Alberta Archives - Page 24 of 34

27 Feb

Alberta Projects C$9.4 Billion Deficit as Softening Oil Prices Strain Provincial Coffers

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta, Alberta budget deficit 2026, Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, Alberta oil price impact, Nate Horner finance minister, WTI crude forecast Alberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma) — The Government of Alberta has unveiled a stark fiscal outlook for the upcoming fiscal year, projecting a significant C$9.4 billion deficit as the province grapples with the impact of lower global oil prices. Finance Minister Nate Horner presented the 2026-27 provincial budget on Thursday, highlighting a sharp reversal from the modest surpluses of previous years. The shift underscores the province's continued vulnerability to the volatile energy markets that remain the backbone of its economy. The projected shortfall is primarily attributed to a downward revision in the forecast for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, the North American…

22 Feb

“Alberta is Canada” Rallies Draw Hundreds Amid Resurgent Separatist Debate

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta Is Canada Rally, Alberta separatist movement, Danielle Smith Sovereignty, Indigenous Treaties Alberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharama): In defiance of freezing -20°C temperatures, hundreds of Albertans gathered on Saturday at city halls in Calgary, Edmonton, and Medicine Hat to voice their opposition to the province's burgeoning sovereignty movement. The "Alberta is Canada" rallies served as a grassroots counter-response to the Alberta Prosperity Project and the "Stay Free Alberta" petition, which is currently seeking signatures to trigger a referendum on independence. The demonstrations featured a diverse coalition of voices, ranging from Indigenous advocates to queer community organizers. Nicole Johnston, an Indigenous advocate and event organizer, emphasized that any path toward separation is profoundly complicated by…

22 Feb

Danielle Smith Pushes for Quebec-Style Immigration Powers as Referendum Debate Intensifies

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingDanielle Smith

Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Premier Danielle Smith is standing firm on her call for Alberta to gain greater authority over immigration, drawing both support and sharp criticism as the province prepares for a fall referendum that includes several immigration-related questions. Speaking during her weekend radio program, Smith defended proposals that would significantly alter how newcomers access provincial services. The measures form part of a broader nine-question referendum scheduled for October, which the government says will give Albertans direct input on key policy directions. Proposed Changes to Services and Voting Rules Among the questions voters will consider is whether individuals with temporary…

22 Feb

Alberta Unveils Sweeping Nine-Question Referendum, Stirring Debate Over Scope and Intent

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is heading into unfamiliar political territory after Premier Danielle Smith announced a wide-ranging referendum that will place nine separate questions before voters this fall — a move rarely seen in Canadian history. Set for Oct. 19, the ballot will ask Albertans to weigh in on issues spanning immigration policy, provincial autonomy and potential constitutional reforms. The governing United Conservative Party (UCP) says the initiative is designed to give residents a stronger voice in shaping how the province responds to federal decisions. During a televised address, Smith framed the referendum as a safeguard against what she described…

21 Feb

Alberta Surpasses 6,100 Kilometres in Caribou Habitat Restoration Since 2019

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta, Calgary

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta says it has restored more than 6,100 kilometres of legacy seismic lines across caribou ranges since 2019, marking a sharp increase in habitat recovery efforts compared to previous years. According to the province, just 87 kilometres were rehabilitated between 2015 and 2019. The acceleration follows the launch of Alberta’s Caribou Habitat Recovery Program, which coordinates large-scale restoration projects aimed at supporting the long-term survival of the species while maintaining economic activity. Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter said the province is pairing conservation with economic growth. He credited partnerships with Indigenous communities and industry for…

21 Feb

Super-heavy loads affect travel in Edmonton region

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingEdmonton

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Drivers may experience delays as large, slow-moving vessels move from Edmonton to Fort McMurray on Feb. 22, and from Edmonton to Fort Saskatchewan on Feb. 24. Due to their large size and weight, the first load will travel at a maximum speed of 50 km/h, and the second at 40 km/h. The loads will move with guide vehicles, below posted speed limits, using the entire width of the highway, including the shoulder. Route Edmonton to Fort McMurray De-methanizer pressure vessel used in natural gas processing. The first load will leave Thermo Design Engineering in south Edmonton using…

21 Feb

Alberta Government Advances Expedited Viability Review for Town of Gibbons

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta, Calgary, Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, Dan Williams, says the province is moving ahead with an expedited viability review for the Town of Gibbons as local officials grapple with mounting financial pressures. In a statement issued following meetings with Gibbons’ mayor and council, Williams said the province has already implemented several measures to stabilize the municipality while the review is underway. These include appointing an official administrator to provide oversight and guidance, temporarily extending the town’s debt limit, and approving a $500,000 grant through the Alberta Community Partnership program. Williams described the viability review as a structured process…

21 Feb

Alberta Tourism Records Historic $15.2 Billion in Visitor Spending for 2025

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s tourism sector achieved a new benchmark in 2025, with visitor expenditures totaling $15.2 billion, setting a historic record for the province. The figures reflect robust domestic and international travel demand, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and highlighting Alberta’s growing appeal as a travel destination. The surge in spending is driven by a combination of Alberta’s renowned natural attractions, including Banff and Jasper National Parks, major urban centers such as Calgary and Edmonton, and a calendar of cultural and recreational events. The increase also reflects rising travel confidence following the easing of global pandemic-related restrictions. Government officials emphasized…

20 Feb

ALBERTA PROTESTS INTENSIFY AS PRESSURE MOUNTS ON PREMIER DANIELLE SMITH

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta, Danielle Smih

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Public anger toward Alberta’s government has escalated as protests and calls for accountability grow across the province, targeting Premier Danielle Smith over health care, education and governance issues. Demonstrations have been held outside constituency offices and in major cities, with organizers accusing the government of ignoring frontline crises while pursuing divisive political agendas.“We feel abandoned,” said one protester in Edmonton. “Hospitals are overflowing, classrooms are packed, and the government keeps talking about politics instead of people.” Health care has emerged as a central flashpoint. Alberta continues to face emergency room overcrowding, staff shortages and long wait times…

20 Feb

Extortion Ring Busted in Northeast Calgary After Year-Long Threat Campaign Against Woman

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaCalgary extortion case, extortion charges, fraud charges, northeast Calgary crime

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Charges have been laid following a months-long extortion investigation in northeast Calgary, after police uncovered repeated threats and demands for money made against a local woman throughout 2024. According to the Calgary Police Service, the victim reported multiple extortion attempts by suspects known to her, who allegedly demanded cash and valuables on six separate occasions between August and October, warning her of violence if she refused to comply. Investigators say the sustained pattern of intimidation prompted an in-depth probe that ultimately led to criminal charges.Police said the case underscores the serious psychological and financial harm caused by…