Reality of war very real for Timmins, Ont., family whose daughter is fighting for Ukraine
Dozens of people gathered at the cenotaphs in South Porcupine and Timmins on Monday for Remembrance Day ceremonies in honour of those who’ve fought in major wars and those who’ve picked up where they’ve left off.
Among those at the ceremony were the parents of a woman who is volunteering on the front lines with the Ukrainian army.
Colleen Ludgate and her husband Paul Cousineau attended the Remembrance Day Ceremony in Timmins. Their daughter, Brittany Shki-Giizis, is a member of the Canadian military on a temporary sabbatical to fight with the Ukrainians against Russia. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario)
Colleen Ludgate and Paul Cousineau of Timmins said their daughter, Brittney Shki-Giizis, has taken a temporary sabbatical from the Canadian military to help Ukraine.
She’s been there since March.
“It's very hard," Ludgate said.
"You know, every morning she says, 'OK, you know, I have to go to war today,' and we just wait until she finally says, 'OK, I made it back safe today' and we can sleep tonight. But we're very proud."
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
Ludgate said her daughter fell in love with Eastern European culture when she was in Poland about a year ago to help Ukrainians train on the tanks Canada provided for their war effort.
"She felt it was really necessary for her to go out and do her duty," Ludgate said, "so that when she comes back, she can tell her troops that I understand what you're going through, not just tell them, get out there and sacrifice your life."
Ludgate said Shki-Giizis is a 31-year-old gunner in the Ukrainian Army, helping on the front line. Her daughter could be there for up to five years.
"It makes it really, really real when you think about all the others who have served and what they went through, what their families went through and you can understand and it really strikes you right in the heart."
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
Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024
This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories.
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
Thousands without power on Christmas as winds, rain continue in B.C. coastal areas
Thousands of people in British Columbia are without power on Christmas Day as ongoing rainfall and strong winds collapse power lines, disrupt travel and toss around holiday decorations.
Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters
Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather.
Canadian activist accuses Hong Kong of meddling, but is proud of reward for arrest
A Vancouver-based activist is accusing Hong Kong authorities of meddling in Canada’s internal affairs after police in the Chinese territory issued a warrant for his arrest.
New York taxi driver hits 6 pedestrians, 3 taken to hospital, police say
A taxicab hit six pedestrians in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, police said, with three people — including a 9-year-old boy — transported to hospitals for their injuries.
Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38 with 29 survivors, officials say
An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors, a Kazakh official said.
Barrie
-
Here's when Santa is coming down your chimney, live tracking underway in Simcoe County
The spirit of Christmas is in the air as Santa Claus begins his lasting journey to deliver presents to children around the region.
-
Help this missing pup make it home for Christmas
The Ontario SPCA in Barrie needs your help bringing this handsome pup home to his family before Christmas.
-
Last minute shoppers braced for chaos but found calm on Christmas Eve
Many shoppers were out on Christmas Eve, and while the rush was expected to be chaotic, many found the day surprisingly manageable.
Toronto
-
'A strong woman who never gave up': East Toronto neighbourhood shaken by death of unhoused resident
People in Toronto’s east end are shaken after a well-known unhoused woman from the community reportedly died over the weekend.
-
Man wanted for 2 unprovoked incidents in downtown Toronto on Christmas Eve
Toronto police are searching for a suspect who allegedly choked a female in downtown Toronto then threatened an employee at a business with a hammer.
-
1 person seriously injured in Scarborough stabbing
One person was taken to the hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries following a stabbing on Dec. 25 in Scarborough, say paramedics.
Ottawa
-
Ottawa G1 driver caught driving uninsured, unaccompanied with out-of-service plate on HWY 417
A G1 driver is facing multiple charges after being stopped on Highway 417 in Ottawa for out-of-service licence plate Wednesday, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
-
YEAR-IN-REVIEW
YEAR-IN-REVIEW Top stories in Ottawa in 2024
It was a year of change in Ottawa in 2024, with federal public servants required to spend more time in the office, alcohol now available in grocery stores and gas stations, and the Ottawa Senators taking the next step towards moving downtown.
-
What's open and closed in Ottawa over the holidays
CTVNewsOttawa.ca takes a look at what's open and closed over the Christmas and New Year's holidays this year.
Kitchener
-
Feel-good stories of 2024: Dramatic dog rescue, Guelph toddler gets transplant and lost letters returned
Before we say goodbye to 2024, let’s look back at some of the good news stories we brought to you this year.
-
Why holiday shopping may feel a little different this year
At around 11 a.m. Tuesday at Kitchener’s Fairview Park Mall, there were plenty of parking spots available. It’s a sign that maybe this year, the rush for last minute gifts is no more.
-
How to stay safe during the holiday season
As fun festivities begin, the Canadian government, SickKids and fire departments in the Waterloo Region are reminding families of the higher safety risks during the holiday season.
London
-
Palace Theatre boarded up over the holidays due to recent damage
A break in, theft, and continued property damage has led to the boarding up of the Palace Theatre over the Christmas holidays.
-
Knights stars ready to help Canada chase gold at World Juniors
Three London Knights are on the roster, including Easton Cowan, who scored a hat-trick in Canada’s first exhibition game.
-
London fire responds to Wellington Road collision, contains fuel leak
London Fire Department was on the scene of a two vehicle collision involving a delivery truck on Tuesday morning.
Windsor
-
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
-
VIDEO
VIDEO From a repaired stuffed animal to an ATV, shoppers reveal the best gift they have ever received
We asked people of all ages getting in some last-minute Christmas Eve shopping inside Windsor’s Devonshire Mall to talk about the best present they've ever received — and their answers might just warm your heart this holiday season.
