CTV National News for Friday, Feb. 6, 2026: 2026 Winter Games begins with historic multi-site Opening Ceremony in Italy, Canada loses 25,000 jobs as unemployment rate rises to 6.5 per cent

RCMP are investigating after a mass shooting at a high school in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., has left ten people dead and dozens injured, with two people in critical condition. 

U.S. President Donald Trump to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge in his newest threat to Canada; More on the devastating impact the U.S. fuel blockade is having on Cuba as the country faces its worst economic crisis in nearly 70 years; How limited-edition pins at this year's Winter Olympics are attracting serious collectors in droves for their chance to acquire a pin.

Protestors in Milan, frustrated with economic uncertainties and the government, were met with riot police; youth in Canada are facing high levels of unemployment, even at entry level roles; a new clinical trial to see how AI can help cancer patients in B.C. is underway, with seemingly promising results already; and more.

The new diplomatic ties between Greenland and Canada come after Trump continues to threaten the sovereignty of both nations; Cuba’s fuel shortage, influenced by the U.S. administration, is causing massive blackouts as the country tries to make the most of its energy; Canadian Robert Schellenberg was previously given a death sentence in China, but the decision was just overturned, and more.

At least seven Toronto police officers face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, extortion and drug trafficking in Project South, with potential impacts across Canada; Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new auto strategy that scraps the EV mandate while reviving electric vehicle rebates; and q uestions are being asked about who MP Jamil Jivani met with on a solo visit to the U.S. Capitol and what message it sends.

The 2026 Winter Games begin with a historic multi-site opening across Italy; Tens of thousands are celebrating as the Quebec Winter Carnaval begins, and new data shows Canada lost 25,000 jobs and unemployment rose to 6.5 per cent.

Toronto’s average home price drops below $1M as sales decline; while travellers are urged to prepare for power outages, communication issues and shortages in Cuba as Canada updates its travel advisory, and former PM Stephen Harper calls for Liberal-Conservative cooperation as Mark Carney meets Pierre Poilievre and Ottawa reacts to U.S. tariff pressure.  

Stavely, Alta., mourns three junior hockey players killed en route to practice after a car hit a gravel truck; Premier David Eby promises tougher action as police investigate a surge in extortion shootings, with up to 50 cases in Surrey this year; and a new study finds heart disease or stroke claims a Canadian every seven minutes, pointing to lifestyle gaps and what people can do now to reduce the risk.

Canada’s submarine competition heats up between Korea and Germany; a U.S. crime investigation involving Savannah Guthrie’s mother takes place after she goes missing, and evacuations in Kashechewan after a parasite is found; and NASA prepares for a possible Sunday launch as the Artemis crew, including Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, completes key rehearsals. 

Canada is currently meeting with South Korea to discuss new trade options and potentially purchase new submarines; Premier Kinew is travelling to Churchill, Manitoba to explore the potential industrial and energy-based economic opportunities; Alberta separatist confirms ‘high-level’ meeting with Trump administration; and more.