Napi's Playground School Library revitalized

Fu Hui Educational Foundation President Jusdy San with Napi's Playground students

T. Lucas/C. Davis - Napi's Playground School at Piikani Nation hosted a reopening ceremony for their extensively renovated library on November 15. Guests in attendance included representatives of the Fu Hui Educational Foundation (FHEF) and the Martin Family Initiative (MFI). Both organizations provided financial support to the school to refit the library. The guests were toured through Napi Playground (Piikani Nation's elementary school) and visited with students in their classrooms before the presentation.

Barnes asks Alberta government to match private donations for wildfire recovery efforts

File photo - aftermath of Kenow fire

Chris Davis - On November 27 in the Alberta Legislature, Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes (UCP) asked for a provincial government committment to matching donations for southern Alberta wildfire recover efforts. "The wildfire that devastated southeastern Alberta may be officially extinguished, but the devastation it caused continues to impact thousands of people," said Barnes. "In Saskatchewan the provincial government is committed to matching private donations up to $100,000 in support of wildfire victims. Here in Alberta our government is silent, and there is no such help. To the minister: will you commit to following Saskatchewan's lead and support Albertans devastated by wildfire by matching private donations?" Minister of Economic Development and Trade Deron Bilous responded "Our government is committed to working with municipalities around the province to do our part to ensure that communities are protected. We know that wildfires in southern Alberta had significant impacts on the communities, and that's why we're continuing to work with them in their recovery."

Avail offers business coaching with lunch and learn session

Presenter Cassie Ducharme

Toni Lucas - Avail CPA hosted a lunch and learn session in Pincher Creek on the subject of  Business Budgeting Wednesday, November 22 with approximately a dozen people in attendance. Presenter CPA CA Cassie Ducharme explained Avail works with clients to increase profitability, improve inefficiencies, create strategic plans, and develop leadership potential. "We are more than an accounting firm, we consult to help you grow your business." This is one of a number of courses which Avail offers.

Interview with Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier

MLA Pat Stier (Voice file photo)

Chris Davis - Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier was in the area on November 22 to present a cheque to the Twin Butte Community Society. After that event, which will be the subject of a different story, I sat down with Stier to discuss recent events within the new United Conservative Party (UCP) and other issues.

4-H Silver Reins Light Horse Club update

Brynn Grose meets her new horse Kreedo (submitted photos)

Brynn Grose - Hi my name is Brynn Grose it is my first year in the 4-H Silver Reins Light Horse Club. The other members in the club are Kelly Turnbull, Kim Turnbull, Jessie Terpstra, Johnny Terpstra, Ruby Spranza, Maren Christensen and Dakota Grineage. My horse's name is Kreedo.

Albertans deliver 'Quarters for Caribou' to Premier

Alberta Wilderness Association - Supporters of Alberta’s endangered caribou delivered hundreds of postcards to the steps of the Alberta Legislature today, asking Premier Notley to protect the habitat that these iconic wildlife need. The “Quarters for Caribou” event, organized by Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA), comes after Alberta missed its 5-year deadline for producing caribou range plans in October 2017.

Twin Butte Community Hall to get major addition

MLA Pat Stier presents cheque to Twin Butte Community Society members

Chris Davis - On November 22 the Twin Butte Community Society received an $83,000 grant from the Government of Alberta to help upgrade the Twin Butte Community Hall. A sizable addition is planned for the south side of the hall, including wheelchair accessible washrooms and a new entrance into the hall proper, a large common room, and an elevator for those with disabilities. Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier presented the cheque from Alberta's Community Facility Enhancement Program, matching money raised by the society's own fundraising efforts.  The hall was the object of a major renovation several years ago.  The new addition is designed to blend well with the original 1936 construction.

