Category Archives: Prairies/BC

Alberta now requires vaccine record with QR code for its passport program

EDMONTON — Alberta residents will now need more than  a paper record from a COVID-19 vaccine clinic if they want to sit down at a restaurant, work out at a gym or enter indoor venues like arenas or movie theatres. Starting

Rosanne Casimir re-elected as chief of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Members of the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation near Kamloops, B.C., have re-elected Rosanne Casimir to another three-year term as chief. Casimir ran for the first time three years ago and was officially re-elected Saturday night, e...

Scientists say new Alberta trails act threatens already-stressed environment

EDMONTON — Alberta scientists and environmentalists say proposed legislation governing backcountry trails on public lands will thwart efforts to restore nature and add one more stressor to an already overtaxed landscape. Environment Minister Jason Nixo...

Alberta acquires, set to distribute 5,000 doses of one-shot COVID-19 vaccine

CARSELAND, Alta. — Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says the province can now offer a limited supply of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Kenney says 5,000 doses have been received from the federal government and the province is still seeking mor...

Manitoba government sets down new rules to stop rising COVID-19 case numbers

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government bolstered public health orders Friday in an attempt to stop a surge of COVID-19 cases and prevent more patients from being flown to other provinces. "The projections are concerning and so we know if we don't

‘Step up or shut up’: Alberta mayor frustrated over lack of help with homeless

WETASKIWIN, Alta. — A central Alberta city has taken another step to secure warming shelters for vulnerable individuals living in tents in an open field, but its mayor says they need some help. Up to 60 people have been sleeping in

Thousands attend Remembrance Day ceremony at B.C. legislature in Victoria

VICTORIA — A larger than expected crowd turned out for a Remembrance Day ceremony at the cenotaph outside the British Columbia legislature in Victoria. Rev. Andrew Gates, who officiated over the ceremony, remarked on the surprising size of the crowd, s...

‘Heartbreaking’: Outreach group says conditions in Alberta homeless camp worsen

Time is running out for a central Alberta city to secure warming shelters for vulnerable individuals living in tattered tents in an open field unprotected from frigid winds and, soon, snow. Up to 60 people have been sleeping in the homeless

Yukon announces referendum on First Nations school board

WHITEHORSE — Yukon will hold referendums in January aimed at determining if five of its schools want to join a First Nations school board. Elections Yukon says in a release that schools will hold separate votes in their attendance areas on

11 more people have died in B.C., while vaccination rate inches upward

VICTORIA — The COVID-19 death toll has increased by 11 people in British Columbia for a total of 2,234 people since the pandemic began in the province.  A statement from the Ministry of Health says there have been 555 new cases,