Alberta

Alberta MLAs Head to California to Strengthen Energy and Agriculture Ties with US

Alberta MLAs Head to California to Strengthen Energy and Agriculture Ties with US

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is sending two provincial legislators to California this week to promote the province's energy and agricultural interests and strengthen cooperation with American policymakers. Angela Pitt, MLA for Airdrie-East, and Glenn van Dijken, MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock, will attend the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) joint Agriculture Task Force and Energy Supply Task Force meeting in Sacramento from November 12 to 15. The visit is intended to build on Alberta's existing relationships with US state legislators while creating new opportunities for collaboration on energy security, agricultural trade and food supply. Both MLAs will take part in policy…
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Alberta Pledges $250 Million to Expand Affordable Housing and Care Options for Seniors

Alberta Pledges $250 Million to Expand Affordable Housing and Care Options for Seniors

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is committing $250 million towards new seniors housing, lodge renovations and additional continuing care facilities, with the aim of helping older residents access affordable accommodation and support without having to leave their communities. The provincial government announced on November 9 that applications are now being accepted for funding to create or upgrade 850 affordable homes for seniors. The investment includes $200 million for new continuing care spaces and another $50 million for seniors lodges. Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Nathan Neudorf said the funding would help ensure older Albertans have access to suitable housing and…
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Alberta Names Contemporary Dance Artist Janita Frantsi as Seventh Artist in Residence

Alberta Names Contemporary Dance Artist Janita Frantsi as Seventh Artist in Residence

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has appointed contemporary dance performer and choreographer Janita Frantsi as its seventh Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador for 2026-27, making her the first dance professional to take on the role since the programme was established. Announcing the appointment on November 9, the provincial government said the selection highlights the contribution of dance to Alberta’s cultural sector and its efforts to bring artistic experiences to communities across the province. Frantsi will receive a $50,000 grant to undertake a one-year residency and develop a project titled Art Around Us. The initiative will combine live performances with pre-recorded…
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Alberta Announces $39M Investment to Establish Nine New Urgent Care Centres Across Province

Alberta Announces $39M Investment to Establish Nine New Urgent Care Centres Across Province

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is set to significantly expand its urgent healthcare network with a $39-million investment aimed at establishing nine additional urgent care centres. The expansion is expected to increase the province’s urgent care capacity by 150 per cent and help redirect as many as 300,000 emergency department visits annually. Announced on November 9, the funding will cover planning and land acquisition for the proposed facilities. Once all nine centres become operational, Alberta’s urgent care network will grow from six locations to 15, giving residents more opportunities to access same-day treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening medical conditions. Health Minister…
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Alberta to Announce 2026-27 Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador

Alberta to Announce 2026-27 Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government is preparing to introduce its new Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador for 2026-27, with the announcement set to highlight the province's creative talent and the role of arts in bringing communities together. According to a government announcement issued on November 8, 2026, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir will lead the event, which will celebrate Alberta's artistic community, acknowledge the contributions of the outgoing Artist in Residence and officially introduce the incoming artist. The newly appointed artist will serve a one-year term, during which they will work to strengthen…
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Alberta Minister Muhammad Yaseen Extends Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas Greetings to Albertans

Alberta Minister Muhammad Yaseen Extends Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas Greetings to Albertans

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Associate Minister of Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen has extended warm wishes to residents celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, highlighting the importance of freedom, compassion, unity and cultural diversity. In a statement issued on November 8, 2026, Yaseen joined Albertans in marking Diwali, popularly known as the Festival of Lights, and Bandi Chhor Divas, observed by the Sikh community as the Day of Liberation. Highlighting the historical significance of Bandi Chhor Divas, the minister recalled the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Sikh Guru, from Gwalior Fort. He noted that Guru Hargobind Sahib secured the freedom…
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Alberta Targets French and German Markets to Boost International Tourism

Alberta Targets French and German Markets to Boost International Tourism

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is stepping up efforts to attract more international tourists, with a new trade mission to France and Germany aimed at expanding industry partnerships, improving visitor access and increasing tourism-related spending. Minister of Tourism and Sport Andrew Boitchenko will lead the mission alongside representatives from Travel Alberta from November 8 to 14. The delegation is scheduled to meet with airlines, tour operators and other industry stakeholders to explore opportunities to bring more visitors to the province. The initiative forms part of Alberta’s broader tourism strategy, which seeks to strengthen ties with important international markets, support better air…
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Alberta’s 2026 Referendum Expected to Cost $84.2 Million; Elections Agency Seeks Additional $59.5 Million

Alberta’s 2026 Referendum Expected to Cost $84.2 Million; Elections Agency Seeks Additional $59.5 Million

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The cost of conducting Alberta's 2026 provincial referendum is projected to reach approximately $84.27 million, according to Elections Alberta, which has submitted a supplementary funding request to cover referendum expenses and preparations for the next provincial election. Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure presented a request for an additional $59,552,176 for the 2026-27 fiscal year on November 6. The Standing Committee on Legislative Offices approved the request, which includes funding for referendum operations, the 2027 Provincial General Election and the agency's administrative requirements. Of the additional amount, $49,558,434 has been allocated to referendum operations, while $9 million will…
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Alberta Reviews Federal Budget 2026, Welcomes Recognition of Three Major Projects

Alberta Reviews Federal Budget 2026, Welcomes Recognition of Three Major Projects

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is assessing the potential economic implications of the federal government's 2026-27 budget, with Finance Minister Jason Nixon welcoming the inclusion of three provincial projects among Canada's designated major developments, including the Pacific Link pipeline. In a statement issued on November 5, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Jason Nixon said the provincial government was closely examining the newly released federal budget to understand its immediate and long-term consequences for Alberta residents and businesses. Nixon said Alberta's efforts over the past year to improve its relationship with the federal government were beginning to show results.…
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ASIRT Launches Probe into Edmonton Man’s Death After Police Wellness Check

ASIRT Launches Probe into Edmonton Man’s Death After Police Wellness Check

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has launched an investigation into the death of an Edmonton man following an interaction with Edmonton Police Service (EPS) officers at his residence. According to information released by ASIRT on November 5, the incident took place in the early hours of October 11, after police received a request to check on the man's well-being. At approximately 3 a.m., a woman contacted EPS and sought a wellness check, expressing concern after the man reportedly made comments about taking his own life. The man subsequently contacted Emergency Medical Services (EMS) himself and…
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