Alberta

Alberta strengthens fight against child abuse with expanded advocacy centre funding

Alberta strengthens fight against child abuse with expanded advocacy centre funding

National Times Bureau (Rajeev Sharma) : Alberta’s government is increasing funding for child advocacy centres to better support children and youth experiencing abuse. To help address rising caseloads, Alberta’s government is increasing funding for child and youth advocacy centres by 10 per cent. This represents an increase to $3.7 million in 2025, ensuring these centres can continue their vital work supporting children and youth. “Alberta has been a leader in creating safe places for children and youth who have experienced abuse. Centres like Zebra Centre and Luna Centre were among the first of their kind in Canada, and they continue…
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Alberta Expands Support for Edmonton’s Most Vulnerable Residents

Alberta Expands Support for Edmonton’s Most Vulnerable Residents

Edmonton, AB (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government is strengthening its commitment to supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness by expanding Edmonton’s Navigation and Support Centre into a larger facility. Since its launch in January 2024, the centre has served as a one-stop hub where vulnerable Albertans can connect with critical services. By offering multiple supports in one location, the centre has already assisted more than 7,780 individuals and facilitated over 33,700 service connections, helping people overcome barriers to stability and care. Building on this success, the centre will now move from the Karis Centre building to the Bissell…
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Alberta invests $4 million in projects to stop family violence before it begins

Alberta invests $4 million in projects to stop family violence before it begins

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Government of Alberta is stepping up efforts to prevent family violence by funding 31 community-led projects across the province. A total of $4 million is being directed this year to 29 agencies working on initiatives aimed at tackling the root causes of abuse and building safer, healthier communities. Family violence has far-reaching consequences, and officials say the focus must be on prevention as well as support. The funded programs use a variety of approaches — from mentorship and sports activities to educational workshops, support groups, and connections to essential services. These initiatives will also engage with…
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Alberta Announces $4.2M to Strengthen Mental Health Supports for First Nations Students

Alberta Announces $4.2M to Strengthen Mental Health Supports for First Nations Students

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government has committed $4.2 million to expand learning and mental health supports for First Nations students, aiming to address both academic and well-being needs in on-reserve schools. For the 2025–26 school year, 27 First Nations will receive funding under the Specialized Learning and Mental Health Supports for First Nations Grant, first opened for applications in May. The province says the grants are designed to give communities the flexibility to deliver programs that reflect local priorities, from academic interventions to culturally relevant mental health initiatives. Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides stressed the importance of the investment,…
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Alberta Minister Raises Concerns Over Federal Immigration Policy and Provincial Pressures

Alberta Minister Raises Concerns Over Federal Immigration Policy and Provincial Pressures

Edmonton, August 15, 2025 – Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Joseph Schow, has voiced concerns about the federal government’s handling of immigration, saying provinces are bearing the brunt of population growth without sufficient input in national target-setting.In a statement released Friday, Schow said Canada is on pace to welcome more than one million new temporary and permanent immigrants in 2025, in addition to nearly three million temporary residents already in the country. He argued that federal immigration targets are often determined without fully considering the needs of provinces, which are responsible for services such as health care,…
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Alberta Launches Public Consultations on New Disability Assistance Program

Alberta Launches Public Consultations on New Disability Assistance Program

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government is calling on residents to share their thoughts on a new initiative designed to better support people with disabilities. The proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) aims to replace the current one-size-fits-all model under the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program with a more flexible approach tailored to individual needs. Unveiled in January 2025, ADAP is intended to complement AISH rather than replace it, offering participants greater earning potential without losing crucial benefits. Under the plan, Albertans with disabilities will be able to earn higher incomes while continuing to receive financial and…
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Alberta Agriculture Hit Hard as China Imposes New Tariffs on Canola Imports

Alberta Agriculture Hit Hard as China Imposes New Tariffs on Canola Imports

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s agriculture sector faces fresh uncertainty after China announced preliminary anti-dumping duties of 75.8% on additional Canadian canola products. The new measure, which comes on top of existing 100% tariffs on canola oil, canola oil cake, and peas, could severely restrict one of the province’s most important export markets. In a statement responding to the move, Alberta Agriculture Minister Sigurdson warned that the decision could effectively push local producers out of China — a market worth $2.4 billion in 2024, with canola, peas, and pork accounting for $1.7 billion of that trade. Nearly 70% of Alberta’s canola…
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Celebrate Local Food Week and Open Farm Days: Support Alberta’s Food Producers

Celebrate Local Food Week and Open Farm Days: Support Alberta’s Food Producers

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): This August, Albertans have a unique opportunity to connect with the province’s rich agricultural heritage during Local Food Week and Open Farm Days. Farms, ranches, and agri-tourism operators across Alberta are opening their doors to offer educational and hands-on experiences that highlight where our food comes from and how it’s grown. Alberta has long been recognized globally for producing premium-quality food with strict standards in food safety, animal welfare, biosecurity, and environmental care. Open Farm Days shines a spotlight on the hardworking farmers, ranchers, and food processors who feed not only Albertans but Canadians and people around…
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Calgary Transit Rolls Out Electric Buses, Smarter Services, and Faster Connections to Boost Tourism and Daily Travel

Calgary Transit Rolls Out Electric Buses, Smarter Services, and Faster Connections to Boost Tourism and Daily Travel

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta-Calgary Transit is ushering in a new era of public transportation with the introduction of electric buses, enhanced peak-hour service, and smart technology designed to make commuting and sightseeing smoother than ever. These upgrades aim to benefit both the city’s growing population and the increasing number of visitors exploring Calgary’s attractions. From downtown’s towering skyline to the scenic routes leading toward Banff National Park, Calgary’s transit system plays a vital role in connecting people to the city’s most iconic destinations. As tourism rises and demand for sustainable travel grows, the latest improvements position Calgary Transit as a…
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Premier Danielle Smith Heads to Mexico to Boost Alberta’s Trade and Investment Ties

Premier Danielle Smith Heads to Mexico to Boost Alberta’s Trade and Investment Ties

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will visit Mexico City from August 10 to 13 to strengthen economic, trade, and investment partnerships, marking the first official trip to Mexico by an Alberta premier since 2019. During her four-day mission, Smith will meet with senior government officials, industry leaders, and private-sector representatives to promote Alberta as a secure and reliable partner in energy, agriculture, and technology. The visit aims to identify opportunities for collaboration, encourage investment, and expand Alberta’s The Premier will meet with government officials, the private sector, and industry leaders to encourage new investment and trade with Alberta…
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