Elections Alberta has launched what it describes as one of the largest referendum staffing campaigns ever undertaken in Canada as the province prepares for a provincewide vote scheduled for October 19. The agency says it needs approximately 60,000 workers to administer and count ballots for 10 referendum questions that will be put to Alberta voters. Under provincial rules, ballot counting must be completed within 48 hours of polls closing. One of the referendum questions will ask Albertans whether the province should remain part of Canada or begin the legal process required to hold a binding r

A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck near the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday morning, leaving at least 32 people dead, according to preliminary reports from authorities. More than 100 people were injured, about two dozen remain missing, and roughly 10,000 residents have been evacuated from affected areas. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at approximately 7:40 a.m. local time and had a depth of about 33 kilometres. Tsunami warnings were issued for several countries following the quake as authorities assessed potential coast

Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour was sworn in Monday as Canada's 31st Governor General during a ceremony at the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa. Arbour succeeds Mary Simon, who became Canada's first Indigenous Governor General in 2021. The appointment is reported to be the first approved by King Charles III. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Mark Carney, Chief Justice Richard Wagner, House of Commons Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, among other dignitaries. Arbour, 79, is a Montreal-based juri

Mission Memorial Hospital's emergency department was temporarily closed overnight once again due to a shortage of physicians, according to Fraser Health. The health authority said the emergency department was closed from 5 p.m. Sunday until 8 a.m. Monday because of staffing challenges. Patients requiring emergency care during that period were directed to nearby hospitals. Mission Memorial Hospital has experienced several temporary emergency department service disruptions in recent months. Fraser Health has repeatedly stated that it is working to recruit additional physicians to stabilize servi

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to use a speech in Calgary today to argue that changes in federal policy could help address growing separatist sentiment in Alberta. According to excerpts of the speech shared with The Canadian Press, Poilievre will call for measures aimed at expanding resource development, accelerating pipeline construction, respecting provincial jurisdiction and reducing tax burdens. Poilievre's prepared remarks argue that many Albertans who support separation are frustrated with federal decision-making rather than with other Canadians. The speech states that

The Bank of Canada is widely expected to leave its key policy interest rate unchanged at 2.25 per cent when it announces its latest monetary policy decision on Wednesday. Economists estimate there is a 95 per cent likelihood that the central bank will hold rates steady for a fifth consecutive meeting. According to market analysts, policymakers are likely to focus on ongoing geopolitical uncertainty linked to the conflict involving Iran, as well as the economic implications of the upcoming review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The decision comes as recent Statistics C

The Alberta government has announced funding for five major sporting events taking place across the province this year, including four events scheduled in Edmonton and surrounding communities. According to the provincial government, $1.3 million has been provided through the Alberta Major Sport Event Grant Program to support national and international competitions. The funding also includes support for seven sporting events that were held earlier this year. Upcoming events receiving support include the North American Cup Series from June 26 to 28, the Edmonton Athletics Invitational on July 12

Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to France and Ireland this week as part of a diplomatic visit focused on trade, security and international cooperation. According to the Prime Minister's Office, Carney will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris ahead of the G7 summit. The leaders are expected to discuss cooperation in artificial intelligence, defence and critical minerals. Carney will then travel to Dublin for talks with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening trade and economic ties between Canada and Ireland. Officials say it wil

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