Beyond Local

OTTAWA — The head of the Ottawa police says "all options are on the table" when it comes to ending an ongoing — and potentially resurging — anti-vaccine mandate protest that some local councillors are now calling an "occupation" of the capital city.

With an increasing reliance on rapid tests in Alberta, businesses that have signed up for the province’s rapid testing program are unsure when they will receive their next allotment of testing kits.

COUTTS, Alta. — There has been a breakthrough to resolve the impasse at a protest blockade at the United States border in southern Alberta. Chad Williamson, a lawyer representing truckers blocking access to the border crossing at Coutts, Alta.

After crawling out of his burrow at the Blue Grass Ltd. Nursery, Sod & Garden Centre, east of Highway 2, local groundhog/weather forecaster Balzac Billy looked around and spotted his shadow, indicating six more weeks of winter.

A grant of $1.4 million is being distributed amongst four non-profit groups and seven researchers to further research and support for first responders being affected by post-traumatic stress injuries.

OTTAWA — Erin O'Toole has lost a vote to remain leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. The party's members of Parliament met virtually today to cast secret ballots after about one-third of them signed a notice that triggered a leadership review.

Two men are facing charges under the Canada National Parks Act are for the illegal catch and retention of Yellowstone Cutthroat trout and other fishing offences, hunting in a park, discharging a firearm in a park, illegal fire, damage/destroying natural objects and use of a drone without a permit.

EDMONTON — Premier Jason Kenney says he is optimistic that Alberta will be able to ease public health restrictions by the end of the month, despite a record high number of non-ICU hospitalizations due to COVID-19.

“As per the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act of Alberta, anyone who actively blocks a highway, or aids, councils, or directs a highway to be blocked, may be subject to arrest and charged under the act,” said Kenney.

OTTAWA — A group of Conservative MPs has submitted a letter to the caucus chair demanding a review of Erin O'Toole's leadership.