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ucp-backs-alberta-remaining-in-canada-after-public-split-over-separation-stance
AlbertaMay 28, 2026

UCP backs Alberta remaining in Canada after public split over separation stance

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the United Conservative Party supports Alberta remaining in Canada following conflicting public statements from party leadership ahead of a proposed fall referendum on separation. The clarification came after UCP president Rob Smith said earlier this week the party would not take a position on Alberta separation before the vote. Danielle Smith has repeatedly stated she supports Alberta staying within Confederation. In a new statement issued Wednesday, the party said it supports Alberta remaining in Canada and “has always supported that position.” The dis
AlbertaMay 27, 2026

Alberta judge calls for stronger vaccination outreach, improved housing conditions after death of First Nations boy

A provincial court judge is recommending stronger vaccination campaigns and action on overcrowded housing conditions following the 2020 death of a six-year-old Indigenous boy in northern Alberta. In a fatality inquiry report released Tuesday, provincial court Justice Claus Thietke said the boy died on Nov. 13, 2020, at a local nursing station after experiencing abdominal pain and hours of vomiting. Evidence presented during the inquiry found meningococcus bacteria in the child’s bloodstream caused an infection that led to organ failure. According to the report, the boy lived with about 20 re
alberta-constitutional-affairs-adviser-jason-stephan-resigns-from-role
AlbertaMay 26, 2026

Alberta constitutional affairs adviser Jason Stephan resigns from role

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s office says Jason Stephan has resigned as the government’s parliamentary adviser on constitutional affairs. Stephan, the United Conservative Party MLA for Red Deer-South, remains a member of the government caucus, according to the premier’s office. No reason was provided for the resignation, which the office said was submitted earlier this year. The constitutional affairs advisory role was created by the Alberta government last year and was described at the time as “critically important” to advancing the province’s interests in federal-provincial re
AlbertaMay 26, 2026

Verdict expected in trial of man accused of selling rifle used in killings of Edmonton police officers

A judge in Edmonton Court of King’s Bench is expected to deliver a verdict Tuesday in the manslaughter trial of Dennis Okeymow, who is accused of selling a rifle later used in the fatal shooting of two Edmonton police officers in 2023. Okeymow, 21, has pleaded not guilty in connection with the deaths of constables Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan. According to court proceedings, the officers were responding to a domestic disturbance call at an apartment building when 16-year-old Roman Shewchuk allegedly opened fire on them. Police said Shewchuk later died by suicide at the scene. During the tria
AlbertaMay 25, 2026

Dog owner showed “wanton disregard” in fatal Edmonton dog attack, judge says

An Edmonton judge says a dog owner convicted of criminal negligence causing death demonstrated a “wanton disregard” for the life of an 11-year-old boy who was fatally attacked by her dogs in 2024. Court heard that Kache Grist was attacked by two dogs belonging to Crystal MacDonald in April 2024 at an Edmonton home where the boy was visiting his father, who was living with MacDonald at the time. According to the court ruling, MacDonald testified she did not approve of the child staying at the home. The judge said there were several steps she could have taken to reduce the risk, including ke
verdict-expected-in-edmonton-dog-attack-death-trial
AlbertaMay 22, 2026

Verdict expected in Edmonton dog attack death trial

A judge is expected to deliver a verdict Friday in the criminal negligence trial of an Edmonton woman charged in the 2024 death of an 11-year-old boy killed by two dogs. Crystal MacDonald has pleaded not guilty to criminal negligence causing death in connection with the fatal attack on Kache Grist at her Edmonton home in April 2024. Court heard MacDonald and the boy’s father, Wesley Grist, were roommates at the time. Kache, who lived in British Columbia, was visiting Edmonton during spring break when the attack occurred. During testimony, MacDonald said she repeatedly warned Wesley Grist no
AlbertaMay 22, 2026

Former Durham officer arrested in Alberta on multiple sexual assault charges

Alberta RCMP have arrested a former Durham Regional Police officer who is facing multiple sexual assault and breach of trust charges linked to alleged incidents dating back more than 20 years. Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit said the alleged offences occurred in 2003 and were investigated at the time. The civilian police watchdog said the case was reopened in 2024 after the complainant provided new information. The SIU said a Canada-wide warrant was issued for Kevin Seamons. RCMP arrested him in Alberta on Wednesday night. Seamons faces six counts of sexual assault, one count of sexual
alberta-voters-to-weigh-referendum-question-on-provinces-future-in-canada-on-oct-19-says-premier-smith
FeaturedMay 22, 2026

