Sovereignty or Stewardship? The $28.7M Rift Dividing the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
Posted inAlberta News News Out-of-Town News

Sovereignty or Stewardship? The $28.7M Rift Dividing the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations

Indigenous Services Canada has mandated the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations to repay $28.7 million for “ineligible and unsupported” expenses. Amid a KPMG audit, FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron defends the spending as justified for urgent pandemic needs, while Chief Mark Arcand criticizes FSIN for a lack of transparency and accountability.
Town of Hanna council ponders police check for election candidates
Posted inAlberta News Local News News

Town of Hanna council ponders police check for election candidates

The Town of Hanna council is considering a bylaw requiring police background checks for municipal election candidates. The CAO noted similar requirements exist in Calgary and other municipalities. Councillors expressed support for credibility protection while balancing concerns about transparency and privacy. A draft bylaw will be prepared for future discussion.
Advocate says light at end of tunnel for rural service issues
Posted inAlberta News News Out-of-Town News

Advocate says light at end of tunnel for rural service issues

Jackie Northey presented to the Town of Bashaw council, highlighting improvements in rural service delivery through a collaborative model. She emphasized overcoming fragmentation, particularly in healthcare access, and pointed out that Bashaw's integrated system allows residents to access multiple services seamlessly. Positive feedback indicates potential for broader adoption across Alberta and Canada.
Stigma and delays persist in Canadian menopause care
Posted inAlberta News National News News

Stigma and delays persist in Canadian menopause care

A recent survey reveals that many Canadian women experience significant obstacles in obtaining menopause care, with one-third waiting over two years for effective treatment. Key issues include a lack of symptom recognition, access to support, and dismissal by healthcare professionals. Greater awareness and personalized care are essential for improving outcomes.
BC says Free Contraceptives Program has been a big success
Posted inNational News News Out-of-Town News

BC says Free Contraceptives Program has been a big success

British Columbia's free contraceptives program has dispensed over 407,000 contraceptives since its launch in 2023, significantly increasing access to long-acting methods like IUDs. The initiative addresses financial barriers and promotes reproductive autonomy. AccessBC emphasizes the need for broader contraceptive options and highlights ongoing advocacy for improvements in pain management during IUD insertions.
Alberta adopts a motion to have more say in the appointment of its federal judges
Posted inAlberta News National News News

Alberta adopts a motion to have more say in the appointment of its federal judges

Alberta's government is pushing for more influence in the appointment of federal judges, adopting a motion to select candidates from a provincial list, echoing Quebec's previous motion. Premier Danielle Smith demands constitutional amendments for judicial selection while facing criticism over potential political interference and threats to funding, notably from French-language advocates.
FRESS hires new Deputy Fire Chief
Posted inLocal News News

FRESS hires new Deputy Fire Chief

Kevin Lunty has been appointed as the new Regional Deputy Fire Chief for the Flagstaff Regional Emergency Services Society, effective May 1. With extensive experience in fire service and community safety, Lunty will oversee operations and training while supporting strategic priorities. He has resigned as Station Chief of Forestburg FRESS.