Category Archives: Prairies/BC
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...
Veteran B.C. Liberal Stephanie Cadieux resigns seat, takes federal accessibility post
VICTORIA — A member of the British Columbia Liberal caucus is resigning her Surrey-area seat after 13 years at the legislature to become Canada's first chief accessibility officer. Stephanie Cadieux, who represents Surrey South, is the first woman ...
B.C. doubles number of subsidized seats in veterinary college to address shortage
VICTORIA — British Columbia is doubling the number of seats it will subsidize for first-year veterinary college students, a change the voice of the province's veterinarians says is a much-needed step forward to address a "tremendous" shortage of animal...
Alberta Health Services CEO Dr. Verna Yiu leaves top job a year before contract ends
EDMONTON — The CEO of Alberta Health Services is out of the top job more than a year before her contract was set to expire. The departure of Dr. Verna Yiu was announced Monday, effect immediately, ending a contract that was