Alberta Archives - National Times

30 Mar

Physicians Condemn Proposed Alberta Bill Restricting Medical Assistance in Dying

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta, Bill 18, Doctors, Ethics, health, MAID

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): A group of Alberta physicians and healthcare providers has issued a sharp rebuke of the provincial government’s proposed Bill 18, the Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act. In a public letter and interviews on Monday, March 30, 2026, medical professionals argued that the legislation which seeks to impose stricter limits on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) than current federal laws undermine patient autonomy and places clinicians in "ethically untenable positions." Dr. Dionne Walsh, a palliative care physician and signatory of the letter, stated that the bill’s restrictive measures fail to recognize the complexity of suffering,…

25 Mar

Minimum Wage Goes Up, But Not for Most Albertans: Ottawa Raises Federal Rate to $18.15/hr While Alberta Stays at $15

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): The Government of Canada has announced an increase in the federal minimum wage to $18.15 per hour, up from $17.75, as part of its annual adjustment tied to inflation. The policy ensures that wages for federally regulated workers keep pace with the rising cost of living, rather than being influenced by political decisions. The federal minimum wage applies only to employees working in federally regulated sectors, including banking, telecommunications, interprovincial transportation, railways, and airports. This covers a range of roles such as call centre agents, clerks, cleaners, warehouse workers, and baggage handlers. However, many of these…

18 Mar

Alberta Chosen to Host 2028 World Cup of Hockey, Calgary and Edmonton to Share Matches

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The province of Alberta has been selected as the North American venue for the World Cup of Hockey 2028, with games scheduled to take place in Calgary and Edmonton in February 2028. The announcement was made jointly by Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation and OEG Sports & Entertainment, following a successful bid supported by multiple levels of government and tourism bodies. The event will be organised in collaboration with the National Hockey League and the NHL Players’ Association. Matches in Calgary will be held at Scotia Place, while Rogers Place in Edmonton will host key fixtures, including…

01 Mar

Taber Police Urge Retailers to Secure Cough Syrup Amid Surge in ‘DXM’ Misuse

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta, DXM, Misuse, Police, Taber

Taber, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma) — The Taber Police Service has issued a formal appeal to local retailers and pharmacies to implement stricter controls on over-the-counter cough syrups following a sharp rise in thefts and dangerous behaviours linked to the drug dextromethorphan (DXM). In a statement released on Sunday, March 1, 2026, authorities highlighted a growing trend of substance misuse among youth in the southern Alberta community, prompting calls for immediate preventive measures. Police are specifically asking businesses to consider moving products containing DXM behind service counters and limiting sales strictly to adults. While the medication is safe when used as…

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 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

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…