Concept drawings of Twin Butte Hall addition, and the main hall being constructed c 1936

Livingstone School Spaghetti Night brings in dough for grad class

Livingstone School 2018 graduands from left to right: Logan Desjardins, Meghan Tkachuk, Kelsey Norman, Cam Brush, Reid Mosby, Quinlan Connelly-Engel, Cole Schweb, Elisha Lowry, Levi Sekella, Justyn Connelly-Engel, Tom Phillips, Abigail Gibbons

Toni Lucas - Livingstone School held their annual Spaghetti Night graduation fundraiser in the Cowley Hall on Friday evening, November 24. The school's twelve graduands served dinner to over 200 people. This is the main fundraiser for the Livingstone School graduation class and pays for photos, decorations, hall rental, and other expenditures. The Spaghetti Night event featured draws, a silent auction including gift baskets, Christmas themed decorations, and other items. The evening came to a sweet conclusion with Bob Westrop auctioning off a variety of desserts prepared by the graduating class or their families. Pies, cakes, cupcakes, trifles and themes made it so no matter what your tastes there was something to tempt you.  Several desserts were auctioned for more than $200 each, with one 2018-themed rainbow cake shown by Kelsey Norman going for an astounding $1,000.

Help available for partners of people with sex/pornography addiction

• Lethbridge program offers support for partners, from the start of recovery

LifeStar Alberta - Recent news reports of celebrities being accused of sexual misconduct are airing with increasing frequency. The accused may or may not be sex addicts, but the frequency of complaints has sparked plenty of discussion around watercoolers about inappropriate sexual behaviour.  National Addiction Awareness Week in November provides an opportunity to shine a light on sex and pornography addiction and the hope that recovery can bring – for both addicts and their partners.

Pincher Creek RCMP summary for Nov. 20-26, 2017

Pincher Creek RCMP - The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the period of November 20-26, 2017. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 38

Domestic assault - 1

Theft under $5000 - 2

Impaired Driving - 2

Driving complaints (general) - 9

MV Collisions - 4

Suspicious occurrences (general) - 2

Assistance to General Public (general) - 1

Assistance to other agencies - 1

False Alarms - 4

911 calls (invalid) - 2

Animal calls - 1

Prisoners held - 2

Preparing the way of the Lord

Shellie Byers - In a few weeks we will be beginning to celebrate Advent and the time that led up to our Lord and Savior's birth. When the incarnation of God chose to be at one with our human condition so salvation was birthed. An innocent and vulnerable baby needing tender care and protection that grew to be beheld as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. A time hearkened by angels and angel visitation and the sign of John the Baptist conceived in his mother's womb. A sign for Mary to willingly become blessed of all women. It is also a time to hearken in the sheep of God to remember we are ment to prepare the way of the Lord for the return of our King Jesus to the earth.

Moving with the times

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings - In most congregations the number of people at Sunday worship is considerably less than would have been the case ten years ago.  I was delighted, when I stopped in my “back-home congregation”, to find an air of positivity even though I have more digits on my hands and feet than there were “bums in the pew”. But numbers seemed to be irrelevant.

Claresholm RCMP lay sex assault charges

RCMP Alberta - On November 15, 2017 the RCMP in Claresholm entered into an investigation where five victims in their middle to late teens alleged numerous sexual assault incidents occurring over a period of 11 months.  As a result of this investigation, a Claresholm male has been charged with 6 counts of Sexual Assault, 5 counts of Sexual Interference and 8 counts of Sexual Exploitation.  The name of the accused will not be released in order to protect the identity of the victims involved. The Accused is scheduled to appear in the Provincial Court of Alberta in Fort Macleod on December 6, 2017.

Additional areas reopened in Waterton Lakes National Park

Parks Canada - Parks Canada is committed to providing high-quality visitor experiences in Waterton Lakes National Park. We continue to work as quickly as possible to re-open areas and facilities given the exceptional circumstances resulting from the Kenow wildfire. Following initial safety assessments and mitigations, Parks Canada has reopened additional areas in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Advertise your business or organization here

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This prepaid package can put your business in front of our approximately 6000-14,000 unique readers a month. The Pincher Creek Voice has exceeded a million pageviews in 2016 and 2017, for an average of approximately 3000 pageviews a day in 2017. Our pageviews have steadily increased year after year since we began over six years ago. We are solely funded by advertising.

Contact us at pinchermedia@gmail.com or at 403-751-0025

Click "read more" for an example of a business/organization in-stream listing.

