Government Affairs

Government Affairs Tourism 

‘Help us to help ourselves’: Piikani Nation chief calls for tourism site at exhibit launch

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Somya Lohia, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Piikani Nation Chief Troy (Bossman) Knowlton is calling on the Alberta government and tourism bodies to support the creation of an information site near Highway 3 — a place that would showcase Piikani culture and draw travellers into Blackfoot traditional territory. Speaking at the unveiling of a new exhibit at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump on … Read more…

Education Government Affairs 

Library content order distracts from real issues, critics say

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A provincial government order that Alberta schools remove sexually explicit materials from their libraries garnered condemnation yesterday as an example of costly and potentially harmful overreach. NDP education critic Amanda Chapman called the new standards a distraction from critical issues in Alberta’s education system.  “Of course materials in schools should be age appropriate,” she … Read more…

Community Government Affairs 

Amnesty joins Bill C-5 criticism

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (ANNews) – Human rights organization Amnesty International has joined First Nations leaders across Canada in expressing concern about recently passed legislation that allows the federal government to fast-track certain infrastructure projects.  In a July 5 statement, Amnesty International Canada said that Bill C-5, also known as the One Canadian Economy Act, poses a “troubling threat” … Read more…

Environmental Government Affairs Recreation 

Province seeks new round of feedback on parks plan

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Anna Smith, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Forestry and Parks is looking for feedback from Albertans as they stare down the future of the Provincial Park System. Until July 26, Albertans can go online and provide feedback on the new draft Plan for Parks via a survey, which makes up the second round of engagement for the proposed plan. “Last summer, … Read more…

Government Affairs Political 

Speaker discusses transforming the individual and government

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Rob Vogt Transforming the structures of democracy begins by transforming the individual.That was one of the messages Donald Lee, an author, economist and teacher, brought to an event at the Stavely Community Centre on Saturday, July 5, hosted by the local chapter of the Alberta Prosperity Project.Lee said he started his third career in 2019 as a spiritual author, … Read more…

Business Government Affairs Health & Wellbeing 

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

Posted on: Staff Writer

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…

Economic Environmental Government Affairs 

Energy minister leans on oil industry talking points in carbon capture announcement

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Natasha Bulowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter At a carbon capture funding announcement, Canada’s energy minister was using rhetoric straight out of Big Oil’s playbook. On Friday, the federal government announced $21.5 million for a handful of carbon capture projects in Alberta, and while the amount isn’t going to move the needle, Energy and Natural Resource Minister Tim Hodgson’s choice of … Read more…