Alberta Archives - Page 24 of 27

23 Dec

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

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta

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…

21 Dec

Danielle Smith Defends Alberta Next Report Amid Criticism of Timing and Content

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaDanielle Smith

ALBERTA (Rajeev Sharma): Premier Danielle Smith has pushed back against accusations that her government attempted to downplay the release of the Alberta Next report, insisting that the report’s Friday afternoon publication ahead of the Christmas holidays does not mean it is being ignored. The report, compiled by a Smith-appointed panel, examined Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa and made several high-profile recommendations, including the creation of a provincial pension plan to replace the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the eventual establishment of a provincial police force to succeed the RCMP. “Replacing the CPP with an Alberta plan is the most financially meaningful…

21 Dec

Freezing Cold Fails to Deter Audience as “AJEY: The Story of a Monk to CM of UP” Premieres in Calgary

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAJEY

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Despite extreme cold weather, Calgary witnessed an overwhelming response to the special screening of AJEY: The Story of a Monk to CM of UP (Yogi Adityanath), a biographical film based on the life of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The film, written by noted author Shantanu Gupta, was screened at a special ticket rate of $10 and organized by Gopal Saini. Hundreds of viewers from the Indo-Canadian community attended the premiere, demonstrating strong enthusiasm and admiration for the subject of the film. The packed screening stood as a testament to the audience’s commitment, as many braved…

20 Dec

Alberta Next Panel Recommends Referendums on Immigration and Provincial Pension Plan

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

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…

19 Dec

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

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta

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…

18 Dec

Powerful Winter Storm Triggers Massive Multi-Vehicle Pileup on QE2 Near Calgary

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingCalgary

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): A powerful winter storm and sudden blizzard conditions turned a stretch of Highway QE2 between Airdrie and Calgary into a scene of devastation, as a massive chain-reaction collision involving an estimated 80 to 100 vehicles left motorists fighting for their lives. The intense snow blizzard brought near-zero visibility, fierce winds, and ice-covered pavement, creating extremely dangerous driving conditions. Many drivers reported being unable to see more than a few metres ahead before traffic abruptly came to a halt. Vehicles began sliding uncontrollably, crashing into one another in rapid succession, leaving people trapped inside crushed cars and…

18 Dec

Alberta Sheriffs Shut Down Calgary Property After 148 Drug and Crime Complaints

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingCalgary

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Sheriffs have closed a Calgary property at 2016 41 Street SE following nearly two years of investigation linked to drugs and criminal activity. Acting under a court order obtained by the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit, the property will be closed for 90 days starting Dec. 17 at noon, with all occupants ordered to vacate. The closure follows 148 complaints from residents and police findings that included drug trafficking activity, arrests on outstanding warrants, and the seizure of ammunition and weapons. The property, located near two playgrounds and an elementary school, will be boarded up,…

16 Dec

Two Punjabi Students Fatally Shot in Canada; Families Fear Case of Mistaken Identity

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingCanada

Edmonton/Chandigarh (Rajeev Sharma): Tragedy struck two young men from Punjab when they were fatally shot in Edmonton, Canada, leaving their families devastated and searching for answers. The incident occurred early Friday, and authorities have not yet established a clear motive. The victims, Gurdeep Singh (27) from Barre village and Ranvir Singh (19) of Uddat Saidewala village in Mansa district, were attacked shortly after leaving a friend’s birthday celebration. According to family accounts, the two had just entered a car when another vehicle arrived, and the assailants opened fire before fleeing the scene. Ranvir, seated in the driver’s seat, was directly…

15 Dec

Calgary to Host Joint Community Screening of AJEY: The Untold Story of a Yogi

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, Entertainment, TrendingAJEY

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Calgary is set to host a special joint community screening of AJEY: The Untold Story of a Yogi on Saturday morning, December 20, 2025, bringing together community members for an inspiring and reflective cultural experience. The film portrays Yogi Adityanath's remarkable journey, highlighting his transformation from a life of spiritual discipline and service to public leadership, guided by enduring values of seva, dharma, faith, and purpose. The screening, organised by Sewa Physo, with National Times as the official media partner, underscores the collaborative effort behind this meaningful event. The morning aims to provide an opportunity to reflect,…

15 Dec

Premier Danielle Smith Marks Hanukkah With Message of Hope and Resilience

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingCanada, Danielle Smith

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Premier Danielle Smith has issued a statement celebrating Hanukkah and extending warm wishes to Alberta’s Jewish community as the eight-day Festival of Lights begins. In her message, the premier highlighted the symbolism of Hanukkah arriving during the darkest days of the year, noting that it serves as a reminder that “even the smallest spark of hope can illuminate the deepest night.” Smith reflected on the miracle of the oil, which was meant to last one day but burned for eight, saying it continues to inspire perseverance, faith and the sharing of light with others. She also acknowledged…