Petition launched against MD's Mill Creek Sewage Lagoon Project

Map from MPE Engineering's Beaver Mines Wastewater Options Study draft report to the MD of Pincher Creek, included in petition 

Chris Davis - A group calling itself "Friends of the Castle River" has launched an online petition to be delivered to the CAO and Council for the MD of Pincher Creek asking the MD to "stop all work on the Mill Creek Sewage Lagoon". The lagoon is part of the MD's ongoing Beaver Mines water an wastewater project, which has been the subject of considerable debate, as reported here at length in the past.

K Division RCMP warn public of high risk offender Ventress

Robert Ventress

RCMP Alberta - In the interest of public safety, “K” Division RCMP is issuing the following information and warning in regard to the release of Robert Ventress  on November 22, 2017, upon completion of his sentence, having served 18 months for Breach of Recognizance (x4).

Robert Ventress  is described as a 47-year-old Caucasian male, standing 183 cm (6'0") in height, weighing 77 kg (169 lbs), with green eyes and brown hair. He will be residing in the Mundare, Alberta area.

Twin Butte's Helen and Wilf Schrempp featured in Canada's History publication

Anita Hochstein of Glastonbury, Connecticut submitted this 1944 photo of her mother Helen Schrempp and her mother's brother Wilfred Schrempp (both of Twin Butte) in Ottawa in 1943 to the Album section of Canada's History magazine. It has been published in the Dec. 2017- Jan. 2018 issue, along with a history of the Schrempps (click here). Wilf 's son Blaine (Beanie) Schrempp lives in Pincher Creek.

From the article: 

"Mom worked for the Canadian Army, and Uncle Wilf visited her there while serving in the Army. Wilf also served in the Pacific theatre and brought home a real grass skirt from Tahiti.  After the war, Wilf ranched and taught in the Twin Butte area until he died in 1982. Mom went back to Twin Butte in 1944 to marry Dr. Francis A. Hochstein, who was also the son of homesteaders from Nebraska."

Seven Persons Spartans earn Gold and STM Dragons earn Silver at SZJHAA Volleyball Zones

First Plase - Seven Persons Spartans

Second Place - St. Michael's Dragons (Pincher Creek)

Third Place - St. Miachael's Bears (Forty Mile Region)

Toni Lucas - The 2017 Junior High South Zone Junior High Athletic Association (SZJHAA) Boys 2J Zones Volleyball Tournament was held at St. Michael’s School in Pincher Creek on November 17 and 18. The areas included southern Alberta with Medicine Hat region represented by the Seven Persons Spartans, the County of Vulcan was represented by the Brant Christian Eagles, Forty Mile Region was represented by the Bow Island St. Michael’s Bears, and Far West Region was represented by Lundbreck's Livingstone Sabres and the host team, Pincher Creek's St. Michael’s Dragons. Each team got the opportunity to play a minimum of 8 sets to determine who got to go to the playoff round. Ultimately, The Spartans took home the gold, the Dragons earned silver and the Bears earned bronze.

Advocate releases Special Report on LGBTQ2S+ youth in the child welfare and justice systems

Government of Alberta - The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) has completed a Special Report on the experiences of LGBTQ2S+ youth in the child welfare and youth justice systems and is publicly releasing the results and recommendations as outlined under the Child and Youth Advocate Act.

Pincher Creek RCMP summary to Nov. 19, 2017

Pincher Creek RCMP - The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the period of November 13-19, 2017. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 38
Assaults - 1
Break and Enter (commercial) - 3
Fraud / Forgery - 1
Uttering Threats - 1
Mischief (vandalism) - 3
Theft under $5000 - 3
Drugs - 1
Disturbing the Peace - 1
MV Collisions - 7
Liquor offences - 1
Suspicious occurrences (general) - 2
Assistance to General Public (general) - 1
Assistance to other agencies - 1
False Alarms - 4
911 calls (invalid) - 1
Animal calls - 1
Prisoners held – 3

Grants for restorative justice programs available

Government of Alberta - The Government of Alberta is supporting programs that allow offenders to repair the harm they have caused to victims and communities.  Organizations seeking to practise and promote restorative justice initiatives are invited to apply for an Alberta Community Restorative Justice (ACRJ) grant. A total of $252,000 in funding, with a maximum of $50,000 per initiative, is available.

