Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.
Miriam Jarjour said in an interview Thursday that she and her brother identified their father's body after receiving proof from the Canadian government.
Faraj Jarjour, 68, died on March 22 in Varadero, Cuba, and when they went to identify the father of two, a Russian man about 20 years younger -- who looked nothing like him -- was in the casket.
The family is still waiting for more details about how and when his body will be brought back to Canada.
"We're not happy up until now … we don't know when my father's body will arrive. I haven't had a funeral for my father. We're not sleeping well," said Miriam. "We just went on a little vacation but the vacation was a catastrophe."
It has been a tiring, devastating, and long ordeal that has really taken a toll on her mother.
She also confirmed that the Cuban government has refunded the family the $10,000 they paid to repatriate their father. "We're not well. The money means nothing for us because of what happened," Miriam said.
On Wednesday, the Cuban foreign minister apologized to the family on social media.
"Cuban authorities investigate to clarify the incident. I conveyed heartfelt condolences & apologies to relatives and friends of the deceased."
Canadian foreign minister Mélanie Joly called it an "unimaginable situation" on social media, adding that, "Canada will continue to help the Jarjour family until this situation is resolved."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Torchbearers in Marseille kick off the Olympic flame's journey across France
Torchbearers carried the Olympic flame through the streets of France's southern port city of Marseille on Thursday, a day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for a welcoming ceremony.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.