#Calgary Emergency Management Agency

[myalgias]

Excerpts from the article:

Because it’s clear that being “the last public space” isn’t a privilege. It’s a sign that something has gone terribly wrong.

At the time, countless articles asked if new technology meant “the death of the public library.” Instead, the institution completely transformed itself. Libraries carved out a new role providing online access to those who needed it. They abandoned the big central desk, stopped shushing patrons, and pushed employees out onto the floor to do programming. Today, you’ll find a semester’s load of classes, events, and seminars at your local library: on digital photography, estate planning, quilting, audio recording, taxes for seniors, gaming for teens, and countless “circle times” in which introverts who probably chose the profession because of their passion for Victorian literature are forced to perform “The Bear Went over the Mountain” to rooms full of rioting toddlers.

In the midst of this transformation, new demands began to emerge. Libraries have always been a welcoming space for the entire community. Alexander Calhoun, Calgary’s first librarian, used the space for adult education programs and welcomed “transients” and the unemployed into the building during the Depression. But the past forty years of urban life have seen those demands grow exponentially. In the late 1970s, “homelessness” as we know it today didn’t really exist; the issue only emerged as a serious social problem in the 1980s. Since then, as governments have abandoned building social housing and rents have skyrocketed, homelessness in Canada has transformed into a snowballing human rights issue. Meanwhile, the opioid crisis has devastated communities, killing more than 34,000 Canadians between 2016 and 2022, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. And the country’s mental health care system, always an underfunded patchwork of services, is today completely unequipped to deal with demand. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, from 2020 to 2021, Canadians waited a median of twenty-two days for their first counselling session. As other communal support networks have suffered cutbacks and disintegrated, the library has found itself as one of the only places left with an open door.

When people tell the story of this transformation, from book repository to social services hub, it’s usually as an uncomplicated triumph. A recent “love letter” to libraries in the New York Times has a typical capsule history: “As local safety nets shriveled, the library roof magically expanded from umbrella to tarp to circus tent to airplane hangar. The modern library keeps its citizens warm, safe, healthy, entertained, educated, hydrated and, above all, connected.” That story, while heartwarming, obscures the reality of what has happened. No institution “magically” takes on the role of the entire welfare state, especially none as underfunded as the public library. If the library has managed to expand its protective umbrella, it has done so after a series of difficult decisions. And that expansion has come with costs.

#libraries #housing crisis #mental health #cdnpoli

[bedrock-123]

Exploring Collaborative Office Spaces in Calgary: Boosting Productivity and Innovation

In the heart of Alberta's vibrant city, Calgary, a new wave of professional workspaces is transforming the traditional office landscape. Collaborative office spaces have emerged as a beacon for businesses seeking dynamic environments that foster creativity, innovation, and productivity. In this article, we delve into the realm of collaborative office space Calgary, uncovering the benefits they offer and the impact they have on the local business community.

Understanding Collaborative Office Spaces

Collaborative office spaces, often referred to as co-working spaces, are shared work environments where professionals from diverse backgrounds work independently or collaboratively. Unlike conventional offices, these spaces bring together individuals and businesses under one roof, encouraging networking, idea exchange, and community building. Calgary, with its progressive business mindset, has witnessed a surge in the popularity of collaborative workspaces.

The Rise of Collaborative Spaces in Calgary

Calgary's business landscape has evolved, with startups, freelancers, and established companies recognizing the advantages of collaborative office spaces. The city's entrepreneurial spirit has fueled the growth of these spaces, creating hubs that cater to various industries. From tech startups to creative agencies, collaborative spaces in Calgary provide a flexible and inspiring setting for professionals to thrive.

Benefits of Collaborative Workspaces

1. Flexibility and Cost Efficiency

Collaborative office spaces offer flexibility in terms of lease agreements and office setups. Businesses can opt for short-term commitments, allowing them to scale operations as needed. This flexibility reduces overhead costs, making it an attractive option for startups and small businesses looking to manage expenses effectively.

2. Networking Opportunities

One of the key advantages of collaborative spaces is the opportunity for networking. In Calgary's dynamic business environment, professionals from different sectors converge in these spaces, fostering a rich ecosystem of collaboration. Networking events, workshops, and shared amenities create an environment where meaningful connections can flourish.

