News
Indigenous leaders question intentions behind new public safety advisory group | CTV News
Alberta government news and statements February 17, 2022
A summary of news releases and statements issued today.
News
Investing in women’s success in IT
Alberta’s government will invest $1.9 million to support skills development training for women’s success in the IT sector.
Helping live music thrive in Alberta | Contribution à l'essor de la musique en direct en Alberta
The Stabilize Live Music Grant is helping hundreds of venues, musicians and other music professionals get back to recording and performing.
Marking a milestone with First Nation health partners
Immunization records for First Nation members are now reliably accessible in real time, marking an important step to help reduce preventable disease.
New renal dialysis unit opens in High Prairie
A new renal dialysis unit in High Prairie gives area residents greater access to specialized treatments closer to home.
Statements
Manufacturing growth in Alberta: Minister Schweitzer
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer issued the following statement about Alberta’s manufacturing sector.
A summary of news releases and statements issued today.
News
Investing in women’s success in IT
Alberta’s government will invest $1.9 million to support skills development training for women’s success in the IT sector.
Helping live music thrive in Alberta | Contribution à l'essor de la musique en direct en Alberta
The Stabilize Live Music Grant is helping hundreds of venues, musicians and other music professionals get back to recording and performing.
Marking a milestone with First Nation health partners
Immunization records for First Nation members are now reliably accessible in real time, marking an important step to help reduce preventable disease.
New renal dialysis unit opens in High Prairie
A new renal dialysis unit in High Prairie gives area residents greater access to specialized treatments closer to home.
Statements
Manufacturing growth in Alberta: Minister Schweitzer
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer issued the following statement about Alberta’s manufacturing sector.
Hello:
I am pleased to share that recruitment is now underway for the new Minister’s Advisory Council on Higher Education and Skills (MACHES). Following the recent proclamation of Bill 74, the Advanced Education Statutes Amendment Act, 2021, MACHES can now be established.
The Ministry of Advanced Education is seeking applications from individuals who are interested in serving as the council chair or as a member. Informed by visionary thinking, stakeholder engagement, and global trends, this council will provide advice and recommendations to the Minister respecting:
Council chair and members will be appointments made through ministerial order for a term of up to three years. Please note that individuals are not eligible for appointment who are serving in the following capacities, or until after a period of at least one year has elapsed since serving as:
The posting, position profile, and application information are available online. Please direct any questions you may have to the contact provided on the Public Agency Secretariat website. Applications must be submitted by January 10, 2022.
We are committed to recruiting local, national, and international expertise, and we will therefore be advertising widely. Please join me in sharing this information with possible candidates who would make an excellent contribution. Together, we will transform Alberta’s post-secondary system to be more responsive to the needs of Albertans and our economy, ensuring current and future generations have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
I wish to thank all of you for your ongoing support of the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy.
Best,
Demetrios Nicolaides
Minister of Advanced Education
I am pleased to share that recruitment is now underway for the new Minister’s Advisory Council on Higher Education and Skills (MACHES). Following the recent proclamation of Bill 74, the Advanced Education Statutes Amendment Act, 2021, MACHES can now be established.
The Ministry of Advanced Education is seeking applications from individuals who are interested in serving as the council chair or as a member. Informed by visionary thinking, stakeholder engagement, and global trends, this council will provide advice and recommendations to the Minister respecting:
- the strategic goals and direction of post-secondary education in Alberta;
- metrics for measuring the performance of public post-secondary institutions and independent academic institutions in Alberta; and
- any other matters, as required.
Council chair and members will be appointments made through ministerial order for a term of up to three years. Please note that individuals are not eligible for appointment who are serving in the following capacities, or until after a period of at least one year has elapsed since serving as:
- a member of a board of a public post-secondary institution or of a board of a private post-secondary institution;
- a president or vice-president of a public post-secondary institution or of a private post-secondary institution; or
- an officer or voting member of the executive body of:
- an academic staff association,
- a non-academic staff association,
- a student organization, or
- a bargaining agent representing the employees of a public post-secondary institution or of a private post-secondary institution.
The posting, position profile, and application information are available online. Please direct any questions you may have to the contact provided on the Public Agency Secretariat website. Applications must be submitted by January 10, 2022.
We are committed to recruiting local, national, and international expertise, and we will therefore be advertising widely. Please join me in sharing this information with possible candidates who would make an excellent contribution. Together, we will transform Alberta’s post-secondary system to be more responsive to the needs of Albertans and our economy, ensuring current and future generations have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
I wish to thank all of you for your ongoing support of the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy.
