2018 year in review: Top 10 most-read stories on CTVNews.ca
WE'VE COMPILED OUR ANNUAL LIST OF THE 10 MOST-READ STORIES OF 2018 ON CTVNEWS.CA. HERE THEY ARE, STARTING AT NUMBER 10.
10- Kim Cattrall’s brother Chris found dead
Canadian actress Kim Cattrall turned to social media in early February, asking people to help find her missing brother, Christopher Cattrall. Less than 24 hours later, RCMP announced he had been found dead on his property in Lacombe, Alta. Police said the death was not considered suspicious.
"It is with great sadness that myself and my family announce the unexpected passing of our son and brother, Chris Cattrall," Kim Cattrall posted on Twitter.
9- Death toll rises in Saskatchewan bus crash
The deadly bus crash on April 6 that left 16 people dead and 13 injured shocked the northern Saskatchewan city of Humboldt and reverberated throughout Canada and the hockey world.
Among the dead were 10 players ranging in ages 16 to 21, and six team personnel.
The town of population 6,000 united in support of their lost loved ones, as donors worldwide raised $15.2 million for victims’ families. The province also introduced minimum semi-truck driver training, while the driver and trucking company owner face various charges.
8- Weed-killing chemical found in popular food items sold in Canada
Health Canada said in November it would review hundreds of studies used to approve a chemical used in popular weed killer Roundup back in 2015. Health Canada said at the time the risks of glyphosate to human health were acceptable. But in November, environmental groups said the agency relied on studies influenced by Monsanto, which makes Roundup. And in September, a study found traces of glyphosate in several popular food products in Canada.
7- Canadians urged to exercise caution in Jamaica
Canada continues to advise travellers to Jamaica exercise a “high degree of caution” due to gang violence.
Jamaica ordered a state of emergency in St. James parish, which includes the popular tourist destination of Montego Bay, back in January. Much of the crime lies outside the tourist mecca, but states of emergency for the parish and several other areas including St. Catherine Parish and Kingston Central, Kingston Western, continue.
6- Humboldt Broncos survivor Nick Shumlanski describes crash
Nick Shumlanski was one of only a few survivors able to walk away from the horrific bus crash on Saskatchewan’s Highway 35 on April 6.
“All of a sudden we just slammed on the brakes and that's pretty much the last thing I remember,” he said in an interview with CTV News, a few days after the crash. Doctors told him it was a “miracle” he was able to walk away with only minor injuries. Shumlanski, now 21, attends the University of PEI and plays for the Panthers hockey team.
5- Canada issues new security alert for Playa del Carmen, Mexico
In March, Canada issued a security alert for the Mexican resort city of Playa del Carmen—a few weeks after 26 people were hurt after an explosion ripped through a ferry and undetonated explosives were found on a second ferry on the same route.
Global Affairs is no longer advising Canadians to avoid tourist ferries in the region but they still suggest tourists excercise a “high degree of caution” due to criminal activity.
The Canadian government also advises against non-essential travel to several northern and western states in Mexico.
4- 'One-ring scam' targets phones across Canada
Phone scams have become more frequent and sophisticated. One that resurfaced this year, targeting people across Canada, was the so-called “one ring scam” that cost victims hundreds of dollars in extra phone charges.
Fraudsters would place calls that appear to originate overseas and hang up quickly. When a curious victim returns the anonymous missed call, they inadvertently agree to fees that get piled onto their monthly bill.
3- Ontario couple get 'hookworms' on Punta Cana vacation
Hundreds of millions of people around the world are no strangers to hookworm infections, according to researchers’ estimates.
An Ontario couple got a nasty introduction to larva migrans, also known as hookworms, in the Dominican Republic. They shared the story of their ordeal—as well as graphic images of their painful, swollen feet—on Facebook, in order to warn others about the risks of walking barefoot in the sand.
2- Ottawa plans to announce new stat holiday
The federal government first announced in August the creation of a new stat holiday to mark National Indigenous People's Day. A private members' bill, first proposed by NDP MP Georgina Jolibois, passed second reading and is currently a committee stage.
It’s not yet clear when National Indigenous Peoples Day will actually be, but the consultation process with Indigenous groups is underway. Jolibois' bill proposed June 21 as the day, but the government is also eyeing September 30.
There's been some debate, meanwhile, whether National Indigenous Day should be coopted to focus on the sad past of residential schools, versus celebrating Indigenous people more broadly.
There are currently nine federal statutory holidays.
1- Wanted: Forever home for 3 'gentle giants' who can't be apart
Readers couldn’t resist our October story about a trio of Saint Bernard dogs who were in need of a permanent home.
The Edmonton Humane Society warned that Goliath, Gunther and Gasket posed a “giant adoption problem” as their food bill alone costs $300—each—a month. Also, the trio was inseparable. But just a week after the initial story ran, there was a happy update.