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

First responders continue to support with evacuations and firefighting as the province declares a state of emergency; as trade talks enter another week, concerns are growing that Canada may have to make additional concessions to avoid the tariffs; data shows youth, including teenagers, have had some luck in finding summer jobs; and more.

The latest wildfire evacuations have brought many families to Penticton, B.C., as they hope to have a home to return to; concern for Canada grows as new U.S. tariffs are set to take place on August 19; tenancy advocacy groups say they’re critical about Carney’s housing plan aimed to support affordable or rent-controlled homes; and more.

A potential Canada-U.S. trade deal could include lowering steel and aluminum tariffs in exchange for lifting the American alcohol ban; Toronto police confirm two 18-year-olds face first-degree murder charges in connection to the Salsa on St. Clair festival shooting; ‘Heated Rivalry’ fans can’t get enough of a Canadian Tire plaid tote thanks to star Hudson Williams sporting the bag; and more. 

Will Canada and the U.S. reach a trade deal before new tariffs kick in?, arrest of Canadian woman accused of spying raises security screening questions, police say U.S. Consulate targeted by 'criminals-for-hire' network, B.C. bolsters efforts to keep wildfires from spreading, drivers experiencing relief at gas stations, Montreal giving 'The Village' a major makeover, plus, top teen baseball players in P.E.I. in hopes of being scouted.

For generations of Canadians, Lloyd Robertson was the authoritative voice of the news. Genevieve Beauchemin looks back at his exceptional life and career; A new Nanos poll shows that 74 per cent of Canadians would be unlikely to buy American alcohol, even if it was back on shelves; and, just one in 50 million lobsters have Oscar’s bi-coloured shell, and his unique look is attracting fascinated fans

Former CTV National News chief anchor Lloyd Robertson has died. Genevieve Beauchemin reports on his extraordinary career in journalism and his enduring legacy; Thousands of B.C. residents have been ordered to flee their homes, and thousands more are on standby to leave at a moment’s notice; and, tourism operators say it’s a record-breaking summer as Canadian and international visitors take vacations across the country.

WestJet and union representatives have reached a tentative agreement that will address worker grievances and resume service; Though an agreement has been reached to end the strike, it will be days until service is fully restored, leaving some travellers stuck; and, Manitoba’s first supervised consumption site will be opening next month, and reactions to it are thoroughly mixed.

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.