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evacuation-order-issued-for-two-properties-near-squamish-wildfire
AlbertaJun 17, 2025

Evacuation order issued for two properties near Squamish wildfire

The Mayor of Squamish says two properties are on evacuation order due to slope instability from a wildfire. Armand Hurford says the Dryden Creek wildfire remained at nearly 60 hectares in size yesterday, but burned tree roots and wildfire crews have reported large trees falling and disturbing debris. Squamish Fire Rescue Chief Aaron Foote says the wildfire service is now the lead agency on the blaze, and cooler temperatures and rain are expected this week. Foote says Squamish has a busy fire department even without a wildfire, and about 57 wildfire fighters remain on the Dryden Cree
alberta-reports-53-more-cases-of-measles-surpasses-900-total-cases-since-march
CanadaJun 17, 2025

Alberta reports 53 more cases of measles, surpasses 900 total cases since March

Alberta has surpassed 900 cases of measles since the beginning of March. Data from the provincial government's dashboard shows 53 more cases were confirmed over the weekend, bringing Alberta's total to 932. The case count is the highest the province has seen in more than 40 years. Alberta Medical Association president Dr. Shelley Duggan has said Canada is at risk of losing its measles-elimination status come October and that she doubts cases will be brought under control before then. Health Canada says measles was eliminated in 1998 after being ruled no longer endemic. Alberta's governm
health-care-union-calls-for-alberta-government-to-halt-plan-to-limit-free-vaccines
AlbertaJun 17, 2025

Health-care union calls for Alberta government to halt plan to limit free vaccines

A union representing 30,000 health-care workers in Alberta is calling on Premier Danielle Smith's government to reverse course and provide free COVID-19 vaccines to all front-line workers and any other Albertan who wants the shot. The Health Sciences Association of Alberta says that is the best way to protect patients, reduce hospitalizations, and keep the health-care system strong. Smith says the aim of the new policy, announced last week, is to prevent wastage, recover costs, and protect those who need it the most by giving them the COVID shot for free. However, most Albertans
alberta-premier-defends-charging-most-albertans-for-covid-19-vaccines
AlbertaJun 16, 2025

Alberta premier defends charging most Albertans for COVID-19 vaccines

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government's new policy forcing many Albertans to pay out of pocket for a COVID-19 vaccination is about focusing on those who need it the most. Smith says $135 million got ``flushed down the drain'' last year from doses wasted in part because of low vaccine uptake. Her government will still pay for some, including for those who have compromised immune systems or are on social programs, to get shots. Smith says she thinks low vaccination rates for COVID-19 in Alberta last year are because the vaccine ``doesn't work particularly well.''
former-alberta-health-agency-ceo-asks-for-speedy-ruling-in-lawsuit-against-government
AlbertaJun 13, 2025

Former Alberta health agency CEO asks for speedy ruling in lawsuit against government

A former health agency C-E-O is asking a judge to deliver a quick decision on her wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the Alberta government. But the province says it will push back. Athana Mentzelopoulos (MENT-suh-LOW-po-luss), the former head of Alberta Health Services, has applied for a summary judgment on the legality of her firing, which would keep the case from going to trial. Her lawsuit alleges she was improperly fired after investigating questionable, multimillion-dollar health contracts. She says her version of events will be confirmed by former A-H-S board members, if t
alberta-premier-faces-raucous-angry-town-hall-on-provinces-coal-policy
AlbertaJun 12, 2025

Alberta premier faces raucous, angry town hall on province's coal policy

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and three of her ministers got an earful from southern Alberta locals at a rowdy, hours-long town hall to discuss the province's coal policy. About 500 people, dressed in cowboy hats, belt buckles, and jeans, packed a community hall in Fort Macleod, Alta., for an event marked by heckling, competing applause, and placards. The premier and her ministers of energy, environment and agriculture took questions and were shouted down on several occasions by attendees as they defended changes to the province's coal policy. The town hall came weeks after the
alberta-premier-says-province-is-looking-to-entice-private-sector-pipeline-builder
AlbertaJun 11, 2025

Alberta premier says province is looking to entice private-sector pipeline builder

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government is working to entice a private-sector player to build a crude pipeline to coastal waters. She urged attendees at the Global Energy Show to keep up the pressure on Ottawa to help speed along such a nation-building project. Smith has been enthusiastic about reviving a plan to ship oilsands crude to Prince Rupert on the northern B.C. coast for export to Asia. But she says that's never going to happen as long as there's a tanker ban in place on the West Coast. Smith is also keen on accessing global markets via a pipeline to the Port of Churchill i
alberta-resumes-buying-u-s-liquor-and-gambling-machines
AlbertaJun 09, 2025