3. Enhanced Productivity and Creativity

The open and collaborative nature of these workspaces cultivates a culture of innovation. Professionals can draw inspiration from their diverse surroundings, leading to enhanced creativity and productivity. The exchange of ideas between individuals from various fields often sparks new perspectives and solutions to challenges.

4. Access to Premium Amenities

Collaborative spaces in Calgary go beyond providing desks and chairs. They offer a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and recreational areas. Access to these premium facilities enhances the overall work experience, contributing to a positive and motivating atmosphere.

Choosing the Right Collaborative Space in Calgary

With numerous options available, selecting the right collaborative office space in Calgary requires careful consideration. Factors such as location, amenities, and community vibe play a crucial role in determining the suitability for a particular business. Conducting thorough research and visiting potential spaces can aid in making an informed decision.

The Future of Work in Calgary

As the business landscape continues to evolve, collaborative office spaces are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of work in Calgary. The flexibility, community, and innovation they offer align with the changing preferences of professionals and businesses alike.

In conclusion, exploring Commercial lease calgary unveils a dynamic and adaptive approach to the modern workplace. The city's embrace of this trend reflects its commitment to fostering a thriving business community. Whether you're a startup looking for a cost-effective solution or an established business seeking a creative environment, Calgary's collaborative workspaces offer a spectrum of opportunities.

#collaborative office space Calgary

[college-girl199328]

Amid plans for a winter escape to a tropical paradise, the recent alert from the U.S. Embassy in Nassau on gang-related retaliation and murders in the Bahamas may have sparked concerns among potential tourists while also making it onto the Canadian travel advisory list. However, the Bahamian government is offering clarity to the situation.

In response to the alert, the Bahamian government has addressed the issue, saying the country is dedicated to ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for its visitors comes after the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, Bahamas sent out an advisory saying that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. The warning highlighted that these crimes happen even in daylight and on the streets, emphasizing that retaliatory gang violence stands as the primary motive.

Despite these crimes, the country maintains a level 2 danger rating —meaning usually safe— alongside its 16 other tourism destinations and many islands.

Further adding that the Bahamas welcomed over 9 million visitors in 2023, achieving a significant milestone for the nation.

The government outlined a proactive approach to crime reduction and prevention, focusing on five key pillars: prevention, detection, prosecution, punishment, and rehabilitation, law enforcement agencies have increased their presence, deployed additional resources, and implemented advanced technologies including facial recognition CCTV surveillance to address the current security challenges.

The message concluded with, “The safety and security of everyone is of paramount importance to us, and we are confident that the Bahamas will remain safe and welcoming for millions of visitors to continue to enjoy the magic and beauty of our beautiful islands.”

In an unusually dry winter across Alberta, City of Calgary officials warn watering restrictions could come earlier, last longer, and be more comprehensive this year than the limitations imposed last summer. They heard an update on the city’s drought resiliency plan on Tuesday, which outlines a long-term strategy to reduce water demand and protect water supply.

Nicole Newton, manager of the natural environment and adaptation, told the council that the city is accelerating its drought preparedness efforts as Calgary continues to experience drier-than-usual conditions. There’s a higher-than-average risk that drought will persist in 2024, noting that river and reservoir levels remain low in southern Alberta and mountain snowpacks are trending below average.

If conditions worsen by spring, Newton warned there’s a “high likelihood” that Calgary will implement watering restrictions that would likely last longer and “go beyond” the limitations put in place in August 2023, when residents were required to limit outdoor water use to two hours per week.

Calgary’s water supply comes from the Rocky Mountains, where water collected from rain and snowmelt channels into the Bow and Elbow rivers in both watersheds reached historic lows in 2023, and Newton said Calgary’s reservoirs are still trending downward, with an increased risk of being constrained.

She noted proactive measures will help preserve the local water supply is preparing a communication campaign, which Newton said will inform Calgarians on how they can adapt their yards and gardens to use less water, among other tactics to lessen water consumption.

