Canada

Writs Have Been Issued for Three Alberta Provincial By-Elections

Writs Have Been Issued for Three Alberta Provincial By-Elections

Calgary (National Times): Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer, Gordon McClure, confirms writs were issued today to administer by-elections in Electoral Division 31 – Edmonton-Ellerslie, Electoral Division 44 – Edmonton-Strathcona, and Electoral Division 76 – Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills to elect members to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has the authority, under sections 9(1) and 47(1) of the Election Act, to appoint Returning Officers and Election Clerks. These officers play a vital role in the fair and impartial management of Provincial General Elections and by-elections. “Appointments have been made for the Returning Officers and Election Clerks in Edmonton-Ellerslie, Edmonton-Strathcona,…
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Premier Danielle Smith names cabinet ministers and members

Premier Danielle Smith names cabinet ministers and members

Calgary (National Times): Premier Danielle Smith has named the ministers and members who will serve on the government’s cabinet policy committees. Cabinet policy committees are essential to the work of government, reviewing policy decisions, setting long-range strategic priorities and contributing to proposals and reviews of legislation and regulation. “I am proud of the dedication of Alberta’s cabinet ministers and MLAs who are stepping up to take on additional responsibilities and work on behalf of Albertans. Each committee member will bring invaluable insight and new perspectives reflecting the diversity of their own experiences. I look forward to working together on Alberta’s…
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Alberta’s government invests $17 million into youth employment

Alberta’s government invests $17 million into youth employment

Calgary (National Times): For over a century, Alberta has been known as the land of opportunity, a place where people come to build a better future for themselves and their families. Today, more than five million people call the province home, with many drawn by the promise that if they work hard, they too can benefit from the Alberta Advantage. That’s why Alberta’s government continues to work tirelessly to ensure there are pathways to prosperity for future generations so they can continue to call Alberta the best place to live, work and raise a family. “Investing in our young people…
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New House Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia Takes the Gavel Amid Renewed Parliamentary Session

New House Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia Takes the Gavel Amid Renewed Parliamentary Session

National Times Bureau, May 26, 2025: Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia has been elected the 39th Speaker of the House of Commons, marking a significant shift in parliamentary leadership. The Quebec MP, who has represented Lac-Saint-Louis since 2004, won the Speaker’s chair following the resignation of Greg Fergus. His election coincides with a fresh chapter for the House, which is reconvening after a five-month hiatus.Scarpaleggia brings to the position over two decades of parliamentary experience, having chaired the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. Colleagues view him as a steady and balanced figure, with a reputation for…
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NDP Falls Short of Official Party Status in House of Commons Post-Historic Defeat

NDP Falls Short of Official Party Status in House of Commons Post-Historic Defeat

Ottawa, May 26, 2025: The New Democratic Party (NDP) will not be granted official party status in the House of Commons, Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon confirmed on Monday. The decision comes in the wake of the party’s worst electoral performance in Canadian history, following the 2025 federal election.Under the Parliament of Canada Act, a political party must secure at least 12 seats in the House to attain official party status. The NDP won just seven seats, far below the required threshold. The consequences are severe—without official status, the NDP loses vital parliamentary privileges, including increased speaking time, committee memberships,…
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Marco Mendicino to Step Down as PM Carney’s Chief of Staff Amid Early Reshuffle<br>

Marco Mendicino to Step Down as PM Carney’s Chief of Staff Amid Early Reshuffle

Ottawa, May 25, 2025 — Marco Mendicino, former Public Safety Minister and Liberal MP, has stepped down from his role as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s chief of staff, marking a significant shift in the inner workings of the newly formed administration.The departure, confirmed by sources close to the Prime Minister’s Office, comes just two months after Carney took office following his election victory. Mendicino, who had served in senior cabinet roles under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was brought in to help ease the transition and support early governance efforts.Though no official reason was provided for his exit, insiders suggest…
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King Charles III’s Throne Speech Reaffirms Canadian Sovereignty Amid Global Tensions

King Charles III’s Throne Speech Reaffirms Canadian Sovereignty Amid Global Tensions

Ottawa, May 25, 2025: In a historic event seen as a defining moment for Canada’s identity, King Charles III delivered the Speech from the Throne in Ottawa today, marking only the third time a reigning monarch has opened a session of Canada’s Parliament.Royal watchers and political analysts hailed the moment as a clear assertion of Canada's constitutional independence—particularly significant given U.S. President Donald Trump's recent remarks suggesting Canada could become the "51st state" of the United States. The decision to invite King Charles III to deliver the speech was taken by Prime Minister Mark Carney to reinforce Canada's sovereignty and…
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ISKCON Calgary’s 21st Annual Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra on June 22

ISKCON Calgary’s 21st Annual Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra on June 22

Calgary, (Rajeev Sharma) : The Radha Madhav Cultural Association (ISKCON Calgary) will present the spirit of devotion and cultural vibrancy to the city with the 21st Annual Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra Chariot Festival on Sunday, June 22, 2025. In an interview with National Times, Krishna Vidyadas Prabhu, one of the key organizers, highlighted the festival’s message of unity, love, and cultural harmony, welcoming all Calgarians regardless of background or faith. He stated that this highly anticipated spiritual and cultural event will commence with a grand chariot parade at 11:00 AM from 421 Riverfront Avenue, near the Harry Hays Building. Devotees…
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Enhancing Alberta’s veterinary diagnostic capacity

Enhancing Alberta’s veterinary diagnostic capacity

Calgary (National Times): Alberta’s government is increasing funding to UCalgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine’s Diagnostic Services Unit to support Alberta’s livestock producers and veterinarians. Alberta is famously a livestock province, renowned for producing some of the world’s best meat. Livestock is also a significant driver of Alberta’s economy, with livestock market receipts totalling almost $12 billion in 2024. For this essential industry to keep growing and thriving, it needs quick, affordable diagnostics and robust disease preparedness. Beginning with Budget 2025, Alberta’s government is providing the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) with a total of $9.5 million over…
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Finance Minister Nate Horner to travel to Europe from May 25 to June 5

Finance Minister Nate Horner to travel to Europe from May 25 to June 5

Calgary (National Times): Minister Horner will meet with groups of investors, government officials, and industry in Germany, Czechia, Poland, the United Kingdom and Ireland. The meetings are an opportunity to market Alberta bonds to new global investors and to strengthen ties with those already familiar with Alberta. Minister Horner will speak to Alberta’s current fiscal plan, as well as market the province’s investment opportunities and economic strengths. “As we continue to deal with uncertainty in our trade relations, it’s more important than ever to strengthen economic ties with other markets around the world. I’m looking forward to promoting Alberta’s successes…
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