As wildfires rage across B.C., the Okanagan’s sky has been obscured by smoke for weeks. However some recent rain in Kelowna has made blue skies visible once again. Melody Roumell says she is happy to see the air clear up in the ‘smokeanagan’.Read More
Extendicare employees working in Albertan aren’t pleased with the latest announcement that 4 per cent of employee wages will be cut by Canada’s largest private home care provider. The cuts come shortly after Alberta Health Services offered a similar package to AUPE members working in AHS General Support Services. Vice-President with the Alberta Union […]Read More
A recent release by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees says the province is looking to cut wages for Alberta Health Services frontline workers and support staff. The Alberta government tabled a 4% pay cut for workers recently after negotiations were put on hold after the pandemic. Dr. Verna Yiu, the President and CEO for […]Read More
Muscular Dystrophy Canada is providing $366,000 to Alberta Precision Laboratories to begin screening newborns for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a rare genetic condition that causes muscle weakness. The test, which is part of a one-year pilot initiative, will be added to Alberta’s Newborn Metabolic Screening Program which currently screens newborns for 21 conditions. […]Read More
The poor air quality much of Alberta has seen recently due to the ongoing wildfires. The smoky conditions can also have a negative impact on our pets. Veterinarian Ryan Mohr at Ranch Docs in Lethbridge, says it’s best to limit their time outside and watch for symptoms caused by the smoky air. Mohr […]Read More
The province announced more funding to improve mental health services for Alberta’s youth. Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Mike Ellis, was joined by Children’s Services Minister, Rebecca Schulz, in Medicine Hat earlier on Tuesday to announce 7.3 million dollars over three years to expand mental health hubs across Alberta. Read More
With the smoky conditions Lethbridge and most of southern Alberta has been experiencing, health experts are reminding people to only go outside when necessary to help limit their exposure. With the smoky condition, Lethbridge remains under an air quality statement and experts are advising people to stay inside and only go outdoors if you […]Read More
The Alberta Government announced some much-needed funding for recovery centres in Lethbridge. Lethbridge’s Southern Alcare Manor is set to receive more than $300,000 to add 11 publicly funded residential recovery treatment beds. Executive Director with Southern Alcare Manor, Ron Fromm, says the new funding gives the agency some stability in offering services to its […]Read More
This summer you can compete in a three leg series including cycle, walking and running in support of Special Olympics Alberta. With COVD-19 keeping the fundraiser virtual, participants will be able to track their process through an app. This year’s goal is set at $50,000 dollars. Southwest Region Chair for Alberta Law Enforcement Torch […]Read More
Temperatures in our city are set to hit the high 30s this weekend. Environment Canada is warning about a prolonged heat wave across much of Alberta for the next week. The City of Lethbridge is encouraging residents to be mindful of the sweltering heat during these days. Luke Palmer, the Emergency Preparedness Manager for the […]Read More
The province is studying a new report on Alberta’s helicopter emergency medical services. It outlines potential changes to the way emergency medical service responders work in our province. The suggestion would increase provincial funding for STARS air ambulance budget from 23% to 50%. STARS would also become the number one helicopter service provider for the […]Read More
Masculinity. It’s a word that some men struggle with. Lethbridge Family Service is offering a free workshop called Man Up, which will talk about the impact that socially constructed gender roles have on the wellbeing of males in our city. Corrine Janzen, the Outreach and Education Facilitator for Lethbridge Family Services, says this workshop takes […]Read More
Are you looking for a way to keep your kids busy this summer? Lethbridge College has announced registration is now open for summer camps. These camps include everything from carpentry and welding, to learning about the ecosystem or technologies, all the way to Kodiak sports camps. Jason Donkersgoed, Director of Business Development at Lethbridge […]Read More
The power of blood and plasma donations can mean saving the life of someone you don’t even know, and this week marks National Blood Donor Week. The Plasma Donor Centre in Lethbridge has been open since December of last year, with over 1400 donors making their way over to donate plasma. As Micah Quinn explains, […]Read More
The annual Sapphire Benefit Dinner put on by Streets Alive Mission is receiving a twist. Due to the pandemic restrictions, the nonprofit group was not able to hold their biggest fundraising event like years past. Now the event is called, Sapphire Dinner ‘in A Box’. Jennifer Lepko, the Director of Fund Development at Streets Alive, […]Read More
