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AlbertaMay 27, 2026

Alberta judge calls for stronger vaccination outreach, improved housing conditions after death of First Nations boy

A provincial court judge is recommending stronger vaccination campaigns and action on overcrowded housing conditions following the 2020 death of a six-year-old Indigenous boy in northern Alberta. In a fatality inquiry report released Tuesday, provincial court Justice Claus Thietke said the boy died on Nov. 13, 2020, at a local nursing station after experiencing abdominal pain and hours of vomiting. Evidence presented during the inquiry found meningococcus bacteria in the child’s bloodstream caused an infection that led to organ failure. According to the report, the boy lived with about 20 re
alberta-constitutional-affairs-adviser-jason-stephan-resigns-from-role
AlbertaMay 26, 2026

Alberta constitutional affairs adviser Jason Stephan resigns from role

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s office says Jason Stephan has resigned as the government’s parliamentary adviser on constitutional affairs. Stephan, the United Conservative Party MLA for Red Deer-South, remains a member of the government caucus, according to the premier’s office. No reason was provided for the resignation, which the office said was submitted earlier this year. The constitutional affairs advisory role was created by the Alberta government last year and was described at the time as “critically important” to advancing the province’s interests in federal-provincial re
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
verdict-expected-in-edmonton-dog-attack-death-trial
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
alberta-voters-to-weigh-referendum-question-on-provinces-future-in-canada-on-oct-19-says-premier-smith
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
alberta-premier-to-deliver-televised-address-amid-renewed-separation-referendum-debate
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
alberta-premier-danielle-smith-announces-cabinet-shuffle-amid-referendum-process
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

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CanadaJun 12, 2026

Quebec passes law banning energy drink sales to children under 16

Quebec has become the first province in Canada to prohibit the sale of caffeinated energy drinks to children under the age of 16 after the National Assembly passed Bill 9 by a large majority on Thursday. The new law is expected to come fully into force within the next six months. Quebec Health Minister Sonia Bélanger said the measure is an important step toward protecting the health and well-being of young people. Under the legislation, beverages containing 150 milligrams or more of caffeine per litre, along with added taurine and vitamins or minerals, will be classified as energy drinks. Ret
CanadaJun 12, 2026

Canada Opens FIFA World Cup Campaign on Home Soil in Toronto

Canada will begin its FIFA World Cup campaign on home soil Friday with an opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field in Toronto. The tournament marks a historic moment for Canadian soccer as World Cup matches are being played in Canada. However, Canadian fans will be without star player and team captain Alphonso Davies, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. According to head coach Jesse Marsch, Davies continues to make progress in his recovery. Marsch said the defender's condition is improving and expressed optimism that he could return to action later in the tournament. Fol
calgary-man-stabbed-in-face-in-hate-motivated-attack-police
AlbertaJun 11, 2026

Calgary man stabbed in face in hate-motivated attack: police

Calgary police say a man was stabbed twice in the face after being subjected to racial slurs in what investigators are describing as a hate-motivated attack. Police allege the incident occurred on the night of May 22, when a man in his 40s was approached by a neighbour outside his home in southwest Calgary. During the confrontation, the victim was allegedly targeted with racial remarks before being stabbed. The injured man managed to get inside his home, call police and was taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities say he has since recovered from his injuries. Investigators also allege the
AlbertaJun 11, 2026

No Active Recall Petitions Remain Against Alberta MLAs

The last remaining recall petitions aimed at removing members of the Alberta legislature have been dismissed. It marks the first time since October that there are no active recall campaigns seeking to unseat Alberta politicians. Elections Alberta says petitions targeting Opposition NDP MLA Marie Renaud and former United Conservative cabinet minister Peter Guthrie have both come to an end. According to the agency, the petition against Renaud was withdrawn, while the campaign against Guthrie was declared invalid after no documents were submitted by Wednesday’s deadline. Under Alberta’s recal
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CanadaJun 11, 2026

Toronto Police Officer Dies After Being Shot During Search Warrant Execution in North York

A Toronto police officer who was critically injured after being shot during the execution of a search warrant at a North York apartment early Thursday has died in hospital. Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw confirmed that the fallen officer has been identified as 43-year-old Const. Marc Pinizzotto. Pinizzotto is the second Ontario police officer to die in the line of duty this week. On Tuesday, Const. Tarun Bali was killed after being struck by a vehicle driven by a suspect who had fled from a hospital. Chief Demkiw said officers were at the residential apartment as part of an investigation l