Author: Gateway Gazette Contributor

  • Additional Financial Support for Albertans and Employers

    Additional Financial Support for Albertans and Employers

    More relief is on the way for Albertans and Alberta employers. The government has made three significant decisions that will give Albertans and Alberta employers additional supports as they deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. “Our priority is to keep our province strong while we get through these difficult times together. We’re doing…

  • Pharmasave: Coronavirus and Face Masks

    Pharmasave: Coronavirus and Face Masks

    Will a face mask protect me from the new coronavirus? It depends on the type of mask. A regular surgical mask, the kind most people wear in public, will not protect you against the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). This is because they do not provide an airtight seal around your nose and mouth, and are not…

  • New COVID-19 Physician Billing Codes Added

    New COVID-19 Physician Billing Codes Added

    Government is supporting the COVID-19 response by providing more options for virtual patient care. New temporary physician billing codes are being added to the schedule of medical benefits so that physicians are compensated for providing virtual care. “We’re helping physicians provide care to Albertans during this critical time while also keeping them as safe as…

  • To the Cliff’s Edge and Back

    To the Cliff’s Edge and Back

    (March 24, 2020) Fair Vote Canada is greatly relieved that the government appears to be backing down on its unseemly power grab in response to the COVID-19 crisis. As a movement dedicated to improving democratic governance in Canada, one of Fair Vote Canada’s main concerns is the phenomenon of false-majority governments: governments with virtually unbridled…

  • From My Bookshelf: The Nickel Boys

    From My Bookshelf: The Nickel Boys

    By Lynn Willoughby The Nickel Boys ~ Colson Whitehead This is not a true story, but it is based on an actual home for juvenile boys and the archaeological evidence and forensic studies of the grave sites found on the grounds after the 111 years the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys was active.  The location…

  • Oilfields Recycling Centre Closed

    Oilfields Recycling Centre Closed

    To ensure the safety of our staff and the public using the facility, the Oilfields Recycle Centre will be closed until further notice. We understand the closure of the facility will inconvenience many of our residents and hope you will consider other options including using local services or, if feasible, storing recycling materials in the…

  • Child Care for Core Service Workers

    Child Care for Core Service Workers

    Government will begin reopening select licensed child care centres to provide child care for core service workers. Children’s Services is working with child care providers to open up to 15,000 child care spaces to ensure child care is available for those providing services that Albertans rely on during the COVID-19 pandemic. “All Albertans are relying…

  • Premier’s Charities Council Advises on Social Issues

    Premier’s Charities Council Advises on Social Issues

    The new Premier’s Council on Charities and Civil Society will strengthen community organizations working to address social challenges. Their first task is advising on civil society’s response to COVID-19. Made up of 15 influential leaders, the council will advise government on how to best support civil society organizations working on social issues. This includes non-profit,…

  • AMA Comment on Cyber-bullying of Minister

    AMA Comment on Cyber-bullying of Minister

    Cyber-bullying, government discussion on virtual care and stipends Cyber-bullying is NEVER ok! It has come to my attention that things were said (March 19th) on social media and outside of it that are deeply troubling. Whether you agree with public officials or not, making personal attacks and threats on them and their families is never…

  • Emergency Management Amendment to Address COVID-19

    Emergency Management Amendment to Address COVID-19

    The Emergency Management Amendment Act now allows local and provincial states of emergency to exist at the same time, helping communities and the province respond effectively to emergencies. As part of the government’s actions to respond to COVID-19 and keep Albertans safe during this global public health emergency, government made amendments to the Emergency Management Act. Prior to…

  • To Slow the Spread of COVID-19 RBC Announces Temporary Branch Closures

    To Slow the Spread of COVID-19 RBC Announces Temporary Branch Closures

    Top priority remains the health and well-being of employees, clients and communities TORONTO/CNW/ – In these extraordinary times RBC is following direction from the government and working to create solutions to protect the health and well-being of employees, clients and communities. In support of this, RBC announced it will be temporarily closing a number of…

  • Protecting Jobs, Providing Economic Relief for Energy Sector

    Protecting Jobs, Providing Economic Relief for Energy Sector

    Government is helping Albertans by taking immediate action to protect jobs and provide immediate economic relief to Alberta’s energy sector. In the face of challenges resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak and declining oil prices due to an international price war, government is taking the first step in implementing a series of energy sector initiatives aimed…

  • Foothills Communities Close Playgrounds for the Safety of Everyone

    Foothills Communities Close Playgrounds for the Safety of Everyone

    Town of Black Diamond Use of Town playgrounds and fitness equipment prohibited to prevent transmission of COVID-19 Places that are closed:• Playgrounds• Fitness Park• Outdoor Rink• Scott Seaman Sports Rink (SSSR)• Oilfields Regional Arena• Skateboard Park Town of Black Diamond parks (green spaces) remain open.Residents are encouraged to enjoy time outdoors.To avoid the risk of…

  • Foothills Family Medical Centre Modifies Patient Visits

    Foothills Family Medical Centre Modifies Patient Visits

    During these difficult times, the physicians at the Foothills Family Medical Centre continue to be here to serve you, their patients.  Although, the process is different than normal, please call reception for an appointment that will either be scheduled over the phone or in clinic.  Due to the potential exposure possibility all patients should call…

  • Update 13: COVID-19 Pandemic in Alberta

    Update 13: COVID-19 Pandemic in Alberta

    March 26 at 4:30 p.m Sixty-seven additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 486. Latest updates Cases have been identified in all zones across the province: 300 cases in the Calgary zone 111 cases in the Edmonton zone 26 cases in the North zone 37…