Quebec pharmacies will stop distributing free COVID-19 tests on Monday, with some exceptions
As of Monday, rapid tests will no longer be available free of charge to the majority of Quebecers.
Only those considered vulnerable to complications -- immunosuppressed adults, people over 60, pregnant people and adults living with chronic illness -- and those benefiting from free medication under the public drug insurance plan will have free access to COVID-19 screening tests in pharmacies.
However, those who don't meet these criteria will be able to purchase rapid tests at pharmacies, the Association québécoise des pharmaciens propriétaires (AQPP) said in a statement.
"Since the program began, Quebec pharmacies have distributed nearly 9,250,000 self-testing kits. This demonstrates the strength of our network in reaching all Quebecers through a public program," said AQPP President Benoit Morin in a press release.
The distribution of rapid test kits will continue in schools and early childhood centers, according to the Health Ministry.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 14, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Hurricane Beryl roars toward Mexico after leaving destruction in Jamaica and eastern Caribbean
Hurricane Beryl ripped off roofs in Jamaica, jumbled fishing boats in Barbados and damaged or destroyed 95 per cent of homes on a pair of islands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines before rumbling toward the Cayman Islands and taking aim at Mexico's Caribbean coast after leaving at least seven dead in its wake.
Son asks court to sell B.C. home he co-owns with his mother, despite her objections
A B.C. judge has ordered the sale of a Surrey home despite the objections of the woman who lives there, who owns it jointly with her son.
Ottawa landlord left with hefty bill after tenant trashes rental property
A landlord in Ottawa is facing thousands of dollars in repairs after his tenant left his only rental property damaged and disorderly.
If you qualify for this tax credit, you can expect a payment in your bank account this week
The next quarterly GST/HST tax credit payment is expected to go out this week, according to the Canada Revenue Agency.
Woman dead, four in hospital after hit-and-run on Toronto's Gardiner Expressway
A woman has died and four others have been taken to hospital following a hit-and-run collision overnight on the Gardiner Expressway.
We are in for a stronger, longer and earlier hurricane season. Here's why
With warmer-than-usual temperatures on the horizon this summer, a stronger and longer Atlantic storm season is ahead. A hurricane expert explains why that is and what to expect in the months ahead.
Will Justin Trudeau step down, or stay on? Survey shows what Canadians think
A majority of Canadians think Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will stay on to lead his party in the next election even as his approval ratings are still extremely low, a new poll suggests.
No Frills grocery stores drop 'multi-buy' offer
As receipts tick ever higher for Canadians at the grocery store and shoppers continue to search for savings, one Canadian grocer has ended a perceived deal.
Cape Breton police investigating gold-for-gas scam that targets unsuspecting drivers
Police in Cape Breton are investigating reports of a scam involving a seemingly stranded motorist flagging down drivers and offering gold jewelry in exchange for money to pay for gas or repairs.
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.
Toronto
-
What you need to know about a possible LCBO strike on Friday
Ontarians could see long lineups at LCBO stores across the province today as customers prepare for a possible strike that will close all LCBO locations for the next two weeks.
-
‘Finally I know who I am’: Holocaust survivor’s daughter reunited with long lost brother in Poland
A Toronto woman who had been searching for her biological parents since she was a child finally has the answers she longed for at the age of 77.
-
Coffee cups can now be recycled in blue bins at homes in Toronto
Residents can now recycle coffee cups at home in Toronto, after years of being told not to toss these plastic-lined materials in the blue bin.
Ottawa
-
No Frills grocery stores drop 'multi-buy' offer
As receipts tick ever higher for Canadians at the grocery store and shoppers continue to search for savings, one Canadian grocer has ended a perceived deal.
-
'Not my finest moment:' Police called to dispute between Ottawa city councillor and daycare owner
Ottawa city councillor Clarke Kelly says he is not apologizing after a Kinburn daycare owner alleged he screamed and swore in front of children during a dispute that saw police called to the scene on Wednesday afternoon.
