Bank of Canada maintains overnight rate target at 1 per cent

Bank of Canada - The Bank of Canada today maintained its target for the overnight rate at 1 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 1 1/4 per cent and the deposit rate is 3/4 per cent.

The global economy is evolving largely as expected in the Bank’s October Monetary Policy Report (MPR). In the United States, growth in the third quarter was stronger than forecast but is still expected to moderate in the months ahead. Growth has firmed in other advanced economies. Meanwhile, oil prices have moved higher and financial conditions have eased. The global outlook remains subject to considerable uncertainty, notably about geopolitical developments and trade policies.

Canada provides humanitarian assistance to Hurricane Irma’s affected countries

Global Affairs Canada - The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, yesterday issued the following statement concerning Hurricane Irma:

Royal Canadian Air Force supports Hurricane Harvey relief efforts

National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces - A Royal Canadian Air Force CC130J Hercules departed 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario on September 3, for Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, carrying humanitarian supplies from the Government of Canada to aid in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.  In the wake of the hurricane, the Government of Canada offered to assist with relief efforts and the United States accepted this offer through its Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The RCAF airlift is part of a Whole of Government response to the relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey that has caused a mandatory evacuation of approximately 750,000 people with an additional 1.1 million people who are under a voluntary evacuation order along the Gulf Coast.

Canada implementing new “X” gender designation

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada - As of August 31, 2017, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is providing interim measures for individuals requesting an “X” in the sex field in their Canadian citizenship and/or immigration document, passport, or other travel document. These interim measures will be available until the Department is able to print an “X” in these documents.

Have your say on legalizing marijuana

Alberta Justice and Solicitor General - On April 13, 2017, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to legalize, regulate and restrict access to cannabis – Bill C-45 Cannabis Act. It is anticipated to come in to effect in July of 2018. While the proposed federal legislation paves the way for legal cannabis use by adults across Canada, provinces and municipalities must build on this to best suit the needs of their citizens.

Canada-wide trade agreement takes effect July 1

Government of Alberta - Economic Development and Trade Minister Deron Bilous issued the following statement on the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) coming into force:  “As we celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, we’re proud to see the Canadian Free Trade Agreement come into effect on July 1.

CRTC puts an end to locked cellphones and unlocking fees

CRTC - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) yesterday announced that as of December 1, 2017, all individual and small business wireless service customers will have the right to have their cellphones and other mobile devices unlocked free of charge upon request. In addition, all newly purchased devices must be provided unlocked from that day forward.

Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin announces retirement

The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin

(Agência Brasil photo, Wikimedia Commons)

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin announced her retirement today. She was born and raised in Pincher Creek.

Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin's trailblazing influence on Canadian law will echo for generations - I wish her the best in her retirement. - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Women’s Canoe added to Olympic Canoe Kayak program, bringing gender equity.

Haley Daniels - 2016

Canoe Kayak Canada - Canoe Kayak Canada is pleased to share the news that for the first time in Tokyo 2020, Canoe Kayak Sprint and Slalom will have a gender-balanced Olympic program.  The International Olympic Committee has approved the International Canoe Federation’s proposal for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Program. This program includes women’s canoe events for the first time in Olympic history.

2016 Canadian Census population and dwelling data released

Statistics Canada today released the population and dwelling data from the 2016 census. 

Some highlights:

