12.19°C Vancouver

News

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
sentencing-postponed-for-calgary-man-in-boxing-day-crash-that-killed-young-girl
AlbertaNov 04, 2025

Sentencing postponed for Calgary man in Boxing Day crash that killed young girl

The sentencing of a Calgary man who admitted responsibility for a crash that claimed the life of a nine-year-old girl has been delayed until next year. Duane Nepoose pleaded guilty earlier this year to several charges, including dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, robbery, and fleeing from police following a Boxing Day collision in Calgary. Court proceedings revealed that Nepoose had stolen a minivan and was speeding through city traffic when he ran a red light, colliding with another vehicle. The crash killed nine-year-old Victoria Desjardins and injured se

Just In

AlbertaJun 05, 2026

Edmonton police charge man in alleged sexual offences involving minor, seek additional victims

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
vancouver-police-seize-drugs-cash-and-weapons-in-downtown-eastside-trafficking-investigation
BCJun 05, 2026

Vancouver police seize drugs, cash and weapons in Downtown Eastside trafficking investigation

Vancouver Police say officers seized more than $79,000 worth of illegal drugs, cash and weapons following a targeted drug trafficking investigation in the city's Downtown Eastside. According to a Vancouver Police Department release, the operation, known as Project Bingo, began in December 2025 after investigators observed suspected drug trafficking activity at a single-room occupancy (SRO) building near East Hastings Street and Princess Avenue. Police said investigators spent approximately six months gathering evidence before executing a search warrant at the building last month. Officers repo
no-injuries-reported-after-shots-fired-from-moving-vehicle-at-nanaimo-park
BCJun 05, 2026

No injuries reported after shots fired from moving vehicle at Nanaimo park

Nanaimo RCMP are investigating after shots were reportedly fired from a moving vehicle toward people gathered at a local park on Wednesday evening. According to police, the incident occurred at about 8:40 p.m. at Knowles Park near the intersection of Old Victoria Road and Rainier Street. Witnesses reported that the suspects were travelling in a white Audi vehicle carrying multiple occupants. Police said the vehicle left the area immediately after the shooting. No injuries were reported. Investigators believe the shooting was targeted and not a random attack on members of the public. RCMP have
BCJun 05, 2026

B.C. adds 25,000 jobs in May as unemployment rate holds at 6.8%

British Columbia added 25,000 jobs in May, according to the latest Labour Force Survey released by Statistics Canada, reversing part of the employment losses recorded earlier this year. The gain follows a three-month period from February through April during which the province lost approximately 40,000 jobs. Despite the increase in employment, B.C.'s overall unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.8 per cent. According to Statistics Canada data, much of the job growth was concentrated in the construction and manufacturing sectors. B.C. Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Minister Ravi
CanadaJun 05, 2026

Canada joins 11 international partners in calling for restraint amid Lebanon–Israel attacks

Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has joined counterparts from 11 international partners, including Australia and Denmark, in issuing a joint statement expressing concern over ongoing attacks between Lebanon and Israel. The ministers welcomed ongoing ceasefire efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region and called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further escalation. According to the joint statement, civilians must be protected at all times. The ministers said the people of Lebanon have already endured significant hardship and stressed the importance of s