How windy was it?

Kennedy Blakey photo

C. Davis - It was so windy I gave up trying to take a good picture of how windy it was. Southwestern Alberta communities are used to high winds. They're a fact of life here, and the average citizen doesn't blink at winds that provoke states of emergency elsewhere. Having said that, yesterday's wind event was memorable for its intensity. Castle Mountain Resort's Jason Crawford told the Voice that a peak gust of 182 km/h was recorded at 8:52 am yesterday at ridge top. TransAlta reported 140 km/h at Cowley Ridge, and that may not have been the peak activity. Those are not typos. Environment Canada warned of 120 km/h winds in the Crowsnest Pass and Cardston regions. The Pincher Creek Airport weather station reported 81 km/h gusting to as high as 107 km/h. At the Waterton Park gate it was 79 km/h gusting to 108 km/h. Residents said they believe the wind was more extreme than that in the Twin Butte area. The coulees on Highway 6 and Highway 3 are always treacherous in this kind of weather, but a longtime Twin Butte area resident tells us it was particularly bad at Yarrow Creek.

Semi rollover on Highway 3 east of Cowley

Updated November 20, 12:19 am

C.Davis/T. Lucas - High winds pummeled the Pincher Creek area yesterday. Pincher Creek Emergency Services (PCES) and RCMP responded to a tractor-trailer rollover on Highway 3 just east of Cowley yesterday afternoon around 2:00 pm. According to PCES Deputy Chief Pat Neumann the semi was carrying a light load, and the driver sustained minor injuries.  Multiple other incidents involving blown-over trailers big and small were reported throughout southwestern Alberta.

According to an Environment Canada wind warning issued for the area at 3:45 pm yesterday, "Strong westerly winds with damaging gusts near 120 km/h will continue in the Crowsnest Pass and Cardston regions until late tonight. Wind gusts of 100 km/h will move into the Lethbridge region this evening and then weaken overnight. Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions due to high winds. Drivers may lose control of their vehicles; tall vehicles are at risk of being overturned."

According to a Castle Mountain Resort representative Jason Crawford "We had a peak gust of 182 km/h at 8:52 am on November 19th. That was recorded at ridge-top."

TransAlta reports 140 km/hour was recorded at Cowley Ridge. This may not have been the peak activity there.

The high winds have dissipated since then.

The Fire Department was also called out multiple times on Friday by citizens south of town, due to be high flare activity at the Shell Plant (a normal part of the plant's process). Neumann said the fire department would rather people call in their concerns than miss an incident.

Cochrane RCMP responding to numerous weather related accidents

RCMP Alberta - The RCMP out of Cochrane and surrounding detachments are asking the public to travel with extreme caution and to stay off the roads if travel is not completely necessary. Highway 22 and secondary roads are covered in black ice and blowing snow in the area is causing near whiteout conditions.

Castle Mountain Resort Area Structure Plan moves forward

Chris Davis - On November 7 council for the MD of Pincher Creek approved a recommendation from Development Officer Roland Milligan to re-start work on a Castle Mountain Resort Area Structure Plan. The planning process had been put on hold until a water plan could be developed. In an October 19 email Castle Mountain Resort requested that the area structure planning process move forward.

Beaver Mines Area Structure Plan/Municipal Development Plan moves forward

Chris Davis - At their regular meeting of November 7, council for the MD of Pincher Creek responded favourably to a request from the Beaver Mines Community Association to initiate the process for developing a new Beaver Mines Area Structure Plan/Municipal Development Plan.

Let’s not surrender ourselves

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings - In the name of modernization, we are being lured into the world of “let us do it for you”.   “Let us drive your car.” “Let us tell you which road to follow.” “Let this new app contact your best friends.”

