Wildrose lobbies Trudeau to get touch on fentanyl
September 19, 2016. The Wildrose Opposition is lobbying the federal government to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to allow additional sentencing powers related to the fentanyl crisis. “Wildrose believes that all levels of government need to be working collaboratively to combat this crisis head on,” said Wildrose Leader Brian Jean. In a letter sent to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last Friday, Wildrose outlines three specific sections that should be changed in the act, stating that by honing in on fentanyl and changing mandatory minimum sentences, “a clear message” will be sent to fentanyl dealers. Wildrose has also advocated for strategies to limit the supply of fentanyl, increased funding for addictions programs, the enactment of a public health emergency to allow for greater information sharing, and further education campaigns regarding the deadly drug.
NorQuest College earns global recognition
September 19, 2016. NorQuest College, in Edmonton, has been recognized with two global awards from the International education business Partnership Network in collaboration with the Conference Board of Canada. NorQuest’s Alberta Aboriginal Construction Careers Centre tried for the Gold Global Best Award, while NorQuest’s and Olds College’s partnership with the Public Institute of Technological Higher Education in Rioja, Peru, was recognized with a Special Chair’s Global Best Award. The awards celebrate educational institutions, private businesses, and other stakeholders that boost learning and employability through cooperation.
Transitional housing in Calgary receives provincial support
September 19, 2016. The Alberta government is investing $3 million in short-term supportive housing in Calgary for men transitioning from the criminal justice system into the community. The project will also receive money from RESOLVE, a Calgary fundraising group that supports building affordable and supported housing for vulnerable Albertans. Construction is expected to begin soon in Calgary’s industrial Manchester neighbourhood on the new permanent home of Bedford House. Once complete, the facility will offer 32-units with on-site supports. Bedford House is operated by the Calgary John Howard Society, a charitable organization dedicated to reducing crime and making communities safer through preventative and restorative justice practices.
ACFN takes legal action challenging approval process for Grand Rapids Pipeline
September 19, 2016. A new lawsuit filed by the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation argues that the Aboriginal Consultation Office wrongly determined in July 2014 that ACFN was not entitled to be consulted with respect to the proposed Grand Rapids Pipeline. The pipeline, which is to carry 900,000 barrels per day of tar sands, cuts through Treaty 8 territory and would intersect areas where ACFN members practice their treaty hunting, fishing and trapping rights, and cross a number of major waterways upstream from ACFN’s communities. ACFN is concerned about the impacts of the pipeline on the First Nation’s harvesting rights, particularly given the poor record of pipeline safety in the province, says the First Nation in a news release. The legal filing, made in the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench on Sept. 2, outlines how the ACO failed to acknowledge or communicate with the ACFN with respect to submissions of evidence regarding impacts to their rights. “After events like recent oil spills polluting Alberta’s major waterways, the public is becoming more aware and concerned about the cozy relationship that exists between regulators and project proponents, the risks this poses to public safety, the environment, climate change and Treaty Rights,” said ACFN Chief Allan Adam in a statement.
Red Deer VSU needs more advocates
September 19, 2016. The Red Deer RCMP Victim Services Unit is looking for more volunteers. Victim services advocates are screened for suitability, go through enhanced RCMP security clearance and receive specialized training to help people after a crime or traumatic event. Their work may include assisting with next-of-kin notifications, providing information on government forms such as victim impact statements, restitution, and financial benefits, and offering guidance, support and community referrals for victims as they navigate the criminal justice system. “Advocates work closely with RCMP and provide an essential service to the community,” said Const. Holly Erb, Victim Services coordinator for Red Deer RCMP. A volunteer information night will be held Wednesday.