Hantavirus confirmed for suspected individual | CTV National News for Sunday, May 17, 2026

Tonight, backlash from Beijing.A Canadian MP's trip raising diplomatic tensions.Conservative MP Michael Chong on his visit to Taiwan.

It's really important for us to show solidarity with another democracy.

A political trip with global consequences and how China is responding.Consumer confusion costing Canadians billions of dollars.Food can often be used even after the best before date has passed.What you should double check before throwing out that food as advocates call for a change in labels.Plus, from playground to payday.

You're buying something that you can put in your hands, you can keep in your home, you can pass down to your kids.

Inside the Pokemon card craze, why it's drawing such massive crowds, turning childhood interests into big business.Good evening.Canadian MPs travel plans are sparking sharp reaction from Beijing tonight.Conservative Michael Chang is in Taiwan where he's set to meet with leaders including the president.CTV's Jeremy Churan now on China's warning to Canada to proceed with caution.

It's a trip to Taiwan with specific goals.

First.It's to show solidarity with a democracy on the front lines of authoritarian threats that are coming from Beijing.

But Conservative MP and foreign affairs critic Michael Chong has also travelled halfway around the world to send a message.

Canada is an independent sovereign country and we do not take direction from foreign governments aboutwhere Canadian MPs can travel internationally.

A reference to comments made by China's ambassador in an interview with the Globe and Mail last month, warning visits to Taiwan like this by parliamentarians could damage trade relations between the two countries.

Let's be clear, China won't like it, and China doesn't like when parliamentarians or senators or congressmen and women visit Taiwan.

In a statement to CTV News today, China's embassy condemned the trip, arguing it contravenes a red line for China -Canada relations, urging to refrain from interfering in China's internal affairs.Taiwan is a self -governed island, but China has long claimed ownership of the territory.Canada's policy has long been to take note of China's claim without challenging or endorsing it.

I get the geopolitics, and I know that the current government of Canada is trying to diversify.I'm not sure that China would be the choice of the best dance partner when it comes to being a country that's aligned on values.

Prime Minister Mark Carney traveled to China in January, a trip that led to tariffs being removed from Canadian canola products and some Chinese EVs being given access to the Canadian market, along with the signing of a new strategic partnership.

I don't know what impact it's going to have on what... was agreed to last January because we don't know exactly what was agreed to.

A senior government official tells CTV News the foreign affairs minister remains in regular contact with her Chinese counterparts and efforts continue on both sides to further a diplomatic thaw.

Jeremy, thank you.CTV's Jeremy Charron in Ottawa.There is still much reaction swirling over Ottawa's recent announcement of a new pipeline agreement with Alberta.Some people in that province viewing it as a path towards economic stability.But as CTV's Cathy Lee reports, not everyone is convinced the deal goes far enough.

When oil was booming in Alberta more than a decade ago...This Calgary restaurant owner says business was booming, too.It was amazing.Now, Michael Noble believes a new pipeline could help revive the province's economy.

I think there would be such a trickle -down effect for not only the restaurant industry, but society in general.

His optimism follows an agreement between Ottawa and Alberta that could see a new oil pipeline to the West Coast under construction as early as next fall, with oil flowing by 2033, 2034.This oil and gas worker in northern Alberta says more jobs will be created, but he remains cautiously optimistic.

I hope for it, but I know the struggles that we have with the Trans Mountain.and getting those approva we had.

As for the potenti many questions remain, in it, where it will go and h communities will unfold w opposed to the project.

I it in a robust way and I it with indigenous partne forward to having that co get to that step.

The de to a massive carbon captu of Alberta's industrial carbon price reaching $130 a ton by 2040 instead of 2030.

It will be important that it's done from a respectful and environmental friendly approach.

I think the carbon capture part of it is just a silly waste of money.And while both governments are framing the deal as a sign of cooperation, some Alberta separatists argue the province is making major climate concessions without any guarantee a pipeline will ever be built.

it's good for Alberta, you know, I think is galvanizing our movement to understand that the only way forward is to get out of Alberta.

At least for Noble, he is hopeful about the project.That isn't only for the benefit of Alberta.Saying a stronger energy sector could help boost the entire country.Kathy Lee, CTV News, Calgary.

