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AlbertaJun 23, 2026

Alberta Reverses Increase in Minimum Alcohol Prices

Alberta's liquor authority has cancelled a recent increase to the minimum price of alcohol sold in bars and restaurants. The decision comes after a weekend social media dispute between Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas. Smith and senior members of her government criticized Calgary City Council over new noise and curfew rules introduced for the Calgary Stampede. In response, Mayor Farkas criticized the province's decision to raise minimum alcohol prices. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said Calgary's leadership should follow the province's example by repealing the contr
AlbertaJun 23, 2026

Edmonton Lifts Water Supply Alert After Stormwater System Stabilizes

The City of Edmonton has lifted the water supply alert that was issued on Sunday following several days of heavy rainfall. In an advisory released late Monday, officials said residents can return to their normal routines as the city's stormwater system has now stabilized. The recent downpours put significant pressure on multiple stormwater systems, raising concerns about flooding and sewer backups. In response, Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack and utility provider Epcor had urged residents to minimize their water use. Epcor spokesperson Martin Kennedy said the company responded to more than 600 cal
former-alberta-finance-minister-joe-ceci-will-not-seek-re-election-in-2027
AlbertaJun 22, 2026

Former Alberta finance minister Joe Ceci will not seek re-election in 2027

Longtime Alberta politician Joe Ceci says he will not seek re-election in the province's next general election, scheduled for the fall of 2027. Ceci served as Alberta's finance minister in former premier Rachel Notley's New Democratic government from 2015 to 2019, becoming the province's only NDP finance minister. During his time in cabinet, the government increased the minimum wage and expanded funding for family and community support programs. His tenure also coincided with a sharp downturn in oil prices that contributed to significant provincial budget deficits. The NDP government argued th
AlbertaJun 22, 2026

Alberta MLA expense claims draw scrutiny over high-end meals and minor purchases

A review of Alberta legislators' expense disclosures for the last fiscal year shows elected officials across party lines claimed expenses ranging from high-end restaurant meals to small everyday purchases, prompting questions from political observers about public perception and accountability. Under Alberta's legislative rules, members of the legislative assembly receive budgets to operate constituency offices, cover travel costs and host constituents and stakeholders. MLAs are also required to publicly disclose expense reports with itemized receipts. Among the larger expenses, Municipal Affai
AlbertaJun 22, 2026

Edmonton area residents urged to conserve water as heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems

Officials in Edmonton and several neighbouring communities are urging residents to reduce water use after heavy rainfall caused localized flooding and pushed stormwater and sewer systems toward capacity. The City of Edmonton issued a water supply alert, saying flooding and sewer backups have been reported in surrounding areas and warning that additional problems could occur if the stormwater system continues operating above capacity. Utility provider Epcor asked customers to delay activities that use large amounts of water, including showering, running washing machines and dishwashers, and to
AlbertaJun 19, 2026

Crane driver missing after vehicle plunges into Wapiti River near Grande Prairie

A crane operator remains missing after a commercial vehicle left a bridge and entered the Wapiti River near Grande Prairie, according to the RCMP. Police said the incident occurred Tuesday when the crane struck a guardrail on the Wapiti River Bridge and went into the river. Emergency crews, including RCMP officers, firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, responded to the scene. RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mathew Howell said the crane remains submerged. The cause of the collision is under investigation. According to RCMP, divers have not been able to enter the river because of strong currents
AlbertaJun 19, 2026

Calgary Transit workers to rally ahead of court hearing in driver assault case

Calgary Transit employees and members of ATU Local 583 are expected to gather outside Municipal Plaza today ahead of a court hearing related to the assault of a bus driver that occurred last year. According to ATU Local 583, members will hold a rally at noon before proceeding to the Calgary Courts Centre for a scheduled hearing at 1:30 p.m. The union says the demonstration is intended to highlight ongoing concerns about the safety of transit operators and frontline transit staff. The case stems from an incident in May 2025 near Falconridge Boulevard and Castleridge Boulevard, where a Calgary T
alberta-residents-to-receive-100-relief-payment-within-two-weeks-of-application-smith-says
AlbertaJun 19, 2026

