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AlbertaNov 07, 2025

Alberta teachers launch court challenge over government’s use of notwithstanding clause to end strike

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has taken legal action against Premier Danielle Smith’s government, arguing that the recent law used to end their provincewide strike violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. ATA President Jason Schilling said the association has filed a court application asking a judge to suspend the law while a full constitutional challenge proceeds. Schilling called the government’s reliance on the Charter’s notwithstanding clause “unconstitutional” and said it undermines the role of the courts in protecting fundamental rights. The law in ques
jasper-park-lodge-manager-honoured-for-quick-action-during-2024-wildfire
AlbertaNov 06, 2025

Jasper Park Lodge manager honoured for quick action during 2024 wildfire

The general manager of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has received global recognition for his leadership during last year’s wildfire that threatened the landmark mountain resort. Garrett Turta was named Hotelier of the Year by Historic Hotels Worldwide, an international organization that recognizes excellence and leadership in the hospitality industry. The group described the award as its highest individual honour. Turta said he was shocked to learn he had been selected. He was overseeing operations in late July 2024 when the wildfire advanced toward the property. As about 2,500 guests and staff
premier-smith-says-no-immediate-plans-to-amend-alberta-recall-law
AlbertaNov 06, 2025

Premier Smith says no immediate plans to amend Alberta recall law

Premier Danielle Smith says her government has no current plans to change Alberta’s recall legislation, even as two petitions to remove sitting United Conservative Party members have been approved by Elections Alberta. Speaking to reporters, Smith said she is concerned that some recall efforts may be politically motivated rather than genuine attempts to hold elected officials accountable. She suggested the process may be used to undermine her government rather than serve its intended democratic purpose. The premier confirmed that no legislative amendments are being considered “at the momen
AlbertaNov 06, 2025

West Edmonton drug house shut down after repeated police calls, Alberta Sheriffs say

A west Edmonton home that police say was the source of frequent criminal activity has been shut down by Alberta Sheriffs following months of neighbourhood complaints and more than 40 police visits. The province confirmed Thursday that the residence at 15812 110A Avenue Northwest has been closed for 90 days, until February 3, 2026, under Alberta’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act. All occupants, including the property owner, have been ordered to leave while the building is boarded up, fenced and secured. Officials say residents in the area had long reported suspicious behaviour
AlbertaNov 05, 2025

Anglican Diocese questions Alberta's use of notwithstanding clause on teachers

The Anglican Diocese of Edmonton is questioning the Alberta government’s decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause to end the ongoing provincewide teachers strike, saying the move could have troubling implications for democratic freedoms. Bishop Stephen London said in an open letter that while he does not wish to engage in partisan politics, the use of the clause to suspend Charter rights undermines fundamental freedoms such as freedom of association. He warned that limiting one group’s rights could have broader consequences for freedom of conscience and religion across Canada. The Uni
AlbertaNov 05, 2025

Recall petition launched against Airdrie MLA Angela Pitt over community concerns

An Airdrie resident has initiated a formal recall campaign against United Conservative Party MLA Angela Pitt, saying she no longer represents the interests of her community. Local organizer Derek Keenan says the effort is not politically motivated, but rather a response to what he views as declining engagement from Pitt in addressing local concerns. He emphasized that he does not want the seat to shift to the New Democratic Party, but believes residents have not been adequately heard. Pitt, who has represented Airdrie-East for the past ten years, says she remains committed to her constituents
calgary-police-report-rise-in-domestic-violence-cases-as-city-nears-five-year-high
AlbertaNov 04, 2025

Calgary police report rise in domestic violence cases as city nears five-year high

Calgary police say domestic violence incidents in the city are increasing and could reach their highest level in five years, as November marks Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta. New figures from the Calgary Police Service show 3,592 domestic violence reports were filed between January and September 2025, compared to a five-year average of 3,163. Domestic conflict incidents – which include verbal disputes and other non-criminal situations – also climbed to 14,616, surpassing the average of 14,193 for the same period. Police note the statistics exclude cases involving children and
alberta-begins-search-for-new-auditor-general-as-wylies-term-nears-end
AlbertaNov 04, 2025

