Okotoks

Alberta is fundamentally changing how it funds hospital surgeries, but critics say the change won't improve the public system and will only accelerate more care in the privatized system.

Premier Danielle Smith announced Monday a new "activity-based" model is on the way, to be implemented for some surgeries in 2026. The model ties public funding to the number and type of procedures performed.

Smith said the program will drive costs down by fostering competition among public providers and those who perform publicly funded procedures in private clinics.

Alberta’s government is taking another step toward giving municipalities the option of ditching the RCMP in favour of a new provincial police service.

Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis says an independent Alberta service could step in to help address concerns he's heard about the Mounties' staffing shortages and rising costs.

If passed, a proposed bill would mean a new agency must operate under a Crown corporation that would be at arm's length from the government.

With only three weeks away to the Canadian federal election, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) are ensuring that agriculture is top of mind for campaigning parties by announcing a new strategic agenda called Unleashing Agriculture for Canada's Growth. Jeremy Welter, vice-president with APAS, talks about the need to improve Canadian agriculture and make it a point of focus for the federal government. 

Ottawa police have released the name of the person they say was behind a massive security incident on Parliament Hill over the weekend.

Police say Tyler Hall-Worthington, a 31-year-old Ottawa man, has been charged in connection with the lockdown Saturday afternoon at East Block, a building in the parliamentary precinct that mainly houses offices for senators and their staff.

An Ottawa police spokesperson told The Canadian Press that the suspect was still in custody as of Monday morning.

The Liberal and Conservative leaders both started the third week of the federal election campaign in British Columbia — a battleground province with 43 seats up for grabs when Canadians go to the polls.

The Liberals pledged environmental conservation measures and support for seniors, while the Tories offered more efficient approvals for resource projects.

On and off closures are expected on North Railway Street on Tuesday, April 7.

It's expected to last from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with one lane to be closed at a time, for about half an hour each.

Crews on site will be minimal, with a single truck expected to be on site.

The Town of Okotoks has warned locals of closures in the area of North Railway Street this month as part of Phase One of the Downtown Improvements Project.

The Foothills riding's list of federal election candidates sits at five with the big day just three weeks away.

Among them is Paul O'Halloran, a founding member of the People's Party of Canada (PPC) who is running under the party's banner in the upcoming election.

O'Halloran has called Alberta home for over 30 years, initially moving to Calgary during his time with the military.

He eventually settled in Black Diamond, now Diamond Valley, which he currently calls home.

The Town of Claresholm will have a new summer market this summer.

It will be a weekly market happening every Tuesday over the summer, and according to the Engagement Coordinator with the Town, Megan McClung, they are calling it Tuesdays in the Park.

The Alberta RCMP are asking for assistance in locating a missing woman from 2019.

Shae Lynn McAllister was a 20-year-old mother of two children when she disappeared, and there is a reward for information on McAllister.

What the RCMP know is that McAllister left work from the Fairview A&W on July 4, 2019, at 10:35 p.m., and was last seen at the Fairview Shell gas station at 11:22 p.m. 

McAllister has not been seen or heard from since.

The Provincial government is providing funding to schools so they can plan out their projects, including one in Okotoks.

When a school is built or renovated, a major part of the work is the planning of the design, the location, classroom layout, and more to make sure the school is serving the community in the best way possible.