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5 Things to Know Today: Midterms Day, Oil Plunge, Trade Deal, Budget (Nov 3)

  Canadian Money Brief • Tuesday, November 3, 2026 It’s Election Day in the United States, oil just had its biggest one-day drop since late July, and Ottawa tables its budget on Thursday. Here are five things to know today, and what each one means for your wallet. 1. U.S. midterms: Canada is watching Americans vote in the midterm elections today. Markets are expecting Democrats to win the House of Representatives, while control of the Senate is still uncertain. Trade policy has been a campaign issue, especially in border states such as Michigan and Maine, where Republican candidates have faced pressure over tariffs that have hurt local businesses. What it means for you: The result could move the loonie, the TSX and the tariff talks over the coming days, but one election night is rarely a reason to rebuild your TFSA or RRSP. If you need to convert Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars soon, expect choppy exchange rates. 2. Oil plunges on Iran diplomacy, then bounces Oil fell sharply o...

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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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