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Canadian Money Brief – June 1, 2026: Markets Kick Off June on a High Note

  Markets Kick Off June on a High Note A strong finish to May carries momentum into the first trading session of June, with tech leading the charge and a major Berkshire deal grabbing headlines. At a Glance — Friday May 29 Close (Most Recent Confirmed) Index / Asset Level Change S&P/TSX Composite 34,769 +0.73% S&P 500 7,580 +0.22% Dow Jones 51,032 +0.72% Nasdaq Composite 26,973 +0.20% CAD/USD 0.7249 –0.06% WTI Crude Oil US$87.36/bbl –1.73% Gold US$4,574/oz –0.42% Sources: Yahoo Finance, Trading Economics. Closing data as of May 29, 2026. June 1 intraday data referenced in body. May Goes Out on a High North American markets wrapped up May in fine form. All three major U.S. indexes — the S&P 500, the Dow, and the Nasdaq — finished Friday at record closing highs, capping a month that saw the tech-heavy Nasdaq surge roughly 8% and the S&P 500 gain around 5%. The TSX also had a solid run, closing above the 34,700 mark on Friday, supported by a rebound in financials and ...

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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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