Challenge invites children to go offline for a day
An upcoming challenge is inviting children to go offline for 24 hours. It comes as new evidence links scrolling and 'liking' to a negative impact on children's mental health.
Bella Peretz, 12, spends four to five hours on her cell phone every day and is taking part in the challenge.
Watch her story and learn about the challenge in CTV News Montreal journalist Olivia O'Malley's report above.
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 Canada becoming 51st U.S. state 'a great idea'
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is taking aim at Canada once more, saying it would be 'a great idea' to make it America's ‘51st state.'
After scamming their victims, some con artists go on to scam our courts with impunity
Convicts, including fraudsters, are skipping out on their court-ordered payments to their victims to the tune of tens of millions of dollars across the country, according to figures obtained by CTV W5.
The barriers and benefits as a global bank looks to branch out in Canada
It's not every day, or even every decade, that a big foreign bank decides to have a go at Canada's retail banking market. But Spain's Banco Santander is poised to be among the few that have tried as it nears the all-clear to expand in Canada.
Ryan Reynolds among new appointments to Order of Canada
Ryan Reynolds, Scott Oake and Maureen Ann Jennings are among the 88 new recipients of the Order of Canada.
Canadian government announces new border security plan amid Donald Trump tariff threats
The federal government has laid out a five-pillared approach to boosting border security, though it doesn't include specifics about where and how the $1.3-billion funding package earmarked in the fall economic statement will be allocated.
Nissan, Honda confirm talks on closer collaboration but say there's been no decision on a merger
Japanese automakers Nissan Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. confirmed Wednesday that they are discussing closer collaboration but denied reports they have decided on a merger.
Verdicts are due in the historic French rape trial that turned Gisele Pelicot into a feminist hero
French judges plan to deliver hugely anticipated verdicts this week in a historic drugging-and-rape trial that has turned the victim, Gisele Pelicot, into a feminist hero.
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
B.C. teacher disciplined for refusing to let student use bathroom
A teacher who refused to let a student use the bathroom in a B.C. school has been disciplined by the province's professional regulator.
Toronto
-
Restaurants who charge tax during holiday break could get investigated by CRA: industry expert
Restaurants who fail to honour the holiday tax break could be investigated by the Canada Revenue Tax Agency, according to the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association.
-
Toronto recreational soccer team calls on league to change gender inclusion policy
A recreational soccer team in Toronto says controversy surrounding its league's gender policy, which temporarily excluded non-binary players from women's teams, has sparked a bigger conversation about accessibility and support for LGBTQ+ athletes.
-
Snow in the forecast for Toronto after mild start to week
Snow is on the way after a stretch of mild weather in Toronto.
Ottawa
-
2 to 3 cm of snow in the forecast for Ottawa this Wednesday
An amount of two to three centimetres of snow is in the forecast for Ottawa this Wednesday.
-
Ottawa police looking for missing teenager who could be in the Toronto area
The Ottawa Police Service is asking the public for help locating a 15-year-old who was last seen last month, and who’s believed to be in the Toronto area.
-
Inquest jury deems Abdirahman Abdi's death after arrest a homicide, makes recommendations
The jury at a coroner's inquest deemed the 2016 death of an Ottawa man after his violent arrest a homicide, as it made more than 50 recommendations Tuesday aimed at preventing similar deaths in the future.
Atlantic
-
Snow forecast to fall in parts of the Maritimes this week
As rainy and gusty weather clears the Maritimes Tuesday, a round of snow and rain is lined up for late week.
-
Sex-ed group deemed 'inappropriate' by Tory government returns to N.B. schools
A sexual-education group whose presentations were deemed "clearly inappropriate" by the previous New Brunswick Progressive Conservative government has been cleared to return to the province's schools.
-
N.B.'s Horizon Health Network says it has 'planned far more diligently' for holiday season
With both sick and holiday seasons here, New Brunswick's Horizon Health Network say it's prepared heading into the holidays with proactive steps being taken.
N.L.
-
After fanfare of Churchill Falls deal, Newfoundland urged to learn its dam lessons
Energy observers in Newfoundland and Labrador are urging the provincial government to take a sober second look at a massive tentative deal announced last week with Quebec that promises to deliver hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue to the Atlantic province.
-
Backhoe used to tear the front off Newfoundland bank, four facing charges: RCMP
Four people in eastern Newfoundland are facing charges after a stolen backhoe was used to tear the front off the RBC bank in Holyrood.
-
'Breaking of gridlock' between Quebec, N.L. is the envy of former premiers
Former Newfoundland and Labrador premiers say a draft energy agreement signed Thursday with Quebec marks a historic break in a long-standing political standoff.
Northern Ontario
-
Volunteer firefighters in Markstay-Warren say they have been harassed by local councillor
Volunteer firefighters in Markstay-Warren say they have had enough of what they call unfair public scrutiny from a local municipal councillor.
-
'There's just no rhyme or reason': Sault gun shop owners frustrated by additions to gun ban
The federal government’s recent expansion of its gun buy-back program has frustrated firearm owners and sellers in the Sault Ste. Marie area.
-
Two in northern Ont. charged with manslaughter in death of a child
Two people have been charged with manslaughter and other offences in connection with the death of a seven-year-old two years ago in Hearst, Ont.
London
-
Vehicle fire next to London building
Officials say a transport tractor is on fire in the area of 295 Waterloo St. "with exposures."
