Alberta Archives - National Times

28 Jul

Alberta Introduces Self-Requested Preventive Health Screenings to Boost Early Cancer Detection

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Canada, the Alberta government is expanding access to preventive health screening by allowing residents to undergo certain diagnostic imaging tests without first obtaining a physician's referral. The new policy is set to take effect on July 31. Under the initiative, Albertans will be able to purchase preventive diagnostic tests, including MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds, through participating private health-care providers. The government says the move is aimed at improving early detection of diseases, particularly cancer, while giving residents greater flexibility in managing their health. Officials clarified that the new option…

28 Jul

Canada, Alberta Announce $52 Million Upgrade for Calgary’s Olympic Oval

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta, Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Governments of Canada and Alberta have announced a joint investment of $52 million to modernize Calgary's iconic Olympic Oval, ensuring the world-renowned facility continues to serve elite athletes and the wider community for decades to come. Under the funding arrangement, both governments will contribute $26 million each toward a major infrastructure renewal project. The upgrades will include replacing the original refrigerated concrete slab beneath the 400-metre speed skating track and two ice rinks, installing a new ice plant, and modernizing critical mechanical, electrical, structural and life-safety systems. Opened in 1987 ahead of the 1988 Winter Olympics,…

27 Jul

A Historic Western Canada Tour: His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V Connects Faith, Civic Leadership, and Social Innovation in Calgary and Vancouver

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, British Columbia, Canada, TrendingPrince Rahim Aga Khan V

Calgary/Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): A transformative chapter in Canadian civic and religious history unfolded across Western Canada as His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th Imam of the Shia Nizari Ismaili Muslims, completed his inaugural official tour of the region. Accompanied by his sons, Prince Irfan Aga Khan and Prince Sinan Aga Khan, the multi-day visit marked the Imam’s first regional tour since succeeding his late father, Shah Karim al-Husseini (Aga Khan IV), following his passing in February 2025. Spanning high-level engagements and spiritual assemblies across Alberta and British Columbia, the visit celebrated over five decades of deep-rooted partnership…

26 Jul

ALBERTA PGWP CRISIS: OVER 1,500 GRADUATES FACE MASS REFUSALS AS COMMUNITY LEADERS AND LEGAL EXPERTS UNITE FOR JUSTICE

nishuthapar10 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A major immigration crisis has erupted across Alberta, pushing over 1,500 international student graduates into financial devastation and legal limbo. After investing up to $32,000 each in tuition fees and completing two-year diploma programs, hundreds of former students are receiving sudden Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) refusals from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The controversy has sparked continuous 24/7 demonstrations in Northeast Calgary, busloads of protesting students traveling to Portage College's Lac La Biche campus, and a round-the-clock hunger strike launched by desperate graduates demanding administrative fairness.As public outcry grows, prominent community figures are stepping up to…

25 Jul

Hunger Strike Over, Fight for Justice Continues as 2,000 International Students Remain on Protest

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingHunger Strike

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The hunger strike launched by international students from Portage College in Calgary has come to an end after Alberta MLA Parmeet Singh met with the protesting students and assured them that he is working to help resolve their concerns. According to the students, the MLA informed them that he has contacted the federal immigration authorities and is making efforts to find a positive resolution to their immigration-related issues. Despite the end of the hunger strike, the crisis remains far from over. The protesting students allege that nearly 2,000 international students have been left facing an uncertain future…

25 Jul

Punjab-Origin Woman Killed in Canada; Boyfriend Booked for Murder in Suspected Domestic Violence Case

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingCanada

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian police have charged a 22-year-old man with second-degree murder following the death of a young Punjab-origin woman in Edmonton, Alberta, in a case authorities are investigating as an incident of intimate partner violence. The victim, identified as Damanpreet Kaur, 23, was discovered with severe injuries after emergency services responded to a residence in Edmonton's Silver Berry neighbourhood earlier this month. Officers had received a call regarding an unconscious woman under suspicious circumstances at a home near Silver Berry Road and 28A Avenue. Paramedics provided immediate medical care before shifting Kaur to hospital, where she remained in…

22 Jul

Alberta Expands Alcohol Trade Deal With Eight Provinces, Pushes for Nationwide Market Access

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, British Columbia, Canada, OntarioAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has broadened its efforts to remove interprovincial trade barriers by signing a new direct-to-consumer alcohol sales agreement with eight Canadian provinces, a move the provincial government says will create fresh business opportunities for local liquor producers and offer consumers greater choice. In a joint statement issued on Monday, Premier Danielle Smith and Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally announced that Alberta has reached agreements with Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and British Columbia. Under the arrangement, Alberta-based breweries, wineries, distilleries and other liquor manufacturers will…

22 Jul

New Ivor Strong Bridge Marks Major Progress in Deerfoot Trail Upgrade Project

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingDeerfoot

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's ambitious Deerfoot Trail Improvements Project has achieved another key milestone with the completion of the new Ivor Strong Bridge, bringing the province one step closer to easing traffic congestion along one of Calgary's busiest roadways. Provincial officials announced that traffic will begin shifting onto the newly constructed bridge from July 27, allowing rehabilitation work to commence on the existing structure. The phased transition is designed to maintain traffic flow while long-term upgrades continue across the corridor. Once the project is fully completed, the new bridge will accommodate all southbound traffic, while the refurbished existing bridge will…

21 Jul

Alberta Launches Campaign to Stop Release of Goldfish and Other Invasive Fish into Natural Waterways

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has renewed its efforts to safeguard the province's lakes, rivers and wetlands by urging residents not to release pet fish or aquatic plants into natural water bodies. Through its "Don't Let It Loose" awareness campaign, officials are calling on Albertans to help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species that threaten local ecosystems. Environmental authorities say goldfish, despite being common household pets, can become a serious ecological problem when introduced into the wild. Once released, they reproduce quickly, compete with native fish for food, disturb aquatic vegetation and contribute to declining water quality. According…

21 Jul

Alberta Opens Vote-by-Mail Registration for October 2026 Referendum

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Albertans eligible to vote in the October 19, 2026 Referendum can now apply for Vote by Mail, with Elections Alberta officially opening online applications for Special Ballots. The initiative is intended to provide voters with greater flexibility ahead of polling day, particularly those who may be unable to cast their vote in person. According to Elections Alberta, every eligible elector can request a Special Ballot without having to provide any specific reason. Officials say the option allows voters to complete their ballot at a convenient time and location, giving them adequate opportunity to review the referendum questions…