Gov. Gen. Mary Simon asks Canadians to commit to kindness in year-end message
Ottawa -
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon is calling on Canadians to commit themselves to kindness in her annual year-end message.
The Governor General says the year 2023 presented challenges brought on by climate change and global conflict.
But she says Canada also took "important strides in reconciliation" and marked new chapters in history.
Simon alternates between speaking English, her native Inuktitut and French — which she is still learning — in her address.
She says people are adapting to change in different ways, including with kindness.
And she says that over the past year, she honoured people who turned challenges into opportunities.
Their stories should serve as an example of the "Inuktitut word ajuinnata," she says, which means "never giving up."
It's the same word Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ended his address to Parliament with back in September, saying Simon shared it with him when they met.
Simon ends her new year's address by calling on Canadians to commit "to action, and to kindness, no matter how daunting the situation may be," and to face the challenges over the year ahead "with a renewed sense of unity."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 29, 2023.
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
BREAKING
BREAKING Czechia scores late to eliminate Canada from world juniors
Jakub Stancl scored his second goal of the game with 11.7 seconds left in third period as Czechia survived a blown 2-0 lead to defeat Canada 3-2 and advance to the semifinals at the world junior hockey championship on Tuesday.
Canadian couple lives on cruise ships — with no plans to return to land
With 75 countries and territories visited, a retired Canadian couple is making the most of life as they cruise full-time, from coast to coast. They're part of a growing trend of people opting to retire at sea.
Planes catch fire after a collision at Japan's Haneda airport, killing 5. Hundreds evacuated safely
A passenger plane and a Japanese coast guard aircraft collided on the runway at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Tuesday and burst into flames. Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito confirmed that all 379 occupants of Japan Airlines flight JAL-516 got out safely before the plane was entirely engulfed in flames.
Blast shakes Beirut's southern suburbs as tensions rise along the border with Israel
An explosion shook the Lebanese capital's southern suburbs Tuesday evening causing chaos in the militant Hezbollah group's stronghold, but the nature of the blast was not immediately known.
A missing person with no memory: How investigators solved the cold case of Seven Doe
Police specializing in missing people and cold cases have discovered the identity of a woman with no memory in one of the most unusual investigations the sheriff's office has pursued and one that could change state law.
Weight-loss drugs: Who, and what, are they good for?
Extraordinary demand, and high prices, for powerful weight-loss drugs will keep them out of reach in the coming year for many patients who are likely to benefit.
Woman who fell out of Edmonton city bus dies
A woman who fell out of an Edmonton city bus Friday has died, police said in a media release issued Monday.
Canada's 100 highest-paid CEOs broke new compensation records in 2022: report
Canada's 100 highest-paid CEOs broke records with their compensation in 2022, according to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
Russian missiles hit Ukrainian cities, killing 5 and injuring almost 100, Kyiv officials say
Ukraine's two largest cities came under attack from Russian hypersonic ballistic missiles on Tuesday morning, killing at least four people and injuring almost 100, officials said.
W5 HIGHLIGHTS
W5 Investigates
W5 Investigates Sex abuse survivors allege coverup by Jehovah's Witnesses for failing to report assaults
CTV W5 investigates an alleged sex abuse coverup within the Jehovah's Witnesses. From across Canada to the U.S., England and Australia, W5 reveals how the religious sect's doctrine protects accused sex offenders.
9 things you likely didn't know about Jehovah's Witnesses
Along with our main investigation, W5 has also prepared an interactive and below, some facts about the religion that you might not know.
One-on-one with a Mexican cartel boss
Are Canadian tourists in the Mayan Riviera at risk of getting caught in cartel cross fire? Investigative reporter Avery Haines gets rare access to a Mexican drug boss, for a far-reaching and disturbing interview that airs as part of her W5 documentary, "The Narco Riviera."
Home DNA tests reveal more than customers bargain for
Are home DNA tests revealing more than customers are aware of? W5's Sandie Rinaldo investigates how much information you could be giving away.
6 days in dystopia: W5 goes inside the secret state of North Korea
W5 investigative reporter Avery Haines was given rare access inside the secret state of North Korea during its 70th anniversary celebrations last month. Read her blog now at CTVNews.ca/W5 and watch the documentary, Saturday at 7pm on CTV.
W5 Investigates
W5 Investigates Who left little Dusty Bowers to die in the snow?
Avery Haines and W5's investigation team re-examine a baby's murder three decades after the case was closed. After a court acquitted the mother, why did police never try to find the killer?
