A record 174,532 voters cast their ballots on the first day of advance voting in Alberta’s referendum, signalling strong voter interest in the province-wide vote. According to Elections Alberta, Tuesday’s turnout was significantly higher than the average of 151,000 daily voters recorded during previous general elections. Long queues forced around 20 polling stations across the province to remain open several hours beyond their scheduled closing times, with some staying open until 11 p.m. The 10-question referendum, initiated by Premier Danielle Smith’s government, covers major issues inc

More than half of the doctors surveyed by the Alberta Medical Association say they would leave the province if Alberta separates from Canada. According to the association, the survey included 1,600 doctors, many of whom said they would move to another Canadian province or territory rather than continue practising in an independent Alberta. Meanwhile, only 15 per cent of respondents said they would stay in Alberta and continue practising if the province became an independent country. The survey comes as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party government has proposed 10 ques

Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend two “Forever Canadian” rallies in Alberta just days before the province’s upcoming referendum. On October 19, Alberta voters will have their say on a proposed referendum on the province’s potential separation from Canada, along with nine other questions related to constitutional and immigration issues. The “Forever Canadian” campaign, launched by former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk, aims to encourage Albertans to vote in favour of remaining part of Canada. According to the organization’s website, Carney was invited to attend rallie

Two former Alberta premiers who once stood on opposite sides of provincial politics have joined forces to oppose Alberta’s separation from Canada. Former United Conservative Party Premier Jason Kenney and former NDP Premier Rachel Notley are scheduled to speak at an event organized by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. Kenney defeated Notley’s NDP government in the 2019 provincial election. Their joint appearance comes just one week before Albertans vote in a 10-question referendum that includes the issue of separation from Canada.

A week before Alberta’s referendum on its future within Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney has used his Thanksgiving message to urge Canadians to choose national unity and prosperity. In a video message recorded at his former school, St. Francis Xavier High School in Edmonton, Carney said Canada is facing significant economic and security challenges in a changing world. He stressed that the country would be stronger by working together rather than becoming divided. Carney highlighted several federal initiatives aimed at addressing Alberta’s longstanding concerns, including scrapping the co

A Calgary massage therapist is facing four additional sexual assault charges after four more alleged victims came forward. Police arrested 53-year-old Yuriy Zhivov in July in connection with an alleged incident during an appointment at Kinesio Massage Therapy, located on 17 Avenue SW, in August 2025. Following the release of information about the investigation, four additional victims contacted police, alleging that Zhivov had also committed criminal acts against them. As a result of the investigation, officers executed a search warrant at Kinesio Massage Therapy on October 1, 2026, and arrest

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has announced that he will visit Alberta next week to deliver a speech on Canadian unity, just ahead of a referendum on Alberta separating from Canada. Speaking at a news conference in Ontario, Poilievre said he would also conduct more grassroots campaigning in the province. Asked about tech billionaire Elon Musk’s comments suggesting that Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec should separate from Canada, Poilievre said Canadians decide their own future. The premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan have dismissed Musk’s remarks.

A minor was arrested Wednesday after a report of a gun being seen at a school in Lloydminster, a city located on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. According to Lloydminster RCMP, police received a report from Lloydminster Comprehensive High School at around 11:07 a.m. The school was immediately placed under lockdown, and officers took the suspect into custody without incident. The suspect’s identity cannot be released due to their age under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Following a thorough investigation, police confirmed that no weapon was found at the scene.

A man facing charges for allegedly threatening the life of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and making threats against him could face a lengthy prison sentence. Prosecutors say that beyond the threats against the prime minister, the accused is also facing serious charges including extortion, which could result in an even longer prison term. Thirty-one-year-old Jamie Da Costa appeared in court by CCTV on Wednesday, while his lawyer was present in person. His lawyer requested until October 13 to review the case. Da Costa is currently being held at the Calgary Remand Centre. He is accused of t