• Canada population in 2016: 35,151,728 - an increase of 5% from 2011, for an average of 3.9 people per square kilometre. 15,412,443 private Canadian dwellings.
• Alberta population in 2016: 4,067,175 - an increase of 11.6% from 2011, for an average of 6.4 people per square kilometre. 1,654,129 private Alberta dwellings
• Beaver Mines had a population of 82 people in 2016, up by 2 people. 59 private dwellings in Beaver Mines, 26 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Crowsnest Pass had a population of 5,589 in 2016, up 0.4% from 5565 in 2011.  3,225 private dwellings in CNP, 2,567 occupied by usual residents.
• Fort Macleod had a population of 2,967 in 2016, down 4.8% from 3,117 in 2011. 1426 private dwellings in Fort Macleod, 1226 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Lundbreck had a population of 236 in 2015, down 3.3% from 244 in 2011. 141 private dwellings in Lundbreck, 113 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Municipal District of Pincher Creek had a population of 2,965 in 2016, down 6.1% from 3,158 in 2011. 1649 private dwellings in the MD, 1,119 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Piikani Nation had a population of 1,544 in 2016, up 26.9% from 1,217 in 2011. 438 dwellings in Piikani Nation.
• Town of Pincher Creek had a population of 3,642 in 2016 , down 1.2% from 3,685 in 2011. 1,589 private dwellings in the Town, 1,490 of them occupied by usual (permanent) residents.
• Twin Butte's population remained unchanged at 10, in 6 private dwellings, 5 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Village of Cowley had a population of 209 in 2016, down 11.4% from 236 in 2011. 113 private dwellings in Cowley with 100 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Village of Glenwood had a population of 316 in 2016, up 10.1% from 287 in 2011. 119 private dwellings in Glenwood, 107 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Village of Hill Spring had a population of 162 in 2016, down 12.9% from 186 in 2011. 92 private dwellings in Hill Spring, 74 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Waterton Park had a population of 105 people in 2016, up 19.3% from 88 in 2011. 168 private dwelling in Waterton Park, 39 of them occupied by usual residents.

Click here for the full census package.

Government of Canada announces faster processing and shorter wait times for spousal reunification

The Government of Canada is making it faster and easier for Canadians and permanent residents to reunite with their spouses.  At the direction of the Minister, earlier this year Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) began a concerted effort to reduce processing times. From the start of 2016 to the fall, processing times were reduced by 15 percent for in-Canada applications and just over 10 percent for applications outside Canada.

Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village hosts 2016 Canada Day celebrations in Pincher Creek

Josh Davis - Hundreds of Pincher Creek residents celebrated Canada at the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, on July 1 2016. The action packed day started at 10 am, with opening ceremonies held at the North West Mounted Police Building at 11:00 am. 3 bouncy castles were set up near the front, along with a face-painting station, balloon animals, and other crafts and games, provided by Children's World Daycare Actives. Concession, beer gardens provided by the Pincher Creek Rotary Club, and a barbeque lunch were made available to the throng, along with a cake cutting at noon, and homemade cookies at the new Village Bakery. A rope-making course was also taught behind the Cyr School in the afternoon.

MP John Barlow encourages applications to “Daughters of the Vote”

• One young woman (ages 18-23) will be chosen from every federal riding in Canada to represent their community and to communicate their vision for Canada.

John Barlow, MP for Foothills - Join Equal Voice and the Government of Canada in a historic national initiative to mark the 100th anniversary of women’s formal political engagement in 2016 — along with Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017.

Pincher Creek's Committee of the Whole seeks input on Canada's 150th birthday celebration

Josh Davis

Canada will be celebrating its 150th birthday on July 1, 2017. During the May 4 meeting of Pincher Creek’s Committee of the Whole, the committee voted to direct administration to request ideas from the Pincher Creek residents as to projects or events to commemorate Canada’s 150th in 2017, with the summary of recommendations to be presented during the fall budget deliberations for discussion.

Physician Assisted Dying public meeting held in Pincher Creek

John Barlow at Physician Assisted Dying public meeting in Pincher Creek

Josh Davis

On Thursday April 7 Foothills MP John Barlow hosted a public meeting facilitated by David Green regarding the issue of  Physician Assisted Dying at the Pincher Creek Community Hall, which over 30 people attended. It was one of a series of similar meetings held in Alberta and across Canada.  “Legislation on doctor assisted dying will happen. That is the Supreme Court’s directive to us as the House of Commons,” said Barlow. “I know some of you here tonight want to speak out against having doctor assisted dying at all. I understand that, I sympathize with that, but again I have to make clear that this is going to happen.” Barlow explained that the federal government has asked for two extensions on this issue already.

Legislation must be passed on physician assisted dying by June 6, 2016, in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling made in February of last year. The Supreme Court’s February 6 2015 ruling declared section 14 and 241(b) of the Criminal Code null and void. This opened the door to physician assisted death for any competent adult person who clearly consents to termination of their life, and has a grievous and irremediable medical condition that causes intolerable and enduring suffering, including disabilities. However, the 21 recommendations put together by the Special Joint Committee on Physician-Assisted Dying go two steps further by including recommendations specifically protecting assisted dying in cases of psychiatric issues, and suggesting that youth can be declared “mature minors” and be granted access to assisted death with no regard for the wishes of their parents.