Sweetgrass and CFWE - News May 20, 2016

ASIRT investigates EPS in-custody death

May 19, 2016. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating the circumstances surrounding an in-custody incident that occurred early Thursday morning in an Edmonton Police Service cell block. Shortly after midnight, a 47-year-old intoxicated man was arrested for theft under $5,000 and two breaches of bail condition, booked into the Detainee Management Unit, and placed in a cell block. At 3 a.m., he was found lying on the floor unresponsive. Emergency Medical Services was immediately called while officers provided emergency medical aid. Upon the arrival of EMS, the man was taken to hospital where he was pronounced deceased. At the time of his death there were no visible signs of traumatic injury. An autopsy has been conducted, but the cause of death has not been determined pending toxicology results. ASIRT’s investigation will focus on the officers’ involvement with the man and the events leading up to his death. The investigation is in its early stages.

Anzac students celebrate high school graduation

May 19, 2016. Education Minister David Eggen joined the Bill Woodward Class of 2016, the second graduating class from the Anzac school, to celebrate their graduation on Thursday evening. The nine graduates, who had to leave their school as Anzac was evacuated due to the Fort McMurray wildfire, celebrated at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Edmonton. Grade 12 students evacuated were not required to write their diploma exams. As well evacuated Grade 6 and 9 students don’t have to write provincial achievement tests, and all students were advanced to the next grade.

Second man arrested in Papin’s murder

May 19, 2016. Officers from the RCMP Gleichen Detachment arrested Brian Joseph Boysis on Monday in Siksika First Nation. An Alberta-wide warrant had been issued for Boysis, 24, wanted in connection to the murder of Sabrina Papin. Papin, 27, died on May 3 after arriving at an Edmonton hospital with gunshot wounds. Police arrested and charged Chad Neville Boysis, 29, on May 6 in connection to the homicide. Brian Boysis faces numerous charges including second degree murder and use of a firearm. Edmonton Police Service is asking for anyone who has information about this crime to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Two men charged with weapons, drug trafficking offences

May 19, 2016. On the evening of May 9, the St. Paul RCMP arrested two men without incident in a vehicle on Saddle Lake Cree Nation. A search of the vehicle uncovered a sawed off shotgun, an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, and a variety of ammunition as well as drugs. Rod Castor, 44, of Fort McMurray, and Tyrone Shirt, 29, of Saddle Lake, are each facing 10 charges related to the possession of prohibited weapons and possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking. They have both been released from custody. Shirt’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 26. Castor is schedule to appear in St. Paul Provincial court on June 2.

Government allocates funding for student employment

May 19, 2016. First Nations and Metis Settlements, along with municipalities, will receive 20 per cent or $2 million of the funding set aside by the province to hire students through the Summer Temporary Employment Program, which begins this month. The Alberta government has allocated $10 million for the program with the bulk ($4 million) going to non-profit organizations. Also receiving STEP dollars are small businesses and publicly funded post-secondary institutions and school boards. “STEP is a popular program that has been extremely well-received by employers across the province. It’s not surprising the program received a large number of applications,” said Labour Minister Christina Gray. Since the program launched in January, more than 2,600 applications were received from employers. More than 1,100 applications were approved, funding just over 3,000 summer positions.

Alberta’s credit rating downgraded again

May 19, 2016. Standard and Poor’s has delivered a deeper downgrade to Alberta’s credit rating going to AA from AA+, citing the NDP’s “very weak budgetary performance and high, increasing debt.” This is the fourth major credit downgrade Alberta has faced in the past five months. “If the NDP doesn’t take action to rein in spending and put a cap on borrowing, we will not only see a greater loss of confidence in the Alberta economy, but mounting interest payments will threaten core government services,” said Wildrose leader Brian Jean. Wildrose says the NDP government should reinstate a debt ceiling.

Long weekend will see most places allow campfires, OHV use

May 19, 2016. The fire ban and off-highway vehicle restrictions are no longer in effect for much of the province due to the cooler, wetter weather. However, the fire ban and OHV restrictions remain in effect for the Lac La Biche and Fort McMurray Forest Areas of northeastern Alberta. Cities, towns, villages, summer villages, or federal lands, such as national parks, may still have fire bans, restrictions or advisories in place. Municipalities that originally fell under the province-wide fire ban may choose to enact their own fire bans, restrictions or advisories. Even though conditions have improved, it is still important for Albertans to do their part to prevent wildfires. Fully extinguish campfires. Soak the ashes, stir them and then soak them again. If you’re riding an OHV, stop frequently and check for debris in such areas as the exhaust and under the seat. Debris in OHV hotspots can become superheated, fall to the ground and start a wildfire.