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AlbertaNov 07, 2025

Bitumen spill suspected in North Saskatchewan River after tanker crash near Smoky Lake

Emergency crews are responding to an apparent bitumen spill into the North Saskatchewan River after a tanker truck lost control and slid off a snow-covered highway northeast of Edmonton. RCMP from the Smoky Lake detachment said the vehicle left Highway 831 and entered the river amid heavy snow and poor road conditions. The driver reportedly climbed onto the truck’s roof before being rescued by boat. An environmental response team has been deployed to contain and clean up the spill, while officials continue to assess whether bitumen entered the river system. RCMP confirmed the driver was not
AlbertaNov 07, 2025

Alberta teachers launch court challenge over government’s use of notwithstanding clause to end strike

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has taken legal action against Premier Danielle Smith’s government, arguing that the recent law used to end their provincewide strike violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. ATA President Jason Schilling said the association has filed a court application asking a judge to suspend the law while a full constitutional challenge proceeds. Schilling called the government’s reliance on the Charter’s notwithstanding clause “unconstitutional” and said it undermines the role of the courts in protecting fundamental rights. The law in ques
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AlbertaNov 06, 2025

Jasper Park Lodge manager honoured for quick action during 2024 wildfire

The general manager of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has received global recognition for his leadership during last year’s wildfire that threatened the landmark mountain resort. Garrett Turta was named Hotelier of the Year by Historic Hotels Worldwide, an international organization that recognizes excellence and leadership in the hospitality industry. The group described the award as its highest individual honour. Turta said he was shocked to learn he had been selected. He was overseeing operations in late July 2024 when the wildfire advanced toward the property. As about 2,500 guests and staff
premier-smith-says-no-immediate-plans-to-amend-alberta-recall-law
AlbertaNov 06, 2025

Premier Smith says no immediate plans to amend Alberta recall law

Premier Danielle Smith says her government has no current plans to change Alberta’s recall legislation, even as two petitions to remove sitting United Conservative Party members have been approved by Elections Alberta. Speaking to reporters, Smith said she is concerned that some recall efforts may be politically motivated rather than genuine attempts to hold elected officials accountable. She suggested the process may be used to undermine her government rather than serve its intended democratic purpose. The premier confirmed that no legislative amendments are being considered “at the momen
AlbertaNov 06, 2025

West Edmonton drug house shut down after repeated police calls, Alberta Sheriffs say

A west Edmonton home that police say was the source of frequent criminal activity has been shut down by Alberta Sheriffs following months of neighbourhood complaints and more than 40 police visits. The province confirmed Thursday that the residence at 15812 110A Avenue Northwest has been closed for 90 days, until February 3, 2026, under Alberta’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act. All occupants, including the property owner, have been ordered to leave while the building is boarded up, fenced and secured. Officials say residents in the area had long reported suspicious behaviour
AlbertaNov 05, 2025

Anglican Diocese questions Alberta's use of notwithstanding clause on teachers

The Anglican Diocese of Edmonton is questioning the Alberta government’s decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause to end the ongoing provincewide teachers strike, saying the move could have troubling implications for democratic freedoms. Bishop Stephen London said in an open letter that while he does not wish to engage in partisan politics, the use of the clause to suspend Charter rights undermines fundamental freedoms such as freedom of association. He warned that limiting one group’s rights could have broader consequences for freedom of conscience and religion across Canada. The Uni
AlbertaNov 05, 2025

Recall petition launched against Airdrie MLA Angela Pitt over community concerns

An Airdrie resident has initiated a formal recall campaign against United Conservative Party MLA Angela Pitt, saying she no longer represents the interests of her community. Local organizer Derek Keenan says the effort is not politically motivated, but rather a response to what he views as declining engagement from Pitt in addressing local concerns. He emphasized that he does not want the seat to shift to the New Democratic Party, but believes residents have not been adequately heard. Pitt, who has represented Airdrie-East for the past ten years, says she remains committed to her constituents
calgary-police-report-rise-in-domestic-violence-cases-as-city-nears-five-year-high
AlbertaNov 04, 2025

