Alberta Archives - National Times

15 Sep

FROM DEAD ZONES TO DIGITAL DOORS: ALBERTA BETS $24.8 MILLION ON RURAL INTERNET

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): High-speed internet is moving deeper into rural Alberta as the provincial and federal governments announce $24.8 million in funding for two broadband projects expected to connect 1,833 homes across remote and rural communities. The investment is aimed at closing the digital divide in areas where reliable internet access remains limited, giving residents better access to online services, businesses and communication. For communities outside Alberta’s major urban centres, broadband is increasingly more than a convenience. It can determine whether residents can access virtual healthcare, operate a business, pursue opportunities online or remain connected with family and friends. The…

15 Sep

MORE CLASSROOMS, MORE CHOICE: ALBERTA MOVES AHEAD WITH 5,150 CHARTER SCHOOL SPACES

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Thousands of Alberta students could gain access to new or improved learning spaces as the provincial government advances four public charter school projects expected to create or renovate more than 5,150 student spaces. The latest approvals cover projects in Calgary, Edmonton and Medicine Hat, with funding supporting planning and design work as school authorities develop the proposed facilities. Unlike private schools, public charter schools are tuition-free and publicly funded, but they have greater flexibility to offer specialised educational programs. The province says the model provides families with additional choice within Alberta’s public education system. Education and Childcare…

13 Sep

Alberta Social Circle Launches Community-Focused Network Connecting Professionals, Entrepreneurs and People Seeking Opportunities

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A new community-driven initiative is bringing Alberta’s professionals, business owners and entrepreneurs together on one platform to create connections, share expertise and help people seeking employment, business opportunities and professional support. The Alberta Social Circle held its inaugural meeting at Royal Supermarket and Kitchen, marking the beginning of an initiative focused on turning professional and business networks into practical community support. Representatives from different industries and businesses came together to exchange ideas, discuss common challenges and explore how their combined experience and connections could help individuals looking for jobs, guidance in starting a business or support in…

12 Sep

Mark Carney Meets Alberta ‘Forever Canadian’ Campaigners as Referendum Debate Intensifies

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta, Canada, Mark Carney

Banff (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney met supporters of the Forever Canadian campaign in Banff on Friday, offering a brief but symbolic show of support for national unity as Alberta prepares for a referendum linked to the province’s separatist movement. Carney encountered volunteers from the group at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, where the federal cabinet was concluding its retreat. Around 50 campaign supporters gathered to welcome the prime minister, many carrying red-and-white signs and wearing maple leaf symbols. During the interaction, Carney signed the campaign’s bright pink recreational vehicle, which is being used to travel across…

12 Sep

Alberta Education Minister Heads to France to Strengthen Education Ties and Student Mobility

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta, Canada

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is looking to deepen its long-standing education relationship with France, with Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides set to travel to the country from Sept. 12 to 19 for a series of meetings focused on international collaboration. During the visit, Nicolaides will hold discussions with French education authorities on expanding opportunities for students and teachers to gain experience abroad. The mission will also focus on strengthening existing links between Alberta and French education institutions while identifying new areas for cooperation. Two new agreements are expected to mark a key part of the visit. Alberta’s government will…

12 Sep

RCMP Constable Charged Over Alleged Excessive Use of Force in Alberta

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta, RCMP

Slave Lake (Rajeev Sharma): An RCMP constable has been charged with two criminal offences following an investigation into the alleged excessive use of force during a police response in northern Alberta. Const. Tyler Bell was arrested by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) on Sept. 10, 2026, nearly a year after the incident that prompted the investigation. He faces charges of assault with a weapon and breach of trust. The case relates to an RCMP response on Sept. 10, 2025, after police received a call concerning a man reportedly carrying a large knife in the Atikameg townsite. During the…

11 Sep

Alberta Puts $5.5 Million Toward Industry-Led Workforce Training

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

EDMONTON (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is committing $5.5 million to help employers and industry groups tackle workforce shortages and prepare workers for changing demands across the province. The funding is being delivered through the Alberta Industry Skills Grant (AISG), a competitive program designed to support collaborative training projects led by industry. Applications for the 2026-27 funding round opened on September 9 and will remain open until October 30. Projects selected for support are expected to get underway in early 2027. Funding Targets Skills Shortages The grant is open to businesses and organisations across Alberta's industries. Its focus is on practical training…

09 Sep

Alberta Students Shine in Global Education Rankings, PISA Results Show

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s 15-year-olds have once again demonstrated strong academic performance, placing the province among the leading education systems in Canada and around the world, according to the latest PISA assessment. Students in Alberta have posted impressive results in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), outperforming both Canadian and international averages in science, reading and mathematics. The province emerged as the top-performing Canadian province in science and reading, while placing second in mathematics, with Quebec recording a higher score in that subject. The results underline Alberta’s continued strength in educating students and preparing them to compete with…

05 Sep

Alberta Opens New Portal for Businesses Facing Tariff Pressures

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has introduced a new online portal where businesses can report how U.S. tariffs and Canadian counter-tariffs are affecting their operations, workers and future growth. The province says information submitted through the portal will help officials develop a response based on the challenges businesses are experiencing across different sectors. Companies will be able to share details about the effects of tariffs on areas such as operating costs, investment plans, market access, competitiveness, employment and supply chains. Premier Danielle Smith said tariffs on both sides of the border are creating additional pressure for businesses and threatening…

05 Sep

Alberta Official to Visit US, Mexico to Strengthen Trade and Economic Corridors

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is looking to deepen its trade and transportation links across North America as Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Corridor Development Shane Getson prepares to travel to the United States and Mexico from September 7 to 10. Getson, who also represents Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland, will attend the 2026 Ports-to-Plains Alliance Annual Conference, being held in Del Rio, Texas, and Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico. The event will bring together policymakers, transportation officials, business representatives and economic development organizations from across the continent. Getson is expected to use the gathering to promote Alberta’s economic priorities and discuss ways to improve connections…