14^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Jun 17, 2025 12:22 PM - The Canadian Press

Health-care union calls for Alberta government to halt plan to limit free vaccines

Share On

health-care-union-calls-for-alberta-government-to-halt-plan-to-limit-free-vaccines

The Health Sciences Association of Alberta says that is the best way to protect patients, reduce hospitalizations, and keep the health-care system strong.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

A union representing 30,000 health-care workers in Alberta is calling on Premier Danielle Smith's government to reverse course and provide free COVID-19 vaccines to all front-line workers and any other Albertan who wants the shot.

The Health Sciences Association of Alberta says that is the best way to protect patients, reduce hospitalizations, and keep the health-care system strong.

Smith says the aim of the new policy, announced last week, is to prevent wastage, recover costs, and protect those who need it the most by giving them the COVID shot for free.

However, most Albertans, including health-care workers and seniors who live independently, will have to pay out of pocket. Union vice-president Leanne Alfaro says COVID-19 continues to put vulnerable Albertans at risk and vaccines remain the most effective tool for protecting both individuals and broader health system.

She also says workers should not be expected to put themselves in harm's way without basic protection.

Latest news

mission-rcmp-seize-firearms-issue-tickets-during-crackdown-on-illegal-shooting-along-forest-service-road

Mission RCMP seize firearms, issue tickets during crackdown on illegal shooting along forest service road

Mission RCMP say officers seized multiple firearms and issued several violation tickets during an enforcement operation targeting illegal recreational shooting along the Lost Creek Forest Service Road area over the June 13–14 weekend. According to a Mission RCMP release, officers responded to a report on June 13 of people shooting near the 7.5-kilometre marker of the forest service road. Police located five men from Abbotsford and seized five firearms from two 21-year-old gun owners. The pair later received $690 violation tickets for discharging firearms in a designated no-shooting area. RCM

suspect-arrested-in-langford-sexual-assault-investigation-involving-youth

Suspect Arrested in Langford Sexual Assault Investigation Involving Youth

West Shore RCMP say a 33-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault investigation involving a youth in Langford. According to an RCMP release, the incident was reported to have occurred on June 9 at about 3 p.m. near the intersection of Jacklin Road and Station Avenue. Police said a female youth was approached by an unknown adult male at a bus stop, where a brief conversation took place before the youth was allegedly sexually assaulted. West Shore RCMP issued a public appeal for assistance on June 12 as investigators worked to identify the suspect. Police said officers

ircc-pauses-final-processing-of-some-citizenship-cases-approved-under-bill-c-3

IRCC pauses final processing of some citizenship cases approved under Bill C-3

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has temporarily paused the final processing of some citizenship cases approved under Bill C-3, commonly known as the "Lost Canadians" legislation. According to IRCC, several dozen individuals have received notices asking them to surrender citizenship certificates that had already been issued while the department reviews their files. The department says the affected cases are undergoing additional document verification. In a statement, IRCC said individuals who have already received citizenship certificates and moved to Canada may continue to

b-c-launches-hydroelectric-upgrades-aimed-at-boosting-power-supply-by-7

B.C. launches hydroelectric upgrades aimed at boosting power supply by 7%

The British Columbia government has announced a series of upgrades to its hydroelectric system that it says will increase the province's electricity supply by about seven per cent. Energy Minister Adrian Dix said the largest project will involve adding a sixth generating unit at the Revelstoke Dam, increasing capacity by approximately 500 megawatts by 2032. According to the provincial announcement, the first four generating units at the Revelstoke generating station will also undergo modernization work. The government said upgrades are also planned at six other generating stations and at the W

smith-says-timing-may-prevent-coal-mining-referendum-question-from-appearing-on-october-ballot

Smith says timing may prevent coal mining referendum question from appearing on October ballot

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says it may be too late for a citizen-led petition seeking a ban on new coal mining projects to be included in the province's Oct. 19 referendum vote. Earlier this month, Alberta musician Corb Lund submitted what he said were more than 200,000 signatures in support of a petition that would require the Alberta government to consider legislation banning new coal mining or submit the matter to a provincewide referendum if the signatures are verified. According to Alberta's citizen initiative rules, a successful petition can compel the government to either introduce

Related News

post card alt

Smith says timing may prevent coal mining referendum question from appearing on October ballot

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says it may be too late for a citizen-led petition seeking a ban on new coal mining projects to be included in the province's Oct. 19 referendum vote. Earlier this month, Alberta musician Corb Lund submitted what he said were more than 200,000 signatures in support of a petition that would require the Alberta government to consider legislation banning new coal mining or submit the matter to a provincewide referendum if the signatures are verified. According to Alberta's citizen initiative rules, a successful petition can compel the government to either introduce

post card alt

Alberta to Provide $100 Energy Rebate to Eligible Adults Instead of Fuel Tax Relief

The Alberta government has announced that it will replace fuel tax relief on gasoline and diesel with direct cash payments under a new Alberta Energy Rebate program. According to the government, the program will begin on July 1, 2026. Adults in households with annual incomes below $225,000 will receive a $100 rebate payment. Premier Danielle Smith said the province opted for direct payments after a previous fuel tax suspension did not fully translate into savings at the pump for consumers. Smith said the government is returning a portion of increased revenues generated by higher oil prices dir

post card alt

11-year-old boy dies after incident during school field trip in Medicine Hat

An 11-year-old boy has died after a suspected drowning during a school field trip at Echo Dale Regional Park in Medicine Hat, according to Alberta RCMP. Police said officers responded Monday afternoon after receiving a report that a child had gone missing during a school outing at the park. Staff from the school division, park employees and emergency responders searched the area, while drones were deployed to assist in locating the child. Staff Sgt. Darren Lole said the boy was found in the water within about an hour of the initial report. He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2024 AKASH BROADCASTING INC.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

BC Children's Hospital