Alberta is seeing a significant rise in influenza cases well before the official flu season begins. As of October 11, the province had recorded 366 laboratory-confirmed flu cases, compared with just 42 during the same period last year. Hospitalizations have also increased, with nearly 300 Albertans hospitalized due to influenza since August. Among them, 26 patients, including two young children, have required intensive care. Five people have died from influenza since August, including four in the Calgary zone. Flu vaccines became available to the general public on October 19. So far, approxima

At least four Palestinians were killed in separate Israeli strikes and shooting incidents in the Gaza Strip on Thursday. According to Gaza health officials, two people were killed in an attack on a car in Gaza City. A Palestinian cyclist was killed in an attack in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, while a woman died in gunfire near the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incidents. Israel has accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire by rearming and carrying out attacks. Hamas has rejected the allegations, accusing Israel of undermining the

Air Canada has announced plans to gradually discontinue several U.S. routes, including all direct flights to South Carolina, citing declining passenger demand and rising operating costs. Starting in 2027, the airline will cancel services on five routes, including flights from Vancouver to Nashville and Raleigh-Durham, as well as Toronto Pearson to Charleston. The decision is expected to affect Canadian “snowbirds” who travel to South Carolina during the winter months. The Toronto–Charleston route was the only direct flight connecting Canada to the city. Air Canada said it is adjusting it

Nearly 70% of Vancouver voters supported banning the open use of drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl in public spaces, according to a non-binding question included alongside the municipal election ballot. Meanwhile, 68% supported urging the provincial government to build a secure medical facility with more than 100 beds at the site of the former St. Paul’s Hospital for patients struggling with severe mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Both questions were added to the ballot at the request of former Mayor Ken Sim. However, newly elected Mayor Pete Fry describ

A majority of voters across Alberta supported remaining in Canada in the recent referendum. However, two provincial ridings showed majority support for moving forward with the process toward a second referendum on separation. According to unofficial results from Elections Alberta, only two of the province’s 87 electoral districts recorded majority support for advancing the process. In Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre, located north of Calgary, 51.1 per cent of voters supported the move, while 50.5 per cent in Central Peace-Notley in northwestern Alberta backed further steps toward another