More than 50 water shortage advisories are in effect across Alberta, with river basins in both northern and southern parts of the province facing critical shortages due to low precipitation. Newton said these advisories have caused the province to advance its water shortage management plan currently under Stage 4 of that plan, Newton said. Moving to Stage 5 would include an emergency declaration under the Water Act, which she noted would be enacted when water users “are unable to address the extent and magnitude of a water shortage” and when there is significant stress on the health of the aquatic environment.

Earlier this week, the province announced it would start negotiations for water-sharing agreements between large license-holders, with talks beginning as early as this month as a major municipal license-holder to draw water from the Bow River, and that the city will voluntarily enter water-sharing agreements with other license-holders in the basin.

Despite challenges, Calgary has managed to hold withdrawals from the river steady at 2003 baseline levels, according to which more than 80 percent of Calgary’s diverted water is returned to the river after it’s treated, though consumptive water use, which is related to industrial activity, represents 10 to 20 percent of all diversions.

Some councilors asked about the need for more water storage capacity, and another reservoir upstream of the city’s manager of environmental management said three possible locations for a new reservoir along the Bow River are under provincial consideration.

These options include a site downstream of the Ghost Dam, on reserve lands between Seebe and Morley, and between Cochrane and the Bearspaw Dam in the northwest. The province is expected to provide its recommendation by the end of 2024 or in early 2025.

Coun. Gian-Carlo Carra said drought and flood risks remain “the single biggest thing” facing Calgary. He noted the only silver lining of a punishing drought would be that it would galvanize the political will to build necessary upstream infrastructure.

[lawyerserving456]

Nova Scotia Authorized Aid Is Here To Assist

The remainder of the Small Claims Court’s jurisdiction relates to residential tenancy appeals and disputes between lawyers and their purchasers over fees and other retention issues. You cannot make a declare in the Small Claims Court that relates to land possession, wills and estates, malicious prosecution, wrongful imprisonment or defamation . You also cannot halifax lawyers make a declare within the Small Claims Court for what are identified in law as common damages in an quantity greater than $100. Ansley adopted Boo when she was a third-year law pupil. She can occasionally be discovered around the Carter Simpson offices pondering legal points and jurisprudence.

CanLaw will find one of the best felony defence lawyer in Dartmouth or the most effective legal law firm to defend you. If you need a divorce, our Dartmouth Lawyer Referral Service will find you the most effective Dartmouth Divorce lawyer or household law agency. Halifax-based lawyer Elizabeth Cooper heads a criminal defence practice representing and counseling purchasers on all kinds of expenses underneath the Criminal Code, including DUI, assault, drug and weapons offences, and more. Elizabeth additionally represents individuals who have been charged with offenses under different laws and rules, together with the Excise Act and the Revenue Act.

Shani additionally proudly wrestled varsity for the University of Calgary Dinos throughout her undergraduate research. As a Dino, Shani competed on the highest stage in Canada, made lifelong associates, learned many life classes dartmouth lawyers, and had a ton of enjoyable. Allison is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and the Atlantic Trial Lawyers Association. She serves on the manager of the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia Board of Directors.

The objective of the Summary Advice Counsel service is to give individuals a better understanding of their legal rights and obligations. The Summary Advice lawyer may give primary information about legal terms, tips on how to begin or reply to a court docket application, courtroom processes, authorized documents, and different features of household law. Dr. Laura Mitchell is a working towards emergency room doctor with special coaching lawyers dartmouth in occupational medication. Even if you are not in any ache instantly after an accident, this doesn't necessarily mean you might be injury free. Because harmful situations trigger adrenaline to course by way of the physique, an accident sufferer may not even discover the extent of their injuries instantly. Other injuries, like some brain injuries, may not manifest their signs till days or even weeks after the accident itself.

They present free legal and settlement companies to people who cannot afford the companies of personal legal counsel. Dalhousie Legal Aid supplies free information, recommendation and representation to low revenue Nova Scotians on earnings lawyers in dartmouth assistance issues. Nova Scotia Legal Aid provides data, advice and illustration about Employment Insurance Appeals. Contact Legal Aid for details about assist with an Employment Insurance concern.

