Category Archives: Prairies/BC
B.C.’s highest test positivity rate in Northern region, lowest in Vancouver Coastal
VANCOUVER — British Columbia's health minister is urging caution as COVID-19 numbers stabilize, saying the Northern region had a test positivity rate of 19 per cent on Wednesday compared with a rate of four to five per cent for the
Cariboo-area First Nation works with mining company to ensure expansion of B.C. mine
QUESNEL, B.C. — The British Columbia government says it has implemented mining permit changes requested jointly by a Cariboo-region First Nation and a mining firm, clearing the way for expansion of an underground gold mine near Quesnel. A statement fro...
Saskatchewan premier cancels outdoor ceremony at legislature due to ‘recent threats’
REGINA — Presenting a message of optimism, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says the province's best days are coming as his government laid out its agenda for the fall session of the legislature. In the throne speech Wednesday, Lt.-Gov. Russell Mirastry ...
B.C. auditor highlights COVID-19 relief program risks, budget dispute with government
VICTORIA — British Columbia's auditor general says he has a decade-long difference of opinion with the government over calculating the province's financial bottom line that now adds up to $6 billion. Michael Pickup said the concern relates to the way ...
B.C. offers more rebates for electric vehicle charging stations in condos, apartments
VANCOUVER — The British Columbia government is helping apartment and condo owners plug into the growing demand for electric vehicles by offering rebates and other funding to install chargers in their buildings. Bruce Ralston, the minister of energy, m...
Regulator orders steep hike in Manitoba natural gas rates, cites tight market.
WINNIPEG — Manitobans will be paying significantly more for natural gas starting next month. The Public Utilities Board has approved a rate hike for Crown-owned Centra Gas, which will take effect Nov. 1 and be reviewed again for February. The board is
Saskatchewan preparing rollout of COVID-19 vaccination campaign for children
REGINA — Saskatchewan is preparing for the rollout of its COVID-19 vaccination campaign for children. The province said Tuesday it is expecting to receive about 112,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages five to 11, almost enough to...
Lawsuit between Manitoba and Indigenous agencies over child welfare practice in court
WINNIPEG — Lawyers for Indigenous child welfare agencies in Manitoba argued in court Tuesday that the provincial government misappropriated more than $250 million meant for vulnerable Indigenous children in care over a 13-year period. A four-day civil ...
New Edmonton mayor wants to tackle drug crisis, stop attacks on women
EDMONTON — The Alberta capital's first racialized mayor paused during his swearing-in speech Tuesday to voice pride in one of the most diverse councils elected in Edmonton's history. Amarjeet Sohi said he's ready to tackle issues the city faces, includ...
‘Complacency, convenience, conspiracy:’ Rural Albertans overrepresented in hospitals
EDMONTON — Although COVID-19 cases are slightly declining in Alberta, two doctors who treat patients from rural areas say a fifth wave may be inevitable if people in those communities do not get vaccinated at a faster pace. Provincial data says