'I'm never going to be satisfied': Ontario 'crypto king' lands in Australia as associate flees to Dubai
Ontario’s self-described ‘crypto king’ just landed in Australia, the latest destination in a months-long travel spree he’s prolifically posted about on social media, despite ongoing bankruptcy proceedings tied to the more than $40 million scheme he allegedly operated.
Canadian-owned mine will begin closure in Panama after contract deemed 'unconstitutional'
A Canadian mining company is expected to begin the process of closing its multibillion-dollar operations in Panama today after weeks of civil unrest and protests from civilians fearing the ecological repercussions of its open-pit copper mine that is twice the size of Manhattan.
Toronto
-
Woman in Caledon arrested after allegedly throwing bottles at cars, biting officers on New Year's Eve
A woman accused of throwing bottles at cars while intoxicated in Caledon on New Year’s Eve and biting two officers who tried to arrest her is facing a number of charges, police say.
-
The average family is expected to spend $700 more on groceries in 2024. Here's how to save money at the tills
How can Ontarians save money on groceries as food prices are expected to rise in 2024? CTV News Toronto spoke with a few experts.
-
Stolen bag containing $5,000 cash turned in to Niagara police
A bag containing more than $5,000 cash that was left unattended in a Welland, Ont. Walmart and then allegedly stolen has been turned over to police.
Ottawa
-
BREAKINGBREAKING O-Train out of service in east end for structural inspection
The O-Train is currently not operating in Ottawa's east end while a structural inspection takes place. OC Transpo said that there is no train service between Blair and Hurdman stations.
-
Here's what you need to know about PWHL Ottawa's first game
PWHL Ottawa hosts Montreal Tuesday night for the first game of the PWHL season for the two teams. A record crowd of approximately 8,000 fans will attend the game at TD Place.
-
8 things that will cost you more in Ottawa in 2024
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at eight things that will cost you more in 2024, including OC Transpo fares, city recreation fees and hydro rates.
Barrie
-
Man finds his missing machinery on Southgate, Ont. farm
The owner of a missing Kubota payloader discovered his heavy-duty construction machine on a property in the Township of Southgate.
-
Barrie driver arrested on New Year's Eve amid grim impaired driving stats for 2023
Ontario police report more than 400 people died in crashes in 2023, with 50 as a result of an alcohol or drug impairment.
-
Bottle thrower bites police in Caledon, Ont.
OPP officers and a passerby were all bitten during an arrest on New Year's Eve.
Kitchener
-
‘It hurts so bad’: Wife of David Genereaux speaks out days after his death in Wellington County collision
It was a day that will haunt Sabrina Genereaux for the rest of her life. On Dec. 29, her husband David went out to run some errands, leaving Sabrina and their two month old son Jason at home. When David didn’t return after a few hours, Sabrina knew that something was wrong.
-
Driver airlifted to trauma centre after truck hits home near Arthur
A 64-year-old from Fergus has been airlifted to a trauma centre after police say the pickup truck they were driving hit a home in the Township of Wellington North.
-
These are the big changes coming to Ontario in 2024
Here are some of the changes the Doug Ford government has put into place for the new year.
London
-
The average family is expected to spend $700 more on groceries in 2024. Here's how to save money at the tills
How can Ontarians save money on groceries as food prices are expected to rise in 2024? CTV News Toronto spoke with a few experts.
-
A few peeks of sunshine for the first full week of January
After some sunshine across the region on Monday, cloud cover rolls back through for a couple of days, brining with it some snow flurries.
-
Detector dogs could help sniff out more fentanyl, firearms at border, review suggests
Detector dogs who work at Canada's border agency could play a bigger role in sniffing out deadly fentanyl and illicit firearms, suggests an internal evaluation that found room to boost enforcement measures.
Windsor
-
Windsor police want to know if you recognize these people?
Windsor police are hoping the public may be able to help identify three people wanted as part of a theft investigation.
-
Windsor man identified as crash victim
A person from Windsor has been identified as the victim of a fatal crash involving a side-by-side off-road vehicle in Burford, Ont.
-
Detector dogs could help sniff out more fentanyl, firearms at border, review suggests
Detector dogs who work at Canada's border agency could play a bigger role in sniffing out deadly fentanyl and illicit firearms, suggests an internal evaluation that found room to boost enforcement measures.
Montreal
-
Man charged after New Year's hit-and-run that left 2 dead
A 23-year-old man has been arrested after two people were killed during a hit-and-run just after the New Year.
-
Service resumes after smoke in Montreal Metro caused disruptions
Service has resumed in the Montreal Metro after smoke caused two service disruptions early Tuesday morning, confirmed the STM.
