Hour 1 of Ottawa Now for Mon. May 4th, 2026

Should OC Transpo special constables be able to arrest and fine drug users? Pretty soon, they will hold that power, especially if it happens on public transit property. Earlier today, the Ford government announced new amendments to the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act. It was passed last year in an effort to prohibit drug use in public spaces. Ontario’s Solicitor General says it’s all about preserving public safety, and that legal motion received support from Ottawa City Council. Rideau-Vanier councillor Stephanie Plante joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. Later in the program, we check in with Harini Sivalingam, the Director of Equality at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. Meantime, sources confirm to CTV News that Prime Minister Carney will name a new Governor General tomorrow, replacing Mary Simon in that post. She has held that role since July of 2021. CFRA's Chris Holski fills us in. But first, we bring you up to speed on today's top headlines.