Missing Blood Reserve teen Neiko Morning Bird

Missing: Neiko Morning Bird

Lethbridge Police Service - Lethbridge Police are seeking the public’s assistance to locate a missing 15-year-old boy. Neiko Morning Bird was last seen October 22 on the Blood Reserve but wasn’t reported as missing until November 17. Efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful and police are concerned for his well-being.

Morning Bird is described as an aboriginal male, approximately 5’2”, 72lbs, with short black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on Morning Bird’s whereabouts is asked to contact police at 403-328-4444 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.

Pincher Creek's free swimming praised, proposed curling rink site questioned

Jonathan Skrimshire - Thumbs up to free swimming and thumbs down to the new curling rink site was the main takeaway from the November 15th meeting of the Pincher Creek Recreation Advisory Committee. Members expressed great satisfaction with the results of the 2017 free swimming initiative and a desire to consider extending the policy into 2018. Reaction to the proposed siting of a new curling rink and parking lot in the green space northeast of the Multi-purpose Facility, on the other hand, was decidedly negative. After airing various objections to the specific site selected, the committee passed a motion calling upon Council to engage in public consultation regarding the curling rink project.

Rural physicians and nurses in short supply

Pincher Creek Health Centre (file photo)

Chris Davis - On September 14 Pincher Creek Associate Clinic Executive Director Jeff Brockman appeared as a delegation before council for the Town of Pincher Creek to discuss concerns about staffing retention and recruitment at the clinic, which serves a region of approximately 8000 people (my estimate). Brockman received a sympathetic ear from councillors and the mayor. Related, albeit indirectly, on September 16 in the Alberta Legislature, Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA Jason Nixon (UCP) queried Minister of Health Hoffman about the government's response to the ongoing rural healthcare practitioner crisis in Alberta.

Dane Barclay awarded for ten years of service to Town of Pincher Creek

Dane Barclay and Mayor Don Anderberg

At the November 14 meeting of Pincher Creek's Town Council,  Mayor Don Anderberg presented Public Works employee Dane Barclay with an award for ten years of service to the Town.

House fire in Pincher Creek

Chris Davis - Pincher Creek Emergency Services (PCES) responded to a house fire on Canon Street in Pincher Creek, at a location adjacent to the Pincher Creek and facing Highway 6. According to PCES Chief Dave Cox, the call came in at approximately 1:30 am from someone inside the house. The home was evacuated before PCES arrived. There were no injuries, but damage to the home is extensive. The fire is currently under investigation, however no foul pay is currently suspected. As of 9:40 am PCES remains on scene monitoring the situation.

Barlow statement in response to Waterton visitor centre decision

MP John Barlow

Press release - The Member of Parliament for Foothills, Alberta, John Barlow, issued the following statement in response to the Environment Minister’s decision on the new location for the Waterton Lakes National Park’s visitor center:

“I’m pleased to hear the government is following through on a commitment the previous Conservative government made in July 2015 on the largest infrastructure plan in the history of Parks Canada for projects across Waterton Lakes National Park, including a new visitor center. When complete the new center will welcome more than 400,000 visitors annually.

Letter: Waterton visitor centre debate "definitely not over"

Jerry Kovacs - I have read Catherine McKenna's press release (Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada Catherine McKenna) and (Parliamentary Secretary and MP) Jonathon Wilkinson's 6 page letter numerous times.

Stier queries quality of supportive living facility food

Chris Davis - Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier (UC) spoke in the Alberta legislature twice this week against the serving of reheated frozen meals at supportive living facilities, including specifically one such facility in Claresholm.

Man sought after flight from High River RCMP

Suspect

RCMP Alberta - On November 16, 2017, at approximately 12:38 am, High River RCMP made contact with a white early 2000's Ford F-150 at the Esso gas station on Centre Street NW in High River. Upon seeing the police, the male driver of the pickup truck fled the area at a high rate of speed. The licence plate on the truck was confirmed as stolen. It is unknown if the truck has been reported as stolen at this time. High River RCMP are seeking assistance from the public in identifying the male driver and the female passenger. A photograph has been obtained from video surveillance of the male suspect. Anyone recognizing the male is asked to call the High River RCMP at 403-652-2357. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may qualify for a reward.

