The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Ottawa - Prime Minister Jean Chretien announced Tuesday that he will retire Dec. 12, clearing the way for Paul Martin to take the reins of power. Chretien, who had long said he would hang on until February, revealed the early departure date after meeting with Martin, the newly anointed Liberal leader. The move clears the way for Chretien's successor to open a fresh parliamentary session in the new year and start the clock ticking toward an expected spring election. Toronto - Experts fear this winter's influenza season is going to be a nasty one. After a couple of years of relatively mild flu activity virtually worldwide, influenza season for the northern hemisphere has started early and with a wallop, thanks to the advent of a new and potentially dangerous player, a strain of influenza A known as A Fujian. "It's the earliest season that we've had in probably recorded history," infectious disease expert Dr. Donald Low said Monday. At least five children in Britain have died from influenza caused by this strain, which has already made its way to Canada. Edmonton - The Alberta government will provide a one-time, $60-million cash injection for schools to address a shortfall of cash among the province's school boards, Learning Minister Lyle Oberg announced Tuesday. About $37 million is to be handed out immediately for the 2003-04 school year.
