Category Archives: Prairies/BC
‘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...
Saskatchewan to return land to First Nation in $43M settlement agreement
REGINA — A northern Saskatchewan First Nation is to receive more than $43 million and have up to 16,000 hectares of land returned in a settlement with the provincial and federal governments that was over 20 years in the making. Treaty
Manitoba expands eligibility for fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government has expanded eligibility requirements for people to get a second booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Those eligible include residents of personal care homes and in congregate settings, such as supportive housing and a...
Rural Municipalities of Alberta opposes creation of provincial police service
NISKU, Alta. — An independent association of counties and municipal districts says it opposes the Alberta government's proposal for a provincial police force because it fails to demonstrate how that would increase service levels in rural areas. The Rur...
B.C. police watchdog calls for more funding to combat staffing shortage
SURREY, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia is calling for more government funding to entice candidates to apply for open positions as caseloads peak. In the first three days of April, the police watchdog says it responded ...
B.C. looks to buy land to boost housing and services around transportation hubs
VICTORIA — The British Columbia government is making changes that would allow for the purchase of land along transportation hubs for housing, schools, commercial services and other mixed-use development. Changes to the Transportation Act were introduc...
Manitoba cabinet minister says welfare reform won’t result in cuts to benefits
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government says there will be no cuts to benefits or stricter eligibility requirements under its plan to reform welfare. "There will not," Families Minister Rochelle Squires said Tuesday. "We're continuing to offer programs for ...
B.C. offers fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose to seniors, most vulnerable
VICTORIA — British Columbia is offering a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccines to seniors, starting with residents of long-term care and assisted-living homes as the level of protection since their last shot up to six months ago is waning. Provincial healt...
