Alberta government proposes strengthening election spending cap adherence

Minister Gray introduces proposed legislation to increase fairness in Alberta’s electoral system

Government of Alberta - In 2016, the government increased fairness in Alberta’s electoral system by implementing a $2-million spending cap on election expenses for all registered political parties during an election period. Proposed changes would guarantee a level playing field by ensuring any associated parties adhere to the $2-million spending cap. Avoidance of the cap could result in significant penalties.

Public comments invited on draft Joint Review Panel Agreement for Grassy Mountain Coal Project

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) invites the public to comment on the draft Joint Review Panel Agreement (draft Agreement) to establish a joint review panel with the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) for the environmental assessment of the proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project, located in southwest Alberta (north of Blairmore).

Alberta’s Auditor General issues May report

Government of Alberta - The Report of the Auditor General of Alberta—May 2017 was tabled in the Alberta Legislature on May 3. In his report, Alberta’s Auditor General Merwan Saher presented the results of recent performance audits conducted by his office. There are four new and five repeated recommendations to various government departments and agencies in this report. The five repeated recommendations were made because the auditor general was not assured that enough had been done to implement the previous recommendations made by his office.

Public input sought on Alberta’s workplace laws

Government of Alberta - Albertans are invited to participate in a review of the province’s labour legislation to ensure fair and family-friendly workplaces that support a strong economy.  The review focuses on the Employment Standards Code and the Labour Relations Code, neither of which has undergone significant updates since 1988.  These laws cover topics such as hours of work, overtime, general holidays, special leaves and collective bargaining rules. Some of Alberta’s workplace rules are currently out-of-step with the rest of Canada and these areas need to be reviewed.

Albertans Encouraged to take part in constituency review by Feb. 8

Government of Alberta - It’s the last chance for Albertans to provide written or online submissions to the Electoral Boundaries Commission prior to the production of its interim report. Those who would like to have input into redrawing the constituency map are encouraged to submit to www.ABebc.ca by Wednesday, February 8.

New Veterinary Profession Amendment Act comes into effect Feb. 1

Government of Alberta - Pet and animal owners in Alberta will receive better consumer protection from the Veterinary Profession Amendment Act, which comes into effect February 1.  The act ensures both veterinarians and veterinary technologists adhere to rules pertaining to registration, advertising, illegal practices and continuing education. It also creates a protected title for veterinary technologists who support veterinarians by caring for and assisting in the treatment of animals.

Draft Alberta municipal regulations online for feedback

Government of Alberta - Albertans have the next two months to review and provide their feedback on draft regulations that will strengthen the work of municipalities.  As part of the ongoing review of the Municipal Government Act, the province is reviewing and developing regulations that work alongside the MGA to provide the details of how the act works on the ground.

AB government annunces $1 million grant for non-profit energy efficiency audits

Government of Alberta - Non-profit and volunteer agencies will benefit from a $1-million grant to complete energy efficiency audits. Organizations can save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by determining areas for energy efficiency improvements.

Alberta tax credits to launch in 2017

The Investing in a Diversified Alberta Economy Act (Bill 30) received royal assent on December 9, establishing two tax credits that the Government of Alberta says will propel diversification and job creation provincewide.

Heat and power disconnected? Contact Utilities Consumer Advocate

Minister Richard Feehan

Government of Alberta - Alberta’s Winter Reconnection Program helps vulnerable Albertans get their electricity and natural gas reconnected for winter.  Since November 1, the Utilities Consumer Advocate has helped reconnect 43 Albertans whose services were cut off during the summer. The program runs until Dec. 23. On average, the UCA helps reconnect 75 homes per year.

Campaign encourages women to run for municipal office

Government of Alberta - With one year left until Alberta’s next municipal election, the province’s Status of Women minister wants more women to run for office.

MD of Pincher Creek Dust Control contract awarded to Sinnott Farm Services Ltd.

