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AlbertaJun 24, 2026

Alberta Forms Panel to Boost Infrastructure Funding Without Raising Taxes

Alberta's Municipal Affairs Minister, Dan Williams, has assembled a panel to explore ways of increasing funding for infrastructure projects without raising taxes. Williams announced the creation of the ministers' council today in Jasper, where provincial and territorial municipal ministers are gathering for their annual meeting on Wednesday and Thursday. The panel includes representatives from communities and industries across Alberta. It has been tasked with reviewing how infrastructure projects are currently financed, identifying funding gaps, and recommending practical solutions to address
AlbertaJun 23, 2026

Alberta Reverses Increase in Minimum Alcohol Prices

Alberta's liquor authority has cancelled a recent increase to the minimum price of alcohol sold in bars and restaurants. The decision comes after a weekend social media dispute between Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas. Smith and senior members of her government criticized Calgary City Council over new noise and curfew rules introduced for the Calgary Stampede. In response, Mayor Farkas criticized the province's decision to raise minimum alcohol prices. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said Calgary's leadership should follow the province's example by repealing the contr
AlbertaJun 23, 2026

Edmonton Lifts Water Supply Alert After Stormwater System Stabilizes

The City of Edmonton has lifted the water supply alert that was issued on Sunday following several days of heavy rainfall. In an advisory released late Monday, officials said residents can return to their normal routines as the city's stormwater system has now stabilized. The recent downpours put significant pressure on multiple stormwater systems, raising concerns about flooding and sewer backups. In response, Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack and utility provider Epcor had urged residents to minimize their water use. Epcor spokesperson Martin Kennedy said the company responded to more than 600 cal
former-alberta-finance-minister-joe-ceci-will-not-seek-re-election-in-2027
AlbertaJun 22, 2026

Former Alberta finance minister Joe Ceci will not seek re-election in 2027

Longtime Alberta politician Joe Ceci says he will not seek re-election in the province's next general election, scheduled for the fall of 2027. Ceci served as Alberta's finance minister in former premier Rachel Notley's New Democratic government from 2015 to 2019, becoming the province's only NDP finance minister. During his time in cabinet, the government increased the minimum wage and expanded funding for family and community support programs. His tenure also coincided with a sharp downturn in oil prices that contributed to significant provincial budget deficits. The NDP government argued th
AlbertaJun 22, 2026

Alberta MLA expense claims draw scrutiny over high-end meals and minor purchases

A review of Alberta legislators' expense disclosures for the last fiscal year shows elected officials across party lines claimed expenses ranging from high-end restaurant meals to small everyday purchases, prompting questions from political observers about public perception and accountability. Under Alberta's legislative rules, members of the legislative assembly receive budgets to operate constituency offices, cover travel costs and host constituents and stakeholders. MLAs are also required to publicly disclose expense reports with itemized receipts. Among the larger expenses, Municipal Affai
AlbertaJun 22, 2026

Edmonton area residents urged to conserve water as heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems

Officials in Edmonton and several neighbouring communities are urging residents to reduce water use after heavy rainfall caused localized flooding and pushed stormwater and sewer systems toward capacity. The City of Edmonton issued a water supply alert, saying flooding and sewer backups have been reported in surrounding areas and warning that additional problems could occur if the stormwater system continues operating above capacity. Utility provider Epcor asked customers to delay activities that use large amounts of water, including showering, running washing machines and dishwashers, and to
AlbertaJun 19, 2026

Crane driver missing after vehicle plunges into Wapiti River near Grande Prairie

A crane operator remains missing after a commercial vehicle left a bridge and entered the Wapiti River near Grande Prairie, according to the RCMP. Police said the incident occurred Tuesday when the crane struck a guardrail on the Wapiti River Bridge and went into the river. Emergency crews, including RCMP officers, firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, responded to the scene. RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mathew Howell said the crane remains submerged. The cause of the collision is under investigation. According to RCMP, divers have not been able to enter the river because of strong currents
AlbertaJun 19, 2026

