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Wood Buffalo students given more time by province to repay loans
July 5, 2016. The Alberta government is extending the deferral of repayment and interest-free period to March 1, 2017, for student loan borrowers affected by the fire so they can focus on their immediate needs. Originally, affected Wood Buffalo student borrowers had their payments and interest accruals deferred to Nov. 30, 2016. More than 700 students will benefit from payment and interest deferrals. “We recognize that rebuilding a community following a devastating event like the Fort McMurray wildfire takes an emotional and financial toll on its residents. When people have been displaced from their homes and their jobs, the last thing they should be worried about is repaying a student loan,” said Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt. The repayment and interest-free period extension is for Alberta student loans only. Students with Canada student loans are advised to contact the National Student Loans Service Centre to discuss repayment options.
The new location of the Indian Village at the Calgary Stampede is almost two and a half times as large as the previous site.
(Photo: Calgary Stampede)
Ceremonial blessing at Indian Village
July 5, 2016. A ceremonial blessing to recognize Suncor’s generous support of the Sweetgrass Lodge facility will take place at Calgary Stampede’s Indian Village on July 6. The village’s new location at ENMAX Park includes 26 tipis and a hands-on interactive showcase will include traditional performances. “(The Indian Village) s is one of the oldest examples of an investment in a living relationship and a unique celebration of culture that exists in this traditional territory, if not in the world, that marks reconciliation,” said Cindy Provost, member of Treaty 7 and Aboriginal liaison for the Calgary Police Service. The Calgary Stampede runs July 8-17.
Saddle Lake man wanted in St. Paul shooting
July 5, 2016. St. Paul RCMP have issued an arrest warrant for Lionel Cory Steinhauer, 32, of Saddle Lake for charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault, possession of a firearm while prohibited, and failure to comply with conditions of release. The warrant follows a St. Paul man being shot in the chest just during the night of June 30, 2016. He is currently recovering in hospital. RCMP were dispatched to reports of shots fired in the area of 46 Avenue and 48 Street, shortly after the town’s Canada Day fireworks celebration ended. Investigation revealed that there had been a verbal confrontation between two groups prior to a single gunshot being fired. RCMP believe that the parties were known to each other and the incident does not appear to have been a random act. RCMP are also seeking several other individuals for questioning. Steinhauer is described as Aboriginal, short black hair, pockmarked face, husky build and approximately 5’9.5”, and with tattoos of a bear claw on his upper left arm and “LIONZ” on his right forearm. The public is asked to report any sightings or knowledge of Steinhauer’s whereabouts to the St. Paul RCMP at 780-645-8888 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Increase in grizzly bear population promising
July 5, 2016. A multi-year survey of grizzly bears in southwestern Alberta shows the number of animals has grown into one of the highest density grizzly bear populations in the province. Research coordinated by University of Alberta’s Andrea Morehouse of Bear Management Area No. 6 indicates there are 67 resident grizzly bears but a total of 172 bears, who use the area as part of the larger population of around 1,000 bears that move across borders through Montana, British Columbia and Alberta. The number of resident bears is up four per cent from 2007 estimates. Morehouse’s research also proved an increased conflict between landowners and grizzly bears in southern Alberta. Alberta Environment and Parks says the results of the study indicate that the province’s recovery plan is working. A study undertaken in BMA No.3 - an area that extends from the boundaries of Banff and Jasper national parks east to Drayton Valley and Rocky Mountain House, and between Highways 16 and 11 - showed a seven per cent growth rate for grizzly bears. While the two studies suggest the population could now be between 1,000 and 1,200 grizzly bears across Alberta, Paul Frame, a carnivore expert with the province, said more studies are needed to fully evaluate the status of grizzlies.