Alberta begins search for new auditor general as Wylie’s term nears end

The Alberta government is moving ahead with a search for the province’s next auditor general, even as the current officeholder, Doug Wylie, offered to remain for two additional years to complete ongoing investigations. Wylie, whose eight-year term expires in April 2026, has been overseeing an audit of health-care contract procurement practices following corruption allegations involving a former senior official at Alberta Health Services. Despite his offer to stay on and finish the review, United Conservative Party members on a legislative committee voted to begin recruiting for his replaceme
sentencing-postponed-for-calgary-man-in-boxing-day-crash-that-killed-young-girl
AlbertaNov 04, 2025

Sentencing postponed for Calgary man in Boxing Day crash that killed young girl

The sentencing of a Calgary man who admitted responsibility for a crash that claimed the life of a nine-year-old girl has been delayed until next year. Duane Nepoose pleaded guilty earlier this year to several charges, including dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, robbery, and fleeing from police following a Boxing Day collision in Calgary. Court proceedings revealed that Nepoose had stolen a minivan and was speeding through city traffic when he ran a red light, colliding with another vehicle. The crash killed nine-year-old Victoria Desjardins and injured se

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vancouver-police-search-for-driver-after-fatal-hit-and-run-in-east-vancouver
BCDec 23, 2025

Vancouver police search for driver after fatal hit-and-run in East Vancouver

Vancouver Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of an elderly pedestrian in East Vancouver early Tuesday morning. Officers say the collision occurred shortly after 6:30 a.m. on Rupert Street near Euclid Avenue. Police and BC Emergency Health Services responded to reports that an 81-year-old woman had been struck by a vehicle. The driver did not remain at the scene and was last seen travelling northbound on Rupert Street. The woman died at the scene before she could be taken to hospital. Investigators believe the vehicle involved is a dark grey Volkswagen Golf, like
BCDec 23, 2025

RCMP investigate cause of fire that damaged Grand Forks motel

Police in Grand Forks are investigating the cause of a fire that damaged several units at a local motel late Sunday evening. The incident occurred at Johnny’s Motel along Highway 3 and prompted a response from emergency crews shortly after 8:30 p.m. According to the RCMP, officers were called to assist the Grand Forks Fire Service after a vehicle caught fire in the motel’s carport area. Flames then spread to the building, affecting multiple units before being brought under control. No injuries were reported. Staff Sergeant Kris Clark of the BC RCMP said investigators are continuing to exam
police-investigate-suspicious-death-of-woman-in-merritt
BCDec 23, 2025

Police investigate suspicious death of woman in Merritt

Police in Merritt are investigating a suspicious death after a woman was found with fatal injuries over the weekend, prompting the involvement of the RCMP’s Major Crime Unit. Mounties say officers were called on December 20 to assist BC Emergency Health Services in the 2000-block of Nicola Avenue after reports of a woman in medical distress. The woman, a Merritt resident in her 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene. RCMP have confirmed the circumstances surrounding the death are considered suspicious, and the Southeast District Major Crime Unit has taken over conduct of the investigation. Po
canada-post-and-postal-workers-union-reach-tentative-labour-agreements
CanadaDec 22, 2025

Canada Post and postal workers’ union reach tentative labour agreements

Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers say they have reached tentative collective agreements that could bring an end to more than two years of labour tensions at the Crown corporation. The agreements cover both the Urban Postal Operations unit and the Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers unit, representing roughly 55,000 workers nationwide. The union’s national board has recommended members approve the deals, with ratification votes expected in early 2026. During the ratification process, both sides have agreed there will be no strike or lockout action, providing short-term labour
police-stop-406-000-fraud-targeting-northern-vancouver-island-first-nation
BCDec 22, 2025

Police stop $406,000 fraud targeting northern Vancouver Island First Nation

Alert Bay RCMP say they have prevented a fraud scheme that targeted the Namgis First Nation, protecting more than $400,000 intended for a new wellness and treatment centre on northern Vancouver Island. The case came to light on May 13, when the First Nation reported that $406,000 earmarked for contractors had been redirected to a fraudulent bank account via a scam email. Authorities say early intervention was key in limiting the financial loss. Collaboration with law enforcement in Eastern Canada led to a freeze on the bank account, which police allege was operated by an organized crime group.