Blood Tribe man arrested for child pornography offences

ALERT - Following a joint investigation between ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation unit, Blood Tribe Police and Lethbridge Police, a 24-year-old man has been arrested for a number of child pornography offences.  Cody Wright was arrested on November 8, 2017 at a home on the Blood Tribe First Nation Reserve with the assistance of the Blood Tribe Police’s Crime Reduction unit. ICE also searched a Lethbridge home with the assistance of Lethbridge Police. A number of electronic devices were seized for full forensic analysis.

Don't fall for CRA scam

RCMP Alberta - Fort Saskatchewan RCMP are reminding residents to not fall for the Canada Revenue Agency scam where aggressive people demand gift card purchases.

Municipalities to get relief on uncollectable oil and gas properties taxes

Minister Anderson announces the PERC Program at the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties conference.

Government of Alberta - The Alberta government is supporting municipalities by providing a tax credit for uncollectable education property taxes on oil and gas properties.

Stier brings Kenow wildfire inquiry request to legislature

Corrected for accuracy

Chris Davis - Livingstone - Macleod MLA Pat Stier (UC) brought the request of an MD of Pincher Creek citizens coalition for an official inquiry into the response to the recent Kenow wildfire to the Alberta legislature yesterday afternoon, November 15. Council for the MD of Pincher Creek has also been discussing the issue since before the recent municipal election.

MD council updated on Beaver Mines Water and Wastewater project

Chris Davis - At their November 7 regular meeting council for the MD of Pincher Creek discussed a briefing by Director of Operations Leo Reedyk about the current status of the Beaver Mines Water and Wastewater project.  Councillor Rick Lemire recused himself from the discussion, citing his employment with Alberta Transportation as a potential conflict of interest, because the project is receiving significant funding from Alberta Transportation.

MD council discusses Lundbreck mobile home park concerns

Chris Davis - At their November 11, 2017 meeting council for the MD of Pincher Creek discussed a letter they received from the owners of the Lundbreck Estates mobile home park about a bylaw the MD passed in August of this year. Bylaw 1277-17 gave the MD's tax assessor "the ability to assess the entire property (land and improvements) in the name of the mobile home park's owner rather than individual mobile homes. In turn, the MD would only collect taxes from the park owner." Owners Ken and Marcia Jewett also asked that the MD allow them to rent out two more lots.

ASBA policy supports all students including those in Gay-Straight Alliances

Alberta School Boards Association - The Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA), the association representing all public, separate and francophone school boards in Alberta, said today its member boards will comply with Bill 24 once it is proclaimed into law. ASBA member boards have always complied with past provincial legislation, including legislation requiring school boards to allow gay-straight alliances in schools.

Pincher Creek RCMP investigating theft from vehicle, stolen and recovered trailers parked at Castle Mountain

Pincher Creek RCMP -  On November 12, 2017 Pincher Creek RCMP responded to a complaint that someone had removed the diesel particulate filter catalysts system from a large truck that was parked in the industrial area of Pincher Creek.  It is suspected this unit was stolen for the recycling value of the metals contained in the system, the theft is believed to have happened the night of November 11, 2017.

Pincher Creek RCMP are also investigating the theft of two trailers that were recovered at the Castle Mountain Ski hill on November 9, 2017.

Statement from Minister McKenna on Waterton Lakes National Park visitor centre

Parks Canada - The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, today issued the following statement on the Waterton Lakes National Park visitor centre:

"Parks Canada manages our national heritage places on behalf of all Canadians and for all Canadians. More than 500,000 visitors each year enjoy Waterton Lakes National Park. Parks Canada has a responsibility to ensure it is effectively serving the needs of these visitors.

Alberta to bolster drug-impaired driving laws

Minister Mason announces Bill 29, An Act to Reduce Cannabis and Alcohol-Impaired Driving, with representatives from Alberta Motor Transport Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Government of Alberta - The Government of Canada has introduced legislation that would legalize the use and possession of non-medical cannabis and make changes to federal impaired-driving laws in the Criminal Code. The proposed federal changes include three new impaired driving charges specific to cannabis, cannabis/alcohol combination and other drugs.