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AlbertaNov 07, 2025

Bitumen spill suspected in North Saskatchewan River after tanker crash near Smoky Lake

Emergency crews are responding to an apparent bitumen spill into the North Saskatchewan River after a tanker truck lost control and slid off a snow-covered highway northeast of Edmonton. RCMP from the Smoky Lake detachment said the vehicle left Highway 831 and entered the river amid heavy snow and poor road conditions. The driver reportedly climbed onto the truck’s roof before being rescued by boat. An environmental response team has been deployed to contain and clean up the spill, while officials continue to assess whether bitumen entered the river system. RCMP confirmed the driver was not
AlbertaNov 07, 2025

Alberta teachers launch court challenge over government’s use of notwithstanding clause to end strike

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has taken legal action against Premier Danielle Smith’s government, arguing that the recent law used to end their provincewide strike violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. ATA President Jason Schilling said the association has filed a court application asking a judge to suspend the law while a full constitutional challenge proceeds. Schilling called the government’s reliance on the Charter’s notwithstanding clause “unconstitutional” and said it undermines the role of the courts in protecting fundamental rights. The law in ques
jasper-park-lodge-manager-honoured-for-quick-action-during-2024-wildfire
AlbertaNov 06, 2025

Jasper Park Lodge manager honoured for quick action during 2024 wildfire

The general manager of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has received global recognition for his leadership during last year’s wildfire that threatened the landmark mountain resort. Garrett Turta was named Hotelier of the Year by Historic Hotels Worldwide, an international organization that recognizes excellence and leadership in the hospitality industry. The group described the award as its highest individual honour. Turta said he was shocked to learn he had been selected. He was overseeing operations in late July 2024 when the wildfire advanced toward the property. As about 2,500 guests and staff
premier-smith-says-no-immediate-plans-to-amend-alberta-recall-law
AlbertaNov 06, 2025

Premier Smith says no immediate plans to amend Alberta recall law

Premier Danielle Smith says her government has no current plans to change Alberta’s recall legislation, even as two petitions to remove sitting United Conservative Party members have been approved by Elections Alberta. Speaking to reporters, Smith said she is concerned that some recall efforts may be politically motivated rather than genuine attempts to hold elected officials accountable. She suggested the process may be used to undermine her government rather than serve its intended democratic purpose. The premier confirmed that no legislative amendments are being considered “at the momen
AlbertaNov 06, 2025

West Edmonton drug house shut down after repeated police calls, Alberta Sheriffs say

A west Edmonton home that police say was the source of frequent criminal activity has been shut down by Alberta Sheriffs following months of neighbourhood complaints and more than 40 police visits. The province confirmed Thursday that the residence at 15812 110A Avenue Northwest has been closed for 90 days, until February 3, 2026, under Alberta’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act. All occupants, including the property owner, have been ordered to leave while the building is boarded up, fenced and secured. Officials say residents in the area had long reported suspicious behaviour
AlbertaNov 05, 2025

Anglican Diocese questions Alberta's use of notwithstanding clause on teachers

The Anglican Diocese of Edmonton is questioning the Alberta government’s decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause to end the ongoing provincewide teachers strike, saying the move could have troubling implications for democratic freedoms. Bishop Stephen London said in an open letter that while he does not wish to engage in partisan politics, the use of the clause to suspend Charter rights undermines fundamental freedoms such as freedom of association. He warned that limiting one group’s rights could have broader consequences for freedom of conscience and religion across Canada. The Uni
AlbertaNov 05, 2025

Recall petition launched against Airdrie MLA Angela Pitt over community concerns

An Airdrie resident has initiated a formal recall campaign against United Conservative Party MLA Angela Pitt, saying she no longer represents the interests of her community. Local organizer Derek Keenan says the effort is not politically motivated, but rather a response to what he views as declining engagement from Pitt in addressing local concerns. He emphasized that he does not want the seat to shift to the New Democratic Party, but believes residents have not been adequately heard. Pitt, who has represented Airdrie-East for the past ten years, says she remains committed to her constituents
calgary-police-report-rise-in-domestic-violence-cases-as-city-nears-five-year-high
AlbertaNov 04, 2025

Calgary police report rise in domestic violence cases as city nears five-year high

