Category Archives: Prairies/BC
Alberta increases funding for more cataract surgeries in private facilities
EDMONTON — The Alberta government says it will fund 25 per cent more cataract surgeries this year in privately-run surgical facilities in an effort to reduce surgery backlogs. Health Minister Jason Copping said the province will fund 35,000 of the eye
Intraparty war in Alberta Premier Kenney’s UCP sees Twitter fight over clown image
EDMONTON — An internal feud battering Alberta’s governing party took a new twist after Premier Jason Kenney’s issues manager went on Twitter to compare Kenney's United Conservative backbench critics to clowns. The tweet was sent Friday morning by Bryan...
B.C. provides First Nations with $74-million grant to make up for lost gaming revenue
VANCOUVER — British Columbia First Nations that have been affected by the pandemic and last year's wildfires and flooding will receive $74 million in grant money to make up for the loss of shared gaming revenues, the province announced Thursday. A
Saskatchewan sees record COVID-19 hospitalizations; Opposition NDP demands briefing
REGINA — There are more people in Saskatchewan hospitals with COVID-19 than at any other point in the pandemic. The province says there are 417 people in hospital with the infection, including 25 in intensive care. Of those hospitalizations, 160 people...
Alberta bill proposes changes to leaves for bereavement, reservist duties
EDMONTON — Alberta plans to expand bereavement leaves and time off for reservists taking part in training or military operations. The province currently allows three days unpaid leave for an employee when a family member dies. A bill tabled in the legi...
Manitoba government hasn’t fulfilled reconciliation commitments: auditor
WINNIPEG — Manitoba's auditor general says the province has failed to develop a plan to advance reconciliation efforts despite committing to do so in legislation passed six years ago. Tyson Shtykalo says the Progressive Conservative government has not ...
Alberta house leader Jason Nixon accused of trying to intimidate opponent in chamber
EDMONTON — Alberta government house leader Jason Nixon is facing accusations of intimidation following a fiery exchange in the house that saw him lob a swear word toward the Speaker. Independent legislature member Todd Loewen asked Speaker Nathan Coope...
Alberta health minister says latest COVID-19 variant may have reached a plateau
EDMONTON — The Alberta government says the number of COVID-19 infections continues to increase in the province but cases with the latest variant of the virus may have reached a plateau. Health Minister Jason Copping says hospitalizations were up three ...
Alberta introduces bill for electricity bill rebates, possible natural gas rebates
EDMONTON — The Alberta government has introduced legislation that would fulfil a promise to provide $150 in electricity rebates. Dale Nally, associate minister of natural gas and electricity, says the hope is to have the savings distributed by the summ...
Manitoba eyes teacher college, more online learning as part of education changes
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is trying for a second time to reform education in the province, but this time without planning to eliminate elected school boards. The Progressive Conservative government faced widespread public opposition last year ...
