Category: Ft Mac

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Ft Mac Health

Could the Ebola Virus Come to Fort MacMurray?

Ebola virus, Fort MacMurray
Ebola virus, Fort MacMurray

With the Ebola virus constantly on the news, and the fact that a man in the USA was recently diagnosed with this often deadly disease, could Ebola come to Fort MacMurray? This virus may be considered one of the scariest because of the symptoms experienced and the sometimes very high mortality rate. Until recently the virus has been restricted to certain parts of the world and North America has not had reason to worry. That has changed some today. In the USA there has been a confirmed case of Ebola in Texas, and the patient reported to the local Emergency Room with viral symptoms. Even after the patient explained that he had arrived on US soil recently from Liberia, and with the symptoms identified, the patient was released and sent home. 6 days later the patient required an ambulance because his condition worsened, and it was at this point that the Ebola virus was identified.

The risk of Ebola infection to Fort MacMurray resident and Wood Buffalo areas is small according to Dr. Gregory Taylor, who is the chief public health officer for Canada. “The risk to Canadians remains very low.” Border agents on the Canadian border have been well trained, and these agents are questioning all new arrivals in the country who come from West Africa. Any travelers who report feeling ill or who show any signs of Ebola are quarantined immediately. In addition the Canadian government has a supply of the medications needed if any travelers do test positive for the Ebola virus.

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Ft Mac

Fort MacMurray Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Week

Fort MacMurray, mental health
Fort MacMurray, mental health

Mental health awareness week will be recognized in Fort MacMurray from Sunday, October 5, 2014 through October 11, 2014. The Canadian Mental Health Association will sponsor events and hope to raise awareness of mental health issues in the Fort MacMurray area. This will be the 22nd Mental Health Awareness Week, and the events are held on a yearly basis. The goal is to remove the stigma associated with mental health issues, and to make communities aware of mental health resources that are available. Educating people on mental illness and teaching individuals what they can do to help someone with these problems is essential to ensuring that everyone who needs mental health help receives it. It is time that mental illness receives the same attention and resources that other medical conditions do, without the stigma often associated with mental illness.

Emma Murray, who is the events coordinator for the Canadian Mental Health Association, was quoted as saying “It’s an annual national public education campaign designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness. Nearly one in five Canadians is affected by mental illness, but yet a persistent stigma prevents millions from getting the help they need. So one in five Canadians is affected by mental illness, (but) four in five can help.” The events in Fort MacMurray will start with a community walk on Sunday. According to Murray “(The walk) is about fighting the stigma and raising awareness by walking along Franklin Avenue, with signs, posters and balloons, and creating that awareness.”

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Ft Mac

RCMP Takes on Speeding and Other Traffic Violations

RCMP, traffic violations
RCMP, traffic violations

Last week the RCMP took on speeding and other traffic violations in the area, handing out numerous tickets. Speeding was one of the top traffic violations, with distracted driving coming in second. With the harsh winter months almost here the RCMP is trying to keep the roads safe, and that means handing out traffic violations when these are spotted by officers. A total of 32 tickets for speeding were handed out just in the Gregoire Lakes Estate area, and 12 traffic violations for speeding in a school zone were also given during the week. 17 people received traffic violations for distracted driving, and 4 people were arrested for driving while impaired. The remoteness of Fort MacMurray and Wood Buffalo make the number of RCMP traffic violations troubling. When the winter weather hits the roadways will become risky due to ice and snow, and even being distracted for a few seconds or going a few miles over the speed limit will be dangerous.

Some of the RCMP arrests and traffic violations cited were somewhat unusual according to RCMP Cst. George Cameron. “This past Saturday morning around 8:00, members did a traffic stop and they got an impaired driver. They got another… impaired driver at 2:00 in the afternoon on Saturday. Those are unusual, we don’t like to see those things, but I’m glad our members were there to get these people off the road.” Usually impaired driving occurs in the evening and night hours, so having two in a row during the day is troubling. This is the period when there are many more people on the roads, and the danger of an accident with another vehicle is much higher.

