Tougher penalties in place for drinking and driving

Impaired driving is often cited as the largest single criminal cause of death in Canada and tougher penalties introduced by Alberta Transportation aim to curb that, however, the legislation has its fair share of critics.

On Sept. 1, the second stage of the modification surrounding Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act laws came into effect – which provides tougher penalties handed out to those caught driving with a blood alcohol level of between .05 and .08.

Under the new legislation, drivers face a three-day licence suspension and vehicle seizure if they blow between .05 and the legal limit, as opposed to a 24-hour suspension that has been in place since 1999. Read the full story at the Rocky Mountain Outlook.

Alberta candidates address rising power bills and new transmission lines

One of the hot topics for the upcoming provincial election is the recent spike in power bills, which has affected both St. Paul residents and business owners alike.

From large car dealerships to small independent shops on Main Street, the increase in the amount business owners are paying for power is substantial and with the passing of a very mild winter, people are scratching their heads to determine why that is. Read the full story at the St. Paul Journal.

Wildrose, NDP and Liberal candidates weigh in on MLA Transition Allowances

A review committee fronted by Justice John Major is currently collecting data to determine whether the severance package, or transition allowance, given to MLAs when they leave office is justifiable, which has prompted local opposition candidates and incumbent PC candidate Ray Danyluk to speak out on the issue. Read the full story at The St. Paul Journal.