Columns

National Column: Burning bridges with the electoral reform file

In parliamentary politics, little is more self-defeating than a minister who consistently insults the intelligence of his or her critics. Sooner or later the approach inevitably backfires.

For a case in point one only needs to look at the last Parliament.
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Local News

How much do school trustees earn?

Being a school trustee is an extremely demanding and time-intensive undertaking, points out Dr. Michele Dick, Sturgeon School Division Superintendent. […]

Province

Phased re-entry into Fort McMurray expected to start June 1

The province announced Wednesday afternoon a voluntary, phased re-entry for the safe return of Fort McMurray residents that will begin June 1 provided future wildfire conditions do not delay restoration efforts.

They are expecting reentry to be complete by June 15, coinciding with the full restoration of the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre. […]

Province

Government to hold minimum wage consultations over next month

The government says it will listen to employers and employees on how to move forward with changes to the minimum wage, and are planning focused consultations with key stakeholders, including employers, social service organizations, and low-income earners, over the next month. […]

Columns

National Column: Don’t discount Chong, Lisée bids for leadership

As Stephane Dion demonstrated by snatching the Liberal crown from under the noses of Michael Ignatieff and Bob Rae a decade ago, it is poor form as well as potentially short-sighted to dismiss the possibility of an eleventh-hour leadership upset out of hand. […]

Province

Province says it’s strengthening independent environmental monitoring and science program

The government is tabling Bill 18, An Act to Ensure Independent Environmental Monitoring, an Act it says would officially move the environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting functions that were once led by the Alberta Environmental Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting Agency (AEMERA) back into the government fold. […]

Columns

National Column: Deadlines undermine Liberal legislation

Deadlines can focus the mind and sharpen our work. For some, however, the ticking of the deadline clock can overwhelm the substance of our work.

This week, the Liberal government is expected to hand in its homework on two pieces of legislation that were expedited by deadlines imposed by the Supreme Court of Canada. […]

National News

Feds to develop framework on Lyme Disease

A federal conference will bring together perspectives on Lyme disease from key stakeholders, including patients’ groups, the medical community, government organizations, and individual Canadians. The conference was kicked off Monday by the Honourable Dr. Jane Philpott, Minister of Health and the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, Dr. Gregory Taylor, and will inform the Federal Framework to address the disease. […]

Province

Mobile access makes booking campsites in Alberta Parks easier

Many of Alberta’s provincial park campgrounds can be booked through Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca (RAP) on the via smartphones and other personal devices. RAP makes it easy to change a campsite booking, extend a stay or reserve their next camping trip. […]

Arts & Culture

Calvin Vollrath returns

Locally raised fiddling champion Calvin Vollrath returns to the Morinville Community Culture Centre for three performances May 27, 28, and 29. His fifth straight year playing the venue kicks off on the Friday with a dine and dance event. Saturday will see Vollrath’s annual CD release concert takes place, and Sunday afternoon features the Fiddle Gala his fans have come to expect. […]