Alberta

Calgary, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Environment ministers from the federal, provincial and territorial governments gathered in Calgary for the annual Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) meeting, where discussions centred on balancing environmental protection with economic growth by streamlining regulatory processes and accelerating project approvals. The meeting focused on improving environmental permitting systems without compromising standards designed to safeguard air, water, land and public health. Ministers explored ways to reduce unnecessary regulatory overlap, make approval processes more predictable and encourage investment that supports employment and long-term economic development. Alberta's Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Grant Hunter, who hosted…

Warburg, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): An Alberta-based mining company has been directed to pay $360,000 following a fatal workplace accident at one of its operations, after admitting it failed to meet its legal responsibility to protect the safety of an employee. Prairie Mines & Royalty ULC pleaded guilty in the Leduc Court of Justice to a charge under Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. The conviction relates to a workplace incident that claimed the life of a worker at a mine near Warburg in November 2023. Prosecutors withdrew 11 additional charges as part of the court proceedings. According to officials,…

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's government has unveiled a $1.4-million investment aimed at protecting and improving the province's vast rangelands, with funding directed toward projects that promote sustainable grazing, ecosystem conservation and long-term agricultural productivity. The financial support is being provided through the Rangeland Sustainability Program, which channels a portion of grazing lease revenues into initiatives designed to preserve the ecological health of Alberta's grasslands while supporting ranchers and local communities. Provincial officials said the program encourages collaboration between researchers, conservation groups, agricultural organizations and local governments to develop practical strategies for managing rangelands more effectively. Forestry and Parks Minister Todd…

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has celebrated the achievements of some of its most promising young citizens by presenting the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Awards, recognising students and emerging artists for their outstanding contributions to leadership, volunteerism, community service and the arts. The awards were presented during a ceremony at Government House in Edmonton on July 14, jointly hosted by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Alberta government. Eight students from across the province received the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Citizenship Medallion, an honour that acknowledges exceptional commitment to public service, leadership and community involvement. The award pays tribute to young…

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has unveiled a fresh investment of $16 million to strengthen services for people affected by family violence, aiming to improve access to support programs and help agencies better respond to the needs of vulnerable individuals across the province. The funding comes on top of the $62 million previously committed toward family violence initiatives and will be channelled through the Emergency Family Violence Services program. According to the government, nearly $15 million will be directed into three new funding streams designed to enhance community-based services, while more than $700,000 has been earmarked to help family…

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's government has announced the construction of seven new schools across Edmonton, Calgary and Chestermere in a move aimed at expanding classroom capacity and meeting the demands of the province's rapidly increasing student population. The upcoming projects, which are expected to begin construction shortly, will add more than 6,100 student spaces through a mix of elementary and junior high schools. The initiative is part of the province's broader effort to strengthen educational infrastructure in fast-growing communities. Infrastructure Minister Martin Long said the investment is intended to ensure that families have access to modern schools located closer to…

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has officially launched its regulated online iGaming market, introducing new oversight measures designed to provide safer gambling options and strengthen protections for players across the province. The new framework begins operations with 22 registered online gaming sites, offering Albertans a legal alternative to previously available unregulated platforms. The province said the regulated system aims to improve accountability, promote responsible gaming and ensure operators follow strict standards for consumer protection. For years, online gambling services operated in Alberta without a provincial regulatory structure, leaving many players exposed to platforms with limited safeguards. Before the launch of the…