There's a new addition to your holiday to-do list and it's not another gift to buy
The easiest thing to check off your list this year ✅
Flannel, crunchy leaves and warm cider aren't the only things that come with this time of year. October also generally signals the beginning of flu season, with colder weather and more time spent indoors making it easier for viruses to spread.
And with the holiday season just around the corner, the last thing anyone wants is to miss out on festive parties, cozy get-togethers and all the fun because of the flu. Getting your flu shot is one simple way to help reduce your risk of getting sick and keep holiday FOMO at bay.
Luckily,free flu (influenza) vaccinations are available to adults in most provinces and territories, making it easier to protect yourself and those around you (and not miss out on the festivities). But despite the broad availability of the free vaccine, surprisingly few people are getting it.
According to a recent survey commissioned by Rexall, less than half of the people who responded (44%) know they're eligible for a free flu shot, and only 26% say they have gotten or intend to get vaccinated this season.
The same pattern shows up with the COVID-19 vaccine: Only 36% are aware of their eligibility, and only one-fifth have plans to get the shot.
When asked what would make vaccination easier, 41% of respondents pointed to free availability, while 34% cited walk-in access — two things that are already happening.
If you've just learned that you might be eligible for a free flu or COVID-19 shot, the next thing to do is to talk to your pharmacist and see what your options are.

At Rexall, for example, you can book an appointment online or walk in to participating locations. Rexall even offers mobile flu clinics for workplaces, retirement homes, post-secondary campuses and more.
COVID-19 + Flu A&B panel tests are also available over the counter at Rexall pharmacies and can give you results at home in just 15 minutes. If you test positive for flu or COVID-19, your pharmacist can help you manage your symptoms — whether through prescription treatment* or over-the-counter relief.
Flu season may already be here, but that doesn't mean you should worry about missing out on all the fun. Visit Rexall and speak with a pharmacist to learn more about vaccine eligibility and get your flu vaccine before the flu gets in the way of your holiday plans.
Vaccination subject to availability and eligibility.
*Prescription treatment subject to availability and eligibility.
B.C. NDP Leader Eby campaigns in Vancouver, while Tories heads to Surrey
British Columbia NDP Leader David Eby campaigns in Vancouver and Richmond today after wrapping his swing through the vote-rich city of Surrey with a rally.
Hundreds of people attended the gathering near City Hall on Wednesday.
Eby made six stops in the Surrey-Delta area throughout the day to meet with seniors and visit a trucking company.
Meanwhile, interim B.C. Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson is set to make an announcement in B.C.'s second-largest city, where 10 ridings are up for grabs.
He's also expected to hold a rally in Surrey later tonight.
Advance voting also wrapped up on Wednesday, ahead of Saturday's election.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2026.
By Wolfgang Depner | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Officials to provide update on fatal fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta
Officials are set to provide an update today about a devastating fire at a Canadian military base in Alberta that left four soldiers dead and dozens more injured.
Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland of the 1st Canadian Division has said Saturday's blaze began as a grass fire, but a violent windstorm sent flames racing toward soldiers training at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright.
The fire initially sent 39 wounded to various hospitals, and officials said Wednesday that number was down to 27, with 13 in critical condition.
Roughly 150 people attended a vigil late Wednesday at a church in the nearby town of Wainwright, Alta., southeast of Edmonton.
Prayers were said, songs were sung and the names of those killed were read aloud, followed by a moment of silence.
Mayor Bruce Pugh says the last few days have been tough, but activities at the base have started to return to normal.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22. 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Bienvenue dans la nouvelle expérience Narcity
La plus grande mise à jour de Narcity.com depuis son lancement en 2014.
Ce week-end a marqué le coup d'envoi du nouveau site web Narcity, nous ramenant à notre essence de couverture locale, dédiée à renforcer le lien entre ta ville et toi.
Également, nous avons mis tout notre cœur à la construction de la base d'un nouveau produit, et nous sommes ravis aujourd'hui de te présenter Milla, notre nouvelle marque et plateforme fintech qui alimente la nouvelle expérience connectée de Narcity.
C'est un point tournant pour nos utilisateurs et utilisatrices enregistré.e.s et membres Pro, et cela continuera d'évoluer alors que nous investissons dans sa performance et plus de fonctionnalités.
Créé ton compte maintenant
Nouvelles fonctionnalités sur Narcity
Nous avons hâte que tu plonges dans cette version améliorée de Narcity et n'hésite pas à laisser tes commentaires / idées dans la section ci-dessous. 👇
Reste à l'affut pour encore plus de nouveautés et de mises à jour à venir.
N'hésite pas à nous faire part des problèmes techniques via notre portail de support.
Avec amour,
L'équipe Narcity