Chris Davis

At their March 24 meeting council for the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 awarded a 2015 Dust Control contract to Sinnott Farm Services Ltd. at a total tender price of $154,350 (including GST) for application of a minimum of 35,000 metres of dust control product. According to a report from CAO Wendy Kay, two tenders were received, but one was rejected because it wasn't signed or dated.

MD of Pincher Creek tables Community Futures decision pending further information

Chris Davis

Beaver Mines Store proprietor Jacques Thouin appeared before council for the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 as a delegation on March 10 to ask council to consider joining the Community Futures business improvement loan program. Community Futures Alberta Southwest Manager Tony Walker also spoke to council at that time to explain the program. At their March 24 meeting council decided to table the proposition of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Community Futures pending further information.

MD of Pincher Creek approves orthophotography project

Chris Davis

At their March 24 meeting, council for the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 approved the purchase of updated ortho corrected air photos of the municipality, to a maximum overall cost of $60,000. Director of Finance and Administration Mat Bonertz explained that these photos are taken on a three year rotation by a consortium of municipalities located south of Calgary (including the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9) who pool resources for the project, and were last taken in 2012.

Notes from MD of Pincher Creek council May 27, 2014 meeting

Landowner requests bylaw change to allow for storage

Willow Valley School Centennial celebrations discussed

CALUA addresses council with wind farm/transmission line concerns

Patton Park proposal reviewed

April financial statement discussed

Grazing School for Women to have coffee on Council

Request made for improvements to Yarrow Creek area road

Crowsnest/Pincher Creek Landfill incinerator discussed

Roadside dumping discussed

Flood recovery projects discussed

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Waterton Biosphere Reserve zonation gets support

Cowley Lundbreck Regional Water System open for business

Food Bank to receive $5000 from MD of Pincher Creek

Pincher Creek Community Food Bank

Chris Davis

At their regular meeting on March 11 Council for the MD of Pincher Creek voted to give $5000 to the Pincher Creek Food Bank.

RCMP Sgt. Randy Dixon updates Pincher Creek's Town Council

Sgt. Randy Dixon
T. Lucas file photo

Chris Davis

Pincher Creek RCMP Detachment Commander Sgt. Randy Dixon made a report to Town Council on Monday, March 10.

Sgt. Dixon provided council with comparative statistics and charts.  First he explained the RCMP's reporting procedure.  "Administration does it monthly, every three months, and a yearly report for me," he said. According to Sgt. Dixon this information is prepared by an RCMP Strategic Research Analyst. "She sent me three very interesting reports that I sent over here."

Alberta signs agricultural agreement and MOU with Meghalya and Punjab

Premier Redford with Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul Sangma

from Government of Alberta press releases

On Sunday January 12, 2014 Alberta Premier Alison Redford signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the State of Meghalaya, India that will provide new opportunities for Alberta agricultural producers. On Monday January 13 January 13, 2014 an agreement was signed between Alberta and the State of Punjab to increase cooperation and enhance trade and investment activities between the two jurisdictions.

Bountiful crops make 2013 a year for the history books

Verlyn Olson, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

Verlyn Olson, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

I think Alberta’s producers would disagree with the adage that 13 is an unlucky number as 2013 has been a record-breaker for many commodities grown in our province.

Statistics Canada recently released the final crop production estimates and this year is truly a banner year. Total production of principal field crops is up more than 26 per cent from last year and total production of principal field crops is almost 27 million tonnes.

An interview with Macleod riding hopeful John Barlow

John Barlow
C. Davis photo

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

On November 6 of this year Macleod electoral district Member of Parliament Ted Menzies announced he was immediately retiring from public office. Since that announcement four people have declared themselves as candidates for the Conservative Party of Canada nomination to replace Menzies prior to the upcoming byelection, which must be held within six months of his resignation. John Barlow is one of those nomination candidates. He was in Pincher Creek on December 4, a guest at a meeting of the Pincher Creek Rotary Club, and sat down with me afterward for the following interview.