Bigstone chief part of United Treaty Movement

By Pearl Lorentzen