An official confirmation today that a Canadian has tested positive for the hantavirus.A national lab test reaffirming what had been described yesterday as a presumptive positive case.The Yukon resident began developing mild symptoms while isolating in BC, including a fever and headache.The person is one of four Canadians who traveled on a cruise ship that was the epicenter of a deadly outbreak of the virus.The World Health Organization has officially declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.So far, more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths are blamed on the rare strain of the virus.

Because of the transmissibility of this and the case fatality rate of somewhere around 25 to 50 percent, this is a concern that we all, the world, needs to be paying attention to.

The WHO's emergency declaration is intended to prompt a global response, but conflict and migration in the region are complicating containment efforts.Cracks in Canada's family health care system were put under the microscope this week by an innovative endeavor.First -year medical students in Ontario went into an underserved community to connect patients with family doctors.CTV's Kamal Karmali has their story.

These health advisors you're seeing here aren't doctors, but first -year medical students trying to fill the gap in Canada's doctor shortage.Heading right into the community at this mosque just outside Toronto to connect underserved Canadians with a family physician.

Meeting people where they are, where they feel comfortable.

Talia Hassan now studying to become a doctor after her family's struggle in finding one.

I've definitely seen this need going up just from my grandparents who have struggled to find good family doctors.

The initiative applauded by practicing physicians.

I think it's wonderful and full props to the medical students.

And is this what it's going to take getting first -year students out into the community to help fill that doctor -patient gap?

So this is one approach into a community It has been historically marginalized.This is a very new thing.I've never heard of something like this.I think it shows just how desperate the situation is.

More than 6 million Canadians are without a family doctor, according to advocacy groups.Adding to the dilemma, Canada's population is growing, while more doctors are looking at early retirement.It's actually getting worse because relatively fewer physicians.Additional administrative work is adding to the burden and causing burnout.But doctors say patients' needs have also grown.more complex.

Medical technology is continuing to accelerate.Because of that, we do have more options available.It does often mean that the counseling that we're doing now does take longer.

So while they wait for provinces to fix the health care system by increasing pay and decreasing paperwork, this is what they say they need to resort to for now.

It's all about breaking down obstacles, and it just provides the help where they are.

While Ontario's health minister did not respond to CTV News' request for comment, The province continues to say it is on track to connect every Ontarian to a primary care provider by 2029.

All right, Kamal, thank you.Getting health care support is only part of the struggle for some patients who also face financial challenges.A Winnipeg man is sharing his story tonight, paying nearly $30 ,000 a month for a device to help shrink a brain tumor.As CTV's Alex Karpa explains, it's approved by Health Canada, but not covered in his book.

Francesco Colosimo was hospitalized after suffering a seizure in May of last year.During his treatment, doctors discovered he had glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.Despite surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the cancer continued to progress.

My language skills tanked.My ability to walk, by late October, I was in a wheelchair.That was, at that point, was really all I could do to move.

Doctors gave Colosimo three to six months to live, but his wife Shauna refused to give up hope.After researching alternative treatments, she discovered Optune Geo, a portable, wearable device designed to slow or stop glioblastoma cancer cell division.

So this is an over -the -shoulder carrier.

Colosimo began using the Health Canada -approved device in December and noticed dramatic improvements.

It was progressive evolution in how we were doing the ability to talk, walk.be around friends, understand where we were going.

The British Columbia began covering the cost of the Optune Geodevice back in February, but the Manitoba government does not provide any funding.As a result, the Colosimo family has been paying up to $28 ,000 per month to use the treatment.Shauna said they have received support through donations to help cover ongoing monthly costs.They are urging the Manitoba government, however, to help fund the device for patients in the province.

If it was covered and it was given as an option of treatments, even in the beginning, we could have started it right when he was diagnosed.

Manitoba's health minister says the device is under review as a new medical technology, but no decision has been made on funding.Despite the fight, Clossimo says he is grateful for the extra time he's been given.

The ability to go and talk to friends and family and my kids and we can spend time together and just be there.It's a win.

Hoping his story will help others learn about treatment options they may not know exist.Alex Karpos, CTV News, Winnipeg.

