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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver has resigned from cabinet amid speculation he will run for the vacant position of Speaker of the house. Premier Danielle Smith says she's grateful for McIver's commitment and hard work in serving Albertans. She says Tourism Minister Joseph Schow will take on McIver's portfolio on an interim basis. McIver served as municipal affairs minister under two premiers and had previous experience as transportation minister, infrastructure minister and jobs minister. He was first elected to the legislative assembly in 2012 after more than a de

RCMP say a toddler who disappeared from a home in northwestern Alberta has been found safe following an overnight ground and air search. Police say in a news release that officers with their Fairview detachment responded on Sunday night to a report of a missing two-year-old from a rural home in Clear Hills County. Mounties called in reinforcements to help search for the child, including a search dog team, officers with drones, as well as firefighters. They say more than 100 community volunteers also answered the call for help. The search ended happily shortly after 6 a.m. Monday