Alberta's chief medical officer of health received almost 228-thousand dollars in cash benefits during the 2021 calendar year. That was on top of a salary for Doctor Deena Hinshaw of 363-thousand, 634 dollars and ``non-cash benefits'' of about 52-hundred dollars last year. Health Ministry spokesman Steve Buick says Hinshaw's bonuses were calculated using her base hourly rate and the number of overtime hours she worked in 2021 beyond 45 hours a week. Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt says he understands the pandemic-related payouts -- but he doesn't think every Albertan wil

A United Conservative Party leadership candidate leapt a fence to assist a man who was being trampled by a bull at the Strathmore Stampede east of Calgary over the weekend. A male participant was charged and flipped during the running of the bulls event on Saturday, and that's when Leela Aheer jumped in. Aheer, who represents the riding of Chestermere-Strathmore, can be seen in a video on social media trying to push the bull, which she later described as like ``trying to push a car.'' Others joined in and Aheer was able to help the man to safety over the fence.

The owners of three pit bulls who killed an elderly Calgary woman last month have surrendered one of the dogs to be euthanized. Smoki and two other dogs _ Cinnamon and Bossii _ attacked 86-year-old Betty Williams on June 5th as she was gardening. The owners have handed over ownership of Smoki in court. But they plan to fight to keep the other two animals at a court hearing to be held this fall.

Alberta Health says details of its rollout plan for COVID-19 vaccines for young children will be released soon. Two weeks ago, Health Canada approved a COVID-19 vaccine for children aged six months to five years. Other provinces have already started administering the shot, or are booking appointments for kids in that age group. The Opposition N-D-P says Alberta families deserve to have the same access to COVID-19 vaccines as every other province.

Political observers say this week's United Conservative leadership debate demonstrated that former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith is the front-runner in the race to replace Jason Kenney as party leader and premier. Pollster Janet Brown and political scientist Duane Bratt say the way Smith was attacked and criticized by multiple opponents at the debate make it clear she is seen as the one to beat. Smith came under fire for her proposed Alberta sovereignty act, which she promises to pass this fall if she wins. The act would grant the province the power to ignore federal laws and court rulings de

Alberta is expanding its eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine. Starting today, residents 18 and older can make a booking for the shot if they are determined to be at a high risk for exposure to the virus. Previously, the vaccine was available only to close contacts of a confirmed case. Shots for the new eligible group start tomorrow. Alberta has confirmed 13 cases of monkeypox, according to Alberta Health Services. Alberta is working with the federal government to secure more doses of the vaccine. The federal government will release additional doses from the National Emergency Strategic Stock

Danielle Smith was the target of most of her United Conservative leadership race colleagues at the party's first debate. Many of the candidates in the Medicine Hat debate criticized Smith's proposal to bring in a bill to give Alberta the power to ignore federal laws and court rulings deemed not in its interest. Former finance minister Travis Toews (TAVES) says Alberta must be tough with Ottawa but a plan to cancel laws is delusional and former cabinet minister Rajan Sawhney (RAW-jun SAW'-nee) says the bill would bring chaos to the economy. Smith, the former Wildrose party leader, says her bill

The price of electric power in Alberta has taken another big jump. Sophie Simmonds, the director of Anova Energy, says the regulated rate for consumers has increased by more than 150 per cent in the past 18 months. The Alberta Utilities Commission has approved the regulated rate option prices for the month of August and they remain at historic highs. Both Enmax and Epcor have had rates higher than 17 cents per kilowatt-hour and Direct Energy's regulated rate sits at just under 17 cents. Energy analysts say the rising prices are because of high demand, tight supply and the high cost of natural

Mounties in northern Alberta say a shelter in place order has been lifted after a shooting. RCMP say officers received a 911 call Tuesday night about someone with a firearm and a man injured in a home on the Woodland Cree First Nation in the Cadotte Lake area. The 35-year-old man was taken to a hospital in a helicopter in serious condition. Police ordered residents to stay inside their homes while they investigated. There was no word on an arrest. Woodland Cree Nation is made up of four reserves in northern Alberta, about 500 km northwest of Edmonton.