Rajeev Sharma

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The process of verifying signatures collected for Alberta’s proposed independence referendum officially began on July 6, following a direction from the Court of Appeal that allowed Elections Alberta to move ahead with the review while legal proceedings continue. The petition, titled “A Referendum Relating to Alberta Independence,” seeks public support for a constitutional referendum asking whether Alberta should separate from Canada and become an independent state. Although the proposal remains the subject of an ongoing legal challenge, the court has instructed the province’s election authority to complete the signature verification process and report its findings. The petition…

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has positioned itself at the forefront of artificial intelligence adoption in the public sector after using AI-powered systems to overhaul decades-old government technology in a fraction of the time traditionally required. The provincial government has also made its transformation model publicly available, inviting governments worldwide to adopt similar practices. According to the Alberta government, the initiative has modernised critical digital infrastructure that supports essential public services, including emergency response, registries, social benefit programs and cybersecurity. Officials say tasks that once demanded years of manual effort can now be completed within hours using advanced AI tools. As…

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has welcomed Ontario's proposal for a new cross-country oil pipeline, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening Canada's energy network and improving access to domestic and international markets. The proposed Northern Shield Energy Corridor would connect Hardisty, Alberta, to Sarnia, Ontario, creating a route of approximately 3,300 kilometres. The project is intended to transport Alberta crude directly to refineries in eastern Canada while also improving export opportunities through ports connected to international shipping routes. In a statement issued on Monday, Smith said the initiative would support Alberta's long-term objective of increasing oil…

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has announced a major increase in funding for the maintenance of Highway 63, committing $15 million specifically for repairs on the crucial route as part of a broader expansion of the province’s highway maintenance budget. In a statement released on Saturday, Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen said the government is responding to public concerns over deteriorating road conditions and acknowledged the advocacy of Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLA Brian Jean and Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA Tany Yao. The province is adding more than $22.4 million to its overall highway maintenance program, representing…