Category Archives: Prairies/BC
NDP ‘out of touch,’ downfall forecast, say Liberals, Greens as spring sitting ends
VICTORIA — British Columbia's opposition parties left the legislature Thursday saying Premier John Horgan's New Democrats have lost touch with the realities facing the province and its people, while predicting the government's electoral defeat over a m...
Alberta accepts bid for private hip-knee surgical clinic on First Nation land
EDMONTON — The Alberta government has approved a bid by the Enoch Cree Nation near Edmonton to build a private clinic to perform thousands of publicly covered hip and knee surgeries. Health Minister Jason Copping says the clinic is to be
Minimum wage bill and others expected to pass before Manitoba legislature break
WINNIPEG — Politicians at the Manitoba legislature were preparing to pass more than 20 bills into law Wednesday night, including one to increase the minimum wage, before breaking for the summer. The bills, some of which were first put before the
‘Disturbing’ case highlights inequity in disability benefit: B.C. ombudsperson
VICTORIA — British Columbia's ombudsperson has released a report on what he calls a "disturbing" case in which federal benefits intended for the family of a disabled Indigenous girl were instead kept in the province's coffers for almost three years. Th...
“Slippery slope”: Alberta’s Kenney questions federal-B.C. drug decriminalization plan
EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says he has concerns about the federal government’s decision to decriminalize possession of small amounts of illegal drugs in British Columbia. Kenney says the decision is a “slippery slope” and is counter-produ...
Manitoba will not seek exemption for personal drug use: justice minister
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government says it will not follow British Columbia's in decriminalizing possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use. The federal government has approved B.C.'s request for a three-year exemption that will prevent char...
Court rules Alberta politician can appeal part of disciplinary decision for officer
CALGARY — The Alberta Court of Appeal has ruled a member of the legislative assembly can ask for a review on whether provincial rules allow for a presiding officer to temporarily demote a police officer. Shannon Phillips, who represents Lethbridge West...
Saskatchewan’s new justice minister ready to take on Ottawa, defend resources
REGINA — Challenging federal legislation and cracking down on rural crime are top of mind for Saskatchewan's new justice minister and attorney general. Bronwyn Eyre became the first woman appointed to the portfolio on Tuesday when Saskatchewan Premier...
‘Too much disorder:’ Edmonton’s Chinatown businesses keep doors locked — all day
EDMONTON — Some businesses in Edmonton's Chinatown district only operate with their doors locked all day. "If you really want to walk in, you have to knock," said Wen Wong, executive director of the Chinatown and Area Business Association. "We work her...
Travis Toews resigns as Alberta finance minister to run for UCP leadership
EDMONTON — Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews has resigned from cabinet as he starts his campaign to replace Jason Kenney as United Conservative Party leader and premier. Toews, in a statement issued Tuesday, said he wants to focus on healing rifts
