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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
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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
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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
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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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AlbertaMay 21, 2026

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces cabinet shuffle amid referendum process

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a cabinet shuffle Thursday, with several senior ministers receiving new portfolios as the provincial government continues work related to a proposed referendum process in the province. Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani administered the oath of office to the newly appointed ministers during a ceremony in Edmonton. Jason Nixon was appointed Alberta’s new finance minister, while Adriana LaGrange returned to the hospitals and surgical health services portfolio. Tara Sawyer was named minister of agriculture and irrigation. Nathan Neudorf was appointed mini
AlbertaMay 21, 2026

Czech snowboarder dies after fall into glacier crevasse in Jasper National Park

A 38-year-old man from the Czech Republic has died after falling into a crevasse on the Columbia Icefield in Alberta’s Jasper National Park, according to RCMP. Police said officers were called to the Columbia Icefield area on May 12 after reports that a snowboarder had fallen into a glacier crevasse while travelling with two friends. RCMP identified the victim as a Czech national who had been living in Revelstoke, B.C. Police said recovery efforts were complicated by the remote terrain and harsh environmental conditions, delaying immediate access to the body. The Columbia Icefield is a major
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AlbertaMay 21, 2026

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expected to announce cabinet shuffle

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is expected to announce changes to her cabinet in Calgary on Thursday, with several high-profile portfolios potentially changing hands. Smith has not publicly confirmed which ministers may be moved, added, or removed from cabinet. According to previous public statements from the government, at least two major portfolios are vacant after Finance Minister Nate Horner and Hospitals Minister Matt Jones announced they will not seek re-election in 2027 and plan to step away from cabinet duties. Speculation has centred on Social Services Minister Jason Nixon as a possib

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CanadaNov 05, 2026

Porter Airlines Announces New Non-Stop Flights Between Vancouver and London, Ontario

Porter Airlines has announced the launch of new non-stop flights between Vancouver and London, Ontario, starting April 12, 2027. The airline will operate at least one daily flight between the two cities, with service potentially increasing to 11 flights per week during the peak travel season. Russell Atkinson, Director of Air Service Development at Vancouver International Airport, welcomed the announcement, saying the new route will strengthen connections between British Columbia and southwestern Ontario. It will provide greater convenience for business travellers, tourists and people visiting
CanadaNov 05, 2026

Quebec Premier Steps Up Efforts to Improve Ties with U.S. After Midterm Elections

Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has announced plans to launch a diplomatic outreach campaign in the United States following the midterm elections, aiming to improve relations and ease trade tensions. Plamondon said the rejection of U.S. President Donald Trump's policies by voters presents an opportunity for Canada and Quebec to find new allies in the United States and strengthen cross-border cooperation. However, he clarified that Quebec has no immediate plans to launch direct trade negotiations with Washington. Instead, the province will focus on opening new channels of communication
WorldNov 05, 2026

China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng to Visit Ottawa on November 8–9 to Strengthen Trade Ties

During the high-level visit, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne and International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu will welcome He Lifeng. The visit follows Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s trip to Canada in May this year and is seen as another significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations. Prime Minister Mark Carney laid the foundation for a renewed strategic partnership during his visit to China in January. Finance Minister Champagne’s visit in April and International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu’s trip to China earlier this week have also contributed to advancin
AlbertaNov 05, 2026

ASIRT Clears Two Alberta Police Officers in Leduc Arrest After Reviewing Bodycam Footage

Alberta’s police watchdog has cleared two officers involved in an alleged excessive use-of-force incident during an arrest in Leduc. Body camera footage played a key role in the investigation. According to the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), the man had allegedly assaulted someone earlier that night and repeatedly resisted arrest, forcing both officers to use physical force to restrain him. The officers punched the man in the face, which ASIRT determined was justified under the circumstances. The man had alleged that officers kicked him in the face. ASIRT concluded that the o
BCNov 05, 2026

BC Housing Experts Urge New Government to Reduce Development Charges Amid Slowing Condo Market

Housing experts and developers in British Columbia are urging the province’s newly elected government to consider alternatives to development charges for funding municipal infrastructure, as the condo construction market in Metro Vancouver has fallen to its lowest level in 15 years. They say development charges, which were initially intended to fund essential infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer systems, are now being used for a wider range of services, including libraries, fire services and daycare facilities. This expansion has led to a sharp increase in fees. According to a repor