Friday, Feb. 4, 2022
WEST NEWS ADVISORY
Here are the top Western stories so far today from The Canadian Press. All times are local unless otherwise stated. Entries are subject to change as news develops. If you have questions you can contact B.C./Yukon bureau chief Kevin Ward at kevin.ward@thecanadianpress.com, 604-692-1160, Prairies bureau chief Chris Purdy at chris.purdy@thecanadianpress.com, 780-412-6252, or acting Prairies news editor Colette Derworiz at colette.derworiz@thecanadianpress.com, 780-412-6263, or B.C./Yukon news editor Terri Theodore at terri.theodore@thecanadianpress.com, 604-692-1171.
---
NEWS NOW
Nunavut senator quits Conservative caucus
Nunavut-Senator
Nunavut's senator says he has left the Conservative caucus over its support for protests in Ottawa against vaccine mandates and COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. By Emma Tranter. , Photos: 1
–
Edmonton mayor expects Kenney to respect autonomy
COVID-Alta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, , -- Edmonton's mayor says he expects Premier Jason Kenney will respect local autonomy as Alberta prepares to end its vaccine passport program along with other COVID-19 health restrictions. By Dean Bennett. , Photos: 1
–
Trucker border protest in Alberta nearing one week
Trucker-Protest-Border
Coutts, Alberta, Canada -- The mayor of a village affected by protesters at Alberta's main United States border crossing says he decided to cross the divide and meet with those who have been disrupting traffic there for nearly a week. By Bill Graveland. , Photos: 2
–
Saskatchewan closes legislature before protest
Sask-Trucker-Convoy
Regina, , -- The Saskatchewan legislature has been closed in advance of a demonstration expected on Saturday against COVID-19 restrictions. , Photos: 1
–
COVID-19 protest at Manitoba legislature
Trucker-Protest-Mba
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada -- Protests against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other restrictions spread Friday to Manitoba's capital, where more than two dozen large trucks and farm vehicles blocked the main entrance to the legislature grounds and one block of a nearby street. By Steve Lambert.
–
B.C. Liberal party in court over leadership vote
Liberal-Leadership-BC
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada -- Lawyers for the B.C. Liberal party were in court Friday arguing against a last-minute petition that asked a judge to delay the scheduled release on Saturday evening of the results from its leadership contest for 15 days. By Brenna Owen and Amy Smart.
–
Gasoline prices breaking records yet again
Gasoline-Prices
Calgary, Alberta, Canada -- There is more pain at the pumps for Canadian drivers this week as gasoline prices climb to new record highs. , Photos: 1
–
Opposition members leave safe supply committee
Alta-NDP-Resign
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada -- Opposition members say they are resigning from a committee tasked to examine a safe drug supply because they feel it's a "political stunt" by the Alberta government instead of meaningful work to address spiking overdose deaths. , Photos: 1
–
Fatal shooting in Delta, B.C., targeted: police
Delta-Homicide
Delta, British Columbia, Canada -- A person has been killed in a shooting in Delta, B.C. , Photos: 1
–
COMING SATURDAY
The British Columbia Liberal party is set to pick a new leader, and we'll bring you full coverage. The first results are expected around 6:45 p.m. PT.
–
Brain injury endemic among homeless: researcher
Homeless-Brain-Injuries
VANCOUVER – Traumatic brain injury is so common among the homeless that prevention should be prioritized for people facing multiple challenges and worse outcomes compared with "affluent populations," says the lead author of a study in Vancouver that monitored participants for symptoms every month for a year. By Camille Bains. Wire: Lifestyle. Photos:1
_
Queen-Platinum-Indigenous
Dave "Sabe" Courchene was in his early teens when he first remembers hearing the story of how his grandfather, David Courchene Sr., met Queen Elizabeth during her 10-day tour of Manitoba and the Northwest Territories in 1970. By Brittany Hobson.
_
COMING SUNDAY
B.C. researchers race to study bat probiotic
Bat-Probiotic
VANCOUVER -- Researchers say a deadly fungus that has nearly wiped out a North American bat species hasn't yet spread to British Columbia, giving them more time to study whether probiotics prevent the disease. B.C. scientists have been using a bacteria-laden powder for three years to fight white-nose syndrome, a condition that kills hibernating bats by forcing them to wake up and use energy, grooming the fungus off their bodies. By Brieanna Charlebois.
—
Queen balances personal with symbolic, creating an unmatched legacy in Canada
Queen-Jubilee-Legacy
VANCOUVER – The Queen has adapted to the expansion of liberal democracies while respecting ancient royal customs to create a magic dust that has left an enduring influence on Canada as she marks her Platinum Jubilee, experts say. By Hina Alam. Wire: National. Photo: 1
_
Black-History-Big-Miller
"They call me Big," he said. And in almost every way, he was. There was the outsized physique. The powerful, blues-shouting voice honed in jazz clubs and lounges across the continent. But the biggest thing about Clarence (Big) Miller may have been the legacy he left in his adopted home. By Bob Weber.
_
Canadian Press Western Bureau
The Canadian Press
