NDP renews calls to revoke Kananaskis Conservation Pass

By: Jessica Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The NDP is again calling upon Alberta’s government to revoke the Kananaskis Conservation Pass. Banff-Kananaskis MLA Sarah Elmeligi is criticizing the UCP for what she describes as a lack of transparency around the allocation of pass revenue and the high costs associated with accessing Alberta’s parks and natural areas. She argues that removing … Read more

NDP leadership debate shows new visions for future of the party

By Mia Parker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter As the internal Alberta NDP leadership vote approaches, the party is hosting a series of official debates throughout the province to introduce the leadership seekers. The second official debate, hosted in Calgary on May 11, welcomed candidates Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse, Kathleen Ganley, Sarah Hoffman, Naheed Nenshi and Gil McGowan in a format that had … Read more

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