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…

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

Posted on: Staff Writer

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…

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…

Keep away from wokeness and DEI, new minister warns municipalities

Posted on: Staff Writer

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…

Council adopts housing needs report; to pursue recommendations

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Rob Vogt Claresholm town council has approved the Claresholm Housing and Service Needs Community Report and directed the Claresholm and District Family and Community Support Services board to review the report and its findings/opportunities.The decision came at council’s June 23 meeting.Abe Tinney, the town’s chief administrative officer, explained the report was presented at council’s June 9 meeting by the … Read more…