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Alberta

Pocklington is Gone But Feelings Remain

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Pocklington is Gone But Feelings Remain

Conflict decorates every yard of the sports world’s journey these days. If you can find an easy yes or no on such issues as relaxing COVID-19 precautions and finding agreement on matters like schedules and salary levels that happen year after year, you’re much smarter than I am.

Given the size of this emotional upheaval, this is the perfect time for Peter Pocklington and all the controversial memories tied to his name to remind all of us. yes again, that there probably would no National Hockey League team in Edmonton but for him, and the brilliance shown by the 1980 Edmonton Oilers would not be part of this city’s, or this province’s remarkable hockey history.

All it took to get the old fires burning was a simple public letter in which Peter Puck congratulated captain/coach/general manager Kevin Lowe on his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

In less than a day, this familiar question was raised in my hearing at least once: does Pocklington also belong in the Hall that welcomed Lowe, Oilers general manager Ken Holland and four others earlier this week?

Without the slightest doubt, many in and around Alberta believe his act of buying the Oilers when they were in the old World Hockey Association and later becoming an owner in the WHA and part of the 1979-80 National Hockey League expansion. The team’s massive record for much of the next decade provides strong unspoken testimony in his behalf.

Had Wayne Gretzky not been part of the WHA’s expansion package, it’s fair to argue the expansion might never have happened. Slim and young, the budding superstar was an Oiler only because of Pocklington’s transaction with old friend Nelson Skalbania, who lost ample amounts while operating the Indianapolis Racers, who never became part of any expansion talk.

Ultimately, as the record shows, Pocklington’s instincts and diminishing financial stability led to loss of team control after years of operating on a line of credit with Alberta Treasury Branches. Money was exchanged, in addition to players, in the vast majority of trades under the control of Pocklington and Glen Sather.

Gretzky brought about $15 million from the Los Angeles Kings. “I was not traded,” Wayne said. “I was sold.”

Promising centre Jimmy Carson came to Alberta as part of the swap and later netted $5 million when he went to the Detroit Red Wings. Mark Messier, Jari Kurri and Paul Coffey also brought cash when they were moved.

David Cruise, co-author of a later book on hockey’s finances, summed things up, “The picture’s clear; the Oilers trade their assets for money.” A parallel was drawn between athletes and automobiles: “Buy the car, get as much mileage out of it as you can, then you sell it just before the block breaks.”

Many parallels have been drawn between Pocklington, found guilty in more than a few financial free-for-alls outside of hockey, and former Toronto Maple Leafs president Harold Ballard, the team’s alternate governor when the Leafs won Stanley Cups in 1962, 1963 and 1967 – the last time the Leafs have taken home the championship.

Ballard also spent time in jail, convicted on up to 47 charges of fraud. He embarrassed many Leaf greats, notably Darryl Sittler, Lanny MacDonald and Dave Keon, as well as respected coach Roger Neilson. In addition, Pal Hal defied NHL president John Ziegler on many resolutions – once refusing to put players names on jerseys.

But Ballard is in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Pocklington is on the outside. According to numerous critics, that’s where he belongs. It seems reasonable to bet the debate will rise again. Probably next year, at Hall of Fame selection time.

Door opening for fan increase for minor-sports?

Alberta

Early Success: 33 Nurse Practitioners already working independently across Alberta

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Nurse practitioners expand primary care access

The Alberta government’s Nurse Practitioner Primary Care program is showing early signs of success, with 33 nurse practitioners already practising independently in communities across the province.

Alberta’s government is committed to strengthening Alberta’s primary health care system, recognizing that innovative approaches are essential to improving access. To further this commitment, the Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Program was launched in April, allowing nurse practitioners to practise comprehensive patient care autonomously, either by operating their own practices or working independently within existing primary care settings.

Since being announced, the program has garnered a promising response. A total of 67 applications have been submitted, with 56 approved. Of those, 33 nurse practitioners are now practising autonomously in communities throughout Alberta, including in rural locations such as Beaverlodge, Coaldale, Cold Lake, Consort, Morley, Picture Butte, Three Hills, Two Hills, Vegreville and Vermilion.

“I am thrilled about the interest in this program, as nurse practitioners are a key part of the solution to provide Albertans with greater access to the primary health care services they need.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

To participate in the program, nurse practitioners are required to commit to providing a set number of hours of medically necessary primary care services, maintain a panel size of at least 900 patients, offer after-hours access on weekends, evenings or holidays, and accept walk-in appointments until a panel size reaches 900 patients.

With 33 nurse practitioners practising independently, about 30,000 more Albertans will have access to the primary health care they need. Once the remaining 23 approved applicants begin practising, primary health care access will expand to almost 21,000 more Albertans.

“Enabling nurse practitioners to practise independently is great news for rural Alberta. This is one more way our government is ensuring communities will have access to the care they need, closer to home.”

