This is a slight departure from my usual offering, relating to the history of Medicine Hat and the surrounding area but a recent event caused me to reflect and I thought it prudent to offer some timely advice to subscribers to my blog. My wife and I annually spend the winter months way down south not unlike many of our friends and the issue arises as to the legal requirements to maintain insurance coverage while we are away. Furthermore, it is not unusual for us to spend extended periods (a week or more) away from home during the spring, summer and fall as opposed to the cold seasonal months. Indeed, we spent 4 or 5 days away from home this Christmas ourselves. Please share to those who might benefit from this timely advice. It is entitled, “Flooded and Uncovered: The Hidden Deadline in Your Homeowner’s Policy” The Water Damage and the 48-72 Hour Unoccupied Residence Clause in the Standard Homeowner’s Policy in Canada.

“E.T. Phone Home”-Update on the Alien Registration Requirement for Canadian Snowbirds Present or Future

By William J Anhorn K.C. ICD.D

The Government of Canada has now issued an updated travel advisory to Canadians as it relates to the “alien” registration requirement for those after April 11th, 2025 who wish to travel to the United States for a period of longer than 30 days. April 11th is the critical date as that is the date that the Regulations under the Executive Order issued on January 20th come into effect. READ ON

This is a second in a series of recent articles relating to the Canadian Visitor to the United States and the Impact from the Executive Order dated January 20th, 2025 entitled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” READ ON

The Canadian Visitor to the United States and the Implications of the Recent Trump Executive Order and Its Implications Going Forward READ ON

Here is revised version of an earlier article, which given the time of the year and the recent heavy snow fall in my hometown may be of interest, as some may be contemplating an extended trip to a warmer climate in the U.S. READ ON

Here is an up dated version of an earlier article, which given the time of year seems appropriate READ ON

In two earlier articles entitled, “Bill-C45: The Cannabis Act and the Canadian Visitor to the United States” and more recently, “Cannabis, Medical Marijuana and the Canadian Visitor to the United States of America”, I discussed in some detail, the legalization of “cannabis” in Canada and the implications for the Canadian Visitor to the United States. Embedded in these articles is an explanation about the legal anomaly that exists in the United States, where legalization of “marijuana” has become a “patchwork” of legislation and regulations, both at the State and Federal level. A handful of States have legalized the substance both for recreational and medicinal purposes in varying degrees, while the Federal Government (which includes the Department of Homeland Security and the Customs and Border Service), considers “cannabis” or “marijuana” to be a controlled substance, under Section I of the Controlled Substance Act (CSA), 21 U.S.C. § 802(16), such that its possession and use continues to be a serious criminal offence in the United States. This is potentially problematic for the Canadian visitor and those involved in the “cannabis” industry in Canada, which I explained.

CBD and THC: “What’s it all about Alfie?”

With the legalization of “cannabis” in Canada and several States in the U.S., (including California), I lamented in one of my those articles that it was unlikely, given the average age of the typical “Snowbird” that the use of “cannabis” for recreational purposes would become a popular leisurely retirement activity.  On the other hand, as evidenced by some recent discussions with some close friends and relatives, the therapeutic use of “cannabis” or other forms of the substance and its derivatives is receiving more and more attention, and those suffering from a myriad of aliments from sleep disorders, insomnia, anxiety, depression and chronic pain are apparently finding some relief. Some have reported that its use has a “calming” effect and that it allows one to be more focused and not as “stressed out” thereby creating a healthier and more positive outlook on life.

Most of my knowledge on this subject was limited to two common acronyms–CBD and THC, both being components of “cannabis” with each having their own unique qualities. As a former Federal Drug Prosecutor, THC was well known to me in my former life as being the active component of cannabis that produces a “high” or psychotropic effect in terms of its recreational and at the time, illegal use.

How things have changed?

More recently, CBD has become a popular term and has increasingly crept into our vocabulary and “adult” conversation at our regular “Happy Hour”.  Some of my friends have been touting it as a new “wonder drug” offering many anecdotal positive experiences.

At the risk of offending those from the Mediterranean island, all of this was “Greek” to me and somewhat of a mystery, so I thought it might be a useful exercise to examine this area more closely and try to clarify the mystic surrounding these acronyms –CBD and THC and offer some incite into the multitude of new “products” now being promoted commercially in the United States and Canada.

READ ON

-A Topic Which is Not Often Mentioned

In the 1960’s, Geriatrician Robert Butler coined the phrase “ageism”. It was used in the context of the prevailing social practice of stereotyping older people and the aging process in a negative manner. It reflected existing societal attitudes towards the elderly, which portrayed them often in disparaging terms and that identified them as unflattering stereotypes. As time progressed, ageism was viewed more in a legal context having regard to policy or practices, which were considered prejudicial or discriminatory in nature.

Today, ageism is defined more specifically as discrimination on the basis of a person’s age.

In a time of increased diversity and a desire to promote inclusivity within Canada, ageism is seen as one of the newest challenges facing society. Much of the world is caught up in the #MeToo movement, which focuses on sexual harassment in the workplace. But in addition, there is a growing awareness and strong sentiment being expressed also about age discrimination in the workplace environment.

But there are other areas where ageism is not often mentioned but in reality exists to the financial detriment to the “retiree” or “senior citizen”. This prompted one observer to remark,

“Ageism is the most tolerated form of social prejudice in Canada and there is no greater safe haven for this kind of prejudice than in the insurance industry.”

In my opinion, one of the last bastions, where age discrimination continues to be accepted and tolerated is in the area of private sector insurance and in particular, private health insurance and more specifically, Travel Medical Insurance.

Let me explain.

READ ON