The chief of a First Nation seeking a court injunction against a citizen-led petition on Alberta’s potential separation from Canada says legal action was necessary to defend treaty rights. Chief Sheldon Sunshine of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation said the constitutional challenge targets the province’s citizen-initiated referendum process, which he argues could affect First Nations without proper consultation. According to statements made at the start of the hearing, Sunshine said the case is about ensuring treaty obligations are upheld. A court hearing began Tuesday and is expected to include a

Environment Canada says a late-season Alberta clipper is expected to bring snowfall to parts of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba through Tuesday and into Wednesday. According to an Environment Canada weather statement, heavy snow is forecast in Alberta from Peace River toward Cold Lake, as well as between Banff and Jasper, beginning overnight and continuing into Wednesday morning. In Saskatchewan, the agency says snowfall is expected to develop across central regions of the province on Tuesday and persist into Wednesday. Manitoba is expected to see some of the highest accumulations, with 15

An Alberta First Nation is in court Tuesday seeking an injunction to stop a citizen-led petition campaign advocating for the province to leave Canada. The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation has filed an application in the Court of King’s Bench in Edmonton, asking a judge to suspend the campaign while legal questions over treaty rights are addressed. According to the court filing, the First Nation argues that any move toward Alberta’s separation from Canada would require the consent of First Nations under existing treaties. The application alleges that the governments of Alberta and Canada, along wi

Lethbridge Police Service says it is seeking the public’s help to identify a driver involved in a hit-and-run that damaged a parked vehicle. According to a police release, the incident occurred between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on March 24 in the 900 block of 18 Street North. Investigators say a vehicle struck a parked white SUV and left the scene without stopping. Police confirmed the SUV sustained significant damage. No injuries have been reported. Based on debris recovered at the scene, officers have identified the suspect vehicle as a 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander. The investigation remains ongoing.

Calgary-based WestJet says it will introduce a temporary $60 surcharge on certain bookings and consolidate some flights as fuel prices rise. In an email to customers, the airline said the surcharge will apply to bookings made using a companion voucher starting Wednesday. The company did not specify how long the surcharge will remain in place. WestJet also confirmed it has combined flights on lower-demand routes, reducing its schedule by about one per cent in April and three per cent in May. The airline said most affected passengers have been offered alternative travel arrangements. According t

The Alberta government has introduced legislation aimed at limiting access by children and young teens to graphic sexual images in public libraries, according to a provincial announcement. Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams tabled the bill, which would apply to all public library systems across the province. The proposed law does not include a ban on books, but would require measures to prevent those aged 15 and under from accessing visual depictions of sex. According to the province, options under consideration include placing such materials in restricted sections or requiring library st

The Alberta government has introduced Bill 26, the Immigration Oversight Act, aimed at increasing transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers across the province. According to a provincial government announcement, the proposed legislation would require all businesses to register with the province before hiring employees through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The measure is intended to strengthen oversight and ensure employers follow provincial rules when bringing in workers from abroad. The bill also proposes a new licensing system for immigration consultants and recruitment agen

Alberta RCMP say the fatal highway shooting of a 22-year-old international student from India was not motivated by race, as investigators confirm a second person has been charged in the case. Sgt. John Brown told a news conference Wednesday that the March 14 shooting near Leduc, south of Edmonton, does not appear to be linked to hate, road rage or a gang initiation. Birinder Singh was travelling with two friends toward the Rocky Mountains when a pickup truck driving alongside them made a hand gesture before shots were fired, according to RCMP. Police say a bullet struck Singh in the neck. One

Officials in Calgary say the city is on track to lift temporary water restrictions Thursday following the completion of repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, which ruptured in December. According to a City of Calgary update, pumps connected to the feeder main have been turned on and the system is now operational. Restrictions remain in place for now while crews monitor the pipe and overall water system to confirm stability. The city said if monitoring proceeds as expected, residents will no longer be asked to limit household water use, including shortening showers and reducing laundry, di