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ucp-backs-alberta-remaining-in-canada-after-public-split-over-separation-stance
AlbertaMay 28, 2026

UCP backs Alberta remaining in Canada after public split over separation stance

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the United Conservative Party supports Alberta remaining in Canada following conflicting public statements from party leadership ahead of a proposed fall referendum on separation. The clarification came after UCP president Rob Smith said earlier this week the party would not take a position on Alberta separation before the vote. Danielle Smith has repeatedly stated she supports Alberta staying within Confederation. In a new statement issued Wednesday, the party said it supports Alberta remaining in Canada and “has always supported that position.” The dis
AlbertaMay 27, 2026

Alberta judge calls for stronger vaccination outreach, improved housing conditions after death of First Nations boy

A provincial court judge is recommending stronger vaccination campaigns and action on overcrowded housing conditions following the 2020 death of a six-year-old Indigenous boy in northern Alberta. In a fatality inquiry report released Tuesday, provincial court Justice Claus Thietke said the boy died on Nov. 13, 2020, at a local nursing station after experiencing abdominal pain and hours of vomiting. Evidence presented during the inquiry found meningococcus bacteria in the child’s bloodstream caused an infection that led to organ failure. According to the report, the boy lived with about 20 re
alberta-constitutional-affairs-adviser-jason-stephan-resigns-from-role
AlbertaMay 26, 2026

Alberta constitutional affairs adviser Jason Stephan resigns from role

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s office says Jason Stephan has resigned as the government’s parliamentary adviser on constitutional affairs. Stephan, the United Conservative Party MLA for Red Deer-South, remains a member of the government caucus, according to the premier’s office. No reason was provided for the resignation, which the office said was submitted earlier this year. The constitutional affairs advisory role was created by the Alberta government last year and was described at the time as “critically important” to advancing the province’s interests in federal-provincial re
AlbertaMay 26, 2026

Verdict expected in trial of man accused of selling rifle used in killings of Edmonton police officers

A judge in Edmonton Court of King’s Bench is expected to deliver a verdict Tuesday in the manslaughter trial of Dennis Okeymow, who is accused of selling a rifle later used in the fatal shooting of two Edmonton police officers in 2023. Okeymow, 21, has pleaded not guilty in connection with the deaths of constables Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan. According to court proceedings, the officers were responding to a domestic disturbance call at an apartment building when 16-year-old Roman Shewchuk allegedly opened fire on them. Police said Shewchuk later died by suicide at the scene. During the tria
AlbertaMay 25, 2026

Dog owner showed “wanton disregard” in fatal Edmonton dog attack, judge says

An Edmonton judge says a dog owner convicted of criminal negligence causing death demonstrated a “wanton disregard” for the life of an 11-year-old boy who was fatally attacked by her dogs in 2024. Court heard that Kache Grist was attacked by two dogs belonging to Crystal MacDonald in April 2024 at an Edmonton home where the boy was visiting his father, who was living with MacDonald at the time. According to the court ruling, MacDonald testified she did not approve of the child staying at the home. The judge said there were several steps she could have taken to reduce the risk, including ke
verdict-expected-in-edmonton-dog-attack-death-trial
AlbertaMay 22, 2026

Verdict expected in Edmonton dog attack death trial

A judge is expected to deliver a verdict Friday in the criminal negligence trial of an Edmonton woman charged in the 2024 death of an 11-year-old boy killed by two dogs. Crystal MacDonald has pleaded not guilty to criminal negligence causing death in connection with the fatal attack on Kache Grist at her Edmonton home in April 2024. Court heard MacDonald and the boy’s father, Wesley Grist, were roommates at the time. Kache, who lived in British Columbia, was visiting Edmonton during spring break when the attack occurred. During testimony, MacDonald said she repeatedly warned Wesley Grist no
AlbertaMay 22, 2026

Former Durham officer arrested in Alberta on multiple sexual assault charges

Alberta RCMP have arrested a former Durham Regional Police officer who is facing multiple sexual assault and breach of trust charges linked to alleged incidents dating back more than 20 years. Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit said the alleged offences occurred in 2003 and were investigated at the time. The civilian police watchdog said the case was reopened in 2024 after the complainant provided new information. The SIU said a Canada-wide warrant was issued for Kevin Seamons. RCMP arrested him in Alberta on Wednesday night. Seamons faces six counts of sexual assault, one count of sexual
alberta-voters-to-weigh-referendum-question-on-provinces-future-in-canada-on-oct-19-says-premier-smith
FeaturedMay 22, 2026

