Calgary Citizen Newsletter Feb. 27

Plus: Pharmacare bombshell, hot chocolate, and Special Olympics

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Good morning !

And just like that - it’s almost March! I always notice the first two months of the year going SO FAST. And since this is a leap year, those born on Feb. 29 will actually get to celebrate their birthdays on the day they were actually born. I’ve never really thought about it until today but if we stopped recognizing the leap year, at some point in the 2400’s, January would eventually drift into summertime in the northern hemisphere.

Krista Sylvester, Managing Editor

👀 In today's edition:

  • Albertans may miss out on pharmacare

  • Stop signs cause chaos

  • Hot chocolate!

Today’s read time: Approx. 4 minutes

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QUICK POLL

Do you support the UCP government's decision to opt out of the national pharmacare plan?

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WORTH KNOWING

🌧️ Today: High -20C, Low -26C. See the 7-day forecast.

🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.

Alberta reportedly wants to opt out of the proposed national pharmacare program

Under the current Alberta health insurance plan, birth control is not universally covered, nor is every person with diabetes eligible for coverage of the supplies their doctor prescribes. // Shutterstock

The federal government is phasing in its new national pharmacare program, which is set to include coverage of birth control and diabetes medication for Canadians. The feds said it can be implemented within its spending budget. The Alberta government says it will opt out of the program. What does this mean? Details are limited at the moment, but Alberta says it intends to obtain a full per capita share of the funding because the province was not consulted on the plan.

As Global news reports, not everyone is happy with the decision. “I think the real question is why would the government not want to implement this? Do they not want to save the $40 million? Do they not want to make life more affordable for every day Albertans and improve the maternal health in this province and help support women to get back into the workforce and let them choose when they want to have pregnancies?” said Dr. Rupindeer Toor, who started a petition last year aimed at advocating for federal universal access to free prescription contraception.

As City News reports, there has already been lots of reaction online — some people are celebrating it, while others are confused as to why the UCP government would not participate. Calgary political scientist Duane Bratt says the province likely is choosing to fight back in another situation that doesn’t make sense. “It’s just the reflex answer, it’s ‘No, stay in your lane’ and ‘Just give us the money.’ But that’s not going to happen.”

In case you missed it the first time

Need to know

🛑 New 'no stopping' signs on a Calgary street are disrupting parking for residents.

🚶 A Calgary couple is working toward their goal of walking through every community in the city one step at a time.

🚬 A group of University of Calgary students are calling for the government to tightly regulate vaping and nicotine pouches.

❤️ This colourful perogy business helped a Ukrainian family find safety and success in Calgary.

🔥 'We're stuck in the middle': Owner faces a 2-year delay for a fire inspection at a seniors home.

🏅 'He is an absolute machine': Proud coaches show off three of Calgary's exemplary Special Olympics athletes.

🥶 Winter-like conditions are blowing into the city this week, after unseasonably warm temperatures.

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Get your hot chocolate fix before the month ends

Cornerstone Cafe // YYC Hot Chocolate Fest

There’s only a couple of days left of the YYC Hot Chocolate Festival, so if you haven’t checked it out yet you might want to try one of these chocolately concoctions before it’s too late. Sure, you can try hot chocolate anytime you want, but these specialty options also help support a great cause.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Taj Mahal Restaurant: Being open for 15+ years, this restaurant is well known for its weekday lunch buffet and Wednesday night buffet, along with its authentic vibe, and quality ingredients. Grab a masala chai or mango milkshake that pairs well with any meal.

🍴 Wiener Schnitzel Haus: Offering authentic Austrian flavours, this restaurant is open Thursday to Saturdays from 5-9pm and offers a limited menu that’s cooked to perfection. Save room for dessert!

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Local specials

💸 Henry Sports Group Sample Sale: Looking for sports gear? Here’s the chance to score 50-70% off of lifestyle clothing, technical gear for skiing, hiking, climbing, and more at this biannual sample sale with limited visiting hours. The 3-day sale starts today.

💸 Winefest at the BMO Centre: If you love wine, you’re going to love this promo code offered by Sarah Sociables to get $20 off for the Winefest March 1-2. Use promo Code Sarah20.

Have a promo suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Murder In The Bayou Dinner Show: On Thursday, get ready for a thrilling evening of mystery and comic relief at Jane Bond BBQ's Venue Glamp-Shack, which is a new dinner show for couples, families, friends and special occasions

🎟️ Food & Nutrition for Cancer Treatment & Recovery Mar 14 & 21: Are you faced with eating challenges due to swallowing difficulty, taste changes, or dry mouth caused by your cancer treatment? Learn tips for regaining health through good nutrition with survivors like you. Plan to attend both sessions. Questions? Call 587-747-0260.*

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

*Sponsored Listing

That’s it!

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And before you go, we’d love to know…

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We’ll see you back here on Thursday, same time, same place!

Krista

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