Calgary Transit workers to rally ahead of court hearing in driver assault case

Calgary Transit employees and members of ATU Local 583 are expected to gather outside Municipal Plaza today ahead of a court hearing related to the assault of a bus driver that occurred last year. According to ATU Local 583, members will hold a rally at noon before proceeding to the Calgary Courts Centre for a scheduled hearing at 1:30 p.m. The union says the demonstration is intended to highlight ongoing concerns about the safety of transit operators and frontline transit staff. The case stems from an incident in May 2025 near Falconridge Boulevard and Castleridge Boulevard, where a Calgary T
alberta-residents-to-receive-100-relief-payment-within-two-weeks-of-application-smith-says
AlbertaJun 19, 2026

Alberta residents to receive $100 relief payment within two weeks of application, Smith says

Eligible Albertans will receive a $100 provincial relief payment within approximately two weeks of submitting an application, according to Premier Danielle Smith. Smith said the Alberta government chose to provide direct payments to residents instead of reducing the provincial gasoline tax. She said fuel tax reductions do not always result in savings reaching consumers, making direct assistance a more effective way to help households manage rising costs. According to the Alberta government, the relief program was triggered after higher global oil prices increased provincial energy royalty reve

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lytton-wildfire-brought-under-control-as-24-fires-remain-active-across-b-c
BCJun 24, 2026

Lytton Wildfire Brought Under Control as 24 Fires Remain Active Across B.C.

The wildfire burning near the Village of Lytton, B.C., has now been brought under control. The fire was first discovered last Friday and is believed to have been caused by human activity. The blaze grew sixfold overnight, prompting evacuation orders and forcing the temporary closure of Highway 1 through the area. According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, eight new wildfires were discovered across the province in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of active wildfires in British Columbia to 24. Fire crews continue working to contain and extinguish the blazes. The agency said that 13 of t
severe-heatwave-in-france-claims-58-lives-40-drown-while-trying-to-escape-the-heat
WorldJun 24, 2026

Severe Heatwave in France Claims 58 Lives; 40 Drown While Trying to Escape the Heat

A severe heatwave in France has claimed the lives of 58 people so far. According to reports, many people have been seeking relief from the scorching temperatures by swimming in rivers, lakes, and canals. As a result, 40 people have drowned over the past few days, with most of the victims being young people. In addition, 18 people, including two children, have died from heat-related illnesses and heatstroke. The extreme temperatures also forced the shutdown of France's Golfech nuclear power plant on Monday night. Officials expect the temperature of the Garonne River, which is used to cool the p
AlbertaJun 24, 2026

Alberta Forms Panel to Boost Infrastructure Funding Without Raising Taxes

Alberta's Municipal Affairs Minister, Dan Williams, has assembled a panel to explore ways of increasing funding for infrastructure projects without raising taxes. Williams announced the creation of the ministers' council today in Jasper, where provincial and territorial municipal ministers are gathering for their annual meeting on Wednesday and Thursday. The panel includes representatives from communities and industries across Alberta. It has been tasked with reviewing how infrastructure projects are currently financed, identifying funding gaps, and recommending practical solutions to address
canada-to-send-warships-to-indo-pacific-twice-increase-military-cooperation-with-japan-and-philippines
CanadaJun 24, 2026

Canada to send warships to Indo-Pacific twice, increase military cooperation with Japan and Philippines

Canada plans to deploy its naval warships to the Indo-Pacific region twice this year, Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed during an interview in Tokyo on Wednesday. The move is part of Ottawa's broader strategy to strengthen military ties with regional partners in the Indo-Pacific, even as Canada continues efforts to maintain trade relations with China. Canadian warships are scheduled to arrive in the region in August and November, where they will participate in various military exercises and make port calls in Japan. McGuinty said Canada is deepening its presence and cooperation with Ja
CanadaJun 24, 2026

Alleged Driver in Canada's Biggest Gold Heist Sentenced to 13 Years in U.S. Gun Smuggling Case

Durante King-McLean, the alleged getaway driver in the largest gold theft in Canadian history, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison by a U.S. court on weapons trafficking charges. The 27-year-old faces charges in Canada for allegedly driving the truck that fled with the stolen gold during the massive heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport in April 2023. Authorities say King-McLean fled Canada shortly after the robbery. He was arrested in September 2023 during a traffic stop by Pennsylvania State Police. A search of his rental vehicle uncovered 65 handguns hidden inside various soc