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AlbertaJun 23, 2026

Alberta Reverses Increase in Minimum Alcohol Prices

Alberta's liquor authority has cancelled a recent increase to the minimum price of alcohol sold in bars and restaurants. The decision comes after a weekend social media dispute between Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas. Smith and senior members of her government criticized Calgary City Council over new noise and curfew rules introduced for the Calgary Stampede. In response, Mayor Farkas criticized the province's decision to raise minimum alcohol prices. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said Calgary's leadership should follow the province's example by repealing the contr
AlbertaJun 23, 2026

Edmonton Lifts Water Supply Alert After Stormwater System Stabilizes

The City of Edmonton has lifted the water supply alert that was issued on Sunday following several days of heavy rainfall. In an advisory released late Monday, officials said residents can return to their normal routines as the city's stormwater system has now stabilized. The recent downpours put significant pressure on multiple stormwater systems, raising concerns about flooding and sewer backups. In response, Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack and utility provider Epcor had urged residents to minimize their water use. Epcor spokesperson Martin Kennedy said the company responded to more than 600 cal
former-alberta-finance-minister-joe-ceci-will-not-seek-re-election-in-2027
AlbertaJun 22, 2026

Former Alberta finance minister Joe Ceci will not seek re-election in 2027

Longtime Alberta politician Joe Ceci says he will not seek re-election in the province's next general election, scheduled for the fall of 2027. Ceci served as Alberta's finance minister in former premier Rachel Notley's New Democratic government from 2015 to 2019, becoming the province's only NDP finance minister. During his time in cabinet, the government increased the minimum wage and expanded funding for family and community support programs. His tenure also coincided with a sharp downturn in oil prices that contributed to significant provincial budget deficits. The NDP government argued th
AlbertaJun 22, 2026

Alberta MLA expense claims draw scrutiny over high-end meals and minor purchases

A review of Alberta legislators' expense disclosures for the last fiscal year shows elected officials across party lines claimed expenses ranging from high-end restaurant meals to small everyday purchases, prompting questions from political observers about public perception and accountability. Under Alberta's legislative rules, members of the legislative assembly receive budgets to operate constituency offices, cover travel costs and host constituents and stakeholders. MLAs are also required to publicly disclose expense reports with itemized receipts. Among the larger expenses, Municipal Affai
AlbertaJun 22, 2026

Edmonton area residents urged to conserve water as heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems

Officials in Edmonton and several neighbouring communities are urging residents to reduce water use after heavy rainfall caused localized flooding and pushed stormwater and sewer systems toward capacity. The City of Edmonton issued a water supply alert, saying flooding and sewer backups have been reported in surrounding areas and warning that additional problems could occur if the stormwater system continues operating above capacity. Utility provider Epcor asked customers to delay activities that use large amounts of water, including showering, running washing machines and dishwashers, and to
AlbertaJun 19, 2026

Crane driver missing after vehicle plunges into Wapiti River near Grande Prairie

A crane operator remains missing after a commercial vehicle left a bridge and entered the Wapiti River near Grande Prairie, according to the RCMP. Police said the incident occurred Tuesday when the crane struck a guardrail on the Wapiti River Bridge and went into the river. Emergency crews, including RCMP officers, firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, responded to the scene. RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mathew Howell said the crane remains submerged. The cause of the collision is under investigation. According to RCMP, divers have not been able to enter the river because of strong currents
AlbertaJun 19, 2026

Calgary Transit workers to rally ahead of court hearing in driver assault case

Calgary Transit employees and members of ATU Local 583 are expected to gather outside Municipal Plaza today ahead of a court hearing related to the assault of a bus driver that occurred last year. According to ATU Local 583, members will hold a rally at noon before proceeding to the Calgary Courts Centre for a scheduled hearing at 1:30 p.m. The union says the demonstration is intended to highlight ongoing concerns about the safety of transit operators and frontline transit staff. The case stems from an incident in May 2025 near Falconridge Boulevard and Castleridge Boulevard, where a Calgary T
alberta-residents-to-receive-100-relief-payment-within-two-weeks-of-application-smith-says
AlbertaJun 19, 2026

Alberta residents to receive $100 relief payment within two weeks of application, Smith says