-
Power restored, gas leak isolated after vehicle strikes building in London
Ridout Street north was shut down between Dufferin and Queens and east of Fullerton
-
Fatal crash near Meaford, police investigating
OPP, EMS and the Intertownship Fire Department responded to the area around 9:30 p.m
Kitchener
-
Victim of Cambridge, Ont. dog attack claims same animal is up for adoption without disclosure
A Cambridge, Ont. woman who was involved in a vicious dog attack this summer claims one of the dogs involved is now up for adoption.
-
Canadian government announces new border security plan amid Donald Trump tariff threats
The federal government has laid out a five-pillared approach to boosting border security, though it doesn't include specifics about where and how the $1.3-billion funding package earmarked in the fall economic statement will be allocated.
-
Cambridge kitchen fire results in serious burn injuries
One person was taken to hospital with serious burns after a fire Tuesday at a Cambridge apartment complex.
Windsor
-
New border security plan a 'great start', expert says
On Tuesday, Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc provided more details on a five-pillared approach with a price tag of $1.3 billion.
-
Shots fired at home in east Windsor
Windsor police are looking for a suspect after multiple shots were fired at a home in east Windsor.
-
Armed robbery suspect sought in south Windsor
Windsor police are asking for the public’s help identifying a robbery suspect who allegedly pointed a gun at an employee at a South Windsor business.
Barrie
-
Highway 93 fatal crash closes roads
An early-morning fatal collision has closed Highway 93 at Highway 400.
-
Midland R.I.D.E. program pulls drugs off streets
A routine R.I.D.E. check netted police a stash of drugs.
-
'We've been scammed,' Customers allege floating home company owner left them in limbo after payment
Several customers of a floating home company say their dream of living on the water has turned into a financial and emotional nightmare.
Vancouver
-
City staff recommend demolition for derelict vacant building in downtown Vancouver
The City of Vancouver’s chief building official has deemed a 176-room hotel in the heart of the city’s downtown too derelict and poorly maintained to remain standing.
-
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
-
'It's another Hail Mary pass by the Trudeau government': Experts and B.C. businesses react as GST holiday begins
B.C. businesses have been left scrambling to make the federal government's decision to slash GST for the holidays a reality.
Vancouver Island
-
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
-
Langford council votes unanimously in favor of purchasing Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre
Langford city council has voted unanimously in favor of purchasing the Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre for the price of $35 million. The facility's largest tenant is the YMCA/YWCA, which operates the municipality's only public pool.
-
Tofino Harbour Authority closed due to standoff with 'squatter,' agency says
The Tofino Harbour Authority says it has temporarily shuttered its office in the coastal Vancouver Island community due to an escalating standoff with the operator of a so-called "squatter" vessel.
Winnipeg
-
'Drastic measures' needed as Manitoba faces $1.3B deficit, experts say
With both Manitoba and Canada facing deficits far exceeding what they had hoped, experts warn drastic measures will be needed but fear Manitobans will be the ones paying.
-
Frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall heading to parts of Manitoba
A blast of wintry weather is heading to Manitoba on Wednesday, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall coming to parts of the province.
-
Winnipeg to start exploring the potential of 24-hour firefighter shifts
Firefighters in Winnipeg could one day work around the clock, like they already do in other cities.
Calgary
-
Calgary man pleads guilty to manslaughter in 2022 shootings
A Calgary man was sentenced to 16 years in jail after pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with two 2022 shootings.
-
'Condensed timeline' puts pressure on Calgary council to approve Green Line project
With timelines tightening, Calgary city council is asking for an urgent meeting with the Alberta government to discuss a reworked plan to build a multibillion-dollar light-rail-transit line connecting the city's southeast to downtown.
-
Sexual assault, breach of trust charges laid against former Calgary police officer
Vancouver police say Sgt. Matthew Ball and Const. Ryan Johnston, both of the Central Saanich Police, formed separate "intimate" and "inappropriate" relationships with a woman in her mid-20s they met while on duty.
Edmonton
-
Police officer hurt, 2 arrested after gun fight reported at Stantec Tower
A police officer and two men were taken to hospital on Tuesday after an arrest at Stantec Tower.
-
Caught on camera: Porch pirate steals dirty diapers from Edmonton step
A would-be thief got away with a bag of dirty diapers after snagging what they thought was a package off an Edmonton porch.
-
Lots of snow and some serious cold coming to Edmonton region Wednesday
Prepare for a significant dump of heavy snow Wednesday.
Regina
-
Conflict of Interest Commissioner recommends reprimand for Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill
Saskatchewan's Conflict of Interest Commissioner (COIC) is recommending a reprimand for Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill after finding he broke legislative rules when a company tied to his family participated in government contracts.
-
Chappell Roan 'looking at venues' for possible Sask. show
American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan is expressing some interest towards performing in Saskatchewan – after shouting out the province in a yet to be released song.
-
Sask. local businesses seeing holiday sales dip due to Canada Post strike
Canada Post employees are heading back to work after a month-long dispute – leading many local businesses to breathe a sigh of relief. However, business is not back to usual just yet.
Saskatoon
-
First Nation leaders push to close 'loophole' laws after judge stays fatal THC-impaired driving charge
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) wants to change the Criminal Code of Canada to prioritize victims that are children.
-
'She was fiercely competitive': Saskatoon historic Olympic medal winner honoured
One of Saskatoon’s most famous Olympians finally gets her official recognition — and it’s been almost a century in the making.
-
Sask. local businesses seeing holiday sales dip due to Canada Post strike
Canada Post employees are heading back to work after a month-long dispute – leading many local businesses to breathe a sigh of relief. However, business is not back to usual just yet.
