Alberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has renewed its efforts to safeguard the province's lakes, rivers and wetlands by urging residents not to release pet fish or aquatic plants into natural water bodies. Through its "Don't Let It Loose" awareness campaign, officials are calling on Albertans to help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species that threaten local ecosystems. Environmental authorities say goldfish, despite being common household pets, can become a serious ecological problem when introduced into the wild. Once released, they reproduce quickly, compete with native fish for food, disturb aquatic vegetation and contribute to declining water quality. According…

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Albertans eligible to vote in the October 19, 2026 Referendum can now apply for Vote by Mail, with Elections Alberta officially opening online applications for Special Ballots. The initiative is intended to provide voters with greater flexibility ahead of polling day, particularly those who may be unable to cast their vote in person. According to Elections Alberta, every eligible elector can request a Special Ballot without having to provide any specific reason. Officials say the option allows voters to complete their ballot at a convenient time and location, giving them adequate opportunity to review the referendum questions…

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Hundreds of international graduates from Alberta’s Portage College are facing uncertainty after receiving refusals for their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications. The affected students say they invested thousands of dollars, completed their studies, and planned their future in Canada based on the understanding that their programs would support their eligibility for post-graduation work opportunities. The issue involves graduates of certain continuing education programs offered through Portage College’s Calgary partner campuses. Students say they enrolled in 2024 after receiving information that their programs would provide a pathway toward PGWP eligibility. However, after graduation, many received refusal letters from…

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has announced a major overhaul of its primary healthcare system with the creation of seven regional primary care corridor health corporations aimed at improving access to family doctors and community-based medical services, particularly in rural areas. The newly established organizations will function under Primary Care Alberta and will be responsible for planning, coordinating and overseeing primary healthcare services within their respective regions. The initiative is designed to ensure healthcare planning is tailored to local community needs while reducing the administrative workload on frontline medical professionals. Provincial officials said the move follows recommendations from the…

Calgary, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Environment ministers from the federal, provincial and territorial governments gathered in Calgary for the annual Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) meeting, where discussions centred on balancing environmental protection with economic growth by streamlining regulatory processes and accelerating project approvals. The meeting focused on improving environmental permitting systems without compromising standards designed to safeguard air, water, land and public health. Ministers explored ways to reduce unnecessary regulatory overlap, make approval processes more predictable and encourage investment that supports employment and long-term economic development. Alberta's Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Grant Hunter, who hosted…

Warburg, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): An Alberta-based mining company has been directed to pay $360,000 following a fatal workplace accident at one of its operations, after admitting it failed to meet its legal responsibility to protect the safety of an employee. Prairie Mines & Royalty ULC pleaded guilty in the Leduc Court of Justice to a charge under Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. The conviction relates to a workplace incident that claimed the life of a worker at a mine near Warburg in November 2023. Prosecutors withdrew 11 additional charges as part of the court proceedings. According to officials,…

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's government has unveiled a $1.4-million investment aimed at protecting and improving the province's vast rangelands, with funding directed toward projects that promote sustainable grazing, ecosystem conservation and long-term agricultural productivity. The financial support is being provided through the Rangeland Sustainability Program, which channels a portion of grazing lease revenues into initiatives designed to preserve the ecological health of Alberta's grasslands while supporting ranchers and local communities. Provincial officials said the program encourages collaboration between researchers, conservation groups, agricultural organizations and local governments to develop practical strategies for managing rangelands more effectively. Forestry and Parks Minister Todd…

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has celebrated the achievements of some of its most promising young citizens by presenting the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Awards, recognising students and emerging artists for their outstanding contributions to leadership, volunteerism, community service and the arts. The awards were presented during a ceremony at Government House in Edmonton on July 14, jointly hosted by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Alberta government. Eight students from across the province received the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Citizenship Medallion, an honour that acknowledges exceptional commitment to public service, leadership and community involvement. The award pays tribute to young…