Posted inAlberta News Canadian News economy

Canadian Taxpayers Federation Slams Federal Spending on “Outlandish” Research Grants

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation claims that federal research grants, particularly from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, are funding irrelevant projects, costing taxpayers over $1 billion annually. They criticize studies on topics like grocery carts and selfies, arguing that taxpayer money should support meaningful research that benefits Canadians.
Posted inAlberta News health LJI News

Beaverlodge ER faces onsite doctor shortage this week

The Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital's emergency department will lack onsite physician coverage on specific dates in November due to personnel shortages, prompting calls for better healthcare strategies from local leaders. Similar closures have impacted other Alberta communities, raising concerns about retention and access to essential medical services. Community support for healthcare workers is also emphasized.
Posted inAlberta News LJI News Politics

All northern Alberta MLAs against removing Lesser Slave Lake riding

Alberta's Electoral Boundary Commission proposes removing the Lesser Slave Lake riding, facing opposition from all ten MLAs in northern Alberta. Concerns include increased size and lost representation, impacting community ties and travel times within large ridings. Local leaders fear these changes may lead to voter confusion and diminished political voice.
beautiful barista pours coffee at a small town coffee shop
Posted inAlberta News Canadian News economy

High youth unemployment justifies lack of movement on minimum wage, UCP says

The UCP is cautious about raising Alberta's minimum wage due to potential increases in youth unemployment. A proposed bill aims to raise the minimum wage to $16 this year and adjust it annually based on inflation. Critics argue that current policies inadequately address affordability, with many minimum wage workers living below the poverty line.
Posted inAlberta News Canadian News Politics

Smith and Moe playing nice with federal budget, for now

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe displayed mild reactions to the recent federal budget, which mandates compliance with industrial carbon pricing standards. Their statements suggest ongoing negotiations may influence future policies. While advocating for provincial interests, they risk alienating federal support necessary for projects like pipelines amidst changing climate policy discussions.
Documents show Alberta government not planning for separation from Canada
Posted inAlberta News Canadian News LJI News

Documents show Alberta government not planning for separation from Canada

Danielle Smith, Alberta's Premier, has proposed the idea of Alberta's independence but documents reveal that the provincial government has not conducted serious economic analysis regarding this potential separation. Former finance officials argue that the lack of research indicates the government is not genuinely considering separation, viewing it instead as a tactical negotiation.
Temporary Foreign Workers Make Up Just 1% of Canada’s Labour Force, insists CFIB
Posted inAlberta News Canadian News LJI News

Temporary Foreign Workers Make Up Just 1% of Canada’s Labour Force, insists CFIB

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business argues against misconceptions surrounding the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), stating federal restrictions hinder small businesses amid labor shortages. The CFIB reports that TFWP supports local employment, counters claims of job theft, and urges policymakers to reconsider restrictions for economic stability and community support.
Posted inAlberta News LJI News Politics

Controversial bridge greenlit for reconstruction in Kananaskis Country

The federal government has approved West Fraser's permit for reconstructing a controversial bridge over the Highwood River, raising concerns about the impact on bull trout habitats. Critics highlight a lack of transparency regarding permit justifications and warn that logging may further threaten the declining bull trout population. Compliance monitoring is promised.
Posted inCanadian News crime LJI News

Women used as ‘central figures’ for transnational extremist financing

Following Canada's designation of far-right groups as terrorist entities, fundraising tactics have evolved, with women increasingly acting as facilitators in hate movements. A report highlights their roles in crowdfunding and cryptocurrency, emphasizing their importance in financing ideologically motivated violent extremism. Monitoring efforts have intensified to combat these financing methods.