-
'We may have to look at other sensible locations': Where will Windsor’s new H4 be located?
The search for a site to house Windsor’s new Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4) is back underway after the city scrapped plans at 700 Wellington Avenue on Monday.
Montreal
-
Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters
Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather.
-
Montreal man dead after boat explodes in Fort Lauderdale
A Montreal man is dead and several others are injured after a boat exploded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
-
54-year-old woman dies after getting trapped under a vehicle exiting driveway
A 54-year-old pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle exiting a driveway in Montreal's Lachine borough has died.
Winnipeg
-
'They gambled with trees': Cutting down trees resumes in Lemay Forest
The next chapter of the Lemay Forest saga has unfolded as the sounds of trees coming down could be heard Monday.
-
One person dead, another injured following Monday night house fire
One person has died and another is in unstable condition following a house fire Monday evening.
-
Winnipeg police investigating string of packages being stolen
The Winnipeg Police Service is investigating a string of package thefts in the Transcona area.
Atlantic
-
Two deaths in Truro ruled homicides: RCMP
Police in Nova Scotia are investigating after two deaths in Truro, N.S., over the weekend have been ruled homicides.
-
Snow forecast through Christmas Eve for parts of the Maritimes
Parts of the Maritimes that were hit by a weekend snowstorm are in for more of the white stuff this Christmas Eve.
-
'Can I taste it?': Rare $55,000 bottle of spirits for sale in Moncton, N.B.
A rare bottle of Scotch whisky is for sale in downtown Moncton, N.B., with a price tag reading $55,000.
N.L.
-
Her son needed help with addiction. Instead, he's spending Christmas in N.L. jail.
As Gwen Perry prepares for a Christmas without contact from her son, who is locked inside a notorious St. John's, N.L., jail, she wants people to understand that many inmates need help, not incarceration.
-
A massive, menacing Steller's sea eagle is dazzling birders in a Newfoundland park
A national park in Newfoundland has made the unusual move of opening in the winter so people can catch a glimpse of its rare and menacing new guest.
-
Newfoundland woman washed sick patients' hair every Saturday for more than 20 years
A retired nurse and teacher in Newfoundland was honoured this week for her volunteer work, which included more than two decades washing the hair of bedridden hospital patients.
Calgary
-
Solar burgers: How agrivoltaics is marrying food production with green energy
Jason Bradley spent 20 years of his career as ranch manager at a 50,000-acre grazing operation in west-central Alberta, so he understands why people react with skepticism to the idea of raising a herd of cattle on a working solar farm.
-
Lake Louise ice climber takes a scary fall, then carries on climbing ice
The sport of ice climbing is becoming more and more popular, but one man is lucky to be alive after a serious fall in Alberta’s back country.
-
First responders spend Christmas Eve circling Alberta Children’s Hospital in tribute to hospital staff and kids
More than a dozen emergency vehicles headed to Alberta Children’s Hospital Tuesday, but there was no disaster.
Edmonton
-
Alberta premier hopes for health reform payoff in 2025, regrets deferring tax cut
"It may have been better for Albertans if we'd implemented and then found a way to be able to pay for it."
-
Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics.
-
Lake Louise ice climber takes a scary fall, then carries on climbing ice
The sport of ice climbing is becoming more and more popular, but one man is lucky to be alive after a serious fall in Alberta’s back country.
Regina
-
Pedestrian collision sends man to hospital with life-threatening injuries
One man has been sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries after he was struck by a vehicle in the early hours of Wednesday in Regina.
-
Here's what's open and what's closed in Regina this holiday season
Here's what residents can expect in terms of city services as Regina slides right into the Christmas holidays.
-
This miniature village is a Christmas tradition for one Regina family
A miniature Christmas village made of decorative houses and buildings has been slowly growing in a Regina home.
Saskatoon
-
'People prop the doors open': Saskatoon resident concerned as people shelter in her stairwell
With the number of homeless people in Saskatoon at an unprecedented high, it’s no surprise people are looking for places to warm up.
-
Sask. highway closed following serious collision
The Saskatchewan RCMP are investigating a serious collision on Highway 7, approximately 15 kilometres west of Rosetown.
-
A separate Ukrainian Christmas may be a thing of the past
There might be more households than usual celebrating this Christmas Eve, as many Ukrainians around the world are opting to abandon the orthodox calendar.
Vancouver
-
Thousands without power on Christmas as winds, rain continue in B.C. coastal areas
Thousands of people in British Columbia are without power on Christmas Day as ongoing rainfall and strong winds collapse power lines, disrupt travel and toss around holiday decorations.
-
Passenger dead following pickup truck crash in Surrey, B.C.
A section of B.C.’s Highway 15 has closed following a crash that killed a person Christmas Day.
-
Homegrown gift-giving initiative makes Christmas morning magic for families in need
On Christmas morning, hundreds of families throughout the Lower Mainland who otherwise might not have had anything to open were given sackfuls of brightly wrapped gifts to unwrap with their families, courtesy of a grassroots charity ran by one Surrey woman.
Vancouver Island
-
BC Ferries cancels many Christmas Day sailings, says others 'at risk'
The stormy weather in the forecast for B.C.'s South Coast is already disrupting many Christmas Day travel plans.
-
Janitors at Vancouver airport ratify deal with employer, end strike
The janitors who clean the Vancouver International Airport have ratified a new collective agreement with their employer, ending their strike on Christmas Eve.
-
Gas leaking after truck crash in Port Moody not ammonia, police say
There were tense moments for first responders in Port Moody on Christmas Eve, after a commercial truck crashed and began leaking gas.