-
Gold-headed cane to be awarded to first vessel to enter Port of Montreal
The Montreal Port Authority is gearing up to welcome the first ocean-going vessel of the year to reach the city's port.
Atlantic
-
Electricity helping those living at Grand Parade encampment in Halifax
Half of the homeless encampment at Grand Parade in Halifax entered the new year with electricity; allowing people living there to charge their phones and have light after dark.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING Czechia scores late to eliminate Canada from world juniors
Jakub Stancl scored his second goal of the game with 11.7 seconds left in third period as Czechia survived a blown 2-0 lead to defeat Canada 3-2 and advance to the semifinals at the world junior hockey championship on Tuesday.
-
Here are some of the new laws and rules coming into effect in Canada in 2024
From tougher bail rules to a new dental care plan, a range of new measures are taking effect across Canada in 2024, aiming to address human rights, public safety, health and other concerns.
Winnipeg
-
19-year-old dies in officer-involved shooting: Winnipeg police
Manitoba's police watchdog agency is looking into a fatal officer-involved shooting in Fort Richmond Sunday afternoon.
-
Gas tax suspended in Manitoba
The Manitoba government is putting a pause on the gas tax to help give motorists a break at the pumps.
-
Bus fares increasing in Winnipeg
Bus fares in Winnipeg have gone up by 10 cents now that the new year has begun.
Calgary
-
Calgarians to pay more at the pumps and on property taxes in 2024
The end of the calendar year marks an end to Alberta's gas tax holiday, meaning people will be paying more at the pumps in 2024.
-
Warm weather not a factor for skiers as resorts in mountains say it's pretty much business as usual
The warmest holiday season in recent memory isn’t keeping skiers off the hills in Banff.
-
'It's like therapy': Calgary teens' relationship stitched together over common passion
Sewing is more than it seems for a group of Calgary teens who became friends while taking lessons as young girls.
Edmonton
-
Random Edmonton stabbings on New Year's Eve 'a concern': police
Two men are in hospital in critical condition following separate stabbings in central Edmonton the evening of New Year's Eve, and police are searching for a man they believe is responsible for them.
-
Woman who fell out of Edmonton city bus dies
A woman who fell out of an Edmonton city bus Friday has died, police said in a media release issued Monday.
-
Oilers hope to keep win streak going vs. Flyers
No one can blame the Edmonton Oilers if they were a little sad to see the calendar flip to 2024. After all, the end of 2023 turned out to be pretty special for Connor McDavid and company.
Vancouver
-
BC Assessment releases latest property values
Property owners in B.C. can now see the most recent value of their home. On Tuesday, BC Assessment updated its database to reflect the market value of homes based on estimates as of July 1, 2023.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING Czechia scores late to eliminate Canada from world juniors
Jakub Stancl scored his second goal of the game with 11.7 seconds left in third period as Czechia survived a blown 2-0 lead to defeat Canada 3-2 and advance to the semifinals at the world junior hockey championship on Tuesday.
-
Thousands at English Bay take polar plunge on mild New Year's Day
An estimated crowd of 10,000 gathered at English Bay for the annual Polar Bear Swim – but only a couple of thousand brave souls actually took the plunge.
Politics
-
Amid push for foreign registry, many say other measures needed to fight interference
For more than a year, Canada has been mulling the creation of a foreign agent registry to fight interference in the country's democratic processes. Some say it doesn't belong in the toolbox at all.
-
Senior military leader: Canadians 'overly comfortable' as global security shifts
Looking ahead to 2024, the commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command said he thinks the pressure will continue to mount, and Canadians are "overly comfortable" about their safety as the world changes.
-
Trudeau reassures Zelenskyy of Canada's support for Ukraine 'for as long as it takes'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the phone on Monday, reassuring him that Canada will continue to support the fight against Russia's invasion.
Health
-
Weight-loss drugs: Who, and what, are they good for?
Extraordinary demand, and high prices, for powerful weight-loss drugs will keep them out of reach in the coming year for many patients who are likely to benefit.
-
Powdered baby formula recalled over deadly bacteria
Enfamil is recalling its Nutramigen A+ LGG Hypoallergenic Infant Formula over possible bacterial contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii.
-
Low-cost, plant-based drug may help you quit smoking more effectively than nicotine replacement therapy, study shows
A new study shows a low-cost plant-based drug may be more effective than nicotine replacement therapy for people trying to quit smoking.
Sci-Tech
-
Researchers find new way to identify water and potential life on exoplanets
An international team of researchers, including those from MIT and the University of Birmingham, have discovered a new way to determine whether exoplanets are habitable or potentially inhabited.
