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AlbertaNov 24, 2025

Six more UCP MLAs face recall efforts, raising questions about government majority

Six additional members of Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative caucus are now the subject of recall petitions, according to Elections Alberta, marking a significant expansion of efforts to challenge sitting government lawmakers. The new approvals bring the total number of UCP MLAs under recall to nine. The most recent petitions target four cabinet ministers – Rajan Sawhney, Myles McDougall, Dale Nally and RJ Sigurdson – along with House Speaker Ric McIver and Associate Minister for Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen. Earlier this month, petitions were authorized against Education M
AlbertaNov 20, 2025

Alberta auditor says failed lab privatization left public with $109 million bill

Alberta’s auditor general says the province’s attempt to shift community lab testing to a private operator resulted in significant financial losses and gaps in government oversight. A new report from Auditor General Doug Wylie estimates taxpayers absorbed roughly $109 million after the privatization effort collapsed. Wylie’s review found that senior officials in government advanced the plan despite internal warnings that the projected savings were unlikely. He says weaknesses in record keeping, financial analysis and contract oversight contributed to the breakdown of the agreement with D
AlbertaNov 19, 2025

Albertans choose Banff’s Moraine Lake for upcoming Strong and Free licence plate

Alberta’s next generation of licence plates will feature one of the province’s most recognizable mountain landscapes after residents selected Moraine Lake as the new image. The provincial government said more than 240,000 people participated in an online vote, making this the first major redesign of the plate in more than four decades. The change follows the government’s earlier decision to retire the long standing Wild Rose Country slogan and replace it with Strong and Free, a phrase drawn from Alberta’s official motto and referenced in Canada’s national anthem. Officials say the up
alberta-proposes-law-to-add-citizenship-status-and-health-numbers-to-drivers-licences
AlbertaNov 18, 2025

Alberta proposes law to add citizenship status and health numbers to driver’s licences

Alberta has introduced legislation that would require citizenship status and provincial health numbers to be displayed on all driver’s licences and government ID cards. The proposal formalizes a plan the province first signalled earlier this year, prompting debate about how much personal information should appear on identification used for everyday transactions. Privacy advocates previously warned that the change could expose a person’s citizenship status in routine situations such as age verification at stores or restaurants. Government officials argue the measure will make it easier for
calgary-committee-backs-motion-to-scrap-blanket-rezoning-ahead-of-full-council-vote
AlbertaNov 17, 2025

Calgary committee backs motion to scrap blanket rezoning ahead of full council vote

Calgary’s executive committee has endorsed a motion from Mayor Jeromy Farkas to roll back the city’s blanket rezoning bylaw, setting the stage for a final decision by full council on December 15. The move begins the formal process to undo a housing policy approved earlier this year under former mayor Jyoti Gondek. The bylaw, adopted in April 2024, allowed fourplexes and rowhouses on all residential lots without requiring individual public hearings or neighbourhood-level consultation. Council approved the changes despite strong opposition from residents who argued the citywide approach w
alberta-cabinet-minister-apologizes-after-voicemail-with-expletive-becomes-public
AlbertaNov 17, 2025

Alberta cabinet minister apologizes after voicemail with expletive becomes public

Alberta cabinet minister Tanya Fir has issued a public apology after a voicemail she left for a Calgary constituent captured her using an expletive once she believed the call had ended. Fir, who serves as minister of arts, culture and Status of Women, acknowledged the remark in a written statement and described it as a lapse in judgment. The voicemail, released over the weekend by Alberta columnist Doug Firby, begins with Fir returning a constituent’s call and referencing feedback she had received. After offering a goodbye, the line remains open as she turns to speak with someone nearby. In
AlbertaNov 17, 2025

Calgary father and daughter die after powerful wave pulls them into ocean off California coast

Authorities in California say a Calgary resident and his young daughter have died after a large wave swept them into the Pacific Ocean at Garrapata State Beach, an area known for strong surf and steep coastal cliffs. Local officials identified the victims as 39-year-old Yuji Hu and his seven-year-old daughter, who were visiting the Monterey County shoreline with family on Friday. Investigators say the child was pulled into the water by a wave estimated at about six metres high. Both parents reached toward the girl in an attempt to bring her back to safety but were also carried away by the surg
alberta-says-talks-with-ottawa-continue-as-province-presses-for-new-pipeline-approval
AlbertaNov 14, 2025

