Alberta at Noon

For 75 years, red cross has been synonymous with swim lessons for millions of Canadian kids. But that era will end this year, as the Red Cross moves out of the pool, to focus on its humanitarian work. In most cases, the Lifesaving Society of Canada will take over. Today - whether you were young or old, willing or not, what is the story you tell about learning to swim. Victoria Logan is the Manager of Aquatics at the University of Calgary. As a child, she took Red Cross swimming lessons. And has been teaching them for the last twenty years. We're also joined by Robert Otarola. He's the Aquatics Specialty Programmer for the YMCA of Northern Alberta and has been teaching people to swim for the last seven or eight years.

Is Russia going to invade Ukraine? Canada's foreign affairs minister is in Ukraine, along with other Western diplomats and politicians, trying to stave off a Russian invasion. Russia has stationed an estimated 100,000 troops with tanks along the eastern border of the country. It's seen as part of the Russian president's attempts to reassert dominance. Listeners share their thoughts and David Marples, a professor of Russian and East European History at the University of Alberta, weighs in.

What should Alberta's justice minister do now? The premier calls for a review - is that enough? Justice Minister Kaycee Madu got a $300 ticket for distracted driving in a school zone last March. He then called Edmonton’s police chief to talk about it. Premier Kenney has asked Madu to step back from his job as justice minister while a review is underway. CBC reporter Elise von Scheel and Professor of political science Lisa Young speak about it.

Also on the show, Do you have something that's bringing you a bit of joy these days? We all know what's bringing us down so what's lifting you up? A pleasant distraction. Something to look forward to? We hear from Psychology professor Lynn Honey and Calgary musician Mat Masters.

How are people with COVID-19 passing the time while in isolation? We hear your stories about how you're feeling and what you're doing to stay busy. Plus, we play a few song requests.

Shannon Moroney forgave her former husband for something many of us might find hard to fathom. A month after they married, he sexually and physically assaulted two women, and was subsequently deemed a dangerous offender. It sent Moroney down a path that lead her to where she is now. She's a counsellor, an author, an advocate for restorative justice and someone who finds healing in forgiveness. We chat with her while also hearing listeners' stories about forgiveness.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault says his province will become the first in Canada to make those who refuse to get vaccinated pay a fee. Should other provinces do the same? Legal experts and listeners weigh in.

What do you love about winter? Is there a winter activity that makes going outside in the cold worth it? Leigh McAdam,an outdoor and adventure blogger at hikebiketravel.com, and Karen Ung, an Alberta Parks ambassador and blogger at playoutsideguide.com, share their recommendations.

We quiz Albertans on their weather knowledge with the help of CBC meteorologist Christy Climenhaga.

Omicron has overwhelmed our ability to test for COVID 19 - there are no rapid tests available, and PCR testing is restricted to high priority groups. We're joined by CBC health reporter Jennifer Lee and infectious diseases specialist Dr. Brian Conway.

A growing number of children is showing up in Emergency Rooms in Alberta needing mental health care. We're joined by Calgary psychiatrist, Dr. Chris Wilkes, and Calgary mother, Erin Gionet, to hear your stories of what you learned when you sought mental health care for your kids.