Priscillia Mays Tait Local Journalism Initiative Reporter It is recorded that Maggie Gray gave birth to Thomas Gray Tait (my grandfather) in Carnaby, B.C. on Feb. 29, 1915. Thomas lived his earliest years with his brother Herb and their aunt and uncle (Donald Gray Tait) in Hagwilget village (Wetsuwet’en territory). When he was a little…

Olivia Bradbury, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Luc and Sandy Levesque have lived in Upper Island Cove, Newfoundland, for 23 years. Sandy is originally from Stephenville, and Luc is from Ottawa, Ontario. Both served as medics in the Canadian Forces, which is how they met. When she was younger, Sandy was a member of the Sea…

George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A bill introduced last week in the legislature would give truth and reconciliation the standing it needs to improve the lives of Indigenous persons across Alberta, its sponsor said. Brooks Arcand-Paul, the NDP’s Indigenous relations critic, said his private member’s bill creates a framework for consultation, progress and accountability…

George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Canola producers need protection from an ongoing trade war with China that’s costing their industry billions of dollars, the Alberta legislature heard recently. Heather Sweet, the NDP agriculture critic, said an antidumping investigation announced in September escalates an already expensive situation for canola producers. China’s “sham allegations” about dumping…

Pearl Lorentzen, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter In the spring of 2023, Northern Lakes College (NLC) and Athabasca University announced 60 seats over three years for NLC licensed practical nurses (LPN) graduates to join Athabasca University (AU)’s post-LPN bachelor of nursing program. “Overall, it is going well,” says Dr. Steven Johnson, Athabasca University’s dean of the…

Pratik Bhattarai, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A former assistant gun range safety officer says the onus is always on the gun owner to ensure safe storage and handling. Ian Barclay, who retired as a Master Corporal after 15 years’ service in Canadian Army, says following the law around firearm safety is important to avoid accidents…

Toyin Obatusin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Bill 27 was introduced last Thursday and if it is passed by the provincial government, the Education Amendment Act will support families and students navigating complex conversations around gender identity, sexual orientation, and human sexuality, whilst also supporting continuity in students’ learning during a public health emergency or state…