Is Ontario planning to drop masks, restrictions?

With other provinces across the country loosening or ending their COVID-19 public health measures, is Ontario next?

When asked about Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta adapting to a likely-plateaued fourth wave of the pandemic in a virtual press conference on February 9, Ontario’s Health Minister and Deputy Premier, Christine Elliott, says the province isn’t quite there yet.

Strathcona County aligns itself with provincial COVID-19 plan

Strathcona County council has decided on a response to the recent provincial changes.

At 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday (Feb.8), the provincial government ended some public health restrictions in Alberta, including the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP).

During Thursday's council meeting, Strathcona County council voted to align themselves with the provincial plan. Showing proof of vaccination is no longer required in county facilities, and beginning Monday, children 12 and under will no longer be required to wear masks in any setting.

Join the Cochrane Music Society for music, community and fun

If you have dreamed of playing in a concert or jazz band or singing in a choir then the Cochrane Music Society wants to hear from you. Whether you are looking to refresh your musical talent or branch out anew, you are encouraged to join the CMS.

For those who are not familiar with the Cochrane Music Society, it was formed back in 1999 with the first ensemble being the Band on the Bow concert band.

Member’s enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and practice led to the creation of Riverside Jazz a year later.

Okotoks Mayor Says Restricting Municipal COVID Rules Would be Hypocritical

Premier Jason Kenney's recent comments on the Municipal Government Act have drawn criticism and concern from many, including Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn.

In a recent Facebook Q&A, Kenney said he was open to the possibility of restricting municipalities from enacting their own COVID measures.

Kelvin Goertzen addresses protests, asks Manitobans for understanding

Steinbach MLA and Manitoba Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen is calling on the Trudeau government to step up and do its part to try and ease the COVID-19 tensions that currently exist in our country.

Goertzen is referring specifically to the protests taking place at the Emerson border crossing.

RCMP confirm Emerson border crossing has been blockaded

A group of individuals has set up a blockade of the Emerson border crossing, using a variety of trucks, tractors and farm equipment to block access. According to eyewitnesses, the blockade has stopped the flow of traffic in both the northbound and southbound lanes.

In an emailed statement, RCMP have confirmed the Emerson Port of Entry has now been blocked by semi-trailers as well as with farm equipment.

Free rapid tests coming to NWO

Ontario is hoping to give residents ‘another layer of protection’ against COVID-19 – and this time, the province says help will make its way to the northwest.

Ontario’s Health Minister and Deputy Premier, Christine Elliott, announced on February 9 that starting today, Ontario will be distributing 5 million free COVID-19 rapid test kits each week for eight weeks, through pharmacy and grocery store locations across the province.

Pandemic had negative effect on many people's heart health, more inactivity and stress

A Canadian heart health specialist says it's not too late for people who've been finding themselves more sedentary during the pandemic to now get moving and improve their heart health.

Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput is the Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Ottawa, as well as a Senior Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute.