Vancouver police investigating assaults at trans rights rally
Vancouver police say they believe at least two people were assaulted at a trans rights rally Friday, and they have launched an investigation.
The assaults happened during "violent confrontations" between rally-goers and a group of counter-protesters in Grandview Park, the Vancouver Police Department said in a news release Saturday.
Between 75 and 100 people had gathered in the park, according to police. The rally was being held to mark International Transgender Day of Visibility.
"Detectives from VPD’s Robbery, Assault and Arson Unit have been assigned to conduct a full investigation, which will include a review of bystander video, eyewitness accounts, and victim statements," police said in their release.
"The investigation will consider all of the circumstances surrounding the incidents."
Police said they believe there may be additional witnesses who haven't spoken to investigators, "as well as a bystander video that may show different perspectives of what occurred."
The VPD also shared "parts of video and images posted online by a victim," saying it hopes more people who witnessed the altercations will come forward with information.
Those with information about the assaults are asked to call 604-717-2541, police said.
In one of the videos, a person holding trans and Pride flags screams profanity at the victim before punching them.
In the other, the assailant is wearing a camouflage hoodie and pushes the victim to the ground.
Police did not identify either the victims or the suspects in Friday's incidents, writing in their release that they "do not have the authority" to identify victims or release names of suspects who have not been charged.
An activist who goes by the moniker Billboard Chris has identified himself as one of the assault victims, and has been posting videos of the incident and the police response to it since it occurred.
His website focuses on his opposition to the use of puberty blockers to treat children with gender dysphoria and claims children are being "indoctrinated" into believing they were born in the wrong bodies.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Federal government to stop paying B.C. woman for job she doesn’t have
There appears to be an end in sight for the strange predicament of a B.C. woman who was being paid by the federal government for a job she was hired for but never actually did.
The loonie is trading at lows not seen in years. Here's what it means for Canadians
The Canadian dollar is trading against the U.S. dollar at levels not seen since 2020 as the combined pressures of economic outlooks, elections, and energy prices weigh. Here's what you need to know.
Where to follow the U.S. election results on CTVNews.ca
On U.S. election day, CTVNews.ca will feature live results on an interactive map and a live blog that will be updated throughout the evening starting at 5 p.m. ET by CTV News journalists and Washington political analyst Eric Ham.
CRA extends exemption for 'bare trust' reporting for 2024
Bare trusts will not require the submission of a T3 Return or Schedule 15 for the 2024 tax year as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) extended its reporting exemption it introduced in 2023.
Mother of teen victim in mass killing suing Manitoba's child welfare agency
The mother of a 17-year-old victim in a mass slaying in Manitoba is suing a child welfare agency for allegedly failing to protect the girl.
Dodgers win World Series in 5 games, beat Yankees 7-6
Dodgers win World Series in 5 games, overcome 5-run deficit with help of errors to beat Yankees 7-6
Canada's Halloween forecast: Record-setting sweet weather for some, frighteningly frigid conditions for others
Trick-or-treaters will flock to streets across the country Thursday night with the Canadian staple, the parka, covering costumes for some, while others will be treated to mild conditions.
Trudeau's Liberals launching new ads, MPs told in caucus meeting
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced his caucus for the first time Wednesday since rebuffing calls from two dozen Liberals to resign. He seemed to satiate some MPs’ concerns, with a presentation on party campaign strategy that includes rolling out new ads.
'Nature is just amazing': Manitoba dog seen nursing kitten
A long-time animal foster said the recent behaviour of her dog and cat is something she had never witnessed.
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.
Vancouver Island
-
Federal government to stop paying B.C. woman for job she doesn’t have
There appears to be an end in sight for the strange predicament of a B.C. woman who was being paid by the federal government for a job she was hired for but never actually did.
-
3 dead after Vancouver Island house fire, including man who tried to save others
Three people were found dead after a fire tore through a rental home on Vancouver Island earlier this week. Investigators believe one of the victims initially escaped the blaze, but ran back inside to rescue others before he succumbed to smoke inhalation.
-
Film wars heat up as B.C., California pitch duelling tax credits
The bright lights of Hollywood have lost some of their lustre as the film industry struggles to find its footing in an era of streaming and following a period of extended labour strife. The slowdown also extends to Hollywood North.
Kelowna
-
Pickup truck may be linked to suspicious deaths, RCMP say 2 years after bodies found in B.C. park
More than two years after Alannah Brown and Douglas Barker were found dead north of Penticton, police are asking for help identifying a vehicle they believe was associated with the crime.
