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Holiday Turbulence: Flight Delays Hit Major Canadian Airports on Boxing Day

  Passengers wait in a check-in line at Vancouver International Airport after a snowstorm crippled operations during the holidays in 2022.   Travelers across Canada are facing a challenging Boxing Day as major airports report widespread delays and cancellations triggered by winter weather and heavy post‑holiday traffic. With thousands of passengers returning home or heading out for year‑end vacations, the timing couldn’t be more disruptive. Toronto Pearson, the country’s busiest airport, is experiencing the most significant impact. A mix of snow, freezing drizzle, and strong winds has slowed de‑icing operations and reduced runway capacity. Long lines at security and check‑in counters are adding to the congestion, with some travelers reporting wait times stretching beyond an hour. Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver airports are also dealing with delays, though to varying degrees. In Eastern Canada, Halifax is managing a combination of fog and residual holiday traffic, while air...
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Ontario’s First Measles Death in Decades: A Grim Reminder for Unvaccinated Children

 

In a tragic turn of events, Ontario has reported its first measles-related death in decades. The victim was a child under the age of five from Hamilton, Ontario. Public Health Ontario (PHO) confirmed that the child was unvaccinated and had fallen seriously ill, ultimately succumbing to the disease.

The Alarming Situation

Measles, once considered a disease of the past, has made a concerning resurgence. Here are some key points:

  1. Unvaccinated Children at Risk: The child who tragically lost their life was one of five unvaccinated kids who fell ill this year. These cases highlight the vulnerability of unvaccinated children, especially when vaccination rates drop.

  2. Measles Cases on the Rise: In 2024, Ontario has already documented 22 cases of measles, nearly a quarter of the roughly 100 cases reported in the entire previous decade. This year’s death marks the province’s first fatal case since 1989.

  3. Global Immunization Challenges: Immunization rates against infectious diseases have declined globally, including in Canada. The pandemic disrupted vaccination programs, leading to missed doses. For example, the proportion of seven-year-olds in Ontario with zero vaccine doses rose significantly between 2019-2020 and 2022-2023.

The Importance of Vaccination

Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness, and respiratory failure. Children are supposed to receive two doses of the measles vaccine, with the first administered at 12 months of age. Unvaccinated children, especially those under five, remain at heightened risk.

A Call to Action

This tragic loss underscores the critical importance of vaccination. As a community, we must prioritize immunization to protect our children and prevent further outbreaks. Let us learn from this devastating event and work together to ensure a safer future for all.

Remember: Vaccines save lives. Let’s protect our children and each other.


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