Sweetgrass and CFWE - News Briefs February 1, 2016

Toque fundraiser to help LGBTQ homeless youth

February 1, 2016. On Tuesday, Homeward Trust Edmonton, community partners and volunteers will be raising money for youth homelessness through the Raising the Roof campaign and Toque Tuesday. Toque Tuesday is a national day of awareness for homelessness, and serves as the focal fundraiser of the Raising the Roof campaign. Toques and socks are sold for $10 each, and pom-pom toques and mittens are sold for $20. “The sector is working hard to end youth homelessness in Edmonton,” said Susan McGee, CEO of Homeward Trust Edmonton. “This campaign provides an opportunity to work together nationally on this issue.” Funds raised through this campaign will support SAFQEY and their programs to help LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. It is estimated that 25 to 40 per cent of youth experiencing homelessness identify as part of the LGBTQ community. Toques are available for sale at Churchill, Central, Bay/Enterprise Square, and Corona LRT stations from 7-9:30 a.m., and 3:30-6 p.m., from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Scotia Place, and all day at the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

Trudeau addresses Aboriginal concerns on CBC forum

February 1, 2016. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a televised CBC forum Sunday night that a "pervasive culture" in police forces, governments and religious communities has led to Indigenous people being less valued. Trudeau answered questions from people selected by CBC. He spoke about the plight of Indigenous people in response to questions from a woman whose aunt went missing in Vancouver and whose cousin went missing in Kamloops, B.C. The questions included how police have handled investigations into missing and murdered Aboriginal women. Trudeau said "Indigenous lives matter" and he promised major changes will be made in Canada's relationship with Indigenous people. Trudeau said his first step will be to fulfil his promise of an inquiry into murdered and missing Aboriginal women that will hear from everybody involved, especially the victims' families.

Trudeau, Notley to discuss Alberta economy

February 1, 2016. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be meeting with Premier Rachel Notley when he is in Alberta on Wednesday. “I’m pleased to have the opportunity to sit down with the Prime Minister to discuss how our two levels of government can work together to support that resiliency (Alberta has) and work through this downturn,” said Notley in a statement. Trudeau plans to stop in both Edmonton and Calgary.

BTPS looking for help in death of pedestrian

January 31, 2016. Blood Tribe Police Service is asking for the public’s help in a motor vehicle collision that took the life of a pedestrian. On Saturday evening, a male pedestrian was struck by a charter bus in the north bound lane of Highway 2 approximately 3 kilometers south of Standoff. A vehicle travelling behind the bus also struck the pedestrian as he lay in the driving lane. The male pedestrian, a member of the Blood Reserve, was airlifted via STARS to Foothills Hospital in Calgary where he died of his injuries. The charter bus was transporting minor hockey players home after playing a game in the region. Victim Services Units and Crisis Units were called in to assist the team. Highway 2 was closed for six hours so the RCMP traffic collision analyst out of Lethbridge could process the scene. The investigation remains active and no charges have been laid. Police are asking anyone who may have seen this male on the roadway prior to the collision to contact Blood Tribe Police Service at (403) 737-800 or via email at tips@bloodtribepolice.com.