Environment Canada says air quality across much of northern Alberta and Saskatchewan is expected to remain poor through mid-week because of wildfire smoke. The agency said smoke from ongoing wildfires is affecting air quality and visibility in several communities. Officials are advising residents to limit time outdoors and keep windows and doors closed as much as possible to reduce exposure to smoke. People who must spend extended periods outside are encouraged to consider wearing a well-fitting respirator mask, such as an N95, which can help reduce exposure to fine particles in wildfire smoke

Leaders pushing for a referendum on Alberta's separation from Canada have received a partial victory in court. Alberta Court of Appeal Justice Alice Woolley ruled today that the process of counting and verifying signatures collected for the separatist petition can proceed. The petition seeks a provincewide vote on Alberta leaving Canada and is being led primarily by activist Mitch Sylvestre. Last month, a lower court judge dismissed the petition, ruling that the Alberta government had failed to meet its constitutional duty to consult with First Nations. Immediately after that decision, the gr

A local state of emergency has been declared in parts of Kananaskis Country west of Calgary as flooding has damaged road access and left some people unable to leave the area. Alberta Parks said emergency crews are supporting campground evacuations where necessary, monitoring infrastructure and maintaining road closures as conditions continue to change. Officials have asked people already in the area to remain where they are and urged visitors to postpone travel until conditions improve. Authorities have not said how many people are stranded or whether there have been any injuries related to th

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has welcomed an agreement reached between the City of Calgary and Stampede event operators over noise restrictions during this year's Calgary Stampede. Under the new deal, the city has agreed to allow slightly higher sound levels than those originally proposed, although they will still remain below last year's limits. In return, event organizers have accepted a condition requiring live music to end by midnight each night. Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis played a key role in resolving the dispute. He brought together

A pro-separatist billboard in the southern Alberta town of Taber became the focal point of a rally supporting Alberta's independence on Sunday. Despite strong winds and heavy rain, about 150 people attended the demonstration organized by the group Cruise to Alberta Independence. The guest of honour was Cory Morgan, who paid for the controversial billboard and refused to remove it despite an order from the Town of Taber, which declared it a public nuisance. Morgan said the billboard has been paid for until Tuesday and will likely be taken down afterward. However, he argued that the town's acti

A 24-year-old woman from Camrose, Alberta, has died following a single-vehicle crash near the entrance to Banff National Park. According to the RCMP, officers responded to reports of the collision on Highway 1 early Sunday morning. When emergency crews arrived at the scene, they found the woman deceased. Police have not released the victim's identity, and no further details about the cause of the crash have been made public. Mounties said they extend their condolences to the woman's family and friends during this difficult time.

A Calgary Police Service officer has been suspended with pay after being charged with assault in connection with an arrest that took place in May 2025. In a news release issued Friday, the service said a complainant alleged that an officer used excessive force during the arrest by "striking them multiple times with a closed fist." Police identified the accused officer as Const. Imran Khan, who faces one count of assault. The service said Khan's employment status is under review and confirmed he has been a member of the Calgary Police Service for six years. The allegation has not been proven in

Environment Canada says heavy rainfall expected across central Alberta this weekend could lead to overland flooding, road washouts and damage to infrastructure. Forecasters are predicting up to 60 millimetres of rain between Friday evening and Sunday. The agency noted that an unusually wet June has already left the ground saturated, increasing the risk of flooding. Environment Canada also warned that another weather system is expected to move into the region early next week, potentially bringing even more heavy rainfall and worsening conditions. Residents are being advised to monitor weather

The Department of National Defence says two senior leaders of a respected Armed Forces battalion have been removed pending an investigation. It says Lt.-Col. Jason Hudson and chief warrant officer Kim Doerr have been temporarily removed from their positions with 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Hudson was the Edmonton-based unit's commanding officer. The Defence Department is sharing few details about the probe but says authority figures are expected to display good judgment and conduct. It says the 3rd Canadian Division, which oversees all Forces operations across W