Alberta Archives - National Times

08 Jun

Alberta Resumes Procurement of US Alcohol and Gaming Machines following Tariff Protest Pause

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta, Canada

Calgary(Rajeev Sharma): The province of Alberta has reinstated the purchase of U.S.-manufactured alcohol and video lottery terminals, merely three months after Premier Danielle Smith implemented restrictions in response to American tariffs on Canadian goods.Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally confirmed the reversal, stating that the move reflects a "renewed commitment to open and fair trade" with the United States. In March, Premier Smith announced that Alberta would cease purchasing American alcohol and gaming equipment and suspend new contracts with U.S. companies. Although liquor stores in Alberta are privately operated, all products must be procured through the provincial government's supply chain.The initial…

31 May

Alberta Government Extends Timeline for Independent Investigation Into Procurement Practices

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta, Calgary, Canada

Edmonton (National Times): The Government of Alberta has extended the timeline for the ongoing independent investigation into its procurement and contracting practices, including those used by Alberta Health Services (AHS), citing the large volume of documents and witness interviews required. Christopher McPherson, Deputy Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, issued the update on Friday, confirming that the new deadlines were approved in consultation with the investigation’s lead, Hon. Raymond E. Wyant, former Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba. Initially, Judge Wyant was expected to deliver an interim report by May 30, with a final report due by…

31 May

Alberta Increases Funding to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence with Additional $1.5M Investment

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta, Canada

Edmonton (National Times): The Government of Alberta is strengthening its commitment to survivors of sexual violence with an additional $1.5 million investment in sexual assault centres across the province. The funding will expand access to critical counselling and trauma-informed services for those impacted by sexual violence. This latest boost brings the province closer to its goal of increasing support to sexual assault centres by $10 million. It follows a similar $1.5 million allocation made in March 2025, and complements the $13.8 million Alberta already provides annually to 15 sexual assault centres and the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS).…

28 May

Alberta providing $300,000 to Mount Royal University to explore how optometry training could be offered

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta, Calgary, Canada, Mount Royal University

Calgary (National Times): Right now, in Canada, students interested in becoming optometrists have limited options. There are only two optometry schools in the country, at the University of Waterloo and the Université de Montréal, and the programs are in high demand. Many prospective students leave the country to study, and often do not return to Canada to practice. Seeing this gap, Alberta’s government has signed a letter of commitment with Mount Royal University to support them in working with the University of Waterloo to explore the potential of offering optometry training in Alberta. “This is a great opportunity for Alberta.…

27 May

Writs Have Been Issued for Three Alberta Provincial By-Elections

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta, Calgary, Canada

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,…

27 May

Premier Danielle Smith names cabinet ministers and members

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingAlberta, Calgary, Danielle Smith

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…

27 May

Alberta’s government invests $17 million into youth employment

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta, Calgary

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…

24 May

Enhancing Alberta’s veterinary diagnostic capacity

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta, Canada

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…

24 May

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

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta, Nate Horner

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…

22 May

Alberta’s OIPC comments on emerging developments regarding PowerSchool cybersecurity incident

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta

Calgary (National Times): The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) of Alberta has become aware of new developments in regard to the PowerSchool cybersecurity incident in December 2024 that affected many educational institutions in Alberta. PowerSchool contacted the OIPC earlier this month regarding these new developments. PowerSchool notified the OIPC that it has become aware that a threat actor has reached out to multiple educational institutions in Alberta in an attempt to extort them using data from the December incident. PowerSchool has also posted new information on its website. “Our office has launched a number of investigations as…