Economic Political 

Alberta separation vote would require citizen push, not government will, says Premier Danielle Smith

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Somya Lohia, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A day after addressing Albertans on the province’s path forward with the federal government, Premier Danielle Smith held a media session on Tuesday, with most questions focusing on the possibility of Alberta holding a separation referendum and the province’s relationship with Ottawa. During the 30-minute meeting, Smith answered several questions. While the topics ranged … Read more…

Education 

New SAIT research facility is largest ever corporate post-secondary gift in Alberta

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Kaiden Brayshaw, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology announced a partnership with Imperial Oil Limited Tuesday morning.  The announcement was centered around a $37 million research facility. The facility was gifted to the institute to support its applied research.  The facility, Imperial Energy Innovation Centre, is a 40,000 sq foot space, it is already built and … Read more…

Agriculture Community 

Farmers cheered on as they work Alberta’s fields

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta farmers and ranchers are bringing their fields to life this May with the backing of a government that understands the value of agriculture, a UCP member told the legislature this week. Glenn van Dijken praised the province’s farming public as national leaders in agrifood exports. “While agriculture is a year-round effort, spring marks … Read more…

Health & Wellbeing Political 

NDP, UNA and more blast UCP health care bill

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Some of the heaviest hitters in health care advocacy joint forces Thursday to attack Bill 55: the Health Status Amendment Act, saying it will have detrimental impacts on all Albertans seeking care in hospitals. Bill 55 will allow private hospitals to charge patient fees as well as discharge or move patients to another hospital … Read more…

Business Community Economic Recreation 

Jasper anticipating 20% less visitors than usual this summer

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter JASPER – With several campsites and hotels destroyed in last year’s wildfire, visitation is expected to be 20 per cent less than usual in Jasper this summer. While interim housing has helped alleviate the accommodation shortage, some rooms meant for visitors are still being used to house residents and contractors, while other properties are … Read more…

Environmental First Responders 

Jasper fire chief recounts wildfire, how his crew helped save most of the town

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter JASPER – When Mathew Conte moved to Jasper to become its fire chief in 2021, he was well aware of the wildfire risk that the town faced. That is a risk shared by every forested community in Canada. “That risk and the hazard is always there,” Conte said. “It’s not really a matter of … Read more…

Community Health & Wellbeing Political 

UCP faces barrage of disability and accessibility questions after rally-goers call for action and ‘meaningful consultation’

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The NDP bombarded cabinet last week with questions and statements critical of the province’s treatment of persons with disabilities. The onslaught by more than a dozen members of the Opposition caucus challenged the UCP on Alberta’s lack of accessibility legislation, its dollar support for people with disabilities, and its approach to housing, health care … Read more…