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AlbertaJun 22, 2026

Former Alberta finance minister Joe Ceci will not seek re-election in 2027

Longtime Alberta politician Joe Ceci says he will not seek re-election in the province's next general election, scheduled for the fall of 2027. Ceci served as Alberta's finance minister in former premier Rachel Notley's New Democratic government from 2015 to 2019, becoming the province's only NDP finance minister. During his time in cabinet, the government increased the minimum wage and expanded funding for family and community support programs. His tenure also coincided with a sharp downturn in oil prices that contributed to significant provincial budget deficits. The NDP government argued th
AlbertaJun 22, 2026

Alberta MLA expense claims draw scrutiny over high-end meals and minor purchases

A review of Alberta legislators' expense disclosures for the last fiscal year shows elected officials across party lines claimed expenses ranging from high-end restaurant meals to small everyday purchases, prompting questions from political observers about public perception and accountability. Under Alberta's legislative rules, members of the legislative assembly receive budgets to operate constituency offices, cover travel costs and host constituents and stakeholders. MLAs are also required to publicly disclose expense reports with itemized receipts. Among the larger expenses, Municipal Affai
AlbertaJun 22, 2026

Edmonton area residents urged to conserve water as heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems

Officials in Edmonton and several neighbouring communities are urging residents to reduce water use after heavy rainfall caused localized flooding and pushed stormwater and sewer systems toward capacity. The City of Edmonton issued a water supply alert, saying flooding and sewer backups have been reported in surrounding areas and warning that additional problems could occur if the stormwater system continues operating above capacity. Utility provider Epcor asked customers to delay activities that use large amounts of water, including showering, running washing machines and dishwashers, and to
AlbertaJun 19, 2026

Crane driver missing after vehicle plunges into Wapiti River near Grande Prairie

A crane operator remains missing after a commercial vehicle left a bridge and entered the Wapiti River near Grande Prairie, according to the RCMP. Police said the incident occurred Tuesday when the crane struck a guardrail on the Wapiti River Bridge and went into the river. Emergency crews, including RCMP officers, firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, responded to the scene. RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mathew Howell said the crane remains submerged. The cause of the collision is under investigation. According to RCMP, divers have not been able to enter the river because of strong currents
AlbertaJun 19, 2026

Calgary Transit workers to rally ahead of court hearing in driver assault case

Calgary Transit employees and members of ATU Local 583 are expected to gather outside Municipal Plaza today ahead of a court hearing related to the assault of a bus driver that occurred last year. According to ATU Local 583, members will hold a rally at noon before proceeding to the Calgary Courts Centre for a scheduled hearing at 1:30 p.m. The union says the demonstration is intended to highlight ongoing concerns about the safety of transit operators and frontline transit staff. The case stems from an incident in May 2025 near Falconridge Boulevard and Castleridge Boulevard, where a Calgary T
alberta-residents-to-receive-100-relief-payment-within-two-weeks-of-application-smith-says
AlbertaJun 19, 2026

Alberta residents to receive $100 relief payment within two weeks of application, Smith says

Eligible Albertans will receive a $100 provincial relief payment within approximately two weeks of submitting an application, according to Premier Danielle Smith. Smith said the Alberta government chose to provide direct payments to residents instead of reducing the provincial gasoline tax. She said fuel tax reductions do not always result in savings reaching consumers, making direct assistance a more effective way to help households manage rising costs. According to the Alberta government, the relief program was triggered after higher global oil prices increased provincial energy royalty reve
smith-says-timing-may-prevent-coal-mining-referendum-question-from-appearing-on-october-ballot
AlbertaJun 18, 2026

Smith says timing may prevent coal mining referendum question from appearing on October ballot

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says it may be too late for a citizen-led petition seeking a ban on new coal mining projects to be included in the province's Oct. 19 referendum vote. Earlier this month, Alberta musician Corb Lund submitted what he said were more than 200,000 signatures in support of a petition that would require the Alberta government to consider legislation banning new coal mining or submit the matter to a provincewide referendum if the signatures are verified. According to Alberta's citizen initiative rules, a successful petition can compel the government to either introduce
AlbertaJun 18, 2026

