Category Archives: Prairies/BC
B.C. says gender on ID cards can now be changed without doctor’s confirmation
VICTORIA — The British Columbia government says gender markers on provincial identification cards can now be changed without the confirmation of a doctor or psychologist. Grace Lore, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, says the change will reduc...
Alberta announces spring legislature sitting dates, budget to be delivered Feb. 24
EDMONTON — The Alberta government has announced dates for its spring sitting of the legislature. There will be a speech from the throne to open a new session on Feb. 22. Finance Minister Travis Toews will deliver the 2022 budget two days
Three Alberta universities extend online courses to late February due to COVID-19
EDMONTON — Alberta’s big three research universities are extending online learning because the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading rapidly. The University of Alberta, the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge say virtual classes w...
Latest wave of COVID-19 cases may have peaked in parts of B.C., says health officer
VANCOUVER — COVID-19 modelling released by the British Columbia government shows challenging days ahead for the health-care system even though the latest wave propelled by the Omicron variant may have peaked in parts of the province. Provincial health ...
Manitoba changes how campground reservations made to try to address high demand
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is changing how campground reservations are made to try to avoid lengthy waits for people booking online or being shut out of securing a spot altogether. This year, people who want to book a yurt or
COVID-19 contact notification reduced as Manitoba students go back to class
WINNIPEG — Manitoba schools will no longer notify close contacts of individual COVID-19 infections when students return to class next week. Dr. Brent Roussin, the province's chief public health officer, said the rapid transmission of the Omicron varian...
B.C. expands program aimed at preventing overdose deaths in construction industry
VICTORIA — The British Columbia government is providing a $1-million grant to expand access to resources aimed at preventing overdose deaths in the construction industry. Sheila Malcolmson, the minister of mental health and addictions, said the program...
Supreme Court of Canada to review decision on B.C. school trustee’s defamation case
OTTAWA — The Supreme Court of Canada will look at whether a defamation lawsuit by a school trustee in Chilliwack, B.C., should proceed against the former president of a teachers union. Trustee Barry Neufeld made negative comments in 2017 about how
B.C. Liberals launch review of new memberships ahead of Feb. 5 party leadership vote
VICTORIA — A British Columbia Liberal leadership candidate says he called for an audit of party memberships before the Feb. 5 leadership vote after reviewing data that raised questions about new members. Val Litwin said he sent a letter to the
Vaccine requirement imposed for school district staff in Delta, B.C.
DELTA, B.C. — The school board in Delta, B.C., is requiring all its employees to show proof of vaccination for COVID-19 and is giving them less than two months to disclose their status. Board chair Val Windsor says it is taking