-
Eclipse excitement: N.B. communities in 'path of totality' plan for perfect view in 2024
New Brunswick communities along the path of this spring’s total solar eclipse are already getting ready for the big day on Monday, April 8, 2024.
-
U.S. military space plane blasts off on another secretive mission expected to last years
The U.S. military's X-37B space plane blasted off Thursday on another secretive mission that's expected to last at least a couple of years.
Entertainment
-
Ex-gang leader makes his bid in Las Vegas court for house arrest before trial in Tupac Shakur case
A former Los Angeles-area gang leader charged with killing hip-hop music icon Tupac Shakur in 1996 in Las Vegas plans to ask a judge on Tuesday to release him to house arrest ahead of the trial in June.
-
'Wonka' ends the year No. 1 at the box office, 2023 sales reach US$9 billion in post-pandemic best
Hollywood closed out an up-and-down 2023 with 'Wonka' regaining No. 1 at the box office, strong sales for 'The Color Purple' and an overall US$9 billion in ticket sales that improved on 2022's grosses but fell about US$2 billion shy of pre-pandemic norms.
-
Ashes of Vancouver 'Star Trek' fan set to go to space alongside famous stars
Gloria Knowlan never dreamt of boldly going where no one had gone before and was content to leave the journey to the 'Star Trek' actors she came to love, but 12 years after her death, her family has ensured the final frontier will be her ultimate resting place.
Business
-
Canada's 100 highest-paid CEOs broke new compensation records in 2022: report
Canada's 100 highest-paid CEOs broke records with their compensation in 2022, according to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
-
Warren Buffett, James Simons and Phil Knight are among the top charity donors of 2023
The Chronicle of Philanthropy's annual list of the biggest charitable donations from individuals or their foundations totalled more than $3.5 billion in 2023. Four universities received big gifts in 2023, along with four scientific research institutes and a health-care system. The other gifts went to a family foundation and a racial-justice group.
-
Tesla deliveries beat estimates as year-end sales push pays off
Tesla beat estimates for fourth-quarter deliveries on Tuesday after a push to hand over more Model 3 electric cars before some variants of the compact sedan lose federal tax credits in the New Year under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Lifestyle
-
Canadian couple lives on cruise ships — with no plans to return to land
With 75 countries and territories visited, a retired Canadian couple is making the most of life as they cruise full-time, from coast to coast. They're part of a growing trend of people opting to retire at sea.
-
US$842 million Powerball ticket sold in Michigan, 1st time the game has been won on New Year's Day
Someone in Michigan has won an US$842.4 million Powerball jackpot on the first day of 2024, the first time it has been won on New Year's Day since the game's start in 1992. The winning numbers drawn were: 12, 21, 42, 44, 49 and red Powerball: 1.
-
Bid to attract showy superyachts to Cape Breton under scrutiny
With memories of the tar ponds receding, Sydney, N.S., is now trying to cultivate an upscale vibe — one that includes appealing to billionaires and their toys. It wants to become a destination for superyachts, the most expensive, luxurious boats in the world.
Sports
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Czechia scores late to eliminate Canada from world juniors
Jakub Stancl scored his second goal of the game with 11.7 seconds left in third period as Czechia survived a blown 2-0 lead to defeat Canada 3-2 and advance to the semifinals at the world junior hockey championship on Tuesday.
-
Djokovic and his sore right wrist help Serbia reach United Cup quarters
Novak Djokovic endured a wrist injury to lead Serbia into a United Cup mixed teams quarterfinal showdown against host Australia.
-
Wayne Rooney fired as manager after 15 games at second-tier Birmingham
England great Wayne Rooney was fired as the manager of second-tier club Birmingham on Tuesday after 15 games. Rooney earned only two wins since his controversial appointment in October. Birmingham was sixth in the Championship when he started, and has fallen to 20th.
Autos
-
OpinionOpinion Electric pickup trucks are reliable, save environment: experts
Electric pickup trucks are built to efficiently lug heavier weights such as towing or pulling a trailer, similar to gas-powered ones. The gas-guzzling stereotype carries over, too: EV pickup trucks need a big electrical charge.
-
EV, hybrid and gas-powered: Some interesting cars coming in 2024
Next year will see the introduction of some new, genuinely affordable electric vehicles as well as a couple of interesting options for the ultra-wealthy. We'll also see the return of some classic model names.
-
Nearly 300K Honda vehicles from 2017 to 2020 recalled over engine failure risk
Honda Canada announced up to 297,836 vehicles have been affected by its latest recall due to a fuel pump defect potentially increasing the risks of engine failure or stalling while driving.
