Jeff Gaye The Government of Alberta imposed a compensation framework on the province’s doctors effective April 1, replacing the previously-existing agreement between the government and the Alberta Medical Association. The framework includes reductions in fees, insurance reimbursements, and continuing education funding. The government has temporarily suspended changes to “complex modifiers” in the fee schedule, which […]
“Rural health care under siege!” MD of Bonnyville reeve Greg Sawchuk admitted the title for a regional physicians’ presentation on March 11, was a bit dramatic. But then the doctors spoke. A dozen practitioners from St. Paul, Bonnyville, Cold Lake, and Lac La Biche laid the facts bare. Rural doctors are working dangerously long hours. […]
Jeff Gaye St. Paul Champions for Change held its annual general meeting March 16. The community organization reflected on its accomplishments over the past year and looked ahead to new initiatives and ongoing projects. President Penny Fox said the organization had a bit of a quieter year, but two highlights stood out: the installation of […]
Jeff Gaye Lorane and Willie MacGregor chose an inauspicious date for their wedding: April 1. “My aunt said, ‘you can’t get married on that date!’” Lorane recalls. “I said why not? She says ‘it’s April Fool’s Day.’ “I said, that makes no difference to me, we’re going to get married. And we did.” That was […]
Jeff Gaye A late-season snowstorm didn’t keep a sold-out crowd of 320 people from attending the annual St. Paul Hospital Gala Saturday night. “It’s typical foundation gala weather,” said Noreen Brousseau, president of the St. Paul and District Hospital Foundation. “Every year we have either a blizzard or 40 below, you name it. We’ve never […]
Jeff Gaye You’re never too old to learn something new, and several residents at Elk Point Heritage Lodge are taking up painting for the first time. Local artist Dawn Bruins teaches regular Tuesday painting classes at the lodge, and she says the residents are taking to it. “I have met a lot of seniors that […]
Jeff Gaye Service clubs like the Lions, Elks, Optimists, Kinsmen, and many others have a long history in communities across Canada—in fact, around the world. The clubs provide a way for community-minded citizens to pitch in and help out. Some have specific mandates, but all share a general desire to serve. Most of them have […]
Local crime is affecting farms, job sites, retail stores, and residential neighbourhoods. Now even social service agencies, like nonprofit thrift stores, are feeling the sting. Stores like Orbiting Trends in Cold Lake, operated by the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre, have had an ongoing problem with people stealing donations left behind the store after hours. […]
There was plenty to do in Cold Lake, Bonnyville, the M.D. of Bonnyville, and St. Paul on Family Day weekend. Cold temperatures affected the Monday events, with many outdoor activities cancelled. But the “Croki-Curl” rink and wagon rides at Cold Lake Energy Centre were hugely popular on Sunday.
Jeff Gaye “It takes a village,” said Cathy Garon, site manager of Cold Lake Health Care Centre.She was referring to the community-wide effort that resulted in the opening of two newly-renovated palliative care rooms at the Cold Lake hospital on Monday. The rooms, located on the third floor, have been updated with home-like furnishings, including a […]