Alberta to Provide $100 Energy Rebate to Eligible Adults Instead of Fuel Tax Relief

The Alberta government has announced that it will replace fuel tax relief on gasoline and diesel with direct cash payments under a new Alberta Energy Rebate program. According to the government, the program will begin on July 1, 2026. Adults in households with annual incomes below $225,000 will receive a $100 rebate payment. Premier Danielle Smith said the province opted for direct payments after a previous fuel tax suspension did not fully translate into savings at the pump for consumers. Smith said the government is returning a portion of increased revenues generated by higher oil prices dir
AlbertaJun 17, 2026

11-year-old boy dies after incident during school field trip in Medicine Hat

An 11-year-old boy has died after a suspected drowning during a school field trip at Echo Dale Regional Park in Medicine Hat, according to Alberta RCMP. Police said officers responded Monday afternoon after receiving a report that a child had gone missing during a school outing at the park. Staff from the school division, park employees and emergency responders searched the area, while drones were deployed to assist in locating the child. Staff Sgt. Darren Lole said the boy was found in the water within about an hour of the initial report. He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead

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BCSep 08, 2026

Langley School District Bans E-Scooters and E-Bikes on School Grounds

British Columbia’s Langley School District has banned e-scooters and e-bikes across all elementary, middle and secondary schools, citing student safety concerns as the new academic year begins. The new rules come into effect immediately and follow growing concerns over e-scooter-related accidents and serious injuries involving children across the Lower Mainland. However, the district’s new policy allows e-pedal bikes at secondary schools. Students aged 14 and 15 can use light e-bikes, while those aged 16 and older can use standard e-bikes. Adults are also permitted to use e-pedal bikes at
behbal-kalan-firing-case-sukhbir-badal-summoned-again-by-sit-questioning-set-for-september-11
IndiaSep 08, 2026

Behbal Kalan Firing Case: Sukhbir Badal Summoned Again by SIT, Questioning Set for September 11

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has once again summoned Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal in connection with the Behbal Kalan firing case. Badal has been asked to appear before the SIT in Chandigarh on September 11 for questioning. Badal had previously appeared before the SIT on July 20. The latest summons comes as the investigation into the 2015 firing incident continues. The Behbal Kalan firing took place in October 2015, when police opened fire on protesters in Behbal Kalan, Faridkot district. The protesters were demonstrating against incidents of sacrilege involving th
CanadaSep 08, 2026

Canada and EU to Unite Against U.S.-China Global Dominance

Canada and the European Union are exploring a broad strategic alliance aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, defence, security and other key areas, as both sides seek to navigate growing competition between the United States and China. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to outline the initiative during her annual State of the Union address in Strasbourg on September 16. Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to attend the address and speak to European lawmakers the following day, highlighting Canada’s push for closer ties with Europe. The Carney governmen
BCSep 08, 2026

Surrey Police Board Begins Nationwide Search for New Chief Constable

The Surrey Police Board has officially launched a nationwide search for a new chief constable to lead the Surrey Police Service (SPS). The board has hired PFM Executive Search to manage the recruitment process and help identify a qualified candidate for the top position. The move comes nearly three months after former Chief Constable Norm Lipinski was dismissed in early June. His termination led to the resignation of two board directors, including the board’s then-chair, in protest. Since Lipinski’s departure, Deputy Chief Constable Todd Matsumoto has been serving as interim chief. The sel
CanadaSep 08, 2026

Canada and China Resume Military Talks After More Than Eight Years

Canadian and Chinese military officials have held their first defence coordination talks in more than eight years, with the meeting taking place privately in Ottawa. China’s Defence Ministry confirmed that the meeting was held on September 4, saying the talks were aimed at restoring military-level communication between the two countries. The ministry described the discussions as a clear dialogue intended to improve mutual understanding and build trust between the two militaries. Notably, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government did not issue any public statement about the meeting, while Bei