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

Alberta has reported 39 new cases of measles, bringing the provincial total to 365 since early March. The government says 30 of the new cases are in Alberta's south zone, which has seen more than half of all cases. Nearly 300 of Alberta's total cases have been in youth under 18, with 114 cases reported in children under 5. The government says that as of earlier this month 19 people have been hospitalized, with at least three children needing intensive care. The Alberta Medical Association has said cases are likely much higher than what has been reported and it expects cases to c

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government is freezing its industrial carbon price effective immediately at 95-dollars per tonne of emissions.The industrial carbon price had been scheduled to increase to 110 dollars next year and continue rising to 170 dollars per tonne by 2030.She says the freeze is critical to keep Albertan industry competitive and defend jobs during Canada's tariff fight with the United States. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the effective cancellation of the federal consumer carbon price shortly after he took office in March.

The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations says talk of Alberta separatism is 'irresponsible' and it's "not smart" for politicians to make statements about it without consulting with First Nations first. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has introduced a bill that would make it easier for Albertans to launch referendums on various topics — including splitting from Canada. Smith has pointed to growing alienation in her province and frustration with Ottawa, saying those wanting to separate "are not fringe voices." National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says any effort by Alberta to split

Premier Danielle Smith has tabled a bill that would lower the bar for a citizen petition to trigger a referendum, even though she insists she doesn't want Alberta to separate from the country. Republican Party of Alberta Leader Cameron Davies says his party is calling for a referendum. Davies says this would give Alberta the chance to renew its relationship with Canada and the rest of the world on its own terms. Lloydminster resident Jesse Allen says he would only vote ``Yes'' in a referendum to separate if the rest of Western Canada also joined. In Red Deer, Alberta, Anita Ewa