Alberta Resumes Buying U.S. Liquor and Gambling Machines

Alberta is buying American alcohol and gambling machines again, three months after restrictions were announced to combat U-S tariffs. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally says the province's decision signals ``sets the stage for more constructive negotiations'' ahead of the renewal of the Canada-United States-Mexico trade agreement. After U-S President Donald Trump placed heavy tariffs on Canadian goods and energy, the Alberta government responded in March by saying it would no longer buy American alcohol, gambling machines, or sign contracts with U-S companies. Other premiers at
alberta-surpasses-700-confirmed-measles-cases-as-new-public-alert-issued-in-edmonton
AlbertaJun 03, 2025

Alberta surpasses 700 confirmed measles cases as new public alert issued in Edmonton

Alberta Health Services has issued a new public alert for measles exposure in Edmonton as confirmed cases across the province climb to 710. AHS says a person with the measles from outside the Edmonton area travelled to the city's University of Alberta Hospital last Wednesday evening while infectious. Of the total cases counted this year, 21 are known to be communicable, and four people were in hospital as of last week. The provincial health agency has issued a standing exposure advisory for the hardest-hit south zone, where 520 cases have been confirmed so far this year. The Ed

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mysterious-floating-island-spotted-on-b-c-s-williston-lake-boaters-warned-to-stay-away
BCSep 01, 2026

Mysterious Floating Island Spotted on B.C.’s Williston Lake, Boaters Warned to Stay Away

A mysterious floating island spotted on B.C.’s Williston Lake has prompted authorities to issue a warning to boaters. According to BC Hydro spokesperson Bob Gammer, the floating island is about one hectare in size and is covered entirely with trees and lush vegetation. It was first spotted by satellite in mid-August but later suddenly disappeared. The island was spotted again on Monday, and appears to have travelled about 30 kilometres from its previous location over the past two weeks. Gammer believes the formation is not solid land, but rather a highly unstable mass of tree roots, logs and
relief-for-surrey-residents-no-new-extortion-or-shooting-cases-reported-in-august
BCSep 01, 2026

Relief for Surrey Residents: No New Extortion or Shooting Cases Reported in August

Surrey residents and business owners have received some encouraging news, with the Surrey Police Service (SPS) reporting that no new extortion threats or extortion-related shootings were recorded in the city throughout August. According to the latest update from SPS, the improvement is being attributed to ongoing joint efforts involving police, local businesses and the wider community. Police say these collaborative efforts are now producing positive results on the ground. SPS emphasized, however, that officers continue to actively investigate previous extortion cases, pursue legal action and
BCSep 01, 2026

B.C. Government Announces Nearly 1,200 New Child-Care Spaces Across 22 School Districts

The British Columbia government has announced plans to create nearly 1,200 new licensed before-and-after-school child-care spaces across 22 school districts, including Surrey. Under the initiative, Peace Arch Elementary and Theresa Clarke Elementary in the Surrey School District will each receive 24 new child-care spaces. B.C. Minister of Education and Child Care Lisa Beare said the time before and after school can be particularly challenging for parents who are balancing work and family responsibilities. Having child care available directly within school grounds will provide families with con
AlbertaSep 01, 2026

Nearly 400 Alberta Specialist Doctors Show Interest in New Dual-Practice Surgery Model

Nearly 400 specialist doctors in Alberta have expressed interest in participating in the province’s new dual-practice system, which will allow physicians to work within the public health-care system while also providing private services for selected surgeries, including hip and knee replacements. Although the legislation enabling the model is now in place, the office of Surgical Services Minister Adriana LaGrange said doctors must complete a formal application process before any private surgeries can begin. The first dual-practice surgeries are expected to take place this fall, following a r
targeted-shooting-in-coquitlam-police-seek-dashcam-footage
BCSep 01, 2026

Targeted Shooting in Coquitlam; Police Seek Dashcam Footage

Coquitlam RCMP are investigating a targeted shooting that occurred on Saturday, Aug. 29, and are asking drivers to review their dashcam footage from the area. Police said the incident took place in the 100-block of Schoolhouse Street between approximately 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Investigators are seeking video from vehicles that were travelling through or parked in the area during that time. RCMP said even footage that appears routine or unrelated could contain information valuable to the investigation. Police have determined that the shooting was targeted and said there is no ongoing risk to the p