A disturbing case has an Ontario man facing multiple counts of animal cruelty.57 kittens and 8 cats were rescued from a home near Toronto.The investigation was sparked when police were alerted to multiple instances of animals being sold in distressing conditions and later dying.A 38 -year -old man is facing 134 counts of causing unnecessary cruelty to animals.U .S.

President Donald Trump has issued a new warning to Iran, saying the country's leaders need to work quickly to end the conflict in the Middle East.Trump wrote on social media, they better get moving fast or there won't be anything left of them.Adding time is of the essence.Trump is expected to meet his top national security advisors on Tuesday to discuss options for renewed military action against Iran.Incredibly, no fatalities at this air show in Idaho when two U .S.

Navy fighter jets collided in midair, the planes appearing to get tangled up together after impact.Moments later, the four aviators on board eject, parachuting to safety while the jets crash and explode into a fireball.Coming up, throwing your money in the trash.

Best before dates are costing households anywhere between $150 to $300 a year.

Why label confusion is costing you money and what you need to know to make your groceries last longer.Ottawa is pouring millions into artificial intelligence, backing dozens of Canadian companies.But that high -tech boom requires major power.And as CTV's Maria Saru reports, officials on Prince Edward Island say their system is already under strain.

Talking trade, technology, and what it takes to grow, Canada's industry minister was in Charlottetown this week.But as the federal government pushesA .I.I.adoption, some business leaders worry P .E .

I.'s power system will struggle to keep up.

We seem to be on the precipice of an energy crisis right now.

The province's electricity supplier has warned P .E .I.could face shortfalls at peak times and has prepared customers for rotating outages when it reaches maximum capacity.AI applications is a significant contributor to rising energy demand and requires substantial computing power.

We've got a real opportunity to grow and grow really fast, but we just won't be able to do it if we don't have energy and power.

Most of the island's electricity comes from New Brunswick through four subsea cables.Two are nearing end of life and the provincial government says replacing them is a high priority, but that will require federal funding and PEI has applied for preliminary support.When asked about funding for provinces, Canada's AI minister pointed to the National Electricity Strategy launched this week, which aims to double grid capacity by 2050.

There is a huge focus on making sure we've got baseload power and that we've got the energy grid to support the future.

Back on the island, hands went up at another business event when keynote speaker Jane Arnott asked who is already using AI.

AI is here.It is everywhere.

It's being used all the time for operational efficiency.hurdle is for island infrastructure to handle more demand.

Maria Sreu, CTV News, Charlottetown.Billions of dollars in food gets tossed out every year in Canada, not because it's unsafe, but because of label confusion.Best before or expired.Turns out many people don't know the difference.CTV's Alison Bamford on the change advocates are calling for.

Naomi Hansen is saving these onion skins for another day, mixed in with otherfrozen discarded vegetables, she plans to make a broth.And that's just giving this stuff really a second life.She's actively trying to reduce food waste and make her kitchen sustainable, a goal of hers for the last five years and something she literally wrote the book on.Those are just types of things that you practice them and they become habits.habits like freezing food before it gets old and taking stock of everything in her kitchen to know exactly what she has and when she needs to eat it.

Food can often be used even after the best before date has passed as long as it has been stored appropriately.It's unopened.

A new report shows billions of dollars worth of perfectly good food is wasted every year due to confusion over best before dates.Best before dates are about peak quality.They have absolutely nothing to do with safety.Second Harvest estimates $58 billion worth of annual food waste is avoidable.A quarter of it is due to products with the best before dates being tossed before they even make it into the consumer's hand.

Nobody produces food or makes food or buys food to throw it away.So Let's start doing that.

Expiration dates are different and only required on a handful of products, including baby formula.Health Canada says those products should not be consumed past the expiry date.Advocates say awareness and clarity on labels could help Canadians save money.

Those before dates are costing households anywhere between $150 to $300 a year just because they're throwing away perfectly safe food for Hanson.

The drive behind her habits is twofold.

It saves you money and and in terms of some other climate actions.I would say it's kind of relatively easy to tackle.

And it all starts in the kitchen.Alison Bamford, CTV News, Saskatoon.Still ahead, got to catch them all.

