Canada’s Premiers unanimously back Alberta! May result in 1.7 billion dollar rebate from Ottawa.

Duane Rolheiser

Published

8 months ago

3 minute read

As the meeting of Canada’s 13 Premier’s and Territorial Leaders wrapped up today in Toronto, Premier Jason Kenney stopped to make a video message for Albertans.

The big issue of the day on Alberta’s agenda was an update to the fiscal stabilization program. Premier Kenney says the Premiers unanimously supported Alberta’s call for a retroactive rebate to the fiscal stabilization program for Alberta. If the Premiers are successful in their approach to the federal government next month, Alberta would stand to pick up over 1.5 Billion dollars. Kenney says the province would use that money to create jobs.

From the Province of Alberta

Premiers back key parts of Alberta’s fair deal plan

All of Canada’s Premiers back key aspects of Alberta’s fair deal plan.

This includes support for retroactive reform of the Fiscal Stabilization Program and changes to the new federal Environmental Impact Act (Bill C-69).

The Premiers agreed the Fiscal Stabilization Program must be strengthened to make it more responsive to economic downturns in resource markets. The agreement came at an extraordinary Council of the Federation meeting in Toronto that was called in the wake of the recent federal election.

The group called for the removal of the per capital equalization cap that prevents Alberta from receiving full payments following sudden declines in revenue. This would add a $1.7-billion retroactive payment going back to 2015-16.

“I am very happy with the progress that we made in our fight for fairness. Just as Alberta has been there to financially support other regions through tough times, the united voice of Premiers across the country is supporting Alberta as we work to bring jobs and investment back to Canada, and secure a fair deal for Albertans.”
Jason Kenney, Premier

Discussions at the Council of the Federation meetings in Toronto focused on subjects vital to Alberta’s economic success and growth, such as streamlining resource project assessments in the federal Environmental Impact Act and getting our energy products to market to expand international trade opportunities.

“Through these meetings, the provinces and territories of Canada have shown we’re willing to stand together on the issues that matter most to Canadians. It’s time for the federal government to step up and show that it’s listening.”

Jason Kenney, Premier

The Council of the Federation, created in 2003, comprises all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It promotes provincial-territorial cooperation and closer ties between members, and fosters meaningful relations between governments.

Progress at the meeting of Canada's Premiers
We've made notable progress at today's exceptional meeting of Canada's Premiers.All provinces joined our call to support changes to the Fiscal Stabilization Program, which has shortchanged the west during a time of serious downturn in resource prices.And all provinces joined together to support market access for Canada's sustainably produced resources and an environmental review process for major projects that works for all Canadians.Read more here: https://www.canadaspremiers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/COF_Communique-Dec2.pdf
Posted by Jason Kenney on Monday, 2 December 2019

Duane Rolheiser

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Alberta

Charges likely in fatal attack at central Alberta medical clinic: RCMP

Published on August 11, 2020

The Canadian Press

RED DEER, Alta. — Mounties say they anticipate charges will be laid after a man was killed in a violent attack at a medical clinic in central Alberta yesterday.

A witness told media outlets that it was her family doctor who was slain at the walk-in clinic in Red Deer, and that the suspect had a hammer and a machete.

Supt. Gerald Grobmeier held a news conference last night but wouldn’t confirm details.

He says a suspect is in custody and charges are likely.

Grobmeier says other staff and patients were in the Village Mall Walk-In Clinic at the time of the attack and will likely suffer trauma because of what they saw.

He describes it as an isolated but extremely brazen crime.

“I am sickened to learn that a member of our community died in such a violent tragedy,” Grobmeier said.

“My heart goes out to the family … no one expects that.”

He said one officer was struck with a blunt weapon during the arrest, and was treated for minor injuries.

Premier Jason Kenney and Health Minister Tyler Shandro both tweeted that they were saddened to hear about the fatal attack on the doctor.

Dr. Christine Molnar, president of the Alberta Medical Association, said in a statement that the organization will be reaching out to local medical staff for support.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 11, 2020

The Canadian Press

Alberta

‘Horrific:’ Witness says Alberta doctor slain while working in medical clinic

Published on August 10, 2020

The Canadian Press

RED DEER, Alta. — A witness to a fatal attack at a central Alberta medical clinic says the victim was her family doctor.

The assault happened at the Village Mall Walk-In Clinic in Red Deer just before noon on Monday.

RCMP said in a release that one man was in custody and officers were not looking for other suspects.

Anina Mullin said she waiting in the lobby of the clinic with her 13-year-old daughter when they heard a commotion.

“We heard banging and then, ‘Help Me! Help Me! Call 911! Call 911!'” Mullin told rdnewsNOW.

“That was the doctor screaming, yelling. One of the receptionists ran to the door. It was at the far end of the walk-in clinic and she came running back like she had seen a ghost and was like, ‘Can someone help him?'”

Mullin said two larger men nearby sprang into action to assist. They came back quickly, telling everyone to get out.

“I grabbed my teenage daughter’s hand and we just ran as fast as we could out the doors. Once we got outside, we got into the truck and waited. And she’s like, ‘Mom can we go?’ And I said, ‘No, I’m too shaken. I can’t.”

Mullin said the two men who had helped stood at the clinic door and held it shut until police arrived.

“The one police officer went to the door and opened the door and had his gun drawn and he yelled, ‘Put it down, put it down or I will shoot you!'” said Mullin.

“At that time, a hammer flew at the police officer and bashed into the door and then flew outside. It was drenched in blood … like you couldn’t see any metal on it. It was just covered in blood.”

Mullin said the officer then ordered someone to ‘put down the machete’ and went inside. He was quickly joined by other officers, who brought out the suspect in handcuffs.

“He was wearing a hooded sweater with his hood up,” said Mullin.

“He had blood all around the rim of his sleeves and large clothes. From there, the ambulances came and they all rushed in with medical bags and a stretcher … they also brought out the other patients I assume were in the other waiting rooms along with two other doctors and a bunch of nurses.”

After that, Mullin said her doctor was brought out on a stretcher.

RdnewsNOW is not naming the physician. RCMP would not say if the victim was a doctor.

Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro said he was “deeply saddened to hear of this horrific incident.”

“Sending my condolences to the physician’s family and loved ones.” he said Monday on Twitter. “My thoughts and prayers are with all staff and patients who witnessed this tragic attack.”

Dr. Christine Molnar, president of the Alberta Medical Association, also sent condolences to the physician’s family, colleagues and the Red Deer community.

“The AMA will be reaching out to local medical staff to learn how we can best provide support at this time,” said in a statement.

Mullin said her physician was an amazing doctor.

“I’ve never seen anything quite as horrific as that.

“It’s definitely affected my daughter. It’s hard to get out of your mind,” she said. “I don’t know if I could ever go back into that clinic. It’s awful.” (rdnewsNOW)

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 10, 2020

— With files from Bill Graveland in Calgary

Sheldon Spackman and Troy Gillard, rdnewsNOW, The Canadian Press