Alberta residents to receive $100 relief payment within two weeks of application, Smith says

Eligible Albertans will receive a $100 provincial relief payment within approximately two weeks of submitting an application, according to Premier Danielle Smith. Smith said the Alberta government chose to provide direct payments to residents instead of reducing the provincial gasoline tax. She said fuel tax reductions do not always result in savings reaching consumers, making direct assistance a more effective way to help households manage rising costs. According to the Alberta government, the relief program was triggered after higher global oil prices increased provincial energy royalty reve
smith-says-timing-may-prevent-coal-mining-referendum-question-from-appearing-on-october-ballot
AlbertaJun 18, 2026

Smith says timing may prevent coal mining referendum question from appearing on October ballot

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says it may be too late for a citizen-led petition seeking a ban on new coal mining projects to be included in the province's Oct. 19 referendum vote. Earlier this month, Alberta musician Corb Lund submitted what he said were more than 200,000 signatures in support of a petition that would require the Alberta government to consider legislation banning new coal mining or submit the matter to a provincewide referendum if the signatures are verified. According to Alberta's citizen initiative rules, a successful petition can compel the government to either introduce

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astronaut-jeremy-hansen-to-leave-canadian-space-agency-in-september
CanadaJul 06, 2026

Astronaut Jeremy Hansen to leave Canadian Space Agency in September

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is leaving the Canadian Space Agency after announcing he will step down in September to pursue new professional opportunities, the agency said. Hansen, who made history earlier this year by taking part in NASA's Artemis 2 mission around the Moon, informed the agency of his decision to leave the astronaut corps. According to the Canadian Space Agency, he will continue serving as a reservist with the Royal Canadian Air Force after his departure. The Canadian Space Agency did not provide additional details about Hansen's future plans or identify the professional o
AlbertaJul 06, 2026

Warm weather expected to return to Calgary after stormy weekend

Warm and dry weather is expected to return to Calgary following a stormy weekend, with above-seasonal temperatures forecast over the next seven to 10 days. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, heat warnings may also remain in effect for parts of Alberta during the period. Central and southern Alberta are expected to see near-seasonal temperatures on Monday, with Calgary forecast to reach a high of 22 C. Temperatures are then expected to climb through the week, ranging between 25 C and 29 C. Smoke from ongoing wildfires in the Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan could drift in
smith-ford-unveil-proposed-alberta-ontario-oil-pipeline-route-at-calgary-stampede
AlbertaJul 06, 2026

Smith, Ford unveil proposed Alberta–Ontario oil pipeline route at Calgary Stampede

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have unveiled the proposed route for a west-to-east oil pipeline that would transport crude from Alberta to Ontario without crossing into the United States. According to an announcement by the Alberta and Ontario governments, the proposed pipeline would extend approximately 3,300 kilometres from Hardisty, Alta., to refineries in Sarnia, Ont. The Ontario government said the project would have the capacity to move up to 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day and could reduce Canada's reliance on imported refined petroleum products. Smith
canada-seeks-clarity-after-u-s-proposes-annual-cusma-reviews
CanadaJul 06, 2026

Canada seeks clarity after U.S. proposes annual CUSMA reviews

Canada's Minister responsible for Canada–U.S. Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, says the Trump administration's proposal to review the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) every year instead of extending it in its current form until 2042 has created significant uncertainty for Ottawa. According to LeBlanc, both Canada and Mexico had sought to maintain the trade agreement for another 16 years to provide long-term certainty for businesses and investors. However, Washington has indicated it is considering substantial changes to the agreement. LeBlanc said he and Mexico's Economy Secretary Ma
WorldJul 06, 2026

Deadly prison clashes in Sri Lanka leave at least 20 dead, more than 100 injured

At least 20 people were killed and more than 100 others injured after violent clashes erupted at a prison in Negombo, north of Sri Lanka's capital, according to local media reports and police. The unrest began Sunday at the prison in Negombo, about 35 kilometres north of Colombo, and continued into Monday. Authorities have not released details on what triggered the violence. According to local television station Hiru, those killed include both inmates and prison officials. The broadcaster also reported that more than 100 people were injured in the incident. Police spokesperson Chandana Herath