Skip to Main content

3.74°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Nov 10, 2025 6:08 PM - Connect Newsroom - Jasmine Singh

Alberta reports first flu-related death of season as health officials urge vaccination

Share On

Alberta has recorded its first influenza-related death of the 2025–26 season, according to new data from the province’s respiratory virus dashboard. Officials say the individual was in their 60s.

The report marks an early fatality in what public health experts warn could be another challenging flu season. Last year, Alberta experienced one of its deadliest flu periods in decades, with 237 deaths recorded during the 2024–25 season.

Provincial data shows a concerning upward trend in both deaths and hospitalizations linked to influenza. There were 171 deaths in 2023–24, 123 in 2022–23, and just 20 in 2021–22. Hospital admissions have also climbed sharply, rising to 3,732 last season from 3,358 the year before.

Health officials continue to encourage Albertans, particularly seniors and those with underlying health conditions, to get vaccinated and take preventive measures as the virus circulates more widely through the winter.

Latest news

canada-post-and-postal-workers-union-reach-tentative-labour-agreements

CanadaDec 22, 2025

Canada Post and postal workers’ union reach tentative labour agreements

Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers say they have reached tentative collective agreements that could bring an end to more than two years of labour tensions at the Crown corporation. The agreements cover both the Urban Postal Operations unit and the Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers unit, representing roughly 55,000 workers nationwide. The union’s national board has recommended members approve the deals, with ratification votes expected in early 2026. During the ratification process, both sides have agreed there will be no strike or lockout action, providing short-term labour

police-stop-406-000-fraud-targeting-northern-vancouver-island-first-nation

Police stop $406,000 fraud targeting northern Vancouver Island First Nation

Alert Bay RCMP say they have prevented a fraud scheme that targeted the Namgis First Nation, protecting more than $400,000 intended for a new wellness and treatment centre on northern Vancouver Island. The case came to light on May 13, when the First Nation reported that $406,000 earmarked for contractors had been redirected to a fraudulent bank account via a scam email. Authorities say early intervention was key in limiting the financial loss. Collaboration with law enforcement in Eastern Canada led to a freeze on the bank account, which police allege was operated by an organized crime group.

surrey-police-seek-witnesses-after-theft-reported-at-retirement-residence

CanadaDec 22, 2025

Surrey police seek witnesses after theft reported at retirement residence

Surrey Police Service is asking the public for help as officers investigate a theft at a retirement residence in the city’s South Surrey area. Police say the incident happened on December 15 around 2:10 pm at a residence in the 15500 block of 16 Avenue. Investigators allege a man entered the building and gained access to an apartment by claiming he was a maintenance worker inspecting the sprinkler system. Once inside, the suspect is accused of taking the resident’s purse before leaving the building. The suspect is described as a white man, about 5 feet 8 inches tall. At the time, he was we

fatal-head-on-crash-closes-highway-1-in-surrey-as-police-seek-witnesses

Fatal head-on crash closes Highway 1 in Surrey as police seek witnesses

One person has died following a serious multi-vehicle collision on Highway 1 in Surrey that forced a full closure of the westbound lanes during the Monday morning commute. BC Highway Patrol says the investigation is ongoing and officers are asking the public for additional witnesses and dash camera footage. Police say the first 911 call came shortly after 7:15 a.m. after three vehicles collided on westbound Highway 1 near the 176th Street exit. Investigators believe one vehicle crossed over from the eastbound lanes, resulting in a head-on crash. Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patr

carney-appoints-mark-wiseman-as-canadas-next-ambassador-to-the-united-states

CanadaDec 22, 2025

Carney appoints Mark Wiseman as Canada’s next ambassador to the United States

Prime Minister Mark Carney has named investment banker and pension fund executive Mark Wiseman as Canada’s next ambassador to the United States, placing him at the centre of upcoming negotiations with Washington on continental trade. Wiseman is set to begin the role on Feb. 15, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. Wiseman will lead Canada’s engagement with the U.S. as the countries prepare for a scheduled review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, a process expected to dominate the bilateral agenda next year. The trade review is widely seen as critical for Canadian exporte

Related News

Alberta plans 2026 pilot to raise speed limits on select rural highways

Alberta plans 2026 pilot to raise speed limits on select rural highways

The Alberta government says it will move ahead in 2026 with a pilot project that would increase speed limits to 120 kilometres per hour on certain rural divided highways across the province. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the decision follows public feedback gathered through an online survey earlier this fall, when the province asked Albertans whether speed limits should be raised on divided highways. According to the government, about 59,000 people responded, with 68 per cent expressing support for higher limits. Currently, many rural divided highways in Alberta are capped at 110

Elections Alberta approves citizen recall petition for Justice Minister Mickey Amery

Elections Alberta approves citizen recall petition for Justice Minister Mickey Amery

Elections Alberta has authorized a citizen-initiated recall petition targeting Justice Minister Mickey Amery in the Calgary-Cross riding. The move allows constituents to formally petition for his removal from office. The petition claims Amery has been unresponsive to local concerns and supports policies viewed by some constituents as harmful. Amery, a member of Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party (UCP) caucus, said he remains focused on serving the people of his riding. Amery emphasized that recall legislation is intended for cases of serious ethical violations rather than dis

AIMCo board names Ray Gilmour as permanent chief executive

AIMCo board names Ray Gilmour as permanent chief executive

The board of directors of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation has confirmed Ray Gilmour as the organization’s new chief executive officer, formalizing a role he has held on an interim basis for the past year. AIMCo oversees more than $179 billion in assets, managing pension and investment funds on behalf of public sector workers and government entities across Alberta. Its portfolio includes retirement savings for teachers, health care workers and other public employees, making its leadership decisions significant for thousands of Albertans. Gilmour stepped into the interim CEO role

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital