Alberta has recorded its first influenza-related death of the 2025–26 season, according to new data from the province’s respiratory virus dashboard. Officials say the individual was in their 60s. The report marks an early fatality in what public health experts warn could be another challenging flu season. Last year, Alberta experienced one of its deadliest flu periods in decades, with 237 deaths recorded during the 2024–25 season. Provincial data shows a concerning upward trend in both deaths and hospitalizations linked to influenza. There were 171 deaths in 2023–24, 123 in 2022–23,

Emergency crews are responding to an apparent bitumen spill into the North Saskatchewan River after a tanker truck lost control and slid off a snow-covered highway northeast of Edmonton. RCMP from the Smoky Lake detachment said the vehicle left Highway 831 and entered the river amid heavy snow and poor road conditions. The driver reportedly climbed onto the truck’s roof before being rescued by boat. An environmental response team has been deployed to contain and clean up the spill, while officials continue to assess whether bitumen entered the river system. RCMP confirmed the driver was not

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

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 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

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

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

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 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