Queen Elizabeth II makes rare public speech in response to COVID-19 pandemic

Leaders pushing for a referendum on Alberta's separation from Canada have received a partial victory in court. Alberta Court of Appeal Justice Alice Woolley ruled today that the process of counting and verifying signatures collected for the separatist petition can proceed. The petition seeks a provincewide vote on Alberta leaving Canada and is being led primarily by activist Mitch Sylvestre. Last month, a lower court judge dismissed the petition, ruling that the Alberta government had failed to meet its constitutional duty to consult with First Nations. Immediately after that decision, the gr

A local state of emergency has been declared in parts of Kananaskis Country west of Calgary as flooding has damaged road access and left some people unable to leave the area. Alberta Parks said emergency crews are supporting campground evacuations where necessary, monitoring infrastructure and maintaining road closures as conditions continue to change. Officials have asked people already in the area to remain where they are and urged visitors to postpone travel until conditions improve. Authorities have not said how many people are stranded or whether there have been any injuries related to th

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has welcomed an agreement reached between the City of Calgary and Stampede event operators over noise restrictions during this year's Calgary Stampede. Under the new deal, the city has agreed to allow slightly higher sound levels than those originally proposed, although they will still remain below last year's limits. In return, event organizers have accepted a condition requiring live music to end by midnight each night. Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis played a key role in resolving the dispute. He brought together

British Columbia Premier David Eby has embarked on his first official trade mission to China, aiming to reduce the province's dependence on the United States and double trade with non-U.S. markets over the next decade. China is B.C.'s second-largest trading partner, and during the trip Eby will meet with government and business leaders in major cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Before departing, the premier said he is hopeful the visit will lead to positive discussions about removing China's current tariffs on B.C. seafood exports. Eby is now scheduled to return to British Col

The federal government has announced the relaunch of its Green Home Retrofit Program with $500 million in funding, expanding support to British Columbia and three other provinces. The program will help more than 35,000 households receive free energy-efficient home upgrades, including heat pumps, insulation, and air sealing improvements. Previously available only to homeowners, the program has now been expanded to include low-income renters, allowing more Canadians to benefit from energy-saving upgrades. The renewed initiative is being launched in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and