Canadian health authorities on Tuesday said they would begin distributing 1.2 million manuals offering pointers on combating swine flu, in anticipation of the upcoming flu season. The "comprehensive preparedness guide" aims to provide Canadians with general information about the swine flu virus, steps to protect themselves against it, and tips on what to do if they or their family ...

Canada's health minister Wednesday warned businesses to prepare now for a late 2009 swine flu surge, particularly small- and medium-sized firms that have so far lagged behind large corporations. Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq told a press conference most large firms have already begun to address looming "business continuity issues," but many smaller companies have no plans in place, due ...

Canada's Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq on Friday proposed banning six commonly-used chemicals in soft vinyl toys and child-care articles, as well as new strict limits for lead in products. The regulation would prevent the use of a family of chemicals (known as phthalates DEHP, DINP, DBP, BBP, DNOP and DIDP) in squeeze or inflatable toys, dolls, animal figures, school ...

Canadian health authorities announced Monday dozens of new cases of swine flu, including a young girl hospitalized in western Alberta province with the first severe symptoms in this country. "Today, Alberta is reporting the first severe case of H1N1 flu virus in Canada," Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq told a press conference, adding that the girl was being treated in the ...