Parents turn to social media to buy baby formula | CTV National News for Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025

Parents are increasingly desperate to find baby formula due to high costs and limited supply, leading them to social media platforms to buy and sell. The price of baby formula has nearly doubled, with a 68% increase in Canada. Food safety issues at US plants have contributed to the shortage and price hikes. Health Canada is working with manufacturers and has approved over 70 products for temporary importation. Canada currently has only one formula manufacturer, making the country heavily reliant on imports.

Adding to parental concerns, Byheart whole nutrition infant formula has been recalled due to cases of infant botulism in the US. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is raising a red flag about these cases.

The US President has rolled back tariffs on dozens of food products, including coffee and beef, in response to growing consumer backlash over high grocery costs. This move raises questions about the future of Donald Trump's tariffs and trade negotiations, particularly with Canada, as the USMCA agreement is up for review in 2026.

One person died after two planes collided mid-air near Ottawa. A Piper Semol landed safely, but a Cessna crashed in the woods, killing its pilot. Both planes, owned by the same company, were on training flights. The Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause.

The Vatican has returned several historic Indigenous artifacts to Canada, a significant step towards reconciliation. The artifacts, originally sent to the Holy See for a 1925 exhibition, will be transferred to national Indigenous organizations.

An Ontario-based group, 'Please Bring Me Home,' has organized a renewed search for six-year-old Lily Sullivan and her four-year-old brother Jack, who have been missing from Picto County, Nova Scotia, since May 2nd. Previous police searches covered 8.5 square kilometers, and the RCMP investigation is ongoing.

Nova Scotia experienced a record-setting drought this year, leading to wildfires, dry wells, and damaged crops. This has been followed by heavy rains, with some areas receiving over 50 millimeters, raising concerns about potential flooding and soil erosion, as well as health issues for livestock. Experts emphasize the need for increased preparedness for such extreme weather patterns.

The Vancouver Rise made history by winning the first-ever Northern Super League championship in professional women's soccer, defeating AFC Toronto 2-1. The Liberal government announced $5.45 million in funding for the league's growth and facility upgrades. In other sports news, Winnipeg is hosting the 112th Grey Cup, featuring the Montreal Alouettes and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The event includes concerts, parties, and various activities, bringing economic benefits to local businesses.

Despite promises from the federal government to ease interprovincial trade restrictions, Canadian alcohol producers face significant hurdles. Regulatory complexities, including variations in labeling and testing requirements, make it difficult to expand into new markets. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is advocating for a more consistent framework. While provinces agreed to allow direct-to-consumer sales by next spring, producers argue this is not fast enough or comprehensive enough.

Mike Boguski, a member of the Canadian music hall of fame band Blue Rodeo, is performing free concerts for underserved communities during his cross-country tour. He plays for food banks, libraries, and community shelters, bringing the joy of music to those who may not be able to afford concert tickets. His initiative highlights the importance of accessibility to the arts for overall well-being.

Calgary City Hall raised the Palestinian flag, a symbolic event following Ottawa's recognition of Palestinian statehood. However, the mayor plans to introduce a motion to change the rules for flag raising, arguing that national flags, especially during conflicts, can foster division rather than unity.

Two Calgary-based individuals are making significant strides in the fashion and beauty industries. Hung Van Go, a Vietnamese refugee, has become a top makeup artist for Hollywood stars and launched his own successful beauty brand. Model Aar Odang, a refugee from South Sudan, has graced international magazine covers, including American Vogue. Both attribute their success to resilience and the support of their agency, Mode Models International, showcasing Canadian talent on the global stage and inspiring new generations.