Martin Long, parliamentary secretary for rural health

“Nurse practitioners are highly skilled health care professionals and an invaluable part of our health care system. The Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Program is the right step to ensuring all Albertans can receive care where and when they need it.”

Chelsae Petrovic, parliamentary secretary for health workforce engagement

“The NPAA wishes to thank the Alberta government for recognizing the vital role NPs play in the health care system. Nurse practitioners have long advocated to operate their own practices and are ready to meet the growing health care needs of Albertans. This initiative will ensure that more people receive the timely and comprehensive care they deserve.”

Jennifer Mador, president, Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta

The Nurse Practitioner Primary Care program not only expands access to primary care services across the province but also enables nurse practitioners to practise to their full scope, providing another vital access point for Albertans to receive timely, high-quality care when and where they need it most.

Quick facts

  • Through the Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Program, nurse practitioners receive about 80 per cent of the compensation that fee-for-service family physicians earn for providing comprehensive primary care.
    • Compensation for nurse practitioners is determined based on panel size (the number of patients under their care) and the number of patient care hours provided.
  • Nurse practitioners have completed graduate studies and are regulated by the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta.
  • For the second consecutive year, a record number of registrants renewed their permits with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) to continue practising nursing in Alberta.
    • There were more than 44,798 registrants and a 15 per cent increase in nurse practitioners.
  • Data from the Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Program show:
    • Nine applicants plan to work on First Nations reserves or Metis Settlements.
    • Parts of the province where nurse practitioners are practising: Calgary (12), Edmonton (five), central (six), north (three) and south (seven).
  • Participating nurse practitioners who practise in eligible communities for the Rural, Remote and Northern Program will be provided funding as an incentive to practise in rural or remote areas.
  • Participating nurse practitioners are also eligible for the Panel Management Support Program, which helps offset costs for physicians and nurse practitioners to provide comprehensive care as their patient panels grow.

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Alberta

Province considering new Red Deer River reservoir east of Red Deer

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Central Alberta reservoir study underway

Alberta’s government is moving forward a study to assess the feasibility of building a new reservoir on the Red Deer River to help support growing communities.

Demand for water from communities and businesses is increasing as more families, businesses and industries choose to live and work in central Alberta. The Red Deer River supplies water to hundreds of thousands of Albertans across the region and expanding water storage capacity could help reduce the risk of future droughts and meet the growing water demands.

Alberta’s government has now begun assessing the feasibility of building a potential new reservoir east of Red Deer near Ardley. A two-phase, multi-year study will explore the costs and value of constructing and operating the reservoir, and its impact on downstream communities, farmers and ranchers, and businesses.

“Central Alberta is a growing and thriving, and we are ensuring that it has the water it needs. This study will help us determine if an Ardley reservoir is effective and how it can be built and operated successfully to help us manage and maximize water storage for years to come.”

Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

Reservoirs play a vital role in irrigation, drought management, water security and flood protection. Budget 2024 allocated $4.5 million to explore creating a new reservoir on the Red Deer River, at a damsite about 40 kilometres east of the City of Red Deer.

Work will begin on the scoping phase of the study as soon as possible. This will include reviewing available geotechnical and hydrotechnical information and exploring conceptual dam options. The scoping phase also includes meetings with municipalities and water users in the area to hear their views. This work is expected to be completed by December 2025.

“Reliable water infrastructure is essential for Alberta’s growing communities and industries. The Ardley reservoir feasibility study is a vital step toward ensuring long-term water security for central Alberta. As we assess this project’s potential, we’re supporting the sustainability of our economic corridors, agricultural operations and rural economy.”

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

“Water is essential to the agriculture industry and if the past few years are any indication, we need to prepare for dry conditions. A potential dam near Ardley could enhance water security and help farmers and ranchers continue to thrive in Alberta’s unpredictable conditions.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation 

Once that is complete, the feasibility study will then shift into a second phase, looking more closely at whether an effective new dam near Ardley can be safely designed and constructed, and the impact it may have on communities and the environment. Geotechnical and hydrotechnical investigations, cost-benefit analyses and an assessment of environmental and regulatory requirements will occur. The feasibility phase will also include gathering feedback directly from Albertans through public engagement. This work is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026.

Quick facts

  • The Ardley dam scoping and feasibility study will be undertaken by Hatch Ltd., a Canadian multi-disciplinary professional services firm.
  • Once the feasibility study is complete, government will assess the results and determine whether to pursue this project and proceed with detailed engineering and design work and regulatory approvals.
  • Alberta’s government owns and operates several large reservoirs in the South Saskatchewan River Basin that help ensure sufficient water supply to meet demand from communities, irrigators and businesses, while also maintaining a healthy aquatic environment.
  • Water stored at Gleniffer Lake, the reservoir created by Dickson Dam, helps supplement low winter flows along the Red Deer River and helps ensure an adequate water supply for Red Deer and Drumheller.

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