Tag: Northern Alberta

  • Government Looks to Strengthen Consumer Protection for Payday Loan Users

    Albertans are being asked to share their opinions and experiences with payday loans through an online survey. The survey is part of the government’s comprehensive review of the Payday Loans Regulation. All payday lenders operating in Alberta are licensed under the regulation, which expires on June 30, 2016. “Protecting consumers is a priority of our…

  • November 1st is the Great Canadian Smoke Alarm Test

    November 1st is the Great Canadian Smoke Alarm Test

    Alberta is one of 10 provinces/territories to participate in a national simultaneous smoke alarm test, and all Albertans are invited to join in. The ‘Great Canadian Smoke Alarm Test’ takes place Sunday, November 1st from 10 am to 11 am (local time).  Taking part is easy and could prevent fire tragedies in our communities. To…

  • Smoke alarms: Still your best tool for surviving a fire

    Smoke alarms: Still your best tool for surviving a fire

      The sound of a smoke alarm can mean the difference between life and death in a fire. Research shows that working smoke alarms cut the chances of dying in a fire nearly in half. But they must be working properly to do so. Data from the Office of the Fire Commissioner show many homes…

  • Keep Cigarette Butts out of Planters

    Keep Cigarette Butts out of Planters

    Homeowner reminded that flower pots are not safe ashtrays The local fire department in an Alberta town was called to the scene of an exterior house fire. A fire had originated in a peat moss-filled flower pot on the backyard deck. A few hours earlier, two residents of the home had extinguished their cigarette butts…

  • Energy Minister to strengthen trade relationship with China

      Energy Minister Margaret McCuaig-Boyd will support Alberta-China energy partnerships on a mission to China from October 10-16. Minister McCuaig-Boyd will encourage investment in Alberta’s energy industry, while also sharing energy and environmental best practices. This trip follows Premier Rachel Notley’s mission to eastern Canada and the United States to promote Alberta as a healthy…

  • Beat the Silent Killer: Carbon monoxide is colourless, odorless and deadly

    Beat the Silent Killer: Carbon monoxide is colourless, odorless and deadly

      Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the silent killer because it is an invisible, tasteless and odourless gas that can be deadly. November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month in Alberta. CO is produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil or wood do not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances and devices…

  • Fire Prevention Week: Keep your cool when the alarm sounds

    Fire Prevention Week: Keep your cool when the alarm sounds

    Have two ways out Imagine waking up to hear your smoke alarm beeping. You are groggy, confused and scared. This is a time when many people panic and end up making serious – sometimes fatal – mistakes. In fact, according to research from the Office of the Fire Commissioner, how a person reacts in a…

  • Alberta RCMP and Traffic Sheriffs out for impact on Thanksgiving weekend

    Alberta RCMP and Traffic Sheriffs out for impact on Thanksgiving weekend

      Edmonton, AB – Alberta’s RCMP and Sheriff’s Traffic officers will be out on the province’s roadways this coming Thanksgiving weekend participating in a Canada-wide campaign designed to remind motorists that public safety is the goal behind all traffic enforcement initiatives. Sponsored by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Operation Impact will see law…

  • Cooking up Fire Safety

    Cooking up Fire Safety

      Albertans are cooking up more than food in their kitchens. Did you know that cooking fires continue to be the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries in Alberta? Most kitchen fires can be avoided by paying attention when cooking in the kitchen. Follow these safety tips to avoid a kitchen…

  • Warm up to fire safety: Keeping warm and safe this winter

    Warm up to fire safety: Keeping warm and safe this winter

      The cold Alberta winters mean many of us use a number of heat sources to keep our homes comfortable and warm. These include furnaces, portable heaters and wood-burning stoves. While these certainly keep us warm, they also create some fire risks if they aren’t used properly. Here are some tips that will keep you…

  • Fire Prevention Week: Sound the Alarm

    Fire Prevention Week: Sound the Alarm

    Smoke alarms save lives…when they work The sound of a smoke alarm can be a life saver! A smoke alarm gives early warning of smoke or fire danger but is useful only if it is in working condition. Most people who die in fires die from the inhalation of smoke which has toxic gases, and…

  • Fire Myths and Facts: Think you know about house fires? Think again

    Fire Myths and Facts: Think you know about house fires? Think again

      Do you REALLY know fire? Test your house fire facts in this quiz adapted from Kidde Canada and be aware of fire facts, myths and realities to protect the ones you love. Myth: Pets can sense danger and usually escape a fire Reality: Household pets are very vulnerable to fires. Smoke can damage the…

  • Government calls on Auditor General to look into school capital planning

    The Government of Alberta has requested the Auditor General look into major delays in the construction of provincial education infrastructure and a substantial lag in funding related to the previous government’s announcements to build new schools and modernize existing schools. “It has become painfully clear through the development of our school capital plan that the previous…

  • Extinguishing home fires: When to leave it to the professionals

    Extinguishing home fires: When to leave it to the professionals

      It’s tempting to stay and fight a fire in your home. It’s a small fire, you think. And you can probably put it out yourself with that fire extinguisher in your closet before the fire department arrives. Acting Fire Commissioner Spence Sample respects and understands the temptation. “A portable fire extinguisher can save lives…

  • Good Oversight that Focuses on Results: Key Message of Auditor General’s October 2015 Report

    The Report of the Auditor General of Alberta—October 2015 includes a total of 13 new and four repeated recommendations to government. Those who are responsible for oversight need to: be vigilant check that processes and systems, including the accountability-for-results system, are working well signal preferred behaviour all in the pursuit of desired results. Mr. Saher…