Calgary police report rise in domestic violence cases as city nears five-year high

Calgary police say domestic violence incidents in the city are increasing and could reach their highest level in five years, as November marks Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta. New figures from the Calgary Police Service show 3,592 domestic violence reports were filed between January and September 2025, compared to a five-year average of 3,163. Domestic conflict incidents – which include verbal disputes and other non-criminal situations – also climbed to 14,616, surpassing the average of 14,193 for the same period. Police note the statistics exclude cases involving children and
alberta-begins-search-for-new-auditor-general-as-wylies-term-nears-end
AlbertaNov 04, 2025

Alberta begins search for new auditor general as Wylie’s term nears end

The Alberta government is moving ahead with a search for the province’s next auditor general, even as the current officeholder, Doug Wylie, offered to remain for two additional years to complete ongoing investigations. Wylie, whose eight-year term expires in April 2026, has been overseeing an audit of health-care contract procurement practices following corruption allegations involving a former senior official at Alberta Health Services. Despite his offer to stay on and finish the review, United Conservative Party members on a legislative committee voted to begin recruiting for his replaceme

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AlbertaMay 15, 2026

Alberta legislature adjourns spring sitting amid separatism debate

Alberta MLAs wrapped up the spring sitting of the legislature this week following months of debate that frequently centred on separatist sentiment and political divisions at the legislature. The sitting included government legislation on issues ranging from public library materials to medical assistance in dying. However, exchanges in question period were often dominated by disagreements over separatism and the role of Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative government in responding to the movement. Government House Leader Joseph Schow said the United Conservative Party focused its legi
senior-critically-injured-two-vancouver-police-officers-hurt-after-west-end-vehicle-incident
BCMay 15, 2026

Senior critically injured, two Vancouver police officers hurt after West End vehicle incident

A senior citizen remains in critical condition and two Vancouver Police Department officers were hospitalized after a driver allegedly rammed multiple vehicles and drove through part of Nelson Park in Vancouver’s West End early Friday morning.According to Vancouver police, the incident began around 5:30 a.m. near Comox and Broughton streets when a vehicle was seen driving erratically and striking several objects, including an area near the Nelson Park dog park. Witnesses in the area reportedly moved out of the vehicle’s path to avoid being hit.Police said the injured senior was operating a
man-charged-after-surrey-shooting-that-injured-woman
BCMay 15, 2026

Man charged after Surrey shooting that injured woman

A 31-year-old man has been charged following a Surrey Police Service investigation into a November 2025 shooting that injured a woman inside a Surrey residence. Police said frontline officers responded to reports of shots fired at a home near 121 Street and 101B Avenue at about 9:10 p.m. on Nov. 23, 2025. According to Surrey Police Service, a female resident suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh and officers provided emergency medical aid until BC Emergency Health Services arrived. The SPS Major Crime Section led the investigation. Police said investigators identified a suspect and associated
death-toll-rises-to-24-after-russian-missile-strike-on-kyiv-apartment-building-zelenskyy-says
WorldMay 15, 2026

Death toll rises to 24 after Russian missile strike on Kyiv apartment building, Zelenskyy says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that the death toll from a Russian missile strike on a Kyiv apartment building has risen to 24, including three children, after emergency crews completed search operations at the site. In posts published on X, Zelenskyy said rescue workers spent more than a day clearing debris from the damaged nine-storey residential building following Thursday’s attack. Ukrainian officials also reported 48 people injured in the broader assault on the capital, including two children. According to the Ukrainian air force, the strike formed part of what offic
911-communications-workers-in-b-c-vote-95-in-favour-of-strike-action
BCMay 15, 2026

911 communications workers in B.C. vote 95% in favour of strike action

A union representing more than 700 emergency communications workers in British Columbia says members have voted 95 per cent in favour of strike action as contract negotiations continue with E-Comm, the organization that operates many of the province’s 911 call services. CUPE 8911 said Thursday the vote reflects concerns among front-line staff about staffing shortages, workload pressures and long-term sustainability within the emergency communications system. The union said workers would be in a legal strike position once an essential services order is finalized through the labour relations p