THE COURAGEOUS LIVES OF MENTAL HEALTH SUFFERS

Assembly Lines: mental health people and treatments, wildland firefighter pay, benefits and hiring, and the effects of red tape reduction By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Albertans dealing with mental health issues are the personification of courage, the member for Taber-Warner told the legislative assembly May 13. To drive his message home, the UCP’s Grant Hunter held up the struggles … Read more

Rural leaders say Bill 20 ‘a hammer to undermine’ municipal autonomy

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta’s rural leaders are joining the chorus of opposition to the provinces sweeping amendments to the Municipal Government Act (MGA). The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) says it is frustrated with many of the changes contained in Bill 20, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, and that the legislation is a serious attack on municipalities which will centralize … Read more

Revamped health advisory system gives voice to rural Albertans – minister

4/16/24By: George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Revamped advisory councils blanketing the province will help ensure that the government understands and addresses rural health-care challenges while improving service, the health minister said Monday. Rural Alberta will be heard through 13 new advisory councils – 12 regional and one Indigenous – that give traction to diverse concerns and ideas, said Adriana … Read more

Local MLA named parliamentary secretary for health engagement

By Rob VogtThe MLA for Livingstone-Macleod has been given a new role by Premier Danielle Smith to ensure front-line health-care workers remain engaged with decision-makers.On March 21, the provincial government announced Chelsae Petrovic, a licensed practical nurse with more than 13 years’ experience, and MLA for Livingstone-Macleod, has been appointed parliamentary secretary for health workforce engagement.It was noted the provincial government … Read more

Process beginning to re-zone land for solar farm operation

By Rob VogtWith a solar farm southeast of Claresholm already approved by the Alberta government, the Municipal District of Willow Creek has begun the process of re-zoning the land from rural general use to direct control, which makes council the final approval authority.At its Jan. 31 meeting, M.D. council reviewed a report from Diane Horvath, the M.D.’s planner from the … Read more

Town council to discuss ‘Coffee with council’ sessions

By Rob VogtSoon, residents of the Town of Claresholm may have a regular opportunity to meet with mayor and council on a less formal basis to discuss issues in the community.At its Jan. 22 meeting, after a discussion on the topic, Claresholm town council directed administration to prepare a formal proposal for future council discussion on “coffee with council” events.Abe … Read more