Generally, you must first apply to Nova Scotia Legal Aid before getting a lawyer at Dalhousie Legal Aid for family law or youth criminal law issues. Contact Dalhousie Legal Aid for particulars about services and areas of law covered. Our lawyers work along with their shoppers to develop strategies that work for every kind of accident victims. We include nearly 80 years of combined expertise in personal injury law.

Part of the journey took place throughout Covid and even in those uncertain times Liam and Andrea made me really feel heard, supported and understood. The course of in reaching a settlement can be a long one however I wouldn't have wished to have anybody else in my nook. Slip and fall incidents can occur as a outcome of a quantity of causes. Some of the widespread components responsible in slip and fall accidents in Dartmouth embrace wet flooring, torn carpeting, unsafe ladders, and poorly lit walkways.

[panicinthestudio]

Further reading:

CBC: University of Alberta Hospital nearly doubles ICU beds as Edmonton zone hits 89% capacity, September 16, 2021

CBC: Calgary to take own measures to act on COVID-19 crisis, saying province 'doesn't care', September 16, 2021

@allthecanadianpolitics, @abpoli, @politicsofcanada

#Alberta #Edmonton #Calgary #Jason Kenney #UCP #Tyler Shandro #public health #pandemic #coronavirus #covid 19 #health care #politics #Naheed Nenshi #Deena Hinshaw #Verna Yiu #Alberta Health Services #CEMA #Rachel Notley #Calgary Emergency Management Agency #CBC #news

[allthecanadianpolitics]

The chief of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency says the province has hit a turning point in the COVID-19 battle.

From outside of his home on Sunday, Tom Sampson told CBC he feels defeated — the daily virus numbers are filling up hospitals, hurting mental health and the economy. Sampson says the time to act is now and there is no time for half measures.

The CEMA chief called for a 28-day circuit breaker lockdown, adding it should happen now to salvage the holiday season.

A circuit breaker lockdown is a a short period of more stringent restrictions with a defined end point where non-essential services are shut down in order to reduce spread, allowing the system to catch up to the number of cases.

While it's not ideal for the economy now, nor is it ideal to pull kids from school, Sampson said waiting could take a worse toll.

"A circuit breaker, in my opinion, is required — a hard one," Sampson said. "I think people can do anything that you ask them to do if they know there's a defined period to it, also. And in that sense, I don't think we should delude ourselves. 14 days is one cycle. You know, you need two cycles to really break COVID in my opinion."

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @politicsofcanada

#Alberta #Covid19 #cdnpoli #canada #canadian politics #canadian news #canadian

[atlanticcanada]

Ottawa, health experts, splash cold water on extending Atlantic bubble to Cuba

As seats begin to fill up on chartered flights scheduled to fly from Halifax to Cuba this winter, questions are beginning to emerge.

The travel agent who is hoping to fly people from the Atlantic bubble to Cuba in February and March can't keep up with the demand.

"Our Feb. 12 departure is getting very, very full," said Elayne Pink of Absolute Travel. "Our business class component on that trip is completely sold out."

Pink says an Air Canada charter flight from Halifax to Cuba would fly Atlantic Canadians to a resort where only people from the Atlantic bubble would be allowed to stay.

"We really applaud the creativity of this idea," said Tiffany Chase, a spokesperson for Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

The Halifax airport has been looking for ways to get passenger numbers back up.

"We have been in contact with the travel agency behind this initiative so we're looking to learn more about how to proceed and how we can support it from a facility perspective."

Federal Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic Leblanc was asked about the Cuba trip earlier Tuesday.

"Public health authorities have clearly expressed that’s not the best idea even with quarantine," Leblanc said.

Right now, Canadians have been told to avoid all non-essential international travel.

"My solid advice for this season is to not do it," said infectious disease expert Dr. Lisa Barrett. "So, it's a great idea going forward for harm reduction when we have vaccine and therapeutics available, to be able to support this strategy, but if you don't have to go right, it's probably a better idea not to."

Cuba had been held up as international model of keeping COVID-19 under control until August, when the country of 11 million saw an outbreak, primarily in the capital of Havana.

To date, Johns Hopkins University is reporting about 6,700 cases of COVID-19 in Cuba.

At the moment, there are 499 active cases being reported in the country.