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Ft Mac

Moving Services in Fort MacMurray

moving services in Fort MacMurray, relocating
moving services in Fort MacMurray, relocating

When it comes to moving services in Fort MacMurray there are a number of businesses and companies to chose from, whether you are relocating to the area or just going from one home in Wood Buffalo to another. These companies include movers, storage businesses in the local area, and expediters who can arrange for services and assistance. Sentinel Storage is a storage business in the local area which offers storage spaces of various sizes for very competitive prices, making it easy and convenient. This Fort MacMurray business is a leader in the Canada storage industry, with secure facilities and top customer service that is appreciated and valued. Whether you are relocating to Fort MacMurray or simply looking for somewhere to store extra belongings that you do not use every day Sentinel Storage is one option you should know about.

Another of the moving services in Fort MacMurray is Bill & Ben-Mighty Moving Men. This company is located in Edmonton and services the Wood Buffalo area. Whether you are moving around in the local area or you are going across Canada this moving business can help you get where you need to go with all of your possessions intact. United Moving & Hauling is another option for moving services in Fort MacMurray. These professionals offer moves that are stress free, and it is even possible to have the movers pack and unpack for you so you don’t have to do this. No matter what your moving and storage needs are there are Fort MacMurray companies who can help with them, making your life easier and less stressful.

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Ft Mac

Fort MacMurray Employment Agencies

Fort MacMurray employment agencies, jobs in Wood Buffalo
Fort MacMurray employment agencies, jobs in Wood Buffalo

There are a number of Fort MacMurray employment agencies for those who are looking for jobs in Wood Buffalo, and some tips that can help you succeed in this goal. Roevin Technical People Ltd. is a division of Adecco Employment, and they specialize in engineering and other highly technical skills that employers are looking for. Since the oil industry plays a very large role in the employment opportunities offered in Wood Buffalo Roevin Technical People Ltd. can provide jobs for those who have the skills and experience that local employers are looking for. Another agency which can help individuals find jobs is the Mikisew Cree First Nation Employment Services. This agency is a government organization that specializes in helping members of the Mikisew Cree First Nation find employment and other services that may be required.

Finding jobs in Wood Buffalo is not difficult when you know about the various Fort MacMurray employment agencies available. Design Group Staffing is one option that local residents have. This agency provides a number of placement types, and these include temporary positions, permanent employment, and even contract positions. Design Group Staffing specializes in technical and engineering positions across many different industries. Buffalo Matrix Services is another agency which can help Wood Buffalo residents find the employment that they are seeking. As a local firm that handles consulting and placement services Buffalo Matrix usually has a number of openings to fill for individuals who are qualified for these open positions. If you live in the Fort MacMurray area and you are looking for work then these agencies can be invaluable resources.

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Ft Mac

What to Expect with Wood Buffalo Winters

Wood Buffalo weather, Wood Buffalo winters
Wood Buffalo weather, Wood Buffalo winters

Wood Buffalo winters can be harsh and unforgiving, but that does not stop people from coming to the area for a visit or even relocating here permanently. Wood buffalo weather is typical for Canada and the region of Alberta, with extremes on both sides of the thermometer. In the summer months the Wood Buffalo weather can be hot and uncomfortable, with shorts frequently used in order to stay cool outside. Many may require air conditioning during the warmer months, but the Wood Buffalo winters can be brutal and even pose serious hazards for those who are not prepared for it. Anyone who is visiting or moving to the area should be prepared for the climate and make sure they understand what they are in for once they arrive and the colder months hit.

Wood Buffalo winters can be long, cold, and dark. Days are quite short and the temperatures can drop down very low. In addition many people do not think about the day to day activities in the cold Wood Buffalo weather. It is often necessary to drive to and from work over snow and ice covered roads, and being dressed for these activities is essential. On the shortest winter days there may be less than 7 hours of daylight, and the daily commute can be treacherous and nerve wracking. The Wood Buffalo winters are not all bad though. Outdoor enthusiasts will find that the Wood Buffalo weather in the colder months can be ideal for skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, and playing outside in.