Alberta is altering the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility rules for residents of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and Banff — and will redirect a large shipment of COVID-19 vaccine to both areas.The province has announced that it will alter the vaccine rollout in Wood Buffalo and Banff, two communities hard hit by the third wave of COVID-19. (Evan…
Alberta
- Politics
Alberta doctors renew call for circuit-breaker lockdown amid surge in variant cases
by Sue JonesA group of Alberta doctors say the province must enforce a circuit-breaker style lockdown of the economy or risk rising death tolls and a dangerous strain on frontline health care during the third wave of COVID-19. The Calgary and Area Medical Staff Society and the Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association issued called for a shutdown during…
- Politics
Alberta judge rejects injunction to maintain last-resort opioid treatment program
by Sue JonesAn emergency court injunction that would have maintained a last-resort treatment for Albertans suffering from the most severe forms of opioid addiction has been rejected. The injunction application sought to maintain funding for the injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) program. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)An emergency court injunction that would have maintained a last-resort treatment for Albertans suffering from…
If Joe Biden cancels Keystone XL’s U.S. permit in one of his first acts as president, it would be a blow for the province of Alberta and the energy sector, but the size of the hit remains one of many questions.U.S. president-elect Joe Biden is expected to pull a key permit for the Keystone XL…
- Politics
Alberta drafts Capitol Hill operatives as it seeks support for Keystone XL, trade issues
by Sue JonesAlberta’s UCP government is hiring influential lobbyists and communications experts in Washington, D.C., as it seeks support on Capitol Hill for the Keystone XL pipeline and other trade interests south of the border.Alberta’s UCP government is hiring influential U.S.-based lobbyists and communications experts as it seeks support on Capitol Hill for the Keystone XL pipeline…
Alberta now has 6,110 active cases of COVID-19 after reporting four straight days with new daily numbers well above 500.Alberta chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw updates media on the COVID-19 situation in the province. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press)Alberta has reached a “critical juncture” in the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting 6,110 active cases, says the province’s…
- Politics
Alberta lawyer calls for action after 55 COVID-19 cases reported at Calgary jail
by Sue JonesAn outbreak of COVID-19 at a Calgary jail has now jumped to 55 cases, a notable increase after the outbreak was initially reported Thursday.Edmonton-based criminal defence lawyer Tom Engel says action needs to be taken to protect the prisoners at the Calgary Correctional Centre, which reported 55 cases of COVID-19 on Friday. (Trevor Wilson/CBC)An Alberta…
- Politics
Federal, Alberta governments sign caribou conservation plan amid protection order pressure
by Sue JonesFacing increased pressure to protect woodland caribou herds, the federal and Alberta governments have signed a conservation agreement aimed at restoring dwindling herds in the province.Caribou have been an important animal in the lives of people in the Boreal forest and the tundra, who have long relied on their meat and fur. Like the other…
At UCP’s annual general meeting, Jason Kenney says access to capital for projects in the oil and gas industry requires action on environmental issues from industry and government, a statement that marks a major shift in tone for the Alberta premier. Premier Jason Kenney took questions from UCP members during an hour-long question-and-answer session Saturday at…
- Politics
Alberta unconcerned about OPEC prediction for slower growth in oil demand over next 25 years
by Sue JonesAlberta’s energy minister is unconcerned about a new report by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that suggests demand for oil will plateau in a decade.Alberta Energy Minister Sonya Savage said a report predicting change in the world’s demand for oil isn’t a big concern. (CBC)Alberta’s energy minister is unconcerned about a new…