-
B.C. homeowner astounded someone managed to steal one of his prized giant pumpkins
Dave Lindsey began growing giant pumpkins to bring a bit of magic to his grandkids' Halloween.
-
B.C. man gets prison sentence, fine for using fake names to buy guns in the U.S.
A U.S. District Court judge in Montana has sentenced a 27-year-old man from Kelowna, B.C., to 18 months in prison for using fake names to buy guns with the aim of selling them in Canada.
Edmonton
-
'To protect our children': Alberta unveils new bill aimed at child-care sector
The Alberta government is looking to increase oversight of the child-care sector.
-
EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE More than a dozen workers exposed to asbestos in Edmonton public schools last year
Hundreds of pages of documents detailing potential asbestos exposures at Edmonton’s largest school division reveal human error led to more than a dozen worker exposures last year.
-
Edmonton transit needs more hours, new routes and renovated buses: report
As Edmonton's population booms, so has demand on the city's transit system.
Calgary
-
'To protect our children': Alberta unveils new bill aimed at child-care sector
The Alberta government is looking to increase oversight of the child-care sector.
-
RCMP warn against harassment following racial tirade toward Uber driver caught on camera
A Calgary Uber driver is alerting others about a racially motivated incident that occurred in his vehicle last month, following a pick-up of a passenger. It was all caught on camera.
-
Calgary Council puts Calgary Supervised Consumption Site decision back on province
A decision about whether to close the Supervised Consumption Site (SCS) in Calgary's Beltline is back in the hands of the Alberta government.
Lethbridge
-
Blackfoot Confederacy and Parks Canada team up to share stories and culture with visitors
Parks Canada and the Blackfoot Confederacy have announced a new collaboration.
-
Lethbridge police officer charged in off-duty domestic incident
A Lethbridge police officer faces multiple charges in relation to an off-duty domestic incident.
-
Final Alberta crop report shows better than average yields for southern Alberta farmers
According to the last Alberta crop report of 2024, 99.9 percent of crops in the south region have been harvested.
Winnipeg
-
'It’s getting out of control': Back lane pain in Winnipeg’s northeast
When the main roads are backed up, some drivers turn to back lanes to bypass traffic. However, residents who live in the city’s East Kildonan neighbourhood say they’re fed up with the makeshift detours down their alleyway.
-
Mother of teen victim in mass killing suing Manitoba's child welfare agency
The mother of a 17-year-old victim in a mass slaying in Manitoba is suing a child welfare agency for allegedly failing to protect the girl.
-
Man assaulted with machete, bear spray during unprovoked attack in Winnipeg park
Police say a 44-year-old man was rushed to hospital after an unprovoked attack in a Winnipeg park involving a machete and bear spray.
Regina
-
Sask. Party avoids NDP sweep in Saskatoon with Ken Cheveldayoff win
The Saskatchewan Party has avoided being swept off the map by the NDP in Saskatoon with CTV News confirming that Ken Cheveldayoff has been re-elected in Saskatoon Willowgrove.
-
Meet a Saskatchewan ghost hunter
Halloween is a time for many to share ghost stories and explore haunted houses, but for one Saskatchewan man, it's spooky season all year round.
-
Mail-in ballots counted in Elections Saskatchewan's second preliminary count
With two races in the provincial election too close to call on Monday, all eyes were on the Conexus Arts Centre as Elections Saskatchewan held a second count of the ballots that included mail-in ballots.
Saskatoon
-
'The rules are clear': Sask. First Nations leaders say Cameron not eligible to run for FSIN Chief
Delegates from 74 Saskatchewan First Nations head to the polls on Thursday to elect a new chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).
-
Meet a Saskatchewan ghost hunter
Halloween is a time for many to share ghost stories and explore haunted houses, but for one Saskatchewan man, it's spooky season all year round.
-
'I saw people outside by themselves': Saskatoon boy helps those in need
A 9-year-old Saskatoon boy is taking on a project to help the city’s homeless. It started out with a lot of work collecting recycled cans and bottles, it has turned into a labour of love.
Toronto
-
'I was trembling:' Brampton man says police wrongfully Tasered him in his bedroom
Junior Henry says he was shot by a Taser in his bedroom all because police got the wrong home in Brampton.
-
Male suspect dead following interaction with officers in Aurora: YRP
Police say a suspect in a break-and-enter in Aurora is dead following an interaction with officers Wednesday night.
-
'Hands up!': Video shows moments after break-and-enter in Brampton
Video circulating online shows the tense moments after officers arrived at the scene of a mid-day break-and-enter in Brampton on Tuesday.
