Canada

Fueling innovation, strengthening Alberta’s grid

Fueling innovation, strengthening Alberta’s grid

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): As Alberta’s population and economy continue to grow, so does the demand for reliable utilities. From heating and cooling homes to powering communities and businesses, Albertans need to know they have access to affordable utilities they can depend on, when and where they need them. Bill 52, the Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, proposes changes to meet growing demand, prioritizing reliability and affordability in the modernization of the utility system. If passed, the Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act will enable hydrogen use in Alberta’s natural gas system. It will also support critical updates to power market rules and…
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Alberta News: Opening more doors to primary care

Alberta News: Opening more doors to primary care

Alberta’s government is working to ensure every resident has access to the primary care services they need. With a focus on regions with limited access to care, the new centres will serve as hubs for services in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. The centres will increase access to primary care providers – such as physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists – while easing pressure on emergency departments and urgent care centres by providing convenient, day-to-day health care services under one roof. “We are committed to making primary health care more accessible. Advancing plans for new primary care centres will make it…
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Boosting Alberta’s fire network for faster wildfire response

Boosting Alberta’s fire network for faster wildfire response

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's government is providing a $900,000 boost to the Alberta fire weather network to upgrade equipment, protect at-risk communities and improve wildfire response.  With the 2025 wildfire season underway, Alberta’s government is focused on improving wildfire prevention, mitigation and readiness to respond. Central to these efforts is the province’s fire weather network, which plays a vital role in predicting fire conditions and detecting fires earlier. That is why Alberta’s government is investing an additional $900,000 over three years, bringing the total to $1.9 million over three years for upgrades to the network and to add new stations…
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Mark Carney Stands Firm on LGBTQ+ Rights Amid Controversial Legislation

Mark Carney Stands Firm on LGBTQ+ Rights Amid Controversial Legislation

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Liberal Leader Mark Carney spoke out about LGBTQ+ rights for the first time in the campaign, addressing the pressing issue of gender-affirming care during a stop in Calgary on April 9. Until then, his party had largely remained silent on 2SLGBTQ+ issues, focusing instead on the economic consequences of US President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada. Dylan Robertson, a reporter with the Canadian Press, questioned Carney about his government's stance on protecting access to gender-affirming care under the Canada Health Act and whether any action would be taken to address the "backsliding" of rights for gender and…
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Mark Carney Vows Balanced Energy Strategy if Liberals Win Election

Mark Carney Vows Balanced Energy Strategy if Liberals Win Election

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged on Wednesday that a re-elected Liberal government would focus on advancing both clean energy initiatives and low-emission traditional energy sources. Speaking at a press conference in Calgary ahead of the upcoming federal election on April 28, Carney emphasized a dual approach to Canada’s energy future, prioritizing innovation in green energy while continuing to develop conventional energy resources with the lowest possible carbon footprint. He also underlined plans to strengthen Canada’s energy independence by replacing foreign energy imports, including those from the United States, with domestically produced alternatives. “Our focus will be…
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Donald Trump Eases Global Tariffs but Leaves Canadian Trade Terms Untouched

Donald Trump Eases Global Tariffs but Leaves Canadian Trade Terms Untouched

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has slightly softened his aggressive global tariff stance following days of market volatility, though no changes have been made to the duties currently impacting Canada. In a move that surprised international observers, Trump announced a 90-day suspension on some of the steepest tariffs imposed under his “reciprocal” trade model. However, a baseline 10 percent tariff on imports from most countries will continue to apply, according to a clarification issued later by a White House official. Since returning to the presidency earlier this year, Trump has pursued an assertive approach to reshaping global trade,…
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Premier Danielle Smith is heading to Montreal and Ottawa from April 9 to 11

Premier Danielle Smith is heading to Montreal and Ottawa from April 9 to 11

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Premier Danielle Smith is heading to Montreal and Ottawa from April 9 to 11 to explore avenues to enhance interprovincial and international trade and investment ties. While in Montreal, Premier Smith will be focused on building connections and opportunities between Alberta and Quebec in meetings with Quebec-based private sector leaders in energy, manufacturing, aviation and transportation. Discussions will be centered on highlighting Alberta as a partner of choice for trade and investment, as well as identifying opportunities to remove red tape and barriers to interprovincial trade. “As a nation, we are facing a great amount of uncertainty…
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Alberta’s Education Minister Proposes changes to Education Act

Alberta’s Education Minister Proposes changes to Education Act

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides has proposed changes to the Education Act that would respond to changes in the education system and respond to feedback from Albertans. If passed, the Education Amendment Act, 2025, would respond to feedback from parents and education partners. These changes would reflect the wide range of programming that private schools offer, strengthen democratic accountability in school boards, and increase clarity and efficiency in the teacher discipline process. If passed, the act would also align school board and francophone school boards’ joint use and planning agreement requirements with their municipal partners. Finally, changes to the Education…
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Alberta proposes amendments to modernize and streamline municipal processes

Alberta proposes amendments to modernize and streamline municipal processes

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring that Albertans’ local governments are strong and collaborative and that their investments in new homes are protected. That is why Alberta’s government is proposing amendments through the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 to modernize and streamline municipal processes in the Local Authorities Election Act, the Municipal Government Act, and the New Home Buyer Protection Act. These amendments build upon previous legislative changes. “We’re proposing updates to legislation to ensure that Albertans’ local governments deliver them the best results by working collaboratively, and that their investments in new homes are protected. Our proposed amendments are based off…
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Alberta’s Ethnocultural Grant Program supports community-driven multicultural initiatives across province

Alberta’s Ethnocultural Grant Program supports community-driven multicultural initiatives across province

Calgary (National Times): Alberta’s government is committed to fostering a province where people from all backgrounds are valued and respected. One way of doing this is through the Ethnocultural Grant Program that supports vibrant and welcoming multicultural communities. Budget 2025 provides $12 million over three years to continue promoting cross-cultural knowledge and understanding while celebrating and supporting cultural diversity and Indigenous cultures. “Alberta is filled with vibrant, multicultural communities, and these grants support community-led initiatives that provide many ethnocultural groups with the opportunity to share their unique heritage with Albertans. This is multiculturalism in action.”Muhammad Yaseen, Minister of Immigration and…
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