CTV News Toronto at Six for April 17, 2026

Premier Doug Ford discussed his government’s decision to change course on purchasing a private jet following backlash; first-degree murder charges against an Ontario man accused of selling lethal substances online are expected to be dropped if he pleads guilty to aiding suicide; and, a new survey finds many Canadians are counting on getting tax money back to help them with the rising cost of living.

Opposition leaders condemn the purchase of a $29-million private jet to fly Ontario Premier Doug Ford around for government business; the Toronto Police hate crimes unit is investigating an assault on a bus in Scarborough that was captured on camera; and, what happens if the shop storing your tires for the winter goes out of business?

The premier spoke out against calls for a pilot project looking to ban ‘surveillance pricing’ at grocery stores; TTC riders are expressing their frustration with the changes made to the Jane bus after the opening of the Eglinton LRT; and, chargebacks are an important way to protect yourself during credit card purchases, but they're also being used by criminals to get merchandise for free.

Toronto city council is working to reassess a proposal to charge admission for World Cup Fan Fest; one day after announcing plans to increase jail capacity, the government is trying to explain why dozens of prisoners were mistakenly let out; and, airbags can deploy due to rough road conditions or some other incident triggering airbag sensors and cost drivers big.

The federal government is set to temporarily suspend the federal fuel excise tax on gas and diesel starting next week; documents obtained by CTV News show the Ontario government rejected a program to help 21 high school graduates learn trades at Toronto's transit system; and, a petition is calling on council to move forward with a pilot project to make part of Church Street a pedestrian-only area this summer.

Ontario will cut the number of trustees at the Toronto District School Board nearly in half and create new non-elected executive roles; the mayor's office is pushing back against driverless taxis on city streets amid reports that Waymo is working to bring its vehicles to Toronto; and, fourth year students at Ontario Tech University showcased some of what they've learned at their annual design exhibition.

Police say five people charged in connection to the fatal 2025 shooting of a teenage boy in Stoney Creek had ties to towing company; the province is putting forward legislation to reduce how long prospective teachers are in school; and, golf season is underway in the city, with Toronto's five public courses officially opening this morning.

Mayoral hopeful Brad Bradford says Olivia Chow is leaving Scarborough behind as he pushed for updates on the Scarborough East LRT plan; the latest incident at an east end waste facility in the past few months is being investigated as arson; Closing arguments resumed today in the sexual assault trial of billionaire businessman Frank Stronach.

Police say a 30-year-old Brampton man has been arrested in connection with a shooting at a Jewish-owned restaurant in North York; Peel police are investigating a suspicious tow truck fire in the driveway of a Brampton home last night; and,  A collation of cancer clinicians is calling on provincial and federal authorities to make three key changes to speed up Canadians' access to care.

TTC officials have apologized after a hydraulic oil spill caused lengthy closures on Line 2; the city is turning to AI to unclog congested streets starting this spring; and, some residents of Rosedale are investing in increased security and private patrols following a rash of break-ins.