CanadaMay 16, 2025
Alberta reports 14 new measles cases, bringing provincial total to over 400
Alberta has now seen more than 400 cases of measles within the last two months. The province confirmed 14 new cases Thursday, bringing the provincial total to 409 since the beginning of March. More than 300 of the total cases of the highly contagious disease have been found in children, with 127 cases confirmed in those under age five.
The government says 35 people have been hospitalized. More than half of all cases have been in southern parts of Alberta, while just six cases have been confirmed in the Edmonton area. Measles symptoms include fever, coughing, runny nose, red eyes and a blot
CanadaMay 16, 2025
Onion Lake Cree Nation to proceed with legal challenge of Alberta sovereignty act
Alberta's bill lowering the bar for a separation referendum has spurred a First Nation to push ahead with a legal challenge against the premier's flagship sovereignty act. Danielle Smith has said her Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act is needed to push back on what the province believes is unconstitutional federal encroachment on provincial jurisdiction.
But Onion Lake Cree Nation Chief Henry Lewis says it undermines his community's pre-existing treaty with the Crown. He announced the legal challenge is moving forward a day after Smith's government passed a bill significantly l
AlbertaMay 15, 2025
Alberta government amends referendum bill in effort to placate First Nations' concern
Alberta's government has made 11th-hour changes to controversial proposed legislation declaring that no separatio referendum question could threaten First Nations' existing treaty rights.
Premier Danielle Smith's government is working to considerably lower the threshold to allow for citizen-initiated referendums, including whether the province should separate from Canada.
Her government's proposed bill has yet to become law. Chiefs of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and Mikisew Cree First Nation say the amendments mean nothing, and the bill still needs to be shredded.
Opposition N
CanadaMay 15, 2025
Police say Calgary bus driver attacked for refusing to go off route
Police say a Calgary transit bus driver was attacked for apparently refusing to drive off his route. Two suspects have been arrested. They say the driver had refused a request to deviate from his designated route and was assaulted in the city's northeast.
One rider tried to intervene in the attack but did not sustain serious injuries. The driver was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition but was upgraded to stable. Police say charges are pending against the suspects. ``We fully recognize that this is a highly concerning incident for Calgarians, and we are working with our partners
AlbertaMay 14, 2025
Transit bus driver in hospital after attack in Calgary By Matthew Scace
A Calgary transit bus driver is being treated for injuries in hospital after he was attacked on the job. Police say two people assaulted the driver while he was operating a bus in the city's northeast.
He was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition and later upgraded to stable. Officers have not located any suspects, and investigators are canvassing the area.
Concerns over transit safety and low ridership last year prompted the city to begin spending $15 million for new transit peace officers.
AlbertaMay 14, 2025
Alberta government releases 10-year strategy to end gender-based violence
Alberta's government has unveiled a 10-year strategy to end gender-based violence that outlines more than 100 initiatives aimed at awareness, prevention, intervention and long-term support for survivors.
Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir says it's a comprehensive plan to help co-ordinate provincewide efforts and will aim to address the root causes, including financial insecurity. As part of that strategy, she's committing to supporting Indigenous-led solutions, and to reporting annually on rates of gender-based violence in the province as soon as next year.
February's budget put
CanadaMay 14, 2025
Alberta's premier says new environment minister a 'step in the wrong direction'
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says picking Julie Dabrusin as Canada's environment minister is a bad idea that forecasts renewed federal opposition to her province's wellspring oil and gas industry.
``I am very concerned the Prime Minister (Mark Carney) has appointed what appears to be yet another anti-oil and gas environment minister, ``Not only is she a self-proclaimed architect of the designation of plastics as toxic, but she is a staunch advocate against oilsands expansion, proponent of phasing out oil and gas, and for the last four years, she has served as the right hand to former enviro
CanadaMay 14, 2025
Thousands of Alberta civil servants vote to strike to back demands
The union representing thousands of Alberta government workers has voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action. The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees says members have voted 90 per cent in favour of hitting the picket lines, but says the goal remains to get a deal at the bargaining table.
A strike date has not been set, but could happen in the next four months. The union represents roughly 23,000 people working in jobs ranging from law enforcement to social work. The union says it's seeking wage hikes, improved working conditions and job security. Alberta's finance minister did not
AlbertaMay 13, 2025
Alberta premier's chief of staff criticizes new environment minister
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's chief of staff is sounding the alarm over Prime Minister Mark Carney's pick to head up the government's environment portfolio.
Rob Anderson says when it comes to new Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin, Albertans should ``sit down'' for what he suggests is a shocking announcement. He points to Dabrusin's website, which touts her support for putting a price on carbon pollution, her strong stance against oilsands expansion, and her push for a transition away from fossil fuels. Anderson, in a social media post, says, in his words, ``fire...mee