Fentanyl czar says government's border bill will help in fight against lethal drug
Canada's fentanyl czar says the fight against the deadly opioid would get a boost from proposed new tools for law enforcement in the Liberal government's recently tabled border bill.
Kevin Brosseau, the federal point person on fentanyl, welcomes provisions in the Strong Borders Act to increase inspection powers, give police easier access to information, crack down on money laundering and improve control of chemicals used to make the drug.
Alberta government to start charging residents for COVID-19 shots this fall
Alberta's government announced Friday residents who are not immunocompromised or on social programs will soon have to pay to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
In a late afternoon news release, the government said that since provinces took over responsibility for procuring the shots in April, it has wanted to cut down on waste and recoup costs.
It said an estimated one million COVID-19 vaccine doses, or just over half of Alberta's supply, were not used during the 2023-2024 respiratory virus season. It said $135 million worth of shots were wasted.
Tornado Warning issued for Hanna region
A tornado warning has been issued by Environment Canada for parts of east-central Alberta as meteorologists track a severe thunderstorm.
The storm is currently located about 20 kilometres northwest of Hanna, moving east at 30 km/h. Officials say the system is capable of generating damaging winds, large hail, intense localized rainfall and possibly a tornado.
Communities in the path of the storm include:
Strathmore REDS hosting two weekend tournaments
The Strathmore REDS minor baseball teams are hosting two tournaments in town over the weekend.
The 13U AA league tournament will be taking place on Saturday (June 15) and Sunday at the Hillview ball diamonds.
On the other side of town, the 18U AA tournament takes place on the same days at the Kinsmen Park ball diamond.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for Wheatland County
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Wheatland County.
The watch was issued on Friday (June 13), and covers the areas of Strathmore, Lyalta, and Carseland.
"Thunderstorms are developing over the Alberta foothills and will move to the northeast through the afternoon and evening," wrote Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
"Some of these thunderstorms may become severe, producing large hail, heavy winds and locally heavy rainfall."
Drumheller RCMP make significant drug seizure
Police in Drumheller made a significant drug seizure earlier this week.
On Wednesday (June 11) officers stopped a vehicle along Highway 56. Police checks revealed that the driver had an outstanding warrant out of Edmonton.
Police say that they discovered what is believed to be methamphetamine while dealing with the vehicle's passengers. This led to all occupants being arrested and the vehicle being searched.
According to RCMP, they discovered:
Langdon playground to close for upgrades
A playground in Langdon is getting an upgrade.
The Langon Park's playground is closing June 16 to 25. Construction crews are replacing the gravel with new, safety-approved material designed to improve water drainage, increase durability, and better absorb impact.
The improvements overall aim to create a safer, more comfortable play area for children.
The park will remain available to the public; however, access to the playground area will be restricted during construction.
Strathmore student honoured by Canadian Red Cross with Rescuer Award
Mitch Stanley Maga, a student at Holy Cross Collegiate, was given the Rescuer Award by Canadian Red Cross.
Maga was presented the award on Tuesday (June 10) after trying to save the life family friend and father figure Len Voerman in February.
Maga checked on Len after hearing concerns from Len's wife, Gail, about how he was not answering her calls. After knocking on the door to no answer, Maga made his way to the back of the home.
Canada's first FMD vaccine bank is another step closer
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious and severe disease that affects cattle, sheep, swine, and other cloven-hoofed animals making it hard for them to eat and walk, leaving them weak and sick.
The FMD vaccine bank builds on existing protections for the livestock industry and equips producers with another tool to control and eliminate the disease should an outbreak occur.
Budget 2023 committed $57.5 million over five years, with $5.6 million ongoing, to the CFIA to establish the FMD vaccine bank and response plans.
Federal union restarting contract talks for more than 120,000 public servants
Two years ago, more than 120,000 federal public servants went on strike after negotiations broke down.
Now, the union representing those workers is going back to the bargaining table with the government with the goal of securing greater job security and remote work options for its members.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada says next week's initial meetings offer its first opportunity to present priorities identified by members, such as better wages, greater job security and stronger provisions for remote work.