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Budget 2026 Consultations Are Open — Here's What Canadians Should Ask For

July 7, 2026 Ottawa wants your input on Budget 2026 before September 8. Here's what the consultation actually is, why it matters to your wallet, and what to say if you take part. The bottom line: On July 6, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne launched pre-budget consultations for this fall's federal budget. Canadians can submit input online until September 8, 2026 at Canada.ca/yourbudget. It's a rare, direct window to flag what's actually squeezing your household before the government finalizes tax, benefit, and spending decisions for next year. What Just Happened The Department of Finance officially opened the pre-budget consultation process for Budget 2026, which will be tabled this fall. The stated priorities are broad — boosting investment and competition, strengthening economic sovereignty, and addressing the "most pressing economic challenges facing Canadians today." Over the summer, Champagne, along with Secretary of State Wayne Long and Parl...

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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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