Southern Alberta is currently in the middle of a heat wave that is bringing above normal temperatures to most of the province. Along with the heat, comes dangers for people out in the sun without the proper protection including Lethbridge’s vulnerable population. Bill Ginther, Executive Director of the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, says they are taking […]Read More
As Lethbridge hit record temperatures on Monday afternoon, people are reminded to not leave their pets unattended in hot cars. We spoke with the local authorities to hear what they have to say on the matter. Sadly, animals being left in boiling hot cars still happens every summer, and can easily become fatal for your […]Read More
The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees is laying the blame for recent facility and bed closures in rural Alberta at the feet of AHS and Health Minister Tyler Shandro. This has resulted in a shortage of staff and the closure of facilities and beds. Mike Dempsey, Vice-President of AUPE, says there hasn’t been any closures of […]Read More
NOTE: This is a follow-up to a story that aired on June 9, 2021. A former employee of a wellness centre on the Blood Tribe reserve held a press conference regarding allegations relating to overdose deaths and drug sales in the community. Bridge City News covered the event on Wednesday afternoon, and has an update […]Read More
Thursday marks the reopening of Stage 2 of Alberta’s “Reopen For Summer” three-part plan. With that, many of Alberta’s COVID-19 public health restrictions have been eased. Alberta’s “Open for Summer Plan” is moving ahead with more COVID-19 public health restrictions being lifted provincewide. Included in Stage 2 is the reopening of in-person dining, with up […]Read More
A former employee of a Blood Tribe wellness centre is speaking up over ongoing substance-related deaths that have plagued the reserve. Roger Prairie Chicken says that millions of dollars given to the Blood Tribe First Nation for detox beds and supports for those dealing with addiction are not being used for their intended purpose. He […]Read More
With high temperatures in our city comes the potential of heatstroke. The City of Lethbridge is encouraging all of us to stay safe when heading outside. Luke Palmer, the Emergency Preparedness Manager for the city, says there are tips to protect yourself from heat stroke. Palmer says the public should watch out for wind gusts […]Read More
Lethbridge is home to one of Canada’s only multi-purpose integrated health facilities. Services such as dentistry, massage therapy, and acupuncture can be booked at SIX08 Health’s brand new location in downtown Lethbridge. As Ainsley O’Riley explains, the facility is all part of a greater plan to revitalize the city’s downtown core. Read More
The Indigenous Recovery Coach Program was started in 2018 as a response to help those in the Indigenous community who have struggled with addiction. Some of that help includes traditional healing practices. The recovery centre supports those who are battling opioid addictions. The new Program Director of the Recovery Coach Program, Germain Wells, says the […]Read More
Beginning June 1 personal services like hair and aesthetics can open once again in the province. These business owners have been asked to close and reopen three times since the pandemic began. Shear Persuasion Salon & Spa in Lethbridge will be opening their doors next week, and as Ainsley O’Riley reports, they are hoping it’s […]Read More
Pivot. It’s a word business owners have heard over and over again when it comes to provincial restrictions —especially gym owners. #Perfectfit4u in Lethbridge will launch its third virtual transformation challenge since the pandemic began. Not only is the challenge at capacity, it has garnered interest from all over Canada. Co-owner, Ashlyn Gunderson, says the […]Read More
This week is National Paramedic Services Week. It is an occasion to recognize hardworking and courageous professionals for their dedicated public services and to thank them for protecting our health and safety. We spoke with a local former paramedic and heard some unsettling stories. Since the early age of eight, Charissa Klamn knew she wanted […]Read More
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced his Open For Summer plan for the province Wednesday. He says Alberta should be fully reopened by the beginning of July. Kenney says it will involve three stages and is contingent on case counts continually coming down and more Albertans being vaccinated against COVID-19. Kenney says as long as hospitalization […]Read More
Moms Stop the Harm is a national advocacy group to support those struggling with addiction, and to support families who have lost a loved one to an overdose. The group advocates for harm reduction sites like the supervised consumption site that was once in Lethbridge, but later closed once the province pulled funding for the […]Read More
It’s one of the most neighbourly acts of kindness. The Blackfeet people in Montana have an excess of COVID-19 vaccinations and are sharing them with their Canadian neighbours. Now the state and U.S. National Guard have jumped in with more supply to offer to Albertans who are anxious for their second dose. BCN’s Jeannette Rocher […]Read More
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