How collectible cards have become a cash crop, luring thousands to Montreal.They are full of colorful characters, but make no mistake, Pokémon cards are definitely not just for kids.Huge crowds gathered in Montreal today, chasing collectibles worth thousands.CTV's Christine Long shares their excitement.

The lineup wound around the block.5 ,000 Pokémon fans streamed into the Centre Mont -Royal on Sherbrooke West.

Other people's cards and see what they have and like maybe trade.

Welcome to the Pokéverse.hundreds of collectible cards representing the unique Pokemon characters.

It's been 35 years for me since Pokemon's kind of been alive and well.

Pokemon is the number one media company in the entire world.Co -organizer Marc Bouchard says this is the place to buy, sell, and trade.

Supply and demand, right?So for the expensive cards, most of the time they're rare.People are looking to get them as well.Some are really hard to find.So that's why we're making a space like this where people can find those rare cards.But at the same time, it's for everyone.

Even if you collect the one said card, you can find it here.probably some $50 ,000 cards over there as well.So it's not even a perfect 10.

And it's still, you know, $2 ,000.

With that kind of money on the table, there's been instances of theft of Pokemon cards.So there's playing close security guards in this crowd.That means collectors like Chris Henney can bring in their catalog with confidence.

Looking at the condition to make sure thatit's actually, you'll be able to at least make a profit off of it.So for example, if you have a damaged card, it's not gonna be worth as much as a pristine card.

So these are considered LP, which is lightly played, and these ones are considered NM, which is near mint.You're buying something that you can put in your hands, you can keep in your home, you can pass down to your kids.

Worth a mint, but more tangible than buying crypto or Bitcoin.Many card collectors are here for the investment, says Rami Bouhaizi.

A lot of the adults happen to just be people who want to be investing, or they want to diversify their portfolio.

Near a recession, people want small items to keep in their pockets because the big items are too expensive.

People come to buy and sell cards, but they also come for the community of like -minded fans.

Everyone is very welcoming in the community.They're making friends.I've been meeting a lot of people at card shows.

You can't catch them all, but the fun is in the chase.It's really fun.Christine Long, CTV News.

A big honor for Canada's Shea Gilchrist -Alexander, named the NBA's most valuable player for the second year in a row.The Ontario native who helped lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a first -place finish in the regular season received 83 out of a possible 100 votes for MVP.Still ahead, Yes Chef, where this New Brunswick teenager is taking her kitchen skills and putting them to the test.A New Brunswick teenager is preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime.After working her way up at a local restaurant, she's now set to compete against other young chefs at the National Skills Competition.CTV's Laura Brown on why she feels she's already a winner.

And we cook it 80 % of the way and then we flip it over.Seventeen -year -old Georgia Eastwood has the recipe memorized.The team carefully pieces together the makings of a Wagyu beef burger.A signature plate at this restaurant in MacTecrack, New Brunswick.Cheers.No wonder it's a fan favorite.

After gigs in lawn care, dishwashing and as a cleaner, Eastwood found herself applying for a summer job at this restaurant as a 15 year old.Initially thinking about a career in law enforcement, it was here where she quickly rose the ranks.Now the sous chef and supervisor.Perhaps it was fate.Eastwood is the fourth generation cook in her family.

It feels pretty good knowing that I was the one cooking that got the restaurant the good review or the good comment.

She's soon going to show off her culinary skills on a national stage.Eastwood won the right to represent New Brunswick at the Skills Canada competition in Toronto at the end of May.So she's been practicing her menu writing and culinary math, finishing her high school classes and working as much as possible at this restaurant.The executive chef says it was meant to be.

I could tell right away.I think I knew before she knew that she was meant to be in the kitchen.

No matter what happens at the competition, Eastwood has already secured her spot in a culinary program on Prince Edward Island in the fall, hoping she'll find her way back to this kitchen afterward.Her advice for teens trying to find their way?

Try as much as you can to really figure it out, because that's what I did.But if you really love your job, you'll never work a day in your life.So find that job.Do what you love.what I'm doing, so.

Laura Brown, CTV News, Mactaquack, New Brunswick.

Great attitude.That's our newscast for this Sunday.I'm Heather Botts for all of us at CTV National News.Thank you for watching.Good night and I'll see you again tomorrow.