Montreal
-
Police open homicide probe after body found in Ahuntsic-Cartierville park
Montreal police (SPVM) confirmed Wednesday afternoon that they are investigating a homicide after a body was found in the l’Île-de-la-Visitation nature park in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough.
-
Trois-Rivieres man keeps Halloween spirit alive year-round
For the past 25 years, Jean-Paul Désilets has fully immersed himself in the spirit of Halloween. The DIY Halloween decor enthusiast has transformed his home in Trois-Rivières into a year-round spooky, magical world—straight out of a Tim Burton movie.
-
Montreal man convicted of child sexual abuse facing new luring charges; police seek more alleged victims
The Montreal police's sexual exploitation unit is once again asking for the public's help in locating potential victims of a convicted sex offender who allegedly reoffended.
Ottawa
-
NEW THIS MORNINGNEW THIS MORNING Booze now for sale in Costco, more grocery stores in Ottawa
As of Oct. 31, all eligible grocery and big-box stores are able to buy beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink beverages, including large pack sizes. The Ontario government says an additional 400 grocery stores will be selling alcohol across the province.
-
1 person facing charges following fatal boat crash in eastern Ontario on Victoria Day weekend
A South Frontenac Township man is facing charges, including impaired operation causing death, in connection to a boat crash that killed three people on Bobs Lake in eastern Ontario over the Victoria Day long weekend.
-
Two men burned while working in Ottawa apartment building
Two men are being treated for burns after being injured while working at an apartment building in Ottawa's Alta Vista neighbourhood.
Atlantic
-
Homeless man in tent deserved same welfare rate as housed people, N.S. lawyer argues
The lawyer for a homeless man who died at a Halifax encampment is arguing in court today that his client's welfare payments should have been as high as those received by people with permanent housing.
-
Cyclist hospitalized after vehicle collision in Halifax
A cyclist was hospitalized with serious injuries after a vehicle crash in Halifax on Wednesday.
-
Sarah McLachlan anniversary tour postponed
Famed Canadian singer Sarah McLachlan is postponing her 30th Anniversary tour of “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy” due to health concerns.
London
-
'Left to fall behind': Smart cards and online booking for Paratransit not expected until next year
The London Transit Commission says smart cards and online booking are set to be launched early next year but couldn’t provide a firm date at its Wednesday meeting.
-
London police investigating LHSC's 'past financial practices'
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is being investigated by London Police Service, who LHSC confirmed on Wednesday are looking into ‘past financial practices.’
-
Witness testifies about verbal argument at bush party shooting
Maya Pluchowski told the jury at the bush party murder trial that on July 30 of 2021, she and others hopped into a car driven by one of the accused in the case Emily Altmann.
Kitchener
-
Wheel detached from van causes fatal 401 crash near Cambridge: OPP
One person has died after police say a wheel detached from a vehicle, causing a crash in the eastbound lanes of the 401 near Cambridge.
-
Woman who pleaded guilty to defrauding doulas pleads guilty to more charges
Kaitlyn Braun, the woman who pleaded guilty to defrauding numerous doulas last year, has pleaded guilty to four additional charges.
-
‘It's as if the bankruptcy never happened’: K-W Symphony says its ready to make a comeback
The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony’s board of directors says the association has bounced back from bankruptcy.
Northern Ontario
-
North Bay woman sentenced to 7.5 years in 2021 fatal stabbing
A North Bay woman was sentenced this week in connection with the fatal stabbing of Nicholas Nicholls in 2021.
-
Northern Ont. municipalities worry about skyrocketing policing costs
Towns and municipalities in northern Ontario are concerned about the increased costs of Ontario Provincial Police services.
-
Chelmsford residents celebrate $1M lottery win
Daniel and Rita Auger of Chelmsford in Greater Sudbury are celebrating after winning $1 million in the Sept. 17 Encore draw.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador cautioned about growing debt as province touts success
Newfoundland and Labrador's auditor general has issued a warning about the province's financial position as the government announced it would finish the 2024-25 fiscal year with a higher-than-expected deficit.
-
Police charge off-duty Newfoundland RCMP officer with impaired driving
Police in Newfoundland and Labrador have charged an off-duty RCMP officer for allegedly driving while impaired, following a crash on Sunday.
-
Human remains found in ocean near Placentia Bay ID'd as missing Coast Guard employee
The human remains recovered off Placentia Bay, N.L., earlier this month have been identified as the coast guard employee who went missing at sea in September.
