Canada

Alberta, Ottawa and Oilsands Producers Sign Deal to Expand Production and Advance Carbon Capture Project

Alberta, Ottawa and Oilsands Producers Sign Deal to Expand Production and Advance Carbon Capture Project

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government, the federal government and Canada’s largest oilsands producers have reached a new agreement aimed at boosting oil production while accelerating development of a major carbon capture and storage initiative. The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed between Alberta, Canada and the five-member Oil Sands Alliance, establishes a framework to expand oilsands output needed to support the proposed West Coast oil pipeline while advancing the Pathways carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. The provincial government described the agreement as a significant step toward attracting investment, reducing emissions and strengthening Alberta’s energy sector. Officials said the partnership is…
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Alberta Launches Regulated Online Gaming Market With Stronger Player Protection Rules

Alberta Launches Regulated Online Gaming Market With Stronger Player Protection Rules

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…
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Alberta Report Highlights Lower Oilsands Emissions Intensity Ahead of National Environment Meeting

Alberta Report Highlights Lower Oilsands Emissions Intensity Ahead of National Environment Meeting

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s oilsands sector has recorded a significant decline in greenhouse gas emissions intensity while increasing production levels, according to a new provincial report released ahead of a national meeting of environment ministers. The annual Oil Sands Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity Report shows that emissions produced per barrel of oilsands output have fallen by 28 per cent compared with previous levels. At the same time, oilsands production reached more than 3.3 million barrels per day in 2024, marking an increase of nearly 1.7 million barrels per day since 2012. The findings are set to be presented by Alberta…
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Portage College Calgary Graduates Seek Answers After PGWP Refusals

Portage College Calgary Graduates Seek Answers After PGWP Refusals

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A growing number of international graduates in Alberta are raising concerns after receiving Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) refusals, creating uncertainty for students who say they completed their studies with the expectation of gaining Canadian work experience after graduation. Students involved in the matter say approximately 250 graduates may have been affected, although this figure has not been independently verified. The concerns involve graduates from programs connected with Portage College Calgary and partner campus locations in Alberta. Several students say their PGWP applications were refused after they completed their studies, and they are now seeking clarity regarding the…
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Alberta’s New ID Card Rollout Sparks Registry Meltdown, Long Waits Leave Albertans Frustrated

Alberta’s New ID Card Rollout Sparks Registry Meltdown, Long Waits Leave Albertans Frustrated

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s rollout of a new driver’s licence and identification card system has led to growing frustration among residents and registry operators, with long lineups and extended wait times being reported at registry offices across the province. Since the new cards were introduced on July 2, many Albertans have found routine services taking much longer than expected, prompting calls for the provincial government to improve the system. Registry operators say the new identification system requires additional verification of documents, including proof of legal entitlement to remain in Canada for eligible applicants and, in many cases, confirmation of…
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Alberta to Pitch Energy Expertise at U.S. Summit, Strengthen Cross-Border Cooperation

Alberta to Pitch Energy Expertise at U.S. Summit, Strengthen Cross-Border Cooperation

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is set to deepen its engagement with the United States on energy collaboration as provincial representative Chantelle de Jonge travels to Reno, Nevada, to participate in the Western Energy Caucus from July 13 to 15. The three-day gathering will bring together lawmakers from across the western United States to discuss regional energy priorities, including electricity reliability, cleaner energy technologies and long-term infrastructure planning. Representing Alberta, de Jonge, who serves as the parliamentary secretary for Affordability and Utilities and is the MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore, will use the forum to highlight the province's role as a reliable energy…
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Edmonton Set to Host International Athletics Meet as Global Stars Arrive for Continental Tour Event

Edmonton Set to Host International Athletics Meet as Global Stars Arrive for Continental Tour Event

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): dmonton is preparing to welcome athletes from across the globe as the city hosts the fifth edition of the Edmonton Athletics Invitational on July 12, a key event on the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver calendar. More than 200 athletes, coaches and officials representing 15 countries are expected to participate in the competition at Foote Field. The meet offers valuable international ranking points, making it an important stop for competitors aiming to qualify for upcoming global championships. The Alberta government has extended financial support of over $181,000 through its Major Sport Events grant program to help organise…
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ASIRT Probes Police Shooting Near Irricana After Domestic Disturbance Ends in Fatality

ASIRT Probes Police Shooting Near Irricana After Domestic Disturbance Ends in Fatality

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's independent police watchdog has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of a man by an RCMP officer during a domestic disturbance response near Irricana. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) confirmed that the incident occurred on the evening of July 3 after Airdrie RCMP officers were dispatched to a rural property following a 911 call reporting a dispute between a woman and her partner. According to preliminary information, the caller safely exited the residence after officers arrived and spoke with police outside the home. Officers then attempted to communicate with the man inside, repeatedly…
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Calgary Set to Experience a Divine Week of Shrimad Bhagwat Katha at Genesis Centre

Calgary Set to Experience a Divine Week of Shrimad Bhagwat Katha at Genesis Centre

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A week long spiritual journey featuring Shrimad Bhagwat Katha will be held from July 12 to July 18, 2026, at the Genesis Centre in Northeast Calgary, bringing together devotees and community members for an enriching religious experience. In an interview with National Times, Acharya Vinod Sodial and Ramesh Verma shared details about the upcoming spiritual gathering and invited everyone to participate in this sacred event. Acharya Vinod Sodial said that this is the first time a detailed week-long Shrimad Bhagwat Katha is being organized in Calgary, giving devotees an opportunity to connect deeply with the spiritual teachings,…
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Shotgun Robbery at Calgary Pub: Four Men Charged After Violent Crime Spree Involving Stolen Vehicles

Shotgun Robbery at Calgary Pub: Four Men Charged After Violent Crime Spree Involving Stolen Vehicles

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Four men have been charged in connection with a planned and violent armed robbery at a southeast Calgary pub earlier this year, following an extensive investigation involving multiple stolen vehicles, surveillance footage, and coordinated efforts by several law enforcement agencies. According to Calgary Police Service, the investigation began on May 11, 2026, when two suspects allegedly smashed the window of a Toyota Tacoma parked at Nose Hill Park in northwest Calgary and stole a purse containing identification, credit cards, and a key for a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a stolen red…
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