Alberta Archives - National Times

08 Apr

Alberta Pushes Back on Canada’s Nature Strategy, Seeks Recognition of Provincial Role

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A fresh debate over environmental governance has emerged after Grant Hunter, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, responded to the newly released Nature Strategy by the Government of Canada. In his statement, Hunter emphasized that while Alberta supports efforts to conserve biodiversity, any national framework must acknowledge the constitutional authority of provinces over land management. He argued that Alberta’s long-standing practices in managing public lands are not fully reflected in federal assessments. According to the minister, current reporting standards used at the national level tend to focus on narrowly defined protected areas, overlooking vast stretches of…

06 Apr

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Extends Easter Greetings, Highlights Message of Hope

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta, Danielle Smith

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Danielle Smith has conveyed her Easter wishes to residents across the province, marking the occasion with a message centred on faith, renewal and optimism. In her statement, the premier acknowledged the significance of Easter for Christians in Alberta and around the world, noting that it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and stands as a cornerstone of Christian belief. Reflecting on the period following Lent and Good Friday, Smith described Easter as a time that symbolises new beginnings and resilience, offering hope even in difficult times. She emphasised that the festival carries a message of moving forward…

02 Apr

Alberta Tightens Rules on Weed Control at Oil and Gas Sites to Protect Farmland

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Government of Alberta has introduced new regulatory measures to tackle the growing issue of weeds and agricultural pests on oil and gas sites, aiming to safeguard farmland and support rural landowners. Under updated provisions in the Oil and Gas Conservation Regulation, enforced through the Oil and Gas Conservation Act, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has been granted expanded powers to ensure companies take responsibility for maintaining their sites. The move comes as part of broader efforts to balance industrial activity with agricultural sustainability. Stronger Enforcement Powers The revised rules allow the AER to direct oil and…

02 Apr

Alberta Moves Ahead with Budget 2026 Reforms to Strengthen Economy, Insurance and Social Support

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Government of Alberta has introduced a series of legislative measures under Budget 2026 aimed at improving public spending efficiency, strengthening key sectors and supporting vulnerable groups across the province. The proposed amendments, part of the Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2026, are designed to direct resources where they are most needed, while also enhancing investment opportunities and modernising regulatory frameworks. Officials say the changes will play a crucial role in preparing Alberta for future economic and social demands. New Direction for Auto Insurance A central focus of the reforms is the transition to a “care-first” auto insurance…

01 Apr

Alberta Tables Bill to Keep Classrooms ‘Neutral’, Focus on Core Learning and Safety

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The government of Alberta has introduced new legislation aimed at reinforcing neutrality in classrooms, enhancing school safety and tightening accountability across the education system. The proposed “Bill 25: An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms and Amend the Education Act, 2026” seeks to ensure that schools remain focused on academic fundamentals such as reading, mathematics and science, while maintaining a respectful learning environment for students. Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the initiative is designed to meet parental expectations for safe and balanced classrooms. He emphasized that schools should encourage diverse viewpoints without promoting…

30 Mar

Physicians Condemn Proposed Alberta Bill Restricting Medical Assistance in Dying

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta, Bill 18, Doctors, Ethics, health, MAID

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): A group of Alberta physicians and healthcare providers has issued a sharp rebuke of the provincial government’s proposed Bill 18, the Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act. In a public letter and interviews on Monday, March 30, 2026, medical professionals argued that the legislation which seeks to impose stricter limits on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) than current federal laws undermine patient autonomy and places clinicians in "ethically untenable positions." Dr. Dionne Walsh, a palliative care physician and signatory of the letter, stated that the bill’s restrictive measures fail to recognize the complexity of suffering,…

25 Mar

Minimum Wage Goes Up, But Not for Most Albertans: Ottawa Raises Federal Rate to $18.15/hr While Alberta Stays at $15

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): The Government of Canada has announced an increase in the federal minimum wage to $18.15 per hour, up from $17.75, as part of its annual adjustment tied to inflation. The policy ensures that wages for federally regulated workers keep pace with the rising cost of living, rather than being influenced by political decisions. The federal minimum wage applies only to employees working in federally regulated sectors, including banking, telecommunications, interprovincial transportation, railways, and airports. This covers a range of roles such as call centre agents, clerks, cleaners, warehouse workers, and baggage handlers. However, many of these…

18 Mar

Alberta Chosen to Host 2028 World Cup of Hockey, Calgary and Edmonton to Share Matches

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The province of Alberta has been selected as the North American venue for the World Cup of Hockey 2028, with games scheduled to take place in Calgary and Edmonton in February 2028. The announcement was made jointly by Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation and OEG Sports & Entertainment, following a successful bid supported by multiple levels of government and tourism bodies. The event will be organised in collaboration with the National Hockey League and the NHL Players’ Association. Matches in Calgary will be held at Scotia Place, while Rogers Place in Edmonton will host key fixtures, including…

01 Mar

Taber Police Urge Retailers to Secure Cough Syrup Amid Surge in ‘DXM’ Misuse

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta, DXM, Misuse, Police, Taber

Taber, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma) — The Taber Police Service has issued a formal appeal to local retailers and pharmacies to implement stricter controls on over-the-counter cough syrups following a sharp rise in thefts and dangerous behaviours linked to the drug dextromethorphan (DXM). In a statement released on Sunday, March 1, 2026, authorities highlighted a growing trend of substance misuse among youth in the southern Alberta community, prompting calls for immediate preventive measures. Police are specifically asking businesses to consider moving products containing DXM behind service counters and limiting sales strictly to adults. While the medication is safe when used as…

27 Feb

Alberta Projects C$9.4 Billion Deficit as Softening Oil Prices Strain Provincial Coffers

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta, Alberta budget deficit 2026, Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, Alberta oil price impact, Nate Horner finance minister, WTI crude forecast Alberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma) — The Government of Alberta has unveiled a stark fiscal outlook for the upcoming fiscal year, projecting a significant C$9.4 billion deficit as the province grapples with the impact of lower global oil prices. Finance Minister Nate Horner presented the 2026-27 provincial budget on Thursday, highlighting a sharp reversal from the modest surpluses of previous years. The shift underscores the province's continued vulnerability to the volatile energy markets that remain the backbone of its economy. The projected shortfall is primarily attributed to a downward revision in the forecast for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, the North American…