Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021

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, acting 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.

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COMING TOMORROW

Afghan Olympian urges Canada to help refugees

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VANCOUVER − Shortly after Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, Friba Rezayee's phone started lighting up with messages from women and girls pleading for help. Rezayee, who made history as one of Afghanistan's first two female Olympians in 2004, now lives in Vancouver. She founded Women Leaders of Tomorrow to support women and girls in Afghanistan through education and athletic opportunities. By Amy Smart. Wire: National. Photos: 1.

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NEWS NOW

Alberta health minister to address hospital crisis

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Edmonton, Alberta, Canada -- Alberta Opposition NDP Leader Rachel Notley says it is time for the government to present a plan to get the province through a rapidly escalating COVID-19 health crisis that has now stopped all non-emergency surgeries in Calgary. By Dean Bennett. Photos: 1

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Alberta health system at 'boiling point': doctors

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Calgary, Alberta, Canada -- Alberta's health-care system is on the verge of collapse, warns a group of physicians who are pleading with the government to strengthen public health measures to fend off a relentless fourth wave of COVID-19. By Alanna Smith. Photos: 1

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Indigenous groups offering vaccine incentives

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Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada -- Some Indigenous groups in Saskatchewan are offering vaccine incentives to encourage people to get their COVID-19 shots. Photos: 1

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Estimated cost of COVID patient in ICU: $50,000

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The average cost of treating a COVID-19 patient who needs intensive care in Canada is estimated at over $50,000 compared with $8,400 for someone who's had a heart attack, a new report says. By Camille Bains. Photos: 1

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B.C. looks for input on anti-racism legislation

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The British Columbia government is asking residents to provide input on proposed anti-racism legislation as members of marginalized communities say the collection of data will help groups flourish.

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Edmonton doctors form opioid response committee

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Edmonton, Alberta, Canada -- Spiking overdose deaths and inaction by the Alberta government have prompted a group of Edmonton physicians to form an opioid poisoning committee to address the escalating crisis. By Alanna Smith. Photos: 1

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Calgary man charged with sex assaults of girls

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A Calgary man has been charged with the sexual assault and exploitation of three girls.

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Supreme Court won't hear Nygard bail appeal

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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada -- The Supreme Court of Canada won't hear a bail appeal from a Canadian fashion mogul who is facing trafficking and racketeering charges in the United States. By Kelly Geraldine Malone. Photos: 1

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Mexican wildfire fighters set to leave B.C.

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Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada -- British Columbia's wildfire service says firefighters from Mexico will begin heading home this weekend after battling blazes since late July. Photos: 1

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IN SPORTS

Davies returns to training with Bayern Munich

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Alphonso Davies, who missed Canada's World Cup qualifying win over El Salvador in Toronto on Wednesday, returned to training with Bayern Munich on Thursday. By Neil Davidson. Photos: 1

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Riders head into hostile environment in Winnipeg

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After opening the season within the friendly confines of Mosaic Stadium, running back William Powell and the Saskatchewan Roughriders are heading into a very hostile environment. By Dan Ralph. Photos: 1

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STILL TO COME TODAY

VICTORIA -- British Columbia's health minister admonished those who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and have staged protests against the province's vaccine passport, saying it's both foolish to refuse a vaccination and disrespectful to protest and potentially interfere with the care for hospital patients.

EDMONTON -- Minister of Health Tyler Shandro and Alberta chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw will announce steps to help reduce pressure on hospitals and provide an update on COVID-19 and the ongoing work to protect public health. 3:30 p.m. Reporter Dean Bennett is staffing and will be updating COVID-Alta

WHITEHORSE -- Yukon’s acting chief medical officer of health, Dr. Catherine Elliott, and deputy education minister of Nicole Morgan answer questions on COVID-19 and schools in the territory. 3 p.m. Reporter Amy Smart is covering.

VANCOUVER -- Ross Alderson, former director of anti-money laundering at the British Columbia Lottery Corp. is set to testify at the Cullen commission. 3 p.m. Reporter Dirk Meissner is covering.

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Canadian Press Western Bureau

The Canadian Press