By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A Canada united by economic corridors operating coast-to-coast-to-coast would pay dividends to rural and remote Alberta, a UCP cabinet minister said Friday from Quebec City. But Devin Dreeshen added that his vision needs action from the federal government to foster cross-country cooperation and correct past and ongoing wrongs. Attending a conference of provincial and … Read more…
By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Capital projects – the stuff you can see, touch, use repeatedly, walk through or even drive upon — will account for $26.1 billion in provincial spending over the next three years, the Alberta government estimates in a deficit budget released last Thursday. For regions beyond the two major cities, the question is, How many … Read more…
By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Domestic abuse survivors across southern Alberta benefit from the life-changing shelter and support offered by Rowan House Society, the legislature heard as the group geared up for a March fundraiser. Chelsae Petrovic, the member for Livingstone-Macleod, celebrated the organization’s 25th anniversary in a statement to colleagues in Edmonton, highlighting the High River group’s humble … Read more…
By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A government serving corporate friends over everyday Albertans is putting pregnant women and their babies at unacceptable risk — especially those in rural and remote areas — an NDP shadow minister has charged. Rural hospital closures and doctor shortages are forcing pregnant women to travel hours for care and overwhelming health services in major … Read more…
By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The government is throwing fuel on the firefighting in Alberta communities this year to bolster public safety. More support for training and response is being combined with enhanced collaboration to “help keep Albertans and their communities safe,” said Tany Yao, the UCP member for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo. The government is providing $585,000 to support … Read more…
By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta is financially sound enough to fully restore municipal grants based on the value of local taxation on eligible provincial properties, the government said today. The budget tabled last month paves the way for putting $17 million more into the hands of municipalities in 2025 through the grants-in-place-of-taxes system. Another $20 million is projected … Read more…
By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Paving the only access route to a trio of remote Alberta Indigenous communities found a home in the province’s first deficit budget since 2021. Capital spending in the budget tabled Thursday includes work on Highway 58, serving John D’Or Prairie, Fox Lake and Garden River. “The paved highway will improve mobility for more than … Read more…