Weather Network summer forecast: El Niño to bring warm temp west, cooler temp east

A summer forecast warns western wildfires will likely continue to be “a major concern," with higher-than-normal temperatures expected when the second fire season ramps up in July and peaks in August.

The Weather Network released predictions Wednesday that point to a cooler season overall in Canada, although there will likely be periods of hot and dry stretches broken up by unsettled weather in June, July, and August.

Girl Guides of Canada pick ‘Embers’ as new name for group ages seven and eight

The Girl Guides of Canada has renamed its Brownies branch the "Embers" in a bid to become more inclusive and welcoming to all girls.

The organization said Wednesday that the new name applies immediately to its program for kids aged seven and eight.

CEO Jill Zelmanovits said the previous name dissuaded some racialized girls and women from joining the outdoor adventure and activity group and that members embraced the chance to change that.

New pediatric guidelines for toddler screen use stresses quality instead of quantity

The Canadian Paediatric Society has ditched a hard-and-fast time limit for screen use among toddlers and preschoolers, encouraging instead that parents prioritize educational, interactive and age-appropriate material.

New guidance released Thursday morning still urges no screens at all for kids younger than age two, except to video-chat with others such as grandparents, and says kids aged two to five should restrict "sedentary screen time" to one hour a day.

Imports of kids' pain and fever meds are coming, but critics say supply is fragile

Emergency supplies of pain and fever medication are expected to arrive soon at hospitals overwhelmed by respiratory illnesses but observers say more can be done to guard against future drug shortages.

Health Canada says special imports of ibuprofen from the United States are awaiting distribution, while acetaminophen imports from Australia are imminent.

The agency did not disclose how much was expected or how stock will be split among hospitals, but promised “fair distribution of supply across Canada.”

Canadian Museums Association recommends 10 ways to decolonize heritage sector

The Canadian Museums Association is calling for legislation, money and a cohesive national strategy to support Indigenous-led reconciliation in the museum sector.

The association detailed the work needed in a report released Tuesday that includes 10 recommendations to help spur Indigenous self-determination at every level of a museum’s operations.

Japanese, contemporary cuisine figure prominently in first Toronto Michelin Guide

Toronto can now boast to being home to more than a dozen Michelin-star eateries, including a two-star sushi restaurant run by a celebrated chef previously recognized by the prestigious food guide.

Sushi Masaki Saito earned two stars in Michelin’s first Canadian food guide announced Tuesday, when the Parisian ode to gastronomy endorsed a range of Hogtown outlets specializing in everything from Chef Masaki Saito's tradition-steeped Edomae-style sushi to fried chicken takeaway.

Proposed alcohol guidelines highlight health risks with just a few drinks per week

A proposed overhaul of Canada’s decade-old drinking guidelines warns of increased health risks from as few as three drinks per week and calls for mandatory labelling of all alcoholic beverages.

In its suggested update to Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction eschews offering a specific daily or weekly limit in favour of outlining a continuum of risk and urging "less is better."

A look at the next stage in the battle against COVID-19: bivalent vaccines

Predictions of a fall COVID-19 wave make another booster vaccine campaign likely but questions abound over how the virus will continue to evolve and what protections a new shot could offer.

Several vaccine manufacturers are racing to develop formulas that take into account the more infectious Omicron variant now driving cases, while policymakers are laying the groundwork for another large-scale vaccine blitz.

Retail Council of Canada eyeing domestic baby formula supply amid Abbott recall

The Retail Council of Canada says some baby formula retailers have begun restricting sales in Canada to cope with spiked demand amid a recall of certain Abbott products.

A dearth of the Chicago-based manufacturer's Similac powder formulas has increased pressure on other brands as families turn to alternatives, said national spokeswoman Michelle Wasylyshen.

While Canada is not experiencing the bare shelves seen at many stores south of the border, she said she knew of at least two national retailers that have begun curtailing online availability.

'We can do better': Families urge national autism strategy as report finds care gaps

The push for Canada to develop a national autism strategy takes another leap forward with the release of a report Tuesday that outlines structural and systemic gaps facing Autistic people and their families.

The 400-page report, "Autism in Canada: Considerations for future public policy development," draws upon the lived experiences of those with autism as well as research to build the case for measures that extend beyond health services to touch on economic, educational and social policies.