Category Archives: Prairies/BC
Ride-hailing company Uber’s application to expand in B.C. rejected
VICTORIA — Ride-hailing company Uber's application to expand service in B.C. beyond Metro Vancouver and Whistler has been denied. The Passenger Transportation Board says it has reviewed evidence showing a decline in demand for passenger transportation ...
Manitoba tightens restrictions for gatherings, events to fight Omicron COVID variant
WINNIPEG — For the first time since COVID-19 vaccines became available, Manitoba is bringing in restrictions on gatherings and capacity limits for both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents to help curb the spread of the Omicron variant. Health Ministe...
B.C. hears from 161 First Nations on plans for old-growth logging deferrals
VICTORIA — The British Columbia government says it is finalizing plans with First Nations that have indicated support for plans to defer logging in certain old-growth forests, while it continues talks with nations that need more time to decide. The pro...
Saskatchewan expands booster shots to all adults to slow spread of Omicron
REGINA — Saskatchewan is opening up COVID-19 booster shots to more of its population as concerns over the transmissibility of the Omicron variant grow. Premier Scott Moe says all eligible residents over the age of 18 can get a third dose
Alberta braces for more Omicron, ramps up COVID-19 self tests, loosens health rules
EDMONTON — Alberta is bracing for the Omicron COVID-19 wave by giving away test kits and boosting booster eligibility, but is also relaxing rules to allow both vaccinated and unvaccinated to mix at private gatherings. Premier Jason Kenney says high vac...
Manitobans urged to avoid large holiday gatherings in face of Omicron variant
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is urging people to keep their holiday gatherings small as it predicts a spike in COVID-19 cases. But the province is not planning any new public health restrictions and made no changes to a planned mass
Yukon to focus on measures to reduce spread of transmissible Omicron variant: premier
WHITEHORSE — Yukon Premier Sandy Silver says there is no magic formula to stop the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, but people can take measures to reduce its transmission. He says the government's current focus is doing whatever it can
Cowessess First Nation to receive federal cash to help identify 751 unmarked graves
COWESSESS FIRST NATION — The Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan is starting to put names to unmarked graves discovered at a former residential school site and the federal government says it will help fund the effort. About $703,000 over three year...
B.C. welcomes federal government’s ‘initial’ $5 billion in flood disaster relief
VICTORIA — British Columbia's finance minister says the federal government's $5 billion contribution to flood disaster recovery efforts in the province is a historic amount of cash that reflects the extreme nature of the disaster. However, Selina Robin...
COVID-19 modelling in B.C. shows increases on Vancouver Island, spread of Omicron
VANCOUVER — British Columbia health officials are recommending against large holiday parties with COVID-19 cases poised to rise because of the quick-moving Omicron variant, but the threat still won't prompt the rollout of free at-home rapid tests befor...