Canada

Alberta to Charge $100 for COVID-19 Shots Outside Priority Groups

Alberta to Charge $100 for COVID-19 Shots Outside Priority Groups

Edmonton — The Alberta government will require most residents to pay a $100 administration fee for the COVID-19 vaccine this fall, while expanding coverage for frontline health-care workers and vulnerable groups.The rollout begins October 1 for high-priority groups, including health-care workers, home care clients, residents of seniors’ and continuing care homes, people experiencing homelessness, those 65 and older receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit, and individuals who are immunocompromised. Others will be eligible starting October 20, but must cover the fee unless they fall within the exempt categories. Appointments will remain available until supplies run out or the respiratory virus season…
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Alaska Weighs Hyder as Alternative Ferry Route After Prince Rupert Stalemate

Alaska Weighs Hyder as Alternative Ferry Route After Prince Rupert Stalemate

Juneau, Alaska (Richa Walia) : Southeast Alaska residents may soon see renewed ferry access to the mainland road system, but not through Prince Rupert, British Columbia, as originally envisioned. Instead, Hyder, Alaska, has emerged as a viable alternative amid longstanding logistical and political hurdles.Ferry service to Prince Rupert has been suspended since 2022, and even before that, sailings were inconsistent for nearly five years. While many Alaskans favored Prince Rupert over Bellingham, Washington, repeated obstacles have prevented the route’s revival.At the heart of the dispute are competing steel requirements for ramp and dock repairs. Canada mandates the use of Canadian-made…
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Five Killed, Several Injured After Bus Overturns Near Niagara Falls

Five Killed, Several Injured After Bus Overturns Near Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, USA (Rajeev Sharma): A sightseeing trip turned tragic when a bus carrying 54 passengers overturned near Niagara Falls, leaving five people dead and several others injured. The vehicle, which was on its way back to New York City, skidded off the road under unclear circumstances. Emergency crews quickly arrived at the scene, providing medical aid before transferring the injured to local hospitals. Authorities said many passengers are still undergoing treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition. Those on board included international travelers, with tourists from India and China among the passengers. Police have launched an inquiry…
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Canada to Eliminate Tariffs on U.S. CUSMA Goods by September 1

Canada to Eliminate Tariffs on U.S. CUSMA Goods by September 1

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma) : Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Friday that Canada will scrap all tariffs on goods from the United States covered under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) by September 1.Carney clarified that tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos will remain in place as the Liberal government continues negotiations with Washington to define a new trading framework. Despite the ongoing trade war, he noted that 85 per cent of bilateral trade with the U.S. remains tariff-free, calling it a crucial advantage for Canadian industries and workers.“As we work to address outstanding trade issues with the U.S., it is important we…
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Supporters Rally to Save B.C. Ostrich Farm Flock Facing Avian Flu Cull

Supporters Rally to Save B.C. Ostrich Farm Flock Facing Avian Flu Cull

Edgewood, British Columbia (Richa Walia) : A controversy has erupted in southern Interior B.C. as supporters of the Universal Ostrich Farm prepare to gather at the property after it lost a court appeal against a government-ordered cull of its birds.The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ordered the destruction of about 400 ostriches at the Edgewood farm after several birds tested positive for H5N1 avian flu last December, resulting in the deaths of 69 birds by January. Despite the farmers’ claims that the flock is now healthy, the CFIA insists the cull is necessary to prevent risks to both public health…
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Union Demand Sparks Alberta’s Policy Shift on COVID-19 Vaccines

Union Demand Sparks Alberta’s Policy Shift on COVID-19 Vaccines

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Thursday that her government’s abrupt reversal on COVID-19 vaccine coverage for health-care workers was driven by union demands.Earlier this week, the province announced that all health workers would be eligible for free shots this fall, despite a June decision that most Albertans, including health staff, would have to pay up to $110 for a dose. Smith said the shift followed a request from the Health Sciences Association of Alberta, which reached a tentative bargaining deal last week.“In consultation with other unions, they wanted access for their members. It will not be mandatory,…
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Cultural Symphony of India: Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration at Genesis Centre

Cultural Symphony of India: Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration at Genesis Centre

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Indian community in Calgary is organizing a grand celebration, "Cultural Symphony of India – Ganesh Chaturthi," which will bring together devotion, culture, and community spirit at the Genesis Centre in Calgary NE. The festivities will commence at 11:00 AM with the Ganesh Murti Sthapana and Aarti, accompanied by Dhol Tasha, setting the stage for a spiritually uplifting day. The event will feature cultural performances, including dance, music, and drama, showcasing India's rich heritage. A complimentary community lunch (Bhandara) will be served from 3:00 PM onwards, welcoming families and friends to share a meal together. Children's activities,…
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Dr. Monika Khullar Honoured with Prestigious Mark Sosnowski Award

Dr. Monika Khullar Honoured with Prestigious Mark Sosnowski Award

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Dr. Monika Khullar, a distinguished physician of Hope Medicare Clinic, has been selected as the recipient of the esteemed 2024 Mark Sosnowski Award. This award acknowledges Dr. Khullar's unwavering dedication to patient centered care and her role as a cornerstone of her patients' medical home. She has received widespread acclaim for her exceptional service to the Mosaic community and her efforts in promoting team based, interdisciplinary care to enhance health outcomes and overall patient well being. Colleagues and patients alike describe Dr. Khullar as a compassionate leader whose commitment to primary care continues to strengthen the Mosaic…
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Ktunaxa Nation Urges Public to Stop Unauthorized Harvesting of Sacred ʔayut Plant in B.C

Ktunaxa Nation Urges Public to Stop Unauthorized Harvesting of Sacred ʔayut Plant in B.C

Southeastern B.C., August 21 — The Ktunaxa Nation has called on the public to stop harvesting a traditional medicinal plant, ʔayut (Canby’s lovage), after reports of unauthorized collection and damage to sensitive patches in its territory.The Ktunaxa Nation, made up of five First Nations across southeastern British Columbia, says land guardians have found people tearing up the ground to extract the plant without consent. The nation’s traditional territory covers about 70,000 square kilometres across B.C.’s Interior, stretching into Alberta, Montana, Idaho, and Washington.Kathryn Teneese, chair of the Ktunaxa Nation Council, told CBC Radio West that ʔayut holds both medicinal and…
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Alberta strengthens fight against child abuse with expanded advocacy centre funding

Alberta strengthens fight against child abuse with expanded advocacy centre funding

National Times Bureau (Rajeev Sharma) : Alberta’s government is increasing funding for child advocacy centres to better support children and youth experiencing abuse. To help address rising caseloads, Alberta’s government is increasing funding for child and youth advocacy centres by 10 per cent. This represents an increase to $3.7 million in 2025, ensuring these centres can continue their vital work supporting children and youth. “Alberta has been a leader in creating safe places for children and youth who have experienced abuse. Centres like Zebra Centre and Luna Centre were among the first of their kind in Canada, and they continue…
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