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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
alberta-eyes-120-km-h-speed-limit-on-divided-highways-as-part-of-review
AlbertaNov 10, 2025

Alberta eyes 120 km/h speed limit on divided highways as part of review

The Alberta government is exploring the possibility of increasing the speed limit to 120 kilometres per hour on divided highways across the province. The proposal would affect routes currently capped at 110 km/h, including the major corridor linking Calgary and Edmonton. Premier Danielle Smith said the province’s divided highways were designed to accommodate higher speeds and noted that many motorists already drive above the current limit. She added that public support will help determine whether the higher limit is introduced. An online survey is now open to gather feedback from Albertans,
AlbertaNov 10, 2025

Alberta reports first flu-related death of season as health officials urge vaccination

Alberta has recorded its first influenza-related death of the 2025–26 season, according to new data from the province’s respiratory virus dashboard. Officials say the individual was in their 60s. The report marks an early fatality in what public health experts warn could be another challenging flu season. Last year, Alberta experienced one of its deadliest flu periods in decades, with 237 deaths recorded during the 2024–25 season. Provincial data shows a concerning upward trend in both deaths and hospitalizations linked to influenza. There were 171 deaths in 2023–24, 123 in 2022–23,
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

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BCDec 17, 2025

Woman killed by falling tree limb on Chilliwack trail during severe weather

A 27-year-old Chilliwack woman has died after being struck by a falling tree limb while walking along a trail near the Island 22 dog park during severe weather conditions on Monday afternoon. Chilliwack RCMP say officers were called shortly after 3:10 p.m. on December 15 after reports that a woman had been hit by a tree limb along the Island 22 trail. Police say the woman was walking with her two young children at the time, as strong winds and heavy rain moved through the area. Members of the public who were nearby immediately called 911 and provided assistance until emergency crews arrived. C
b-c-launches-new-forestry-and-emergency-management-testbed-under-look-west-plan
BCDec 16, 2025

B.C. launches new forestry and emergency management testbed under Look West plan

The B.C. government has launched a new Forestry Innovation and Emergency Management Testbed aimed at helping local companies develop and scale technologies to better protect communities from wildfires, floods and other extreme weather events. The initiative is part of the province’s Look West economic plan, which focuses on strengthening domestic industries and reducing reliance on external markets. Delivered through Innovate BC’s Integrated Marketplace, the provincewide testbed will allow B.C. businesses to pilot technologies in real-world settings tied to wildfire and flood prevention, f
five-month-nanaimo-rcmp-probe-leads-to-drug-trafficking-and-firearm-charges
BCDec 16, 2025

Five-month Nanaimo RCMP probe leads to drug trafficking and firearm charges

A five-month investigation by Nanaimo RCMP has resulted in multiple drug and firearm-related charges against two Nanaimo residents, following the seizure of controlled substances, weapons and body armour from a local residence. Police say the investigation began in early November 2024 after general duty officers received information that a home in Nanaimo was being used to traffic illegal drugs. With assistance from the RCMP General Investigation Section and the Projects Drug Unit, officers executed a search warrant at the residence on April 17, 2025. During the search, investigators seized qu
federal-buy-canadian-procurement-rules-take-effect-prioritizing-domestic-industries
CanadaDec 16, 2025

Federal ‘Buy Canadian’ procurement rules take effect, prioritizing domestic industries

The federal government’s new ‘Buy Canadian’ procurement policy came into force today, marking a significant shift in how Ottawa purchases goods and services for major public projects. The policy, announced earlier this fall, is designed to give preference to Canadian-made products and Canadian workers in federal contracting. The government says the approach is aimed at strengthening domestic industries and protecting supply chains during a period of ongoing global trade uncertainty. In its first phase, the policy applies to federal contracts valued at $25 million or more. These projects
AlbertaDec 16, 2025

Inmate convicted in Edmonton prison killing was already serving life sentence for Calgary murder

A man already serving a life sentence for the murder of a Calgary caseworker has been convicted in the killing of a fellow inmate at a maximum-security federal prison in Edmonton. Brandon Newman was found guilty last week of manslaughter in the 2022 stabbing death of 33-year-old Bretton Fisher at the Edmonton Institution. Newman is currently incarcerated for the second-degree murder of Deborah Onwu, a caseworker who was stabbed 19 times at an assisted-living facility in Calgary in 2019. Court heard that tensions escalated inside the prison after Fisher confronted Newman over the earlier killin