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The U.S. Alcohol Ban Is Now Live: Who's Exempt, Who's Shut Out, and What It Means for Your Wallet

  At 12:01 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 29, the United States stopped letting most packaged Canadian beer, wine, cider and spirits through the border. Not taxed. Blocked. It's the sharpest step yet in the alcohol front of the trade war, and it lands on a very uneven set of shoulders. Two weeks ago we walked through what was coming. Now that it's live, here's what the ban actually covers, who slips through, and what it does (and doesn't) mean for your own budget. What took effect The White House announced the measures on Sept. 8, after Canada's own retaliation tariffs kicked in. The U.S. framed them as a response to Canada's treatment of American dairy, autos and alcohol, and to provinces pulling U.S. liquor from their shelves. The ban covers packaged Canadian beer (including non-alcoholic), wine, cider and spirits, plus whey products, molasses and motorcycles over 800cc. Many of the alcohol products were already facing a 50% U.S. tariff imposed in August; the ban ...

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Federal Government Boosts Vaccine Injury Compensation Fund with Additional $36 Million

 

The Canadian federal government has recently allocated an additional $36.4 million to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Fund, a program designed to support individuals who have experienced serious injuries or fatalities related to vaccines since the end of 2020. Here are the key details:

  1. Purpose of the Fund:

    • The program was established shortly after COVID-19 vaccines became available to the public.
    • It provides financial compensation to people who suffered adverse effects due to Health Canada-approved vaccines.
    • The goal is to assist those who were seriously impacted by vaccination.
  2. Funding and Administration:

    • The Liberal government initially earmarked $75 million for the first five years of the program.
    • A private firm called OXARO manages the program and disburses valid claims originating outside of Quebec.
    • To date, OXARO has received $56.2 million from Ottawa and has paid out $11.2 million in compensation.
    • Quebec has its own vaccine injury compensation program, which received $7.75 million when the federal program launched.
  3. Recent Funding Boost:

    • As part of the federal budget, the government allocated an additional $36 million to OXARO and Quebec.
    • This funding covers the next two years of the program.
    • The Public Health Agency of Canada contracted OXARO to ensure an impartial claims process.
  4. Eligibility and Claims:

    • The program covers injuries and deaths associated with vaccines approved for any illness.
    • Eligibility criteria include severe, life-threatening, or life-altering injuries resulting in disability, incapacity, birth defects, or death.
    • The available statistics do not specify which vaccines were involved.
  5. Rare Adverse Reactions:

    • Serious adverse reactions to vaccines are extremely rare (affecting less than one in a million people).
    • Nevertheless, the government recognizes its duty to provide support when such reactions occur.
    • Ottawa has also made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for travel and federal public service employment.

In summary, the additional funding aims to ensure that those affected by vaccine-related injuries receive appropriate compensation while maintaining an impartial claims process. The program underscores the importance of vaccine safety and accountability in public health efforts. 


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