FFWD Weekly
Copyright © 1997. All Rights Reserved.
NEWS
by FFWD staffCoal mine hearings begin in Hinton
Environmentalists are fighting to prevent a proposed coal mine from being developed near Jasper National Park due to concerns about the impact on wildlife, however, the majority of residents and businesses in Hinton support the mine and the hundreds of jobs it would create.
The proposed $250-million Cheviot mine would employ about 450 people and replace an existing coal operation in the area which has become depleted. Supporters say the mine would not compromise wildlife and the site would be restored, but opponents say restoration efforts are not natural and would not be sufficient. The area, about two kilometres east of the national park, is home to several species including grizzly bears, elk, moose and various types of fish.
Hearings on the proposal began January 13. Rocky Mountain Ecosystem Coalition lost its bid last week to delay the hearings after a judge dismissed the coalition's last-minute motion because it didn't follow court procedures.
Calgary breaks city record
Calgary set a new record this week, but it was nothing to celebrate. For the first time since people started tracking the city's weather, the temperature dropped to a chilling -39.7°C early Saturday morning. The previous record was -38.3°C, set 81 years ago.
And, the cost of cold weather may soon be going up. Due to the increase in the cost of gas, Canadian Western Natural Gas has applied to the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board for permission to pass the additional expense on to consumers through the monthly heating bill.
The goodness of grapes
Cheers! New research indicates that not only is wine good for the heart, but a substance found in grapes may help prevent cancer. Researchers have found that the substance, resveratrol, can help keep cells from becoming cancerous as well as slow down the spread of cells that are already malignant.
Fat fighter hits the streets
A new drug considered to be a breakthrough in the fight against fat is now available in Canada - Redux helps people lose weight by making them feel full with smaller amounts of food.
However, the drug is not for those trying to lose a few extra pounds. Redux may have serious side-effects after three months and is only intended to be used in conjunction with regular exercise and a low-fat diet by people weighing 30 per cent more than their healthy body weight.
Teen commits suicide while in police custody
A 16-year-old youth became the third Calgary teen in the past eight months to commit suicide while in police custody. Issac Gerard Mercier hanged himself with his shoelaces last week at the District 6 interview room, where he was being held on suspicion of a home-invasion robbery. Police had been warned that Mercier, a resident of William Roper Hull (a home for emotionally disturbed children and adolescents) was depressed and suicidal.
Four days later, another individual who collapsed Dec. 21 while in police custody for inebriation died after several weeks in hospital. Autopsy results indicate the head injury was likely the result of a fall and not an assault.
A provincial fatality inquiry must be held when anyone dies of an unnatural cause while in police custody.
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