As the midpoint in the calendar year, and a nationally symbolic one at that, June 30 and July 1 are dates on which new regulations or tax changes often come into effect or current ones expire and quarterly adjustments are made to some government programs.

Here's a look at some of the changes coming into effect in Alberta on July 1:

• Pharmacists may offer medical services such as prescription renewals, injections and others
• Reduced prices for generic drugs
• Reinstatement of chiropractic coverage for seniors
• Stiffer penalties for drivers with blood alcohol over .08, which includes an immediate license suspension
• Changes to the Alberta Insurance Act, which extended limitation periods, strengthened consumer protection and revised rules to various legal processes
• Closure of "Ask a Question," a service offered by Alberta libraries for the past 12 years
• Inflation-adjusted Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit rates. Maximum income level eligibility raised to $34,897
• Parents may force their severely drug-addicted teens into longer detox programs

Other changes happening this holiday weekend in Canada and beyond:

• Tobacco products for sale anywhere in the Canadian market must carry the federal excise stamp
• The maximum basic Old Age Security benefit paid to people age 65 or older rises $4.86 a month to $544.98 for people making less than $69,562 a year
• Refugees will no longer receive dental and vision care and will have reduced prescription drug coverage
• MPs' pension fund will be $23 million richer
• Most applicants for semi- and low-skilled professions under the Provincial Nominee Program will have to undergo testing and meet mandatory minimum language standards in English or French
• An immediate freeze under the Skilled Worker Program and the Immigrant Investor Program to reduce the backlog of applicants seeking to come to Canada under those programs