Category Archives: Prairies/BC
Finance minister says B.C. recovery benefits program accepting applications Dec. 18
VICTORIA — People in British Columbia can start applying online for the government's pandemic recovery benefit for eligible families and individuals starting Dec. 18. Finance Minister Selina Robinson introduced legislation Tuesday to provide the tax-fr...
‘Stronger action:’ Many businesses to close as Alberta tightens COVID restrictions
EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, his province relentlessly pounded by thousands of new COVID-19 cases, has reintroduced strict economic lockdown rules and banned all outdoor social gatherings. "If stronger action is not taken now, we know that ...
Manitoba loosens some COVID-19 restrictions, allows drive-in church services
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is extending its COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings and business operations into January, but is loosening a handful of rules, most notably on drive-in church services. The current public health order, which b...
New health rules in Alberta failing to bend COVID-19 curve: top doctor
EDMONTON — Alberta’s chief medical officer of health says the latest round of health restrictions in the province isn't getting the job done on high rates of COVID-19. Dr. Deena Hinshaw says the numbers would have been worse without the restrictions,
Saskatchewan’s vaccine plan delayed; health official says COVID growth too high
REGINA — A senior official with the Saskatchewan Health Authority says the province's health-care system won't be able to cope if the recent growth in COVID-19 cases continues. Dr. Julie Kryzanowski's presentation to more than 100 physicians at a virt...
Manitoba government offers money for online performances so people will stay home
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is hoping that free online entertainment and classes will help people through the pandemic winter and convince more folks to stay home. The Progressive Conservative government announced a $3-million grant program Mond...
Alberta ditches registration stickers on licence plates, moves to reflective ones
EDMONTON — Starting in the new year, Alberta licence plates will start to be sticker free. The province says the stickers, which mark the year and month of a vehicle's registration, have become redundant in the era of reflective plates. The government
B.C. throne speech says NDP will focus on immediate action in COVID-19 battle
VICTORIA — The B.C. government is promising to immediately fight the spread of COVID-19 while also striving to meet its long-term goals on the province's economic recovery, climate change and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. In a throne speech r...
COVID-19 restrictions in B.C. extended one month as case numbers climb
VICTORIA — COVID-19 restrictions in British Columbia have been extended to Jan. 8 as the transmission and community spread of the illness remain high, the province's top doctor said Monday. Holidays including Christmas and Hanukkah will look different ...
Fraser Health changes school notifications for students, staff over COVID-19
SURREY, B.C. — The Fraser Health authority is changing the way it notifies people in schools about their exposures to COVID-19. Jordan Tinney, the superintendent of the Surrey School District, says in a tweet that "significant changes" start today for...
