Flashing cash were faculty from the department of Business, Arts and Humanities at Portage College: Bonita Decaire (left) and Val Lyons organized the food drive with (centre) Guy Gervais, dean of the department.

Constance Day Chief, Lloyd Desjarlais, and Cynthia Jim are the Alberta recipients of Canada Post’s Aboriginal Education Incentive Awards. Awards were handed out to 24 people from across the country. Applicants must have resumed studies after at least 12 months away from the education system. The winners of the $1,000 annual prize are chosen by a jury of representatives of Canada Post and one Aboriginal community member. The awards, which launched in 2004, acknowledge the hard work and drive required to continue education following an absence from formal schooling.

The fatality report on Bernadette Auger, who suffered fatal gunshot wounds at the hands of the Edmonton City Police on Jan. 16, 2010, was released by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General. The inquiry found there was “nothing that the police could have done differently when faced with these events. Accordingly, there are no recommendations to make for the prevention of similar deaths.” Auger, 48, was shot in an alley where she was surrounded by police after having dialled 911. Auger was holding a gun, which she raised at one of the police officers. She was shot twice.

The Energy Resources Conservation Board has issued enforcement actions against Plains Midstream Canada, Pembina Pipeline Corporation and Pengrowth Energy for pipeline spills that occurred in 2011. The ERCB issued four high-risk enforcement actions against Plains Midstream Canada in relation to the April 28, 2011, 28,000 barrels spill of crude oil on the Rainbow Pipeline in Northern Sunrise County.

Rural doctors have been joined by the Wildrose Opposition in expressing concern over government plans to relocate Medevac Services from Edmonton City Centre to Edmonton International. Northern doctors claim there are dangers in moving the Medevac services, which would add 40 to 50 minutes to every emergency. The Alberta Liberals are also slamming the Redford government for a recently released report from the Health Quality Council of Alberta on Emergency Medical Services, which says lack of communication and planning has put the lives of Albertans in jeopardy.

More than 300 spectators donated more than 50 pounds of non-perishable food and approximately $350 in cash at the hockey game on Feb. 9 at the Bold Centre in Lac La Biche to help support the community food bank and the Portage College food bank. “We’re very pleased with the money raised and want to thank the fans for their generosity,” said Guy Gervais, Dean of the Business, Arts and Humanities programs.