Eligible Albertans will receive a $100 provincial relief payment within approximately two weeks of submitting an application, according to Premier Danielle Smith. Smith said the Alberta government chose to provide direct payments to residents instead of reducing the provincial gasoline tax. She said fuel tax reductions do not always result in savings reaching consumers, making direct assistance a more effective way to help households manage rising costs. According to the Alberta government, the relief program was triggered after higher global oil prices increased provincial energy royalty reve
smith-says-timing-may-prevent-coal-mining-referendum-question-from-appearing-on-october-ballot
AlbertaJun 18, 2026

Smith says timing may prevent coal mining referendum question from appearing on October ballot

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says it may be too late for a citizen-led petition seeking a ban on new coal mining projects to be included in the province's Oct. 19 referendum vote. Earlier this month, Alberta musician Corb Lund submitted what he said were more than 200,000 signatures in support of a petition that would require the Alberta government to consider legislation banning new coal mining or submit the matter to a provincewide referendum if the signatures are verified. According to Alberta's citizen initiative rules, a successful petition can compel the government to either introduce

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new-westminster-police-officers-help-rescue-15-residents-from-apartment-fire
BCJul 31, 2026

New Westminster police officers help rescue 15 residents from apartment fire

New Westminster Police Department officers helped rescue 15 residents from a burning apartment building Thursday evening after spotting smoke while working nearby, according to the police department. Police said officers were in the 800 block of 5th Avenue at about 6 p.m. when they became aware of the fire. As they approached the building, they saw several older adults leaning out of windows to avoid the smoke. According to a New Westminster Police Department news release, officers entered the building alongside crews from New Westminster Fire and Rescue Service and assisted 15 residents to sa
BCJul 31, 2026

Coquitlam man faces six firearms charges following Surrey and Coquitlam searches

A 35-year-old Coquitlam man is facing six firearms-related charges after a joint investigation by B.C.'s anti-gang police and the Surrey RCMP Provincial Operations Support Unit. According to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), the investigation began in June. On July 16, officers executed search warrants at two residences in the 11500 block of 141A Street in Surrey and the 4300 block of Quarry Road in Coquitlam. Police said investigators seized several firearms during the searches, including two Beretta handguns. Officers arrested Sadiq Azimali Daya at
man-dies-after-fleeing-surrey-traffic-stop-struck-by-vehicle-on-highway-10
BCJul 31, 2026

Man dies after fleeing Surrey traffic stop, struck by vehicle on Highway 10

A man died after being struck by a vehicle while fleeing on foot following a traffic stop in Surrey late Thursday night, according to the Surrey Police Service. Police said an officer stopped a westbound vehicle for a traffic enforcement check at about 11 p.m. in the 15600 block of 56 Avenue, along Highway 10. The driver then exited the vehicle and fled on foot. According to the Surrey Police Service, the man was crossing the roadway when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle. Surrey police officers, Surrey Fire Service crews and BC Emergency Health Services paramedics attempted life-saving me
suspect-arrested-after-firearm-reported-at-new-westminster-shopping-centre
BCJul 31, 2026

Suspect arrested after firearm reported at New Westminster shopping centre

A suspect is facing potential charges after allegedly brandishing a firearm at a patron outside a coffee shop in New Westminster on Wednesday morning, according to the New Westminster Police Department. Police said officers responded to a 9-1-1 call at about 6 a.m. on July 30 after receiving reports that a person had pointed a firearm at someone seated on the patio of a business in the Columbia Square shopping centre. Investigators determined the suspect fled across Columbia Street, passed through a hole in a fence and crossed nearby railway tracks. Officers searched the area with assistance f
b-c-supreme-court-strikes-down-parts-of-mental-health-act-allowing-treatment-without-consent
BCJul 31, 2026

B.C. Supreme Court strikes down parts of Mental Health Act allowing treatment without consent

The B.C. Supreme Court has ruled that portions of the province's Mental Health Act that allow patients to receive psychiatric treatment without their consent are unconstitutional, giving the provincial government six months to amend the legislation. Justice Lauren Blake found that British Columbia was the only province in Canada where patients could be subjected to psychiatric treatment without an assessment of their decision-making capacity. The court concluded that the provisions violate constitutional protections. The ruling comes as the B.C. government is pursuing plans to expand involunta