Dr. Barrett says there are too many unknowns about how Cuba is managing COVID-19.

"There may be testing done by the resort, but again all a test tells you is if you're positive," she said. "Negative tests don't necessarily mean you're not infected."

As of now, anybody travelling to Cuba would be required to abide by the 14-day quarantine rule upon their return.

Pink is hoping a rapid testing pilot project at Calgary International will be expanded to Stanfield International.

"To jumpstart the travel industry we need to have rapid testing at airports," Pink said. "People can't go on with 14-day quarantines. It just doesn't work for them and this trip is such a huge example of the point we're trying to make."

All passengers who have agreed to going on the trip will be required to sign a document, which includes a general waiver of rights and a release of liability due to travel during the pandemic.

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/37ZO10f

#new brunswick #prince edward island #nova scotia #news #politics #canada #CTVAtlantic

[college-girl199328]

Body-worn cameras will become mandatory for all police officers in Alberta, the provincial government announced Tuesday. Ellis, minister of public safety and emergency services, said the cameras increase public trust in policing and help police review interactions.

"By documenting the behavior of the police in public, collecting better evidence, and improving our approach to resolving complex complaints during investigations, [body-worn cameras] represent an objective measure to show what occurs at the moment," Ellis told a news conference. The ministry will work with law enforcement agency partners on funding and logistics. A committee of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP) will be tasked with planning the rollout over the next few months.

Once the plan is implemented, Ellis said, all front-line officers in Alberta, including those who work for municipal police services and self-administered Indigenous police services, will have to wear the small cameras. He said Alberta would be the first province in Canada to mandate body-worn cameras.

The RCMP is working on a nationwide rollout of body-worn cameras. Alberta RCMP officers have been participating in field tests since cameras became mandatory for Calgary police officers in 2019.

"Several police agencies in the province are already on this path, but we are looking forward to seeing the details of this mandate and how it will assist in standardizing our approach," said Dean LaGrange, chief of the Camrose Police Service and vice president of the AACP.

The Edmonton Police Service tested the technology about a decade ago, but the finding was "unproven" and came with significant data management issues and costs. No quantitative evidence was found that the cameras affected protests or that use-of-force incidents occurred with the cameras. Technology did help speed up complaint investigations, however.

EPS Chief Dale McFee said he wholeheartedly supports body-worn cameras across the province. More research has been done since the pilot in Edmonton, he said. A report on body-worn camera use in Calgary found the number of use-of-force incidents declined the year after the cameras were brought in. Internal and external complaints against police officers increased slightly, but complaint resolution time was reduced by half.

Shawn King, a defense lawyer and vice-president of the Criminal Trial Lawyers Association, said footage from body-worn cameras could corroborate testimony supplied in court and potentially shorten trials. Delivering video evidence is always preferable, as opposed to having someone come in and tell you about what happened," he said.

Christopher Schneider, a sociology professor at Brandon University in Manitoba, has published several peer-reviewed articles on body-worn cameras. The consensus is mixed on the effectiveness of the devices, both in terms of reducing civilian complaints and in reducing the use of force by police, Schneider said.

Research is mixed on the effectiveness of the devices, both in terms of reducing civilian complaints and in reducing use of force by police, Schneider said.

In some jurisdictions, he said, police use of force has been shown to increase with the presence of body-worn cameras. Therefore. he argues that the public should be alarmed by the adoption of these devices," he said.

Schneider noted that the cameras are not expensive, but data storage can cost large cities like Edmonton or Toronto millions of dollars. Officers can also turn off the cameras, he said. They increase privacy concerns and said a more effective way to improve police accountability would be for them to carry personal liability insurance. Officers found to have engaged in police misconduct or used excessive force would then see their premiums go up.

A spokesperson for Alberta's Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner said the office hopes to hear from the committee about its plans to uphold access to information and privacy rights. Sibbald said the OIPC encourages municipal police services to submit privacy impact assessments on body-worn cameras to help before programs are implemented.

[news-express]

Calgary’s emergency management chief says Alberta needs a 28-day ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown to battle COVID-19 The chief of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency says the province has hit a turning point in the COVID-19 battle.