A resolution passed unanimously at the annual general assembly for the Métis Nation of Alberta has resulted in the creation of a Métis Youth Council. The youth decided to forward their proposal following the Métis youth gathering presented by Rupertsland Institute on Aug. 14. The resolution was presented by a youth to the MNA General Assembly and seconded by MNA president Audrey Poitras. The MYC will build the foundation for the next generation of Métis leaders.

The third search warrant in less than two months was executed in Cadotte Lake and resulted in the seizure of liquor and cannabis-marihuana. One person was arrested and charges are pending on the Aug. 9 bust. Targeting the illicit sale of alcohol in Woodland Cree First Nation has been a strategic priority for Chief and Council as well as the community consultative group.  The success of this investigation was the direct result of cooperation from community members as well as local liquor stores, who are committed to safe communities.

The Alberta Energy Regulator has suspended 15 pipelines licences, shutting in 95 pipelines that Nexen Energy operates at its Long Lake oilsands operations. The suspensions were ordered when, during AER’s investigation of the Long Lake pipeline failuru| AER received information indicating noncompliance in operating a number of pipelines. “Given that this company has already had a pipeline failure at this site, the AER will not lift suspension until Nexen can demonstrate that they can be operated safely and within all regulatory requirements.

The Alberta Energy Regulator has restricted water withdrawals from the Athabasca River and other water bodies under temporary diversion licences by oil and gas operators because of low flows. Seventy-three temporary water diversion licences held by oil companies this year in Alberta have been suspended, the most since 2002.The AER is also encouraging energy companies to voluntarily reduce consumption in areas with no mandatory restrictions where rivers have lower than normal water levels.

Approximately 30 great blue herons were found dead near a run-off pond at the Mildred Lake mine site, operated by Syncrude. The Alberta Energy Regulator is investigating the deaths to see what caused them and whether charges will be laid against Syncrude.

A six-inch diameter oil emulsion pipeline leaked on the Hay Lake First Nation spilling about 100,000 litres of a mixture of wastewater, oil and gas. The spill was detected Aug. 14 by a helicopter crew doing regular daily inspection and maintenance work. The five-kilometer pipeline is owned by Calgary-based NuVista Energy and runs from an oil testing facility to an oil battery. So far, there have been no reports of harm to wildlife. A two-metre-high fence was erected to prevent animals from getting into the site.

Treaty 6 Grand Chief Tony Alexis led members of Treaty 6 and the public in a moment of silence to honour Chief Rusty Threefingers, who passed away in August. Speaking at the Treaty 6 Recognition Day in Edmonton on Aug. 21, Alexis said it was the first time he “had to say gzOdbye” to a sitting Chief. Threefingers had been Chief of Louis Bull Nation for the past six years. He gained his passion for the serving his people from his late father, Chief Simon Threefingers, who himself devoted his life to serving his tribe for many years.

Inspector Gibson Glavin would like to remind motorists that patience is needed on Alberta highways during this upcoming long weekend.

He would also like to remind motorists that it is harvest season in rural alberta.

September 1st marked one hundred days since the NDP made history and formed a new government which ended the 44-year reign of the Conservatives in power.

One hundred days ago the cabinet was sworn in on the steps of the legislature, in front of thousands of Albertans who had voted for change.