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AlbertaMay 20, 2026

Nenshi questions UCP committee meeting on Alberta petition process amid separatism debate

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says he is concerned Premier Danielle Smith’s government could alter or reinterpret a citizen petition process tied to Alberta’s place in Canada. Nenshi made the comments after the United Conservative government scheduled a committee meeting for Thursday to discuss a petition calling for Alberta to remain in Canada. The bipartisan committee is reviewing the petition under provincial rules governing citizen initiatives. According to Nenshi, the timing of the meeting has raised questions after a separate petition backed by Alberta separatists was reportedly l
AlbertaMay 19, 2026

Edmonton councillor proposes “Forever Canadian Avenue” outside Alberta legislature

An Edmonton city councillor says he plans to seek a symbolic street renaming outside the Alberta legislature following the success of a pro-Canada petition campaign. Coun. Michael Janz said he will submit an application to rename the portion of 99 Avenue directly in front of the legislature grounds to “Forever Canadian Avenue.” The proposed name references the “Forever Canadian” petition, which gathered enough signatures in December to advance under Alberta’s citizen initiative process. According to the petition organizers, the proposed referendum question asks Albertans: “Do you a
AlbertaMay 19, 2026

TSB investigating fatal glider crash northeast of Edmonton

RCMP say a glider crash in Lamont County, northeast of Edmonton, has left one person dead. Police responded to the crash shortly after 3 p.m. Monday, according to RCMP Cpl. Mathew Howell. The lone pilot aboard the aircraft was declared dead at the scene. Authorities have not released the identity of the pilot. Howell said next-of-kin notifications were still underway as of Tuesday. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada said the aircraft involved was a privately registered Schleicher ASW 20 glider. In a statement, the agency confirmed it is deploying a team of investigators to examine the c
AlbertaMay 15, 2026

Alberta legislature adjourns spring sitting amid separatism debate

Alberta MLAs wrapped up the spring sitting of the legislature this week following months of debate that frequently centred on separatist sentiment and political divisions at the legislature. The sitting included government legislation on issues ranging from public library materials to medical assistance in dying. However, exchanges in question period were often dominated by disagreements over separatism and the role of Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative government in responding to the movement. Government House Leader Joseph Schow said the United Conservative Party focused its legi
AlbertaMay 15, 2026

Re-entry to begin for some evacuees after Woodlands County wildfire holds steady

Some residents forced from their homes earlier this week due to a wildfire northwest of Edmonton could begin returning Friday as fire conditions stabilize in parts of Woodlands County. Woodlands County officials said on social media that re-entry is expected to begin for residents in Zone 1 only, while evacuation orders for other affected areas remain in place. Residents returning to the area are being asked to complete a waiver because the wildfire is still considered active. About 140 residents were ordered to evacuate Monday as crews responded to a wildfire near the town of Whitecourt, loca
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AlbertaMay 14, 2026

Alberta court blocks separation petition over lack of First Nations consultation

An Alberta court has dismissed a petition related to separating the province from Canada, ruling the provincial government failed to meet its duty to consult First Nations before advancing the process. The court said any move toward separation from Canada could directly affect rights protected under Treaties 7 and 8, making consultation with affected Indigenous communities a constitutional requirement. Premier Danielle Smith criticized the ruling, calling it “wrong” and “anti-democratic.” Smith said the provincial government plans to appeal the decision immediately, arguing consultatio
AlbertaMay 13, 2026

Bus rollover near Beaverlodge sends several passengers to hospital

RCMP say several passengers were taken to hospital with serious injuries after a charter bus rolled off a highway near Beaverlodge in northwestern Alberta early Wednesday morning. Police said officers responded to the crash at about 7 a.m. on Highway 672, west of Grande Prairie and northwest of Edmonton. According to RCMP, 17 people were on board the bus at the time of the rollover. Several passengers were transported to hospital, while others were assessed at the scene for minor injuries. Cpl. Mathew Howell said no fatalities had been reported as of Wednesday morning. Police have not said wha
AlbertaMay 13, 2026

