Alberta

Alberta Plans ‘Naughty List’ to Protect High Level Bridge from Truck Collisions

Alberta Plans ‘Naughty List’ to Protect High Level Bridge from Truck Collisions

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Edmonton’s iconic High Level Bridge continues to face challenges from oversized trucks, prompting Alberta’s government to explore new measures to prevent collisions. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen revealed plans for stricter policies, including a “naughty list” for truckers, aimed at reducing incidents near the 112-year-old landmark. The double-decker steel bridge, which spans over 750 metres across the North Saskatchewan River, has seen five direct hits and ten near-misses by large trucks this year alone. Despite bright warning signs indicating the bridge’s limited clearance—10.6 metres on the lower deck—truck drivers frequently attempt to cross, causing traffic congestion and damage.…
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Elections Alberta Clears Path for Petition Seeking Vote on Alberta’s Independence

Elections Alberta Clears Path for Petition Seeking Vote on Alberta’s Independence

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Elections Alberta has approved a proposed referendum question that asks voters whether Alberta should separate from Canada, allowing a citizen-led campaign to begin gathering signatures in support of the idea. With the approval in place, the Alberta Prosperity Project — the group behind the initiative — is now authorized to launch its petition drive once it appoints a financial officer, a step that must be completed by early January. Signature collection can begin immediately afterward. The question approved for circulation asks Albertans whether they agree that the province should leave Canada and form an independent country. This…
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Alberta Next Panel Recommends Referendums on Immigration and Provincial Pension Plan

Alberta Next Panel Recommends Referendums on Immigration and Provincial Pension Plan

Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta Next panel, tasked with exploring ways to increase provincial autonomy, has put forward seven key recommendations, including proposals for public referendums on major policy issues. The report was released Friday, following town hall consultations held in ten Alberta communities over the summer and fall. Chaired by Premier Danielle Smith, the 15-member panel focused on topics such as self-governance, a provincial pension plan, taxation, equalization payments, federal transfers, provincial policing, immigration, and constitutional reform. “Albertans were clear that for too long, decisions made outside this province have limited Alberta’s ability to grow our economy and chart…
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Alberta Court Clears Way for Gender Care Law After Province Invokes Notwithstanding Clause

Alberta Court Clears Way for Gender Care Law After Province Invokes Notwithstanding Clause

Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): An Alberta judge has lifted a court injunction that had temporarily blocked the province’s controversial legislation restricting access to gender-affirming health care for minors, following the government’s decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause. The ruling comes after the Alberta government appealed an earlier decision that paused the law’s enforcement. With the injunction now removed, the legislation — which bars physicians from prescribing puberty blockers and hormone therapy to youth under the age of 16 — is allowed to proceed. The law has been strongly contested by advocacy organizations. Earlier this year, Egale Canada and Calgary-based group Skipping…
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Devotional Upliftment Through Kirtan: Two-Day Special Classes by HH Bhakti Marga Swami at ISKCON

Devotional Upliftment Through Kirtan: Two-Day Special Classes by HH Bhakti Marga Swami at ISKCON

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Radha Madhav Society at ISKCON is delighted to announce a special spiritual program featuring HH Bhakti Marga Swami, who will conduct an inspiring two-day session focusing on the proper mood, etiquette, and principles of performing kirtan. The initiative aims to enrich the devotional lives of participants by deepening their understanding of congregational chanting and encouraging a more sincere, disciplined spiritual practice. The sessions are scheduled to be held in the serene and divine atmosphere of ISKCON on December 14 (Sunday) at 4:00 PM and December 15 (Monday) at 6:00 PM. Members of the Radha Madhav Society, along…
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Junior Hockey Team Escapes Serious Harm After Bus Slides Off Alberta Highway

Junior Hockey Team Escapes Serious Harm After Bus Slides Off Alberta Highway

Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): A bus transporting a junior hockey team from Athabasca veered off a northern Alberta highway and ended up in a wooded ditch early Friday, leaving several passengers injured but sparing the group from any fatalities. According to the RCMP, the single-vehicle crash occurred on Highway 2, south of Athabasca, during the early morning hours. Emergency crews arriving at the scene found multiple occupants of the bus hurt as a result of the incident. Two teenage players were taken to hospital for treatment, though their injuries were described as not life-threatening. Others on board also suffered minor injuries.…
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Alberta’s Childcare System Strained as Rising Costs and Growing Demand Clash

Alberta’s Childcare System Strained as Rising Costs and Growing Demand Clash

CALGARY (Rajeev Sharma): For parents in Alberta, securing affordable childcare is becoming increasingly difficult, as rising costs and a growing population put unprecedented pressure on the system. For Calgary mother Rachel Kert, the struggle is a daily reality. A full-time substitute teacher and single parent of three, Kert juggles work schedules and childcare needs, constantly adjusting her hours to align with her children’s daycare availability. “It’s tough, really tough. As a single mom, it keeps getting more difficult to maintain a stress-free life,” Kert said. “I have to keep asking my managers for different schedules almost every week because of…
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Provincial Pushback Escalates: Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Major Police Forces Refuse to Enforce Federal Gun Buyback Program

Provincial Pushback Escalates: Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Major Police Forces Refuse to Enforce Federal Gun Buyback Program

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The debate over firearms in Canada has intensified as Alberta has formally invoked the Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act, declining to participate in the federal gun-seizure and buyback program. It has become evident that Alberta is not alone in its stance. Saskatchewan, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), several major municipal police services, and numerous frontline police associations nationwide have also expressed their intention not to assist Ottawa in confiscating legally owned firearms.Alberta’s motion instructs all police forces within the province, including the RCMP, to refrain from making arrests under the federal ban and directs Crown prosecutors…
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Holiday Train Rolls Through Alberta With Festive December Schedule

Holiday Train Rolls Through Alberta With Festive December Schedule

Calagry (Rajeev Shaema): The iconic Holiday Train is set to return this December, bringing music, lights, and Christmas cheer to communities across Alberta. Although the Edmonton region will not be included in this year's tour, enthusiasm remains high as towns and cities prepare to welcome the brightly lit railcars that have become a beloved seasonal tradition across Canada and the United States. The Holiday Train, operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), has been touring since 1999 and is widely recognized for its dual mission: spreading festive spirit while raising awareness and vital donations for local food banks. At every…
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Premier Danielle Smith and 14 UCP MLAs Face Unprecedented Recall Petitions Across Alberta

Premier Danielle Smith and 14 UCP MLAs Face Unprecedented Recall Petitions Across Alberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has entered uncharted political territory as Premier Danielle Smith and fourteen members of her United Conservative Party caucus face officially approved recall petitions, marking the largest and most coordinated recall effort since the province introduced recall legislation. The surge of petitions reflects rapidly growing public dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of major issues, from education disputes to governance concerns.The recall wave began gaining momentum in late November, when Elections Alberta confirmed that petitions targeting fourteen UCP MLAs had met the requirements to move forward. The applications, filed by citizens across the province, accuse the MLAs of…
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