Calgary police say domestic violence incidents in the city are increasing and could reach their highest level in five years, as November marks Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta. New figures from the Calgary Police Service show 3,592 domestic violence reports were filed between January and September 2025, compared to a five-year average of 3,163. Domestic conflict incidents – which include verbal disputes and other non-criminal situations – also climbed to 14,616, surpassing the average of 14,193 for the same period. Police note the statistics exclude cases involving children and
alberta-begins-search-for-new-auditor-general-as-wylies-term-nears-end
AlbertaNov 04, 2025

Alberta begins search for new auditor general as Wylie’s term nears end

The Alberta government is moving ahead with a search for the province’s next auditor general, even as the current officeholder, Doug Wylie, offered to remain for two additional years to complete ongoing investigations. Wylie, whose eight-year term expires in April 2026, has been overseeing an audit of health-care contract procurement practices following corruption allegations involving a former senior official at Alberta Health Services. Despite his offer to stay on and finish the review, United Conservative Party members on a legislative committee voted to begin recruiting for his replaceme

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police-reported-hate-crimes-level-off-in-2024-after-multi-year-rise-statistics-canada-says
CanadaMar 30, 2026

Police-reported hate crimes level off in 2024 after multi-year rise, Statistics Canada says

The number of police-reported hate crimes in Canada remained largely unchanged in 2024 following several years of sharp increases, according to new data released by Statistics Canada. The agency reported 4,882 hate crimes in 2024, marking a one per cent increase over the previous year. The latest figures follow a 34 per cent rise between 2022 and 2023, and a broader trend that has seen reported incidents more than double since 2018, according to the federal data agency. Statistics Canada said incidents targeting race or ethnicity increased by eight per cent in 2024. At the same time, police-re
WorldMar 30, 2026

27 missing after passenger boat sinks in rough seas in eastern Indonesia

Search and rescue teams were deployed Monday after a passenger boat sank in rough seas off eastern Indonesia, leaving 27 people missing, according to local authorities. Muhammad Rizal, head of the search and rescue office in Palu, Central Sulawesi, said the vessel, identified as Nazila 05, was travelling from Taliabu Island in North Maluku province to the coastal village of Kema when it encountered severe weather late Sunday. According to Rizal, the boat’s captain contacted the owner early Monday to report that the bow had broken after being struck by high waves. Roughly 30 minutes later, th
man-critically-injured-in-police-involved-shooting-during-traffic-stop-in-fort-st-john
BCMar 30, 2026

Man critically injured in police-involved shooting during traffic stop in Fort St. John

A man is in hospital with life-threatening injuries following a police-involved shooting during a traffic stop early Sunday in Fort St. John, according to British Columbia’s police watchdog and the RCMP. The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. said in a statement that the incident occurred shortly after 3 a.m. near 86 Street and 97 Avenue. RCMP officers had stopped a pickup truck after determining one of the two occupants was believed to have outstanding warrants. According to RCMP, one exited the vehicle carrying a weapon, prompting an officer to discharge a firearm. The man, identifi
motorcyclist-injured-in-new-westminster-hit-and-run-police-seek-driver-witnesses
BCMar 30, 2026

Motorcyclist injured in New Westminster hit and run; police seek driver, witnesses

Police in New Westminster are asking for the public’s help following a hit and run that left a motorcyclist injured Saturday evening. According to a release from the New Westminster Police Department, officers responded to a crash in the 200 block of McBride Boulevard at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Investigators say a white van struck a motorcyclist and then fled the scene. The motorcyclist was taken to hospital with injuries. Police are urging the driver involved to come forward. Investigators are also asking anyone who may have dash camera or nearby CCTV footage from the area around the time
WorldMar 30, 2026

Spain restricts U.S. military access to airspace, bases amid Iran conflict

Spain has barred U.S. military aircraft from using its airspace and bases in connection with ongoing operations involving Iran, according to a statement by the country’s defence ministry. Defence Minister Margarita Robles said Spain will not allow its territory or infrastructure to be used for military actions linked to Iran. The restriction applies to U.S. military flights, while commercial and emergency aircraft are exempt. The decision means U.S. aircraft will need to reroute operations that would typically pass through Spanish-controlled airspace or rely on Spanish military facilities. P