Edmonton court hears evidence of prior dog attack at trial over death of 11-year-old boy

An Edmonton court heard testimony Wednesday about a previous violent dog attack involving two Cane Corsos at the centre of a criminal negligence trial tied to the death of an 11-year-old boy. Shawn Hesse testified that in 2023, his Pomeranian escaped from his property and ran toward the two dogs later involved in the death of Kache Grist. According to Hesse, the Cane Corsos grabbed the smaller dog from opposite sides and attempted to tear it apart. Hesse told the court he rushed the injured Pomeranian to a veterinarian, but the dog later died from its injuries. The Cane Corsos were owned by Cr
AlbertaMay 12, 2026

Elections Alberta says Centurion Project leader not co-operating in voter list leak probe

Elections Alberta says the man linked to a major voter information leak has not co-operated with an ongoing investigation into the unauthorized use of the province’s official voter registry. In a statement, the agency said Centurion Project leader David Parker has not complied with a cease-and-desist letter issued last week. The letter required Parker to sign a declaration confirming he would stop using Alberta’s official voter list, which contains the names and addresses of nearly three million residents. According to Elections Alberta, investigators identified the Centurion Project as th

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BCJul 09, 2026

109 people died from unregulated drugs in B.C. during May, preliminary coroner data shows

A preliminary report from the BC Coroners Service says 109 people died from unregulated drug toxicity in British Columbia during May 2026, an average of 3.5 deaths per day. According to the BC Coroners Service, this is the lowest monthly total since February 2020, when 79 deaths were recorded. The agency noted the figures are preliminary and may change as investigations are completed. The provincial government said adults between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 68 per cent of all unregulated drug deaths recorded during the first five months of 2026, while men represented 76 per cent of tho
BCJul 09, 2026

Three charged after Surrey investigation into alleged 3D-printed firearms and drug trafficking

Three people, including one woman, have been charged following a British Columbia anti-gang investigation into the alleged manufacture of illegal firearms using a 3D printer and drug trafficking in Surrey. According to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), the charges follow an investigation stemming from the execution of a search warrant at a Surrey residence in September 2025. Media Relations Officer Sgt. Sarbjit Kaur Sangha said investigators found a 3D printer actively producing a firearm when officers entered the home. Police said officers seized a 3
CanadaJul 09, 2026

Quebec introduces testing requirement for newer Ontario truck drivers seeking licence transfers

The Quebec government has announced temporary measures requiring some Ontario truck drivers to pass a practical road test before transferring their commercial licences to Quebec, citing concerns about driver training and road safety. Under the changes announced Thursday, Ontario Class 1 truck drivers with less than two years of driving experience who want to exchange their licence for a Quebec equivalent will now be required to pass a practical driving examination. Drivers who fail the test twice will be required to complete additional training before becoming eligible, according to the Quebec
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BCJul 09, 2026

Several Structures Destroyed as Two Out-of-Control Wildfires Burn in B.C.'s Fraser Canyon

Several structures have been destroyed by two out-of-control wildfires burning in British Columbia's Fraser Canyon region, according to the Fraser Valley Regional District. Officials say conditions near Boston Bar remain too dangerous for crews to complete a full assessment of the damage. According to authorities, the Ainslie Creek wildfire has grown to 16,987 hectares after igniting on July 4. The Brunswick Creek wildfire, first detected on July 2, has also expanded and is now estimated at approximately 2,600 hectares. Reports indicate Blue Lake Resort has sustained significant damage from th
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BCJul 09, 2026

IIO investigating police shooting involving armed man in Surrey

British Columbia's Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has launched an investigation after a police officer shot a man reportedly armed with a knife in Surrey on Wednesday evening. According to preliminary information, the incident occurred at about 8 p.m. near 148 Street and Ellendale Drive in the Bolivar neighbourhood of North Surrey. An officer with the BC RCMP Provincial Operational Support Unit allegedly discharged a firearm during an interaction with a man who was reportedly carrying a knife. The injured man was taken to hospital. His condition has not been released. The IIO confirme