Stu Salkeld, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Town of Hanna council heard that a medical professionals recruitment and retention committee has been formed that includes one doctor. The medical clinic update was given at the March 11 regular meeting of council. Councillors heard a presentation by Dr. Wendy Fortna of Hanna Medical Clinic that updated…

Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Village of Valemount is warning up to 70 per cent of its businesses won’t be able to recover from the indirect impacts of the Jasper wildfire without government support. The Village is asking for $1.5 million to help the community recover after last summer’s wildfire closed highways across…

George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Improved economic corridors and emergency routes will eventually remap the way drivers navigate the north, the legislature heard during a week that saw UCP faithful emphasize spending beyond Alberta’s major centres. Andrew Boitchenko, the member for Drayton Valley-Devon, highlighted $311 million for emergency routes in Alberta. He also spoke…

Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A report card on Canada’s biodiversity conservation progress gives Alberta a failing grade of D-. In 2022, Canada and 195 other signatory nations, adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which sets targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. The framework includes protecting 30 per cent of terrestrial, inland water,…

Chantel Downes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The announcement comes after Mark Carney ordered a review of the $19-billion contract with the American aerospace company last week, citing concerns over Canada’s reliance on the United States for security. “We have alternatives to the F-35, so we will explore those, as the ministers of defence and procurement…

Sam Leishman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The provincial government is not incompetent; it is making clear choices to prioritize private health care to the detriment of Albertans, according to a new report released by Friends of Medicare this week. Access Denied: How the Changing Accessibility of Health Care Services in Alberta Impacts Equity takes a…

Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter For time immemorial Blackfoot people relied on buffalo (bison) for all of their basic needs and to this day the buffalo continue to be a centre piece in Blackfoot culture. Tim Bruised Head, from the Kainai Nation, hosts buffalo harvests for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to better understand…