Suicide Bereavement Counselling Subsidy Program

The Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta Southeast Region (CMHA ASER) announced a new subsidy support program for family members and friends who suffered a loss due to a death by suicide.  The Suicide Bereavement Counselling Subsidy Program allows individuals of any age needing support to access up to six sessions to meet with a counselling professional and counselling services would directly bill CMHA ASER. Find out more.

$465 million for Alberta's critical workers

Hundreds of thousands of workers who continue to provide critical services to Albertans during the COVID-19 pandemic will receive a one-time payment in recognition of their hard work and sacrifice. The Critical Worker Benefit is a joint federal-provincial program that will see $465 million go to approximately 380,000 Alberta public and private sector workers as $1,200 cash payments. The Critical Worker Benefit will be available to workers in the health-care, social services, education and private sectors who deliver critical services to Albertans or support food and medical supply chains. More information.

Government of Canada addresses CERB repayments for self-employed individuals

The Government of Canada announced that self-employed individuals who applied for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and would have qualified based on their gross income will not be required to repay the benefit, provided they also met all other eligibility requirements. The same approach will apply whether the individual applied through the Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada. More information.

COVID-19 rapid testing expanding in Alberta

Rapid testing will be used to screen asymptomatic staff at all long-term care and supportive living facilities in Alberta and a new rapid testing pilot has been launched at two Suncor sites. More information.

Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta Announces $1,267,320 to transform public spaces

Organizations can apply to the Healthy Communities through to March 9, 2021 at 3:00 pm. Visit https://communityfoundations.ca/initiatives/chci/ to find out more about how to apply, explore resources for applicants and sign up for community mobilization sessions. A second application round for the Healthy Communities Initiative will take place Starting May 2021. Please connect with Niki @Niki Gray if you have any questions regarding the application process.

City to Reopening Plan for Recreation Facilities under New Guidelines

The City commenced it's re-opening plans on Monday, February 8th. Read more.

City Confirms No Pending Sale of Electric Generation Assets

The City of Medicine Hat has confirmed there is no pending sale of the electric generation assets under consideration, and that any future possible sale would be subject to an appropriate consultation and approval process. Read the release.

Limited school and team sports allowed as of Feb. 8

Starting Feb. 8, children and youth will be allowed to participate in lessons, practices and conditioning activities for indoor and outdoor team-based minor sports and athletics. All games continue to be prohibited. Read more.

Government of Alberta and the Alberta Medical Association partner to vaccinate Albertans

Minister of Health Tyler Shandro and Alberta Medical Association (AMA) President Paul Boucher issued a statement on the Government of Alberta forming a partnership with the 11,000 physicians in the province to help administer as many vaccines to Albertans as quickly as possible. Read the statement.

Alberta's government is reinstating the coal policy

Alberta's government is reinstating the 1976 coal policy including the four coal categories, which dictated where and how coal leasing, exploration and development could occur. Further, the Minister of Energy has issued a directive to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) so that no mountaintop removal will be permitted and all of the restrictions under the 1976 coal categories are to apply, including all restrictions on surface mining in Category 2 lands. All future coal exploration approvals on Category 2 lands will be prohibited pending widespread consultations on a new coal policy. Read more.