-
Ottawa landlord left with hefty bill after tenant trashes rental property
A landlord in Ottawa is facing thousands of dollars in repairs after his tenant left his only rental property damaged and disorderly.
Atlantic
-
Photos appear to show dead humpback whale in Nova Scotia river
Photos posted online Thursday morning appear to show a dead humpback whale in Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie River.
-
P.E.I. First Nations, Ottawa establish national park reserve on sacred Mi'kmaq land
The government of Canada and Prince Edward Island's Mi'kmaq First Nations announced an agreement on Thursday to turn a pristine chain of islands with sacred cultural significance into a national park reserve.
-
Municipality warns residents to avoid swimming at 2 Dartmouth, N.S., beaches due to high bacteria levels
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents to avoid swimming at two Dartmouth, N.S., beaches due to high bacteria levels in the water.
N.L.
-
Evacuation order lifted in central Labrador after wildfires forced them to flee
There was relief in central Labrador Wednesday night as officials lifted a wildfire evacuation order, allowing people to return to their homes in Churchill Falls two weeks after they were asked to flee.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador fishers say commercial cod fishery should not reopen
The union representing inshore fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador is calling on the federal government to reverse its recent decision to reopen the commercial Northern cod fishery.
-
WATCH: Ode to Newfoundland rings out at emotional interment of Unknown Soldier
As part of the emotional ceremony honouring Newfoundland and Labrador's Unknown Soldier, the province's national anthem, The Ode to Newfoundland, was sung. Military members received special permission from defence officials to salute the Ode.
Northern Ontario
-
Man charged with attempted murder following incident in downtown Sudbury
A 33-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after a victim was attacked with a blunt object Wednesday evening in downtown Sudbury.
-
Another northern Ont. beekeeper looking for answers after 1.5M bees suddenly die
A northern Ontario beekeeper has lost half of her bee population – more than 1.5 million bees to be exact – due to what she believes is an acute chemical kill.
-
Full fuel tank was dangling from transport on Hwy. 17, northern Ont. police say
The driver of a commercial motor vehicle has been charged after police noticed something dangling underneath the vehicle.
London
-
-
'No threat to public safety': OPP continue death investigation in Central Huron
A youth has been charged with first degree murder after emergency services responded to a Cut Line Road address between Parr Line and Tipperary Line in Central Huron, where another youth was found, taken to hospital, and later pronounced deceased.
-
Pro-Palestinian protestors at Western say they aren't going anywhere
Pro-Palestinian protestors on Western University’s campus held a rally Wednesday night, saying they aren’t going anywhere.
Kitchener
-
Victim's family worries Derrick Lawlor will kill again
Mark McCreadie’s family fears his admitted killer will harm someone else if he’s ever released from prison.
-
Man arrested in connection to firework incident involving Waterloo, Ont., city councillor
Waterloo, Ont., regional police have arrested a man in connection to a Canada Day firework incident involving a city councillor.
-
Waterloo software firm OpenText cuts 1,200 jobs as part of business optimization plan
OpenText Corp.'s chief executive says the company plans to shed about 1,200 roles as part of a business optimization plan.
Windsor
-
Demolition date set for former Sears building in Devonshire Mall
The former Sears building in Devonshire Mall is set to be torn down later this month.
-
What’s happening in Windsor-Essex this weekend?
Summer is in full swing in Windsor-Essex, with many events planned for the first weekend in July.
-
What you need to know about a possible LCBO strike on Friday
Ontarians could see long lineups at LCBO stores across the province today as customers prepare for a possible strike that will close all LCBO locations for the next two weeks.
Barrie
-
SIU invokes mandate into Springwater Township fatal crash
The province's Special Investigations Unit is investigating a fatal crash in Springwater Township.
-
Thousands of charges laid by OPP during Canada Week Campaign
Ontario Provincial Police laid almost 18,000 charges between June 21 and July 1.