Best,
Demetrios Nicolaides
Minister of Advanced Education
Agreement aims to train more Indigenous physicians, improve health care for six northeastern Alberta First Nations
Doors open to new Indigenous housing in Edmonton
https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=79660E5EDB0B1-038D-ECB6-DA37E21C17A90728
edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/residents-moving-in-to-new-affordable-housing-units-for-indigenous-peoples
https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=79660E5EDB0B1-038D-ECB6-DA37E21C17A90728
edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/residents-moving-in-to-new-affordable-housing-units-for-indigenous-peoples
BILL 64 2021 PUBLIC LANDS AMENDMENT ACT
Alberta and Ottawa put $13M into Indigenous housing projects across the province
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/indigenous-housing-projects-alberta-1.5952253

Treaty No. 6 Territory – January 7, 2021
CONFEDERACY OF TREATY No. 6 FIRST NATIONS WELCOME NEW GRAND CHIEF OKIMAW VERNON WATCHMAKER
The Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations have appointed Okimaw (Chief) Vernon Watchmaker of Kehewin Cree Nation as the next Grand Chief of the Confederacy, succeeding Chief Billy Morin. Watchmaker will continue the many successes under Chief Morin including his urban initiative, as well as, build upon the Protocol with the Province of Alberta.
“The First Nations of Treaty No. 6 should be included in resource development so that our youth can gain meaningful employment and ensure prosperity for future generations.” said Okimaw Vernon Watchmaker. “When First Nations are at the table, we can ensure that development occurs respectfully with protections for our traditional lands and waters.”
“Okimaw Watchmaker brings a wealth of experience and education. We look forward to working with him and ensuring that our shared visions are realized.” said Okimaw Greg Desjarlais, Chief of the Frog Lake First Nation.
Throughout his career, Watchmaker has been Okimaw of the Kehewin Cree Nation and Council member. He has also worked as an analyst, technician and project lead for lands and resources, economic development, education, and the energy sector. He worked as a technician for the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, in lands and consultation. He served as a member of student council at the University of Alberta, and board member at the Bonnyville Friendship Centre. Having a keen interest in youth development, he has coached and organized several youth sports and recreational activities. Okimaw lives in Kehewin with his wife and has eight children and one grandchild.
The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations was created in the Spring of 1993 with the purpose of serving as the United political voice for those Treaty Nations who are signatories of Treaty No. 6 for the continued protection of the fundamental Treaty, Inherent and Human Rights of the Treaty peoples of those Nations.
The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations is dedicated to ensuring that the terms, spirit and intent of Treaty No. 6 are honored and respected. The inherent rights of the Treaty No. 6 First Nations must be honoured and respected.
CONFEDERACY OF TREATY No. 6 FIRST NATIONS WELCOME NEW GRAND CHIEF OKIMAW VERNON WATCHMAKER
The Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations have appointed Okimaw (Chief) Vernon Watchmaker of Kehewin Cree Nation as the next Grand Chief of the Confederacy, succeeding Chief Billy Morin. Watchmaker will continue the many successes under Chief Morin including his urban initiative, as well as, build upon the Protocol with the Province of Alberta.
“The First Nations of Treaty No. 6 should be included in resource development so that our youth can gain meaningful employment and ensure prosperity for future generations.” said Okimaw Vernon Watchmaker. “When First Nations are at the table, we can ensure that development occurs respectfully with protections for our traditional lands and waters.”
“Okimaw Watchmaker brings a wealth of experience and education. We look forward to working with him and ensuring that our shared visions are realized.” said Okimaw Greg Desjarlais, Chief of the Frog Lake First Nation.
Throughout his career, Watchmaker has been Okimaw of the Kehewin Cree Nation and Council member. He has also worked as an analyst, technician and project lead for lands and resources, economic development, education, and the energy sector. He worked as a technician for the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, in lands and consultation. He served as a member of student council at the University of Alberta, and board member at the Bonnyville Friendship Centre. Having a keen interest in youth development, he has coached and organized several youth sports and recreational activities. Okimaw lives in Kehewin with his wife and has eight children and one grandchild.
The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations was created in the Spring of 1993 with the purpose of serving as the United political voice for those Treaty Nations who are signatories of Treaty No. 6 for the continued protection of the fundamental Treaty, Inherent and Human Rights of the Treaty peoples of those Nations.
The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations is dedicated to ensuring that the terms, spirit and intent of Treaty No. 6 are honored and respected. The inherent rights of the Treaty No. 6 First Nations must be honoured and respected.
Spotlight on the Post COVID Indigenous Economy