| CPO closer to goal
The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra says it has raised more than 60 per cent of the money needed to rescue it from bankruptcy.
The orchestra is trying to range $1.5 million to restart its operations as part of a financing deal arranged after sinking into bankruptcy protection earlier this year. The orchestra says it has raised $900,000 so far, which is about 60 per cent of its goal.
Much of that comes courtesy of city council, which kicked in a donation of $250,000.
No deadline has been set to raise the money, and orchestra staff say an announcement of a revival of the orchestra will only be announced when the money is raised.
Country musician Ian Tyson will play a fund-raising concert on January 31 to raise money for the orchestra. The orchestra will also be performing as part of Calgary Opera’s Filumena in early February and Alberta Ballet’s Carmen in mid-February.
Low precipitation
Precipitation levels throughout much of Alberta are significantly lower than normal, which will exacerbate the drought, according to a new Alberta Environment report.
In much of middle and northern Alberta, precipitation levels are as low as 10 per cent of normal levels. Snow accumulation in the mountains is less than last year and up to 50 per cent lower than normal.
The dry conditions indicate the drought that has gripped the province for the past several years is continuing. The drought is being called the worst in Alberta history, and Alberta Environment officials say "very significant" precipitation is needed to improve the province’s water outlook.
Gas rebates
The provincial government says gas prices aren’t high enough to trigger rebates throughout the province, even though opposition politicians are calling in the government to live up to its rebate election promise.
The government says under legislation passed in 2002, gas prices need to reach $5.50 per gigajoule before rebates will be offered, but rates are currently residing at about $3.50 per gigajoule.
The Alberta Liberals, however, say the government promised rebates when gas rates rise and should deliver. The last round of rebates came just prior to a provincial election in which the Tories dominated.
Heath reform
The provincial government is vowing to speed up the pace of health care reform in Alberta, even though critics and a major federal report say the system really needs stable funding.
The Alberta government issued a press release earlier this month saying it plans to increase the pace of implementing recommendations from last year's Mazankowski report on health care. That announcement was in response to a criticism from the government's Health Reform Implementation Team that said health reform was moving too slowly.
Critics of the Mazankowski report and the government's reform movements say the best way to improve the health care system is to follow the lead of the federal government's Romanow report – by strengthening public health care and offering financial stability. |
