene of a house fire in the city.
-
-
Assault at Santa Claus parade leads to charges
The St. Thomas police have arrested someone after an incident at the Santa Claus parade on Saturday.
Windsor
-
Two vehicle collisions in Essex County Saturday
The Essex OPP has confirmed two vehicle collisions in Essex County on County Road 42.
-
Spitfires double Ottawa 67s 6-3
The Windsor Spitfires took home the win against the Ottawa 67s in Windsor on Saturday night.
-
Festival brings Indian classical dance back to the stage
For the first time in six years, classical Indian dance forms returned to the stage in Windsor as part of the Umang Light of Hope Festival.
Montreal
-
Montreal police chief expects additional arrests following anti-NATO protest
Montreal's police chief says he expects more arrests stemming from a Friday anti-NATO protest that turned violent, with smashed windows and burned cars in downtown Montreal.
-
Two pedestrians die after being struck by a vehicle in Montérégie
Two pedestrians in their 60s died on Saturday after being struck by a vehicle in Saint-Théodore-d'Acton, in Montérégie.
-
Montreal prepares to sell long-abandoned Empress theatre
The Empress Theatre, a nearly century-old landmark in Montreal's Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG) neighbourhood, may soon be revitalized.
Winnipeg
-
Winnipeg transit union gives back with first fill-a-bus event
‘Tis the season of giving, and the union representing Winnipeg transit workers found a way to take part and spread holiday cheer throughout the city.
-
Have you seen Bostyn? Winnipeg police search for missing teenager
Winnipeg police are asking the public to help find a 15-year-old girl who went missing Saturday afternoon.
-
Two Manitobans charged in two-day manhunt in northwestern Ontario
A two-day manhunt in northwestern Ontario has ended in more than 20 charges against a Manitoba man and woman.
Atlantic
-
Man arrested in Saint John, N.B., for weapons offences
Saint John Police Force in Saint John, N.B., arrested a 30-year-old man for weapons related offenses on Saturday.
-
'We need answers': Protest held at RCMP detachment for suspicious disappearance of N.B. man
A crowd of over 20 people stood in the pouring rain Saturday in front of the RCMP detachment in Hampton, N.B., to bring awareness to a missing person’s case.
-
Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign begins across Canada
The 134th Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign started Saturday across Canada.
N.L.
-
As N.L. firm pivots, scientists say Canada's green hydrogen dreams are far-fetched
A Newfoundland energy company's embrace of data centres is raising doubts about eastern Canadian hopes of harnessing the region's howling winds to supply Germany with power from green hydrogen.
-
Canadian leads group pushing Vatican for zero-tolerance policy on abuse by clergy
An international group led by a Canadian is in Rome this week to push the Catholic Church to adopt a zero-tolerance policy on abuse by clergy.
-
Newfoundland wind-to-hydrogen company eyes data centre as international market lags
A company hoping to build a multi-billion-dollar wind-to-hydrogen project in western Newfoundland is eyeing other options as Canada's plans to supply Europe with green energy have not yet materialized.
Calgary
-
Snowfall warning lifted but flurries remain in Sunday forecast
The snowfall warning for Calgary has been lifted after a Saturday snowstorm socked the city, but there are still flurries in the forecast for Sunday.
-
Revival of Pospisil, power play fuels Flames to 4-3 shootout win over Wild
A week ago, the Calgary Flames were winning despite Martin Pospisil's slump and the NHL club's weak power play.
-
Snow routes declared active for Lethbridge starting at 9 a.m. Monday
Snow routes were declared active in Lethbridge, the city posted on its website. Starting at 9 a.m. Monday, parking restrictions will be in effect for streets declared to be snow routes.
Edmonton
-
Electric cars a 'hot commodity' in Alberta despite misconceptions
Electric vehicles are off Alberta car lots, despite what experts say are some ongoing misconceptions about the technology.
-
McDavid paces Edmonton Oilers to 6-2 win over New York Rangers
Connor McDavid had two goals and an assist for the Edmonton Oilers in a 6-2 win over the visiting New York Rangers on Saturday.
-
Hit-and-run driver wanted after pedestrian hit in southeast Edmonton
Police are looking for a hit-and-run driver after a pedestrian was hit on Thursday night.
Regina
-
Regina slammed with second snowstorm inside a week
Regina digging itself out is yet again – mere days after it was slammed with the first major snowfall of the season.
-
Dinosaur discovery reveals more about ancient Saskatchewan
Researchers from McGill University have discovered a first of its kind fossil specimen for Saskatchewan.
-
Navy wife brings together local authors for inaugural book fair
Sixteen local authors and book publishers gathered Saturday for the first ever Regina Bookwyrm’s Book Fair, organized by a Navy wife.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon digs out from another snowfall
Saskatoon residents are digging out from another major snowfall that blanketed the city overnight.
-
'I'm excited to take it on': Saskatoon businesses weigh in on GST exemption
Some local businesses say the federal government’s recent plan to pull back GST on several items is a positive initiative, but it should have been rolled out earlier in the holiday season.
-
Make A Wish kids get early holiday magic in Saskatoon
This holiday season, Make-A-Wish kids and their families are experiencing the magic of Christmas a little early at Saskatoon’s historic Hotel Bessborough.
Vancouver
-
Cat caught in hunting snare rescued by BC SPCA
Donations are ramping up for a BC SPCA cat with a mangled paw after being caught in a hunting snare, one of a rising number of pets to fall prey to the hunting device.
-
Widow of Chinese businessman who was executed for murder can sell her Vancouver house, court rules
A murder in China and a civil lawsuit in B.C. have been preventing the sale of multiple Vancouver homes, but one of them could soon hit the market after a court ruling.
-
Vancouver Canucks fend off Ottawa Senators late surge in 4-3 win
The Vancouver Canucks kicked off a six-game road trip by holding off the Ottawa Senators 4-3.
Vancouver Island
-
BC Hydro says power almost fully restored after B.C. windstorms
British Columbia's electric utility says it has restored power to almost all customers who suffered outages during the bomb cyclone earlier this week, but strong wind from a new storm has made repairs difficult in some areas.
-
Fall legislative sitting scrapped in B.C. as Speaker Chouhan confirmed to serve again
There won't be a sitting of the British Columbia legislature this fall as originally planned.
-
Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talk carry on over weekend
Canada Post says it has seen a shortage of more than eight million parcels amid an ongoing strike that has effectively shut down the postal system for nine days compared with the same period in 2023.