-
Suspects busted for stealing over $5K worth of furniture from Airbnb owner
Police arrested and charged two individuals for allegedly stealing over $5,000 worth of furniture from an Airbnb.
Vancouver
-
Chefs mourn for B.C.'s peaches but adapt to stone fruit wipeout
Chef Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson says that when it comes to a fat B.C. peach, there are "endless possibilities" for a fruit that signifies summer.
-
Pedestrian pilot project officially opens in Vancouver's Gastown
A pedestrian pilot project is now open in one of Vancouver’s liveliest neighbourhoods.
-
B.C. Lions linebacker Josh Woods suffers season-ending knee injury
A key defensive weapon for the B.C. Lions has had his season cut short by a knee injury.
Vancouver Island
-
Chefs mourn for B.C.'s peaches but adapt to stone fruit wipeout
Chef Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson says that when it comes to a fat B.C. peach, there are "endless possibilities" for a fruit that signifies summer.
-
Man charged in deadly shooting outside Wendy's restaurant on Vancouver Island
Three years after a man was gunned down outside a fast-food restaurant on Vancouver Island, a 42-year-old suspect has been charged with murder.
-
No tsunami threat after multiple earthquakes recorded off Vancouver Island
Five earthquakes were recorded in quick succession off the British Columbia coast on Wednesday afternoon.
Winnipeg
-
School division in Manitoba banning cell phones
One school division in Manitoba is banning cellphones from the classroom.
-
Assiniboine Park officials warn public to be vigilant around coyotes after incident on zoo grounds
Assiniboine Park officials are reminding the public to be vigilant around coyotes, amid reports the canines have been getting a bit too comfortable interacting with the public.
-
Taquitos and beer? Winnipeg 7-Eleven location to start serving booze
Winnipeggers will soon be able to pair their taquitos and Big Bite hot dogs with a glass of red.
Calgary
-
New E. coli infection discovered at Calgary preschool
Fueling Minds, the company at the centre of an E. coli outbreak last year, is dealing with another infection.
-
10 things to do in Calgary this weekend (July 5-7)
There are plenty of local events and activities you can check out in Calgary this weekend.
-
Brooks, Alta., company charged in connection with 2022 workplace death
Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) has filed 10 charges against a Brooks-based water management agency in connection with the death of a diver in 2022.
Edmonton
-
Record-setting hurricane headlines the past week in wild weather
Here's a look at some of the wild weather from around the world this past week.
-
Woman dead in southeast Edmonton after police answer assault call
A man is in police custody following the early Wednesday morning death of a woman in southeast Edmonton.
-
New E. coli infection discovered at Calgary preschool
Fueling Minds, the company at the centre of an E. coli outbreak last year, is dealing with another infection.
Regina
-
Sask. school divisions struggle with financial pressures despite 'record' education budget
School divisions across Saskatchewan are making it known that fiscal challenges remain, despite the province's attempts at addressing capacity issues in its most recent budget.
-
Sunwing Airlines seeking to overturn Regina couple's $800 compensation decision
A Regina couple who were paid $800 in compensation from Sunwing Airlines are now being taken back to court as the airline seeks to overturn the decision.
-
Canada-wide warrant issued for Regina homicide suspect
Regina police have identified 29-year-old Skylar Ochuschayoo as a suspect in the city's third homicide of the year.
Saskatoon
-
'It was empty': Co-op stores deal with cyberattack affecting supply
Shoppers who frequent Co-op stores in Saskatoon and the area may have to shop around to get what they need because of limited supply due to a cyberattack.
-
Traffic restricted on Circle Drive East following school bus crash
Traffic restrictions are in place for Northbound traffic exiting from Highway 16 onto Circle Drive East due to a single-vehicle collision involving a school bus.
-
Mother of Saskatoon homicide victim says court process is ‘very painful’
The mother of a Saskatoon homicide victim says getting justice in her daughter’s killing has been painful.
