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Vancouver Budget Balances Books Without Tax Hike

Vancouver city council approved a 2026 budget, which includes a freeze on municipal property taxes. Vancouver City Council has approved a new budget that pledges no increase in property taxes, a move welcomed by many residents facing rising living costs. However, the financial plan comes with significant trade-offs: millions of dollars will be cut from arts programs, park services, and other community initiatives. City officials argue the budget reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility while easing pressure on households. Critics, however, warn that reductions in cultural and recreational funding could erode the city’s vibrancy and limit access to public spaces. The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability with investment in community life. As Vancouver grows, the debate over how to fund essential services without raising taxes is likely to intensify.

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Health Canada authorizes updated Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine


Health Canada has authorized Pfizer-BioNTech’s updated COVID-19 vaccine for people six months and older.

The mRNA vaccine targets the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant that is circulating in Canada.

This is the second vaccine targeting XBB.1.5 that will be available in this country.

Earlier this month, Health Canada authorized Moderna's updated mRNA vaccine.

Both Pfizer and Moderna's shots are one-dose vaccines for people five years of age and older.

Three shots of the Pfizer vaccine is recommended for children between six months and four years of age who have not received their primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Health Canada says it is currently reviewing an updated non-mRNA vaccine from Novavax.

Novavax’s vaccine has been submitted for consideration for people age 12 years and older.

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