Prairie Update – CP

Source: The Canadian Press – Broadcast wire
Aug 15, 2017 

(Fildebrandt-Meal-Expenses)

An Alberta politician who has made a career championing taxpayers says he made mistakes when he wrongly billed the government for meals.

United Conservative Party member Derek Fildebrandt says he takes full responsibility for administrative errors that add up to about 192 dollars over a period of two and half years.

He says he will pay the money back and will be more careful.

Fildebrandt’s statement came days after he apologized for renting out his taxpayer-funded apartment through Air-b-n-b. (The (Canadian Press)

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(Peterson-Sturgeon-River)

A former candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada leadership hopes to carry the Tory banner is an upcoming byelection in the Alberta riding formerly held by Rona Ambrose.

Rick Peterson says he will seek the Conservative nomination in Sturgeon-River Parkland just west of Edmonton.

Peterson is promising to push for a zero corporate income tax and a flat 15 per cent personal tax rate if he becomes an M-P.

Ambrose resigned her seat on July 4th and a byelection must be called within six months. (The Canadian Press)

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(Manitoba-Indigenous-Evictions)

Indigenous families who have been living in social housing in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, say the province is threatening to evict them at the end of the month.

The families — members of the Waterhen First Nation — have been living in the community west of Winnipeg since 1996.

A Manitoba government spokesman says the tenants have not been paying rent.

An official with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada says the department it is trying to arrange a meeting to help find a resolution to the impasse. (CTV Winnipeg)

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(Alta-Inmate-Dead)

The Correctional Service of Canada says it is investigating the death of a federal minimum security prison inmate.

Officials say Jessi Phillip Loyie was serving time at the Pe Sakastew Centre south of Edmonton.

The cause of his death has not been released.

The 33-year-old had been in custody since May 2014. (RD News Now)

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(Sask-Homicide-Bail)

The widow of a La Ronge businessman killed during a robbery is angry a 14-year-old boy charged in his death has been released on bail.

Simon Grant died in April at his Louisiana’s Bar-B-Que restaurant.

Cora Laich says she was blindsided when the boy — who is charged with second-degree murder — was released on bail on July 27th.

Austin Bird and a 17-year-old youth are being held in custody on murder and armed robbery charges in Grant’s death. (CKOM)

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(Sask-Taxis)

Cab drivers in Saskatoon want the city to allow flashing emergency lights on taxis.

Drivers say they would use the lights as a distress call that would alert people to call 9-1-1 when they are flashing.

The request is heading to a Saskatoon city committee today for a decision.

The City of Toronto has had the emergency light system in cabs since 2000. (CTV Saskatoon)

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(Manitoba-Pharmacists)

The organization that regulates pharmacists in Manitoba has a prescription for reducing medication mistakes.

The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba says it is launching a year-long pilot project where pharmacists will report why medication errors occur and how they can be prevented.

Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen says the project will improve the safety of patients.

The information from pharmacists will be reviewed by specialists who will make recommendations for improvement. (The Canadian Press)

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(Prairie Update by The Canadian Press)

(The Canadian Press)