Alberta voters to weigh referendum question on province’s future in Canada on Oct. 19, says Premier Smith

Albertans will take part in a province-wide referendum on Oct. 19 that will ask voters to weigh in on Alberta’s future relationship with Canada, Premier Danielle Smith announced Thursday evening during a televised address. Smith said the provincial government plans to include a new “blended question” on the ballot aimed at reflecting the views of both groups advocating for Alberta to remain within Canada and those supporting greater sovereignty or separation. She said the wording was developed with input from the pro-Canada group Forever Canadian and the separatist group Stay Free Albert
alberta-premier-to-deliver-televised-address-amid-renewed-separation-referendum-debate
AlbertaMay 21, 2026

Alberta premier to deliver televised address amid renewed separation referendum debate

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to deliver a televised address Thursday evening amid renewed political debate over a possible referendum on Alberta’s future within Confederation. The address is set to air at 6:45 p.m. on CTV, Global and Rogers television networks and will also be livestreamed on the premier’s social media channels. The appearance follows controversy at a United Conservative Party caucus committee meeting Wednesday, where members debated a motion urging Smith to call an Oct. 19 referendum on Alberta’s place in Canada. The motion, introduced by UCP member Nate

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canada-expands-online-passport-renewal-service-to-all-eligible-adults
CanadaJul 28, 2026

Canada expands online passport renewal service to all eligible adults

Canada's Immigration Minister Lena Diab has announced the removal of limits on the federal government's online passport renewal service, making it available to all eligible Canadian adults aged 16 and older. Speaking at a news conference in Vancouver, Diab said eligible applicants living in Canada can now submit passport renewal applications online at any time without waiting for appointment availability. According to the federal government, the expanded digital service is intended to make passport renewals more accessible and reduce the need for in-person visits. Under the new system, applica
97-year-old-kelowna-man-dies-after-mobility-scooter-collision-with-charter-bus
BCJul 28, 2026

97-year-old Kelowna man dies after mobility scooter collision with charter bus

A 97-year-old Kelowna man has died after a collision involving his mobility scooter and a charter bus on Sunday afternoon, according to the RCMP. Police said officers and BC Emergency Health Services responded to the crash on Benvoulin Road near Rampone Road at the same time on Sunday. The man was taken to hospital, where he later died from his injuries. RCMP confirmed no one aboard the charter bus was injured. Investigators said a collision reconstruction specialist attended the scene to assist with the investigation. According to police, investigators do not believe criminality or impairment
CanadaJul 28, 2026

Halton police charge nine people in largest human trafficking investigation in force history

Halton Regional Police say nine people have been arrested and 85 criminal charges have been laid following what the force describes as its largest sexual exploitation human trafficking investigation. According to Halton Regional Police, the investigation, called Project Troubadour, began after a woman reported being exploited by an organized network in September 2025. Police said the victim’s disclosure helped investigators identify the alleged trafficking operation operating in the Greater Toronto Area. Supt. Dave Costantini said the 10-month investigation has identified 12 alleged victims
prince-george-police-seize-suspected-cocaine-weapons-and-cash-during-business-search
BCJul 28, 2026

Prince George police seize suspected cocaine, weapons and cash during business search

Prince George RCMP say officers seized suspected cocaine, weapons, ammunition and cash during a search of a local business on July 24. According to Prince George RCMP, officers executed a search warrant under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act during the early morning hours at a business located in the 1800-block of Quinn Street. Police said the search resulted in the seizure of several weapons, a large quantity of ammunition, more than 80 grams of suspected cocaine and approximately $10,000 in cash. Two people who were at the location were arrested during the operation and have since bee
punjab-cm-bhagwant-mann-says-no-exam-papers-leaked-during-aap-governments-tenure
IndiaJul 28, 2026

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann says no exam papers leaked during AAP government’s tenure

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said his government has not reported any paper leaks in the state during the past four and a half years, rejecting allegations raised by opposition leaders. Mann’s remarks came hours after BJP MPs protested outside Parliament demanding the resignation of Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains over alleged irregularities related to examinations. According to Mann, the Punjab government has provided 69,000 government jobs during its tenure based on merit and without recommendations, paper leaks or cash transactions. He said allegations of paper leaks were be