Elections Alberta has launched what it describes as one of the largest referendum staffing campaigns ever undertaken in Canada as the province prepares for a provincewide vote scheduled for October 19. The agency says it needs approximately 60,000 workers to administer and count ballots for 10 referendum questions that will be put to Alberta voters. Under provincial rules, ballot counting must be completed within 48 hours of polls closing. One of the referendum questions will ask Albertans whether the province should remain part of Canada or begin the legal process required to hold a binding r

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to use a speech in Calgary today to argue that changes in federal policy could help address growing separatist sentiment in Alberta. According to excerpts of the speech shared with The Canadian Press, Poilievre will call for measures aimed at expanding resource development, accelerating pipeline construction, respecting provincial jurisdiction and reducing tax burdens. Poilievre's prepared remarks argue that many Albertans who support separation are frustrated with federal decision-making rather than with other Canadians. The speech states that

The Alberta government has announced funding for five major sporting events taking place across the province this year, including four events scheduled in Edmonton and surrounding communities. According to the provincial government, $1.3 million has been provided through the Alberta Major Sport Event Grant Program to support national and international competitions. The funding also includes support for seven sporting events that were held earlier this year. Upcoming events receiving support include the North American Cup Series from June 26 to 28, the Edmonton Athletics Invitational on July 12

Edmonton police have charged a 30-year-old man in connection with alleged sexual offences involving a minor and say investigators believe there may be additional victims. According to the Edmonton Police Service, Brian Brook Kaskamin was arrested on June 2 and faces several charges, including sexual offences involving a minor and administering an intoxicating substance. The allegations have not been tested in court. Police allege Kaskamin used the Grindr app to contact minors and would often invite vulnerable youth to his residence in northeast Edmonton. Investigators said they are concerned t

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith visited Quebec this week as part of efforts to strengthen relations between the two provinces, which some political observers have informally dubbed the “Alberbec” or “Queberta” alliance. Speaking during the visit, Smith acknowledged that Alberta and Quebec have historically disagreed on a range of policy issues. However, she said the provinces now share more common interests than differences, particularly in their concerns about Ottawa's relationship with provincial governments. Smith criticized the federal government, arguing that both Alberta and Quebe

A rainfall warning remains in effect for Calgary as Environment and Climate Change Canada says the city could see additional precipitation before conditions gradually improve. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Calgary may receive about 10 millimetres of rain today, with heavier rainfall expected to taper into showers later in the day. The agency warns that water may pool on roads and in low-lying areas as the system continues to move through the region. The Calgary Fire Department says flows in the Bow and Elbow rivers are approaching levels it describes as roughly twice the

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to meet with Quebec officials this week as discussions continue on energy development, trade, investment and provincial autonomy. Meetings planned for Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to include talks with Quebec Economic Development Minister Christine Fréchette and other provincial representatives. According to Smith's office, the discussions will focus on strengthening economic ties between provinces and exploring opportunities for greater interprovincial cooperation. Smith said Quebec may revisit discussions about developing its natural gas res

RCMP west of Calgary are urging residents to stay away from the Bow River as water levels remain elevated following recent rainfall and snowmelt. According to a release from the Cochrane RCMP, officers have responded to multiple reports of people venturing too close to the river despite hazardous conditions. The Bow River originates at Bow Lake in Banff National Park and flows through communities including Canmore and Calgary. Police said fast-moving water and changing river conditions can increase the risk of injury or drowning. RCMP are asking residents and visitors to prioritize safety by k

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending her government's decision to include a question on Alberta's potential separation from Canada in a provincial referendum scheduled for Oct. 19, despite the petition supporting the measure not yet being formally verified. According to Smith, the group Stay Free Alberta submitted more than 300,000 signatures in support of the referendum question. Under Alberta's citizen initiative rules, approximately 177,000 valid signatures are required to advance a proposal to a province-wide vote. Smith said Elections Alberta has been unable to complete its verific