CTV National News for Sunday, August 2, 2026: WestJet strike enters first official day

WestJet’s job action beginning during a busy long weekend has derailed the travel plans for some Canadians; when Air Canada went on strike, the federal government forced them back to work, but will they do the same for WestJet employees? A new national survey says Canadians are continuing to struggle with the high cost of groceries throughout the country; and more.

WestJet has cancelled hundreds of flights across the country as a labour dispute grows between the union and the company; the enrollment cap on international students means Conestoga College is experiencing a massive financial shortfall; one of Canada’s largest youth hotlines says more young people are reaching out on text for late-night support, and more.

Opposition continues to grow against FIFA's plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors; Winnipeg police are investigating shots fired at a mosque as a possible hate crime. No one was injured, but the Muslim community is shaken; WestJet is parking hundreds of its planes ahead of a possible labour disruption, and travellers could face cancellations. 

WestJet may ground flights as early as tomorrow following a 72-hour strike notice from the union representing the airline's flight attendants; Allison Bamford explains what travellers need to know about their options and passenger protections in the event of a strike at WestJet; CTV News has identified the Canadian intern accused of working for a third nation as part of a criminal organization. 

Ontario and Ottawa clash after the Billy Bishop Airport expansion is rejected, with the province criticizing the federal Alto rail project; As trade talks resume in Washington, debate grows over whether Canada should use energy as leverage to secure a deal with the U.S; WestJet and its flight attendants' union are preparing for a possible work stoppage Sunday amid contract talks. 

 Joy Malbon reports from Washington as the Nationals host Canada-U.S. Friendship Day during their game against the Toronto Blue Jays; Adrian Ghobrial reports on the rise in extortion, organized crime, drug trafficking and gun violence in Peel Region; Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is in Washington as Ottawa reacts to U.S. President Donald Trump's latest comments on CUSMA.

ER doctor burnout is worsening Canada's health-care crisis, with many physicians considering leaving the profession; Staffing shortages are forcing rural ER closures, leaving patients in remote communities with limited access to emergency care; Police share a new update on the search for 11-year-old Parker Wells, who has been missing for 12 days. 

Beth Macdonell reports on the ongoing police investigation, which come after multiple GTA synagogues were targeted by gunfire; the new Gordie Howe bridge opening has been delayed numerous times, and some residents are concerned more issues could arise; despite industry pushing towards a new Alberta-B.C. pipeline, some glaring issues still stand in the way of the proposal getting off the ground; and more.

Trump continues to threaten additional tariffs on Canada due to wildfire smoke travelling to certain U.S. states; transit officers may soon have the ability to arrest riders as drug use and violence continues to concern municipalities; 87,000 Toronto residents participated in a public consultation about the proposed Billy Bishop Airport expansion; and more.

No U.S. representatives at opening of Gordie Howe bridge; new U.S. global tariffs impacting 60 countries take effect; how the threat of more U.S. tariffs could impact the honey industry; plus, the secret to life from Canada's oldest living person.