AlbertaOct 31, 2024
Ottawa fires back at Alberta's application for judicial review of carbon price
The federal government says Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's application for a judicial review of Ottawa's carbon levy is nothing more than political posturing.
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and Justice Minister Arif Virani say it's disappointing, but not surprising, that Smith is engaging in a ``political stunt'' ahead of her United Conservative Party leadership review this weekend.
They say the temporary exemption for home heating oil is meant to give time to switch to cheaper forms of home heating and that the Supreme Court has signed off on the legality of the levy.
AlbertaOct 30, 2024
Alberta to table bill focused on strengthening child care safety
A new bill aimed at strengthening child care safety in Alberta will be tabled in the Legislature on Wednesday. Several child care centres across the province have been subjected to closures in months past for varying health and safety violations.
In August, three calgary daycare programs were forced to close their doors after the government said they posed an “imminent danger” to the health and safety of kids.
Earlier this month, two daycares in Edmonton were closed over safety concerns.
The province has said compliance issues are often found through routine inspections of licensed child
AlbertaOct 29, 2024
Alberta applying for a judicial review of federal carbon price, calling it unfair
Premier Danielle Smith says Alberta has applied for a judicial review of Ottawa's exemption of the carbon levy on home heating oil.
She says it's "blatantly" unfair to Albertans who rely on natural gas to heat their homes and that relief can’t wait with cold winter weather coming.
Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery says it took about a year for the province to assemble its legal argument and he expects it to take another year to work its way through court.
Amery says providing a benefit to those who use heating oil, predominantly in Atlantic Canada, undermines what's supposed to be a nati
CanadaOct 29, 2024
Proposed changes to Alberta Bill of Rights would prohibit vaccinations without consent
The Alberta government is proposing changes to the provincial Bill of Rights aimed at giving residents the right to refuse medical treatments, including vaccines. But there would be exemptions around whether the person has the capacity to consent, and if they are likely to harm themselves or others.
Justice Minister Mickey Amery says the United Conservative government wants to make it clear no one will be forced to receive a treatment they don't want. But Premier Danielle Smith says the legislation is worded in such a way that it wouldn't conflict with the U-C-P's plans to allow polic
FeaturedOct 24, 2024
Alberta, Ontario taken aback by federal housing minister on funding for homelessness
The federal government says Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan haven’t formally responded to an offer of funding to tackle homelessness. But Alberta’s minister in charge of the file says the province isn't saying no and his officials have been actively meeting with Ottawa on the file.Ottawa committed $250 million over two yearsin its budget to provide more shelter spaces, transitional homes, harm reduction spaces and services.Federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser said in a Tuesday statement that the three provinces have yet to officially get on board.Fraser said he reached out with a Sept. 1
AlbertaOct 21, 2024
Alberta government to build 250 units of interim housing in Jasper for $112 million
The Alberta government has announced 250 units of interim housing for Jasper, Alta., residents displaced by a wildfire this summer.
Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon says the housing will cost the province $112 million, and the units will be rented at or near market rates.
The July wildfire destroyed one-third of the tourist town's structures, including more than 800 units of housing.
Nixon says it's still being determined how many of the interim housing units will be single occupancy and how many will be designed for families.
Mayor Richard Ireland says the ne
CanadaOct 17, 2024
Alberta government shifts continuing care from Health to Seniors Ministry
The Alberta government has announced that long-term care and supportive living programs will no longer fall under the provincial Health Ministry, as part of its ongoing restructuring of Alberta’s health-care system.
Instead, responsibility for continuing care programs will move to Seniors and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon, the province confirmed Friday. The change is part of Premier Danielle Smith’s plan to divide Alberta Health Services (AHS) into four new agencies, each handling specific aspects of health care. One of these agencies will focus exclusively on continuing care, which
CanadaOct 16, 2024
Alberta launches $7M “Scrap the Cap” campaign opposing Ottawa’s emissions limit on oil and gas sector
The Alberta government has unveiled a new $7-million national advertising campaign aimed at opposing the federal government’s proposed emissions cap for the oil and gas industry - calling it a “production cap in disguise” that threatens jobs and economic stability.
Premier Danielle Smith announced the “Scrap the Cap” campaign on Friday, arguing that Ottawa’s planned regulations, expected later this year, would hurt Alberta’s energy sector and make it harder for families to afford everyday essentials. “This cap will kill jobs, drive away investment, and raise costs for Canadians
CanadaOct 16, 2024
Former Alberta justice minister Kaycee Madu faces sanction for calling Edmonton police chief over traffic ticket
Former Alberta justice minister Kaycee Madu is facing disciplinary action from the Law Society of Alberta after a tribunal found he “undermined respect for the administration of justice” by contacting Edmonton’s police chief about a personal traffic ticket.
The law society cited Madu for misconduct related to a 2021 phone call to Chief Dale McFee, which took place shortly after he received a distracted driving ticket. While the society has not yet announced the penalty, the tribunal said Madu’s actions were “worthy of sanction”, with possible outcomes ranging from a suspension to d