Alberta says talks with Ottawa continue as province presses for new pipeline approval

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the province is encouraged by the federal government’s latest list of major projects flagged for potential fast-track approval, even though a proposed bitumen pipeline sought by her government was not included. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced earlier today that seven additional energy and infrastructure proposals have been sent to the federal major projects office for further review. The projects identified by Ottawa include a nickel mine in northern Ontario, a hydroelectric development near Iqaluit, and two initiatives in northwest British Columbia i
AlbertaNov 14, 2025

Edmonton health officials confirm localized tuberculosis outbreak linked to inner city

Health authorities in Edmonton have confirmed a tuberculosis outbreak after laboratory results linked two inner city patients to the same strain of the disease. The declaration was made in October once testing showed evidence of recent local transmission. According to Alberta Health Services, a total of 12 tuberculosis cases have been identified this year involving individuals connected to the city’s inner core or experiencing homelessness. Three of those cases have been confirmed as sharing the same strain and are now classified within the outbreak. Tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs

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CanadaDec 29, 2025

Whitecaps reach proposed settlement with fans after Messi misses Vancouver match

A proposed settlement has been reached in a class-action lawsuit filed by fans following the absence of soccer star Lionel Messi and other Inter Miami players from a highly anticipated Vancouver Whitecaps match last year. Court documents show the agreement between the Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and ticket-holding fans includes changes to the club’s ticketing policies and a $475,000 donation to charity. Lawyers representing the fans say the settlement still requires court approval at a future hearing, while both the Whitecaps and MLS deny any wrongdoing or legal responsibility. The lawsu
heavy-rain-warning-issued-for-b-c-north-coast-as-pacific-storm-moves-in
BCDec 29, 2025

Heavy rain warning issued for B.C. north coast as Pacific storm moves in

Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for British Columbia’s north coast, with some coastal communities expected to see exceptionally heavy rain through the day as a Pacific weather system pushes ashore. Forecasters say the most intense rainfall is expected around Prince Rupert, where totals could reach up to 200 millimetres. Haida Gwaii may receive as much as 110 millimetres, while areas near Kitimat are forecast to see about 100 millimetres of rain. The system is also bringing winter conditions inland. A winter storm warning remains in effect for Terrace, where nearly 25 centime
punjab-congress-announces-statewide-campaign-against-proposed-changes-to-mgnrega
IndiaDec 29, 2025

Punjab Congress announces statewide campaign against proposed changes to MGNREGA

The Punjab Congress has announced a statewide protest campaign opposing the Centre’s proposed changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), including a reported move to rename the scheme and alter its funding structure. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said on Monday that the party will launch its agitation from January 8, beginning with a protest march from Gurdaspur that will conclude in Guru Har Sahai. He said the campaign is aimed at safeguarding the original intent of MGNREGA, which he described as a lifeline for rural households
WorldDec 29, 2025

At least 13 dead, dozens injured as Interoceanic Train derails in southern Mexico

At least 13 people were killed and nearly 100 others injured when the Interoceanic Train derailed on Sunday in southern Mexico, authorities said. The train, which connects the Pacific coast with the Gulf of Mexico, went off the tracks near a curve close to the town of Nizanda in Oaxaca, halting traffic along the route. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the casualties on X, noting that five of the injured are in serious condition. She said the Mexican Navy reported the fatalities and injuries following the accident. Sheinbaum added that she has instructed the secretary of the navy
brampton-man-charged-after-alleged-firearm-threat-near-transit-stop
BCDec 29, 2025

Brampton man charged after alleged firearm threat near transit stop

Peel Regional Police say a 20-year-old Brampton man has been charged following an early-morning incident near a Brampton transit stop that left a victim fearing for their safety. Police allege the incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, near Chinguacousy Road and Drinkwater Road. Investigators say the victim had just exited a transit bus when they were followed by an unknown individual, who then approached and claimed to be in possession of a firearm. The victim contacted police, who located a suspect nearby a short time later. Officers allege the suspect produced an imita