Economic

Economic Environmental Political 

Wilkinson says Canada should not scrap climate policies to appease oil and gas executives

Posted on: Staff Writer

By John Woodside, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The fossil fuel industry’s call to roll back environmental policy at a time of economic crisis will hurt Canadians in the long run, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson told the executives of Canada’s largest oil and gas companies Thursday. “It is disappointing to see the CEOs of major Canadian energy companies  seemingly … Read more…

Community Economic 

Jasper SkyTram reopens after surviving wildfire last summer

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Jasper SkyTram began its 2025 season Friday (March 21) after closing early last summer due to wildfire. While the Jasper wildfire burned much of the Whistlers mountainside, the aerial tramway was largely unharmed, with only its cables and the stations’ coolers full of spoiled food having to be replaced. “The fire came up … Read more…

Economic Political 

Feds urged to act now to develop economic corridors

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A Canada united by economic corridors operating coast-to-coast-to-coast would pay dividends to rural and remote Alberta, a UCP cabinet minister said Friday from Quebec City. But Devin Dreeshen added that his vision needs action from the federal government to foster cross-country cooperation and correct past and ongoing wrongs. Attending a conference of provincial and … Read more…

Economic Education Finance Health & Wellbeing Political 

Health care, schools and roads top capital spending as more bucks flow to Alberta’s regions

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Capital projects – the stuff you can see, touch, use repeatedly, walk through or even drive upon — will account for $26.1 billion in provincial spending over the next three years, the Alberta government estimates in a deficit budget released last Thursday. For regions beyond the two major cities, the question is, How many … Read more…

Economic First Responders Political 

Firefighting support boosted at community level

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The government is throwing fuel on the firefighting in Alberta communities this year to bolster public safety. More support for training and response is being combined with enhanced collaboration to “help keep Albertans and their communities safe,” said Tany Yao, the UCP member for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo. The government is providing $585,000 to support … Read more…

Economic Political 

Province charts course to full restoration of grants-in-place-of-taxes system

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta is financially sound enough to fully restore municipal grants based on the value of local taxation on eligible provincial properties, the government said today. The budget tabled last month paves the way for putting $17 million more into the hands of municipalities in 2025 through the grants-in-place-of-taxes system. Another $20 million is projected … Read more…

Business Economic Political 

Provincial budget covers access improvements for three remote Indigenous communities

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Paving the only access route to a trio of remote Alberta Indigenous communities found a home in the province’s first deficit budget since 2021. Capital spending in the budget tabled Thursday includes work on Highway 58, serving John D’Or Prairie, Fox Lake and Garden River. “The paved highway will improve mobility for more than … Read more…