Alberta voters to weigh referendum question on province’s future in Canada on Oct. 19, says Premier Smith

Albertans will take part in a province-wide referendum on Oct. 19 that will ask voters to weigh in on Alberta’s future relationship with Canada, Premier Danielle Smith announced Thursday evening during a televised address. Smith said the provincial government plans to include a new “blended question” on the ballot aimed at reflecting the views of both groups advocating for Alberta to remain within Canada and those supporting greater sovereignty or separation. She said the wording was developed with input from the pro-Canada group Forever Canadian and the separatist group Stay Free Albert
alberta-premier-to-deliver-televised-address-amid-renewed-separation-referendum-debate
AlbertaMay 21, 2026

Alberta premier to deliver televised address amid renewed separation referendum debate

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to deliver a televised address Thursday evening amid renewed political debate over a possible referendum on Alberta’s future within Confederation. The address is set to air at 6:45 p.m. on CTV, Global and Rogers television networks and will also be livestreamed on the premier’s social media channels. The appearance follows controversy at a United Conservative Party caucus committee meeting Wednesday, where members debated a motion urging Smith to call an Oct. 19 referendum on Alberta’s place in Canada. The motion, introduced by UCP member Nate

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farmers-to-hold-delhi-mahapanchayat-over-proposed-india-u-s-trade-agreement
IndiaJul 20, 2026

Farmers to hold Delhi Mahapanchayat over proposed India–U.S. trade agreement

Farmers from different parts of the country are scheduled to gather at Kisan Ghat in New Delhi on Tuesday for a Mahapanchayat to protest the proposed India–U.S. trade agreement. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said the gathering, being organised on the call of the Desh Bachao Morcha, will oppose the proposed deal, which he described as being against the interests of farmers. According to Pandher, the agreement could adversely affect the farming community, and protesters will urge the Centre not to implement it. Pandher said buses carrying farmers from Punjab are expected to leave for Delh
four-charged-after-alleged-retail-theft-at-markham-business-york-regional-police-say
BCJul 20, 2026

Four charged after alleged retail theft at Markham business, York Regional Police say

Four men have been arrested following an alleged retail theft at a business in Markham, while police continue to search for a fifth suspect, according to York Regional Police. Police said officers responded at about 8 a.m. Tuesday to a business near Fairburn Drive and Highway 7 after receiving reports that several suspects had filled shopping carts with power tools and left the store without paying. Investigators allege the suspects were attempting to flee in a vehicle when officers arrived and, with assistance from store security staff, took four individuals into custody. York Regional Police
BCJul 20, 2026

Woman seriously injured in stabbing at Campbell River parking lot, RCMP investigating

A 30-year-old woman was seriously injured in a stabbing early Sunday morning in Campbell River, according to the RCMP. Police said the incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. in a parking area in the 1200-block of Cedar Street. Responding officers provided first aid before BC Emergency Health Services transported the woman to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. According to the Campbell River RCMP, the detachment's Major Crime Unit, Forensic Identification Services and general duty officers remained at the scene for several hours to collect evidence and interview witnesses. I
CanadaJul 20, 2026

Canada Child Benefit payments increase takes effect today, millions of families to receive higher amounts

Higher Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments began rolling out today following the federal government's annual benefit adjustment. According to the Government of Canada, the increase is expected to benefit approximately 3.6 million families and about 6 million children across the country. Under the updated benefit rates, eligible families can receive up to $8,157 annually for each child under the age of six, an increase of $160 from the previous benefit year. For children aged six to 17, the maximum annual payment has increased to $6,883, up $135 from last year. According to the Canada Revenue A
at-least-930-dead-as-congos-ebola-outbreak-continues-to-grow
WorldJul 20, 2026

At least 930 dead as Congo's Ebola outbreak continues to grow

At least 930 people have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ebola outbreak, according to the country's Ministry of Health. The ministry said 2,344 Ebola cases had been confirmed as of Saturday. In an overnight update into Monday, officials reported 37 additional deaths in the previous 24 hours, marking one of the highest single-day death totals recorded during the outbreak. According to the Ministry of Health, the outbreak was declared in eastern Congo on May 15 and has become the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. Health officials said the outbreak is caused by the Bundibug