AlbertaJan 13, 2026
Alberta NDP urges Smith government to act as doctors warn of hospital overcrowding
Alberta’s Official Opposition NDP is pressing Premier Danielle Smith and the province’s four health ministers to implement emergency measures as doctors raise alarms over overcrowded hospitals.
The call comes after the Alberta Medical Association reported that hospitals have been operating at more than 110 per cent capacity for over a year, creating strains on both staff and patient care.
Dr. Brian Wirzba, president of the association, said public statements are a last resort for physicians who have repeatedly voiced concerns through internal channels without seeing adequate action.
Meanwh
AlbertaJan 13, 2026
Alberta health official to update public as flu season strains hospitals
Alberta’s chief medical officer of health is expected to provide an update today on the province’s respiratory virus season, as hospitals across Alberta continue to face significant pressure.
Health care leaders say elevated influenza activity has been a major factor behind ongoing capacity challenges, particularly since mid-December. Physicians have repeatedly warned that high patient volumes are limiting the system’s ability to respond to routine and urgent care needs.
The provincial ministry responsible for hospitals has linked the surge in admissions to a sharp increase in flu cases
BCJan 13, 2026
Kelowna RCMP launch gang enforcement team pilot after drug and firearm seizures
The Kelowna RCMP have launched a new gang enforcement pilot program following several months of targeted policing that led to the seizure of firearms, weapons and illicit drugs across the city.
Police say enhanced enforcement efforts began in September 2025, focusing on disrupting organized crime and removing weapons and toxic drugs from local streets. Those initiatives resulted in multiple significant seizures, prompting the detachment to expand its approach through a dedicated gang enforcement team.
The new Kelowna Gang Enforcement Team is a four-member unit made up of officers from differen
CanadaJan 13, 2026
Prime Minister Carney departs for China on high-stakes trade and diplomacy visit
Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to depart this evening on a five-day official visit to China, a trip being closely watched for its potential impact on trade, agriculture, and Canada’s broader foreign policy direction.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe will accompany the prime minister as part of the delegation, highlighting the importance of agricultural trade to Western Canada. Saskatchewan farmers have been particularly affected by Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola, a key export for the province and a major source of farm income.
During the visit, Carney is expected to meet with Chinese Pr
CanadaJan 12, 2026
Carney to meet Coastal First Nations in Prince Rupert on major projects, marine protection
Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to meet with leaders of Coastal First Nations in Prince Rupert on Tuesday, with discussions expected to focus on major resource projects and marine conservation along British Columbia’s coastline.
Carney will be joined by Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, whose early dealings with the alliance have drawn criticism. Hodgson faced backlash after failing to consult Coastal First Nations before the federal government signed an agreement with Alberta that could advance a new pipeline to the B.C. coast.
The minister later apologized for remarks made du
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