Alberta

Alberta Proposes Annual Watercraft Pass to Combat Invasive Mussels; Public Input Sought

Alberta Proposes Annual Watercraft Pass to Combat Invasive Mussels; Public Input Sought

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government is considering introducing an annual pass for all types of watercraft, including boats, canoes, kayaks, and jet skis, as part of a broader strategy to shield the province’s waterways from invasive species. In a statement released Friday, Alberta's Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas outlined the proposal, emphasizing that it is primarily aimed at preventing the spread of invasive zebra and quagga mussels. The government is now calling on the public to weigh in through an online survey, which will help shape the final framework of the initiative. The survey poses several key questions…
Read More
Alberta Turns to Grassroots Diplomacy to Reshape Canada-U.S. Relations

Alberta Turns to Grassroots Diplomacy to Reshape Canada-U.S. Relations

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): As Canada seeks to reset its relationship with the United States, Alberta is stepping up with a bold new approach: grassroots diplomacy. The provincial government has committed $6.5 million to support the New North America Initiative (NNAI), a policy-driven effort housed at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy. The initiative aims to shift the traditional centre of Canada-U.S. engagement—both geographically and ideologically—away from elite circles and toward local communities. It will prioritize regional engagement, collaborative research, and bottom-up solutions to cross-border challenges. “With the ongoing strain in Canada-U.S. relations, it’s clear that conventional approaches haven’t…
Read More
Alberta working with front-line experts to make classrooms safer for students and teachers

Alberta working with front-line experts to make classrooms safer for students and teachers

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government is working with front-line experts to make classrooms safer for students and teachers. The Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team held its first meeting on July 23, bringing together teachers, school leaders, school board trustees and other front-line professionals with classroom experience to help address the growing challenges in Alberta’s classrooms. The 25-member action team includes teachers, school administrators and support staff who have direct experience working with students every day and understand the complexities of today's learning environments. “The action team’s insights will be key to finding practical solutions that reduce aggression, manage…
Read More
Alberta asks for realistic immigration policies:Minister Schow

Alberta asks for realistic immigration policies:Minister Schow

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration issued the following statement on Ottawa’s decision to invite 10,000 parent and grandparent sponsorship applications. “Alberta’s government is deeply concerned by the federal government’s recent decision to invite 10,000 new applications to sponsor parents and grandparents of newcomers at a time when provinces are already struggling to meet the demands placed on health care, education, housing and social services due to Ottawa’s reckless immigration policies. “Under the federal Liberal government, Canada’s immigration levels have ballooned – almost two million newcomers entered Canada last year alone – without any regard for…
Read More
Stronger pipeline pact spans three provinces

Stronger pipeline pact spans three provinces

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta and Ontario welcome Saskatchewan as the newest signatory to build pipelines and trade infrastructure across provincial borders and into global markets. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) will see the three provinces work collectively to build new pipelines along a route that will connect western Canadian oil and gas to new and existing refineries in southern Ontario, as well as a new deep-sea port in James Bay. The MOU also calls for new rail lines to connect critical mineral deposits located in Ontario’s Ring of Fire region to ports in Western Canada. The agreement reinforces joint efforts…
Read More
Alberta and Yukon Join Hands — A new partnership for economic cooperation

Alberta and Yukon Join Hands — A new partnership for economic cooperation

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta and the Yukon have committed to removing barriers so goods, services, workers and opportunity can flow freely across borders. Premier Danielle Smith and Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand economic cooperation while attending the Council of the Federation meeting in Huntsville, Ontario. The agreement will help Alberta businesses sell more goods and services into the Yukon, while giving Yukon companies new opportunities to access Alberta’s growing markets and invest in the province. Both jurisdictions will identify ways to align certification, licensing and registration for regulated occupations while increasing opportunities for…
Read More
Measles Cases in Alberta Surge Over the Weekend, Topping U.S. Total

Measles Cases in Alberta Surge Over the Weekend, Topping U.S. Total

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is witnessing a significant rise in measles cases, with 47 new infections reported over the weekend, bringing the province’s total confirmed cases to 1,454 as of July 20, surpassing the entire United States, which had recorded 1,309 cases by July 15. The outbreak remains concentrated in the south health zone, which includes Taber, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat, with 844 cases, accounting for nearly 60% of the total. The north zone follows with 443 cases, and the central zone has reported 108. In contrast, Alberta's major cities continue to see fewer cases. Calgary has reported 43 confirmed…
Read More
Albertans Cutting Back on Booze, Leading the Nation in Cannabis Spending

Albertans Cutting Back on Booze, Leading the Nation in Cannabis Spending

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alcohol consumption is on a steady decline across Canada, but nowhere has the drop been more dramatic than in Alberta. Once leading the country in booze intake, Albertans are now drinking significantly less, the equivalent of a 4.5-litre Costco-sized vodka bottle per person less each year compared to 2008. In terms of beer, that’s 107 fewer brews annually per person. Back in 2008, Alberta topped the national charts with each adult (aged 15+) consuming 9.7 litres of pure alcohol. Fast forward to last year, and that figure has dropped to 7.6 litres, a decline of 1.9 litres,…
Read More
Man Fatally Shot by Police After Allegedly Brandishing Gun During Pursuit: Alberta RCMP

Man Fatally Shot by Police After Allegedly Brandishing Gun During Pursuit: Alberta RCMP

Grande Prairie, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): A man was shot and killed by police in northwestern Alberta late Friday night after he allegedly pulled a firearm on officers during an encounter following an erratic chase, the RCMP confirmed Saturday. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), which oversees police conduct in the province, has launched an investigation into the incident. CBC News has reached out to ASIRT for independent verification. According to RCMP, the incident began shortly before midnight on a rural road near Grande Prairie. Officers on patrol noticed a vehicle being driven erratically and attempted to stop it. The…
Read More
Alberta Celebrates Parks Day on July 19, Marking 95 Years of Provincial Parks System

Alberta Celebrates Parks Day on July 19, Marking 95 Years of Provincial Parks System

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Albertans are invited to step into nature and celebrate the beauty of the province’s outdoor spaces on Saturday, July 19, as Parks Day is observed across Alberta. Recognized annually since 1990, Parks Day aims to spotlight the immense value of parks and natural areas throughout Canada. This year’s celebration holds added significance as it marks 95 years since the establishment of Alberta’s provincial parks system. “I want to wish all Albertans a happy Parks Day!” said Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks, in a statement. “Parks Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate the incredible outdoor…
Read More