The Saskatchewan Roughriders are making their final roster moves ahead of the CFL season, which begins in just one week. The team has released several notable players, including backup quarterback Mason Fine, receiver Brayden Lenius, and quarterback Antonio Pipkin. Frankie Hickson has been added to the practice roster. The Roughriders return to practice on Monday.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a water quality advisory for Lake Summerside due to elevated levels of fecal bacteria detected in the water. The advisory urges the public to refrain from swimming or wading in the lake until further notice to avoid the risk of gastrointestinal illness and potential skin, ear, and eye infections. AHS spokesperson Gregory Harris clarified that the advisory pertains to human exposure and that pet owners should consult with their veterinarian regarding any potential health impacts on animals. Health officials also remind visitors and residents to avoid drinking or cooking with untreated water from lakes or reservoirs due to the presence of waterborne organisms that can cause illnesses like vomiting and diarrhea. Environmental Public Health officers will continue to monitor the water quality at Lake Summerside.
The Edmonton Oilers secured a crucial 3-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Friday night, taking a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference Final. The Oilers’ triumph was fueled by two power play goals, underscoring their efficiency in capitalizing on man advantages.
Regina’s Newo Yotina Friendship Centre has sent out a public warning after recent drug overdoses in the city. The centre’s harm reduction program uses a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) machine to test street drugs, and has recently detected fentanyl, xylazine, and benzodiazepines in samples. Harm reduction manager Emile Gariepy said the mixture is potent and can be difficult to reverse with Narcan. He encourages residents to use the FTIR drug-checking machine and practice safe drug use. Fire Chief Layne Jackson reported 14 overdose incidents in the city in the past week, mainly in the inner city and city centre.
Canadian Armed Forces members from 1st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry will be conducting training exercises in Edmonton, St. Albert, and Sherwood Park from Saturday to Tuesday. The training aims to develop soldiers’ security escort skills and ensure they can operate discreetly in civilian environments. Military personnel will be traveling in civilian rental vehicles and wearing civilian attire, with some carrying holsters containing rubber or wooden pistols. The training is not expected to impact residents, and Edmonton police and RCMP have been informed.
With the legislative session nearing its end, Green MLA Megan Mitton expresses frustration over the lack of progress on a bill to mandate paid sick days. Despite a committee report being completed months ago, its release has been delayed. Deputy Minister Daniel Mills has indicated its readiness, but Minister Greg Turner provides no specific reason for the delay. Turner emphasizes the existence of a timeline and denies attempts to limit legislative scrutiny. Mitton suspects the government is attempting to тихо bury the report and its recommendations. Turner declines to comment on accepting the recommendations and reiterates the need for a national agreement on the issue.
A 42-year-old Miramichi, N.B., man has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Natalie Leblanc, a 43-year-old woman who was reported missing last week. Leblanc’s body was discovered on Thursday, and her death is now being treated as suspicious. The accused, Billy Joe Stewart, appeared in court the same afternoon and has been remanded into custody.
Over the past month, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) officials at Warkworth Institution in Campbellford, Ontario, have seized a substantial amount of contraband valued at approximately $312,365. The seized items included tobacco, marijuana, shatter, crystal methamphetamine, edged weapons, and a cellphone. The CSC employs various measures to prevent illicit substances from entering the prison, including ion scanners and detector dogs to search individuals, property, and premises. This latest seizure follows a previous incident in February where a drone was used to drop contraband onto prison grounds.
The Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation has received a $500,000 donation from philanthropists Patricia and David Morton to support mental health and addictions care at the hospital. The donation will be used to transform physical spaces and lives, providing a beacon of hope for individuals and families affected by mental illness. The couple has been longtime supporters of the hospital and were moved to support the crisis response unit following the loss of a family member due to suicide.
A comprehensive report, ‘Resonant Energies: A Music City Strategy for Edmonton,’ proposes a transformative roadmap to bolster Edmonton’s music scene and culture. The strategy emphasizes three key areas: fostering more musicians, developing supportive infrastructure, and increasing government funding. By forging public-private partnerships and addressing issues like busking guidelines and venue parking, the report aims to create a thriving and sustainable music ecosystem. With music contributing significantly to Alberta’s GDP and job market, the strategy recognizes the potential for the industry to drive economic growth, enhance well-being, and promote cultural exchange.
