Category Archives: Prairies/BC

B.C. floats rules to push charged, convicted politicians out of local elected posts

VICTORIA — The Ministry of Municipal Affairs has introduced new tools it says will help local governments in British Columbia to act when elected officials are accused or convicted of breaking the law. A statement from the ministry says the legislative...

Manitoba’s COVID transmission rising but intensive-care numbers have steadied: doctor

WINNIPEG — Manitoba's chief public health officer says there are increasing signs of COVID-19 transmission, but severe outcomes from the virus appear to have plateaued and there are no plans to reimpose public restrictions. Analysis of wastewater in Wi...

Supreme Court of Canada dismisses injunction on Alberta rules on drug-use sites

A last-ditch legal effort to temporarily bar supervised drug-use sites in Alberta from requiring clients to show personal identification has met a dead end in Canada's top court. The Supreme Court of Canada has decided it will not hear an injunction

New MLA sworn in; expects to sit in UCP caucus despite his dislike of Alberta premier

EDMONTON — Premier Jason Kenney's arch foe is now a member of the Alberta legislature and expects to sit at the United Conservative caucus table despite his public displeasure with the party's leader. “I won a (party) nomination fair and square,

Metro Vancouver mayors ask province for more funding for affordable housing

VANCOUVER — Metro Vancouver mayors are asking the provincial government for more support to provide affordable housing in the region. Housing Minister David Eby acknowledged when he spoke to the mayors committee meeting Wednesday that there is an "endl...

Alberta expands access to fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose

EDMONTON — Alberta is expanding eligibility requirements for a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Beginning Tuesday, those who are ages 70 and older as well as First Nations, Metis and Inuit people 65 and older can get the second booster shot. The

B.C. makes changes to allow a single-step process for workers to unionize

VICTORIA — The British Columbia government is making changes to the Labour Relations Code to allow a single-step process to certify a union when a majority of workers want to unionize. A statement from Labour Minister Harry Bains says the nature

‘Can’t even get a tetanus shot:’ Saskatchewan’s rural towns lack health-care workers

REGINA — The town of Lanigan in central Saskatchewan is already seeing economic benefits from what will be the world's largest potash mine in its backyard, but while the area is rich in resources it lacks another: health-care workers. The Saskatchewan

Leadership vote: Alberta premier gets letter of support from 19 former members

EDMONTON — As United Conservative Party members prepare to cast ballots on the fate of Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, 19 former conservative legislature members say they support him. The 19, in an open letter issued Wednesday, also warn that changing le...

Manitoba offers more money to better control COVID-19 in personal care homes

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is promising more money to help personal care homes battle COVID-19. Next week's budget will include $15 million to help care homes boost staffing, improve cleaning and update their information technology, Premier Hea...