CUPW-represented employees to vote on Canada Post’s final offers beginning July 21

Last month, we let you know that the Minister of Jobs and Families had approved Canada Post’s request to have employees represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) vote on our final offers for collective agreements.  About the voting period Yesterday, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) – the independent administrative tribunal conducting the vote – announced that voting … Read more

Building better business: High-calibre training coming to Crowsnest Pass through provincial grant

By Somya Lohia, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Business owners and entrepreneurs in Crowsnest Pass will soon have access to high-calibre training and networking opportunities through a newly funded initiative aimed at enhancing skills and strengthening local economic resilience. As part of the second round of Alberta’s Small Community Opportunity Program, the province is supporting community-led projects that promote innovation and sustainable … Read more

Pincher Creek pharmacist, seniors concerned as Alberta raises prescription drug co-pay cap

By Somya Lohia, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta’s recent decision to raise the maximum co-payment for prescription drugs under its seniors and non-group health benefit plans could leave many Pincher Creek residents, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, feeling the financial strain. Starting July 1, the province has increased the co-payment cap by $1 per month for 10 months, rising from the … Read more

Via Rail names railcar ‘Jasper Park’ to honour community’s resilience

By Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter JASPER – Via Rail has named one of its train cars after Jasper National Park in honour of the community’s enduring spirit post-wildfire. Parks Canada CEO Ron Hallman joined officials with Via Rail and the Municipality of Jasper to celebrate the naming during a Wednesday (July 2) ceremony at the Jasper Train Station shortly … Read more

Keep away from wokeness and DEI, new minister warns municipalities

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Major municipalities should steer clear of creating drug injection sites, licensing body rub parlours and banning plastic straws, says the first municipal affairs minister from rural Alberta since January 2021. Using terms like woke and DEI, Dan Williams said municipalities of every size and type should concentrate on services taxpayers deserve and expect. “I … Read more

Alberta government PR branch moved under premier’s office

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta’s government has quietly transferred responsibility for its communications wing to the premier’s office, greatly expanding the size and budget of the province’s executive council. An April 29 Order in Council shifted responsibility for the province’s Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) department from Treasury Board and Finance to Executive Council, meaning Premier Danielle Smith is now … Read more

Grant applications accepted now for projects targeting family violence — especially among populations at elevated risk

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Groups helping Albertans in rural and remote areas deal with family violence have until June 24 to seek a share of $6 million in project funding. Designed to address family violence through projects informed by evidence and trauma, the grant program targets prevention, the rebuilding of lives, and early and crisis intervention. Along with … Read more