The Alberta government has announced plans to reduce provincial education property tax rates and freeze them for the next three years, a move aimed at providing greater financial certainty for residents and helping municipalities with budget planning. Under Budget 2027, the changes are expected to save Alberta property owners an estimated $100 million during the 2027-28 fiscal year. The government will introduce consistent provincial education property tax rates across municipalities, allowing local governments to have a predictable tax rate when making decisions for their communities. In area

Edmonton police are investigating the suspicious death of a 2-year-old girl in the Castle Downs neighbourhood. Police received a report of a sudden child death at a home in the area at approximately 2 p.m. on October 10. Officers immediately responded to the scene. The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Homicide Section has taken over the investigation. An autopsy has been completed, but the medical examiner is awaiting toxicology results to determine the exact cause of death. Police have not released any further details as the investigation continues.

Alberta’s United Conservative government has introduced a new bill aimed at standardizing school report cards across the province. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides introduced the legislation, which would give the government authority to establish provincewide guidelines for report cards. Speaking Thursday, Nicolaides said parents remain confused about the one-to-four grading system used in elementary schools, adding that addressing the issue is the province’s responsibility. However, he clarified that no final decision has been made on whether to introduce a letter-based grading sys

Calgary police have arrested two men in connection with the kidnapping and hostage-taking of a woman, while a third suspect remains at large. Police received information about the incident on October 12. The following day, the tactical unit executed a search warrant at a residence in the 2000 block of 37 Street Southeast, where officers safely rescued the victim and arrested two suspects. Calgary residents Joseph Richard Frederick Sarrazin and Jordan Barry Taylor have been charged with forcible confinement and several other criminal offences. Police believe the kidnapping was a targeted incide

Elections Alberta released the official results Thursday of the October 19 referendum on immigration, constitutional reforms and Alberta’s separation from Canada. According to the results, 70.4 per cent of Alberta voters participated in the questions on requiring proof of citizenship to vote and whether the province should separate from Canada. These two questions recorded the highest voter participation. Official results showed that 74.95 per cent of Albertans voted in favour of remaining part of Canada. On the remaining nine questions, a majority of voters supported several immigration-rel

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced that anyone seeking a position on the United Conservative Party (UCP) board will have to sign a pledge opposing provincial separation at the party’s annual general meeting next month. Smith said Albertans voted overwhelmingly to remain part of Canada in last week’s referendum, and the party must respect the result. Current board members are also expected to honour the commitment. Candidates running under the UCP banner in next year’s provincial election will also be required to respect the referendum results. The move is aimed at keeping separ

A special weather alert has been issued for Edmonton and surrounding communities in Central Alberta, with up to 15 centimetres of snow expected by Thursday morning. According to the warning, the first major snowfall of the season began Tuesday night and is expected to continue through Thursday morning. Snowfall overnight has already caused difficulties for commuters travelling to work early Wednesday. Drivers are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys and prepare for rapidly changing and deteriorating road conditions. Mainroad Alberta Contracting, which maintains approximately 4,

Jamie Dacosta, who is accused of making death threats against Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, is expected to plead guilty. His defence lawyer has been instructed to arrange a sentencing date. A court appearance on Thursday is expected to set a date for the guilty plea and request a pre-sentence report. The 31-year-old faces several other charges, including extortion, criminal harassment, uttering death threats and property damage. Dacosta’s mother, Kathie Dacosta, says he has been struggling with serious mental and emotional health issues. He is currently being held at the Calgary Reman

Alberta United Conservative Party (UCP) MLA Shane Getson has resigned from his position, citing personal and family reasons. However, he has not provided further details about his decision. Getson had represented the predominantly rural riding of Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland, northwest of Edmonton, since 2019. During his tenure, he became known for his outspoken remarks, which frequently drew criticism from political opponents. In 2025, Getson faced significant backlash over statements concerning transgender surgeries. In 2022, he also voiced opposition to COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates