Skip to main content

Featured

Tehran Signals Defiance as Supreme Leader Vows Retaliation and Strait Closure

  A man holds a picture of Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, while people attend a funeral ceremony for the Iranian military commanders who were killed in strikes, in Tehran Iran’s Supreme Leader issued his first public remarks following the deaths of senior Iranian commanders, vowing that the country will “avenge the martyrs” and maintain the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz until what he described as “justice” is served. His comments, delivered during a nationally broadcast address, underscore a sharp escalation in rhetoric at a moment of heightened regional tension. The Supreme Leader framed the recent losses as sacrifices in the defense of Iran’s sovereignty, promising that those responsible “will face consequences.” He also reaffirmed Iran’s decision to keep the Strait closed, a move that has already disrupted global shipping routes and rattled energy markets. The strait, one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for oil transport, has long been a flas...

article

Alberta Introduces $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Fee for Most Residents Amid Cost-Cutting Push

                                             Alberta Premier Danielle Smith                                        
    

The Alberta government has confirmed that most residents will be charged $100 for a COVID-19 vaccine dose this fall, marking a significant shift from previous years when the shots were universally free.

Under the province’s new two-phase rollout, free vaccines will still be available to select groups, including health-care workers, certain seniors, people with underlying medical conditions, and other vulnerable populations. These eligible individuals can book appointments starting October 1, while all others will have to wait until October 20 and pay the $100 administration fee.

Premier Danielle Smith defended the move, citing the need to reduce waste after hundreds of thousands of unused doses last year cost the province millions. Critics, including public health experts and opposition leaders, argue the policy will create barriers to vaccination and make Alberta the only province without universal free access.

The shots will be administered exclusively through public health clinics, with pharmacies no longer receiving general supply. Neighbouring provinces like British Columbia and Manitoba have indicated they will offer free vaccines to out-of-province visitors, though wait times may apply.

This change follows the federal government’s decision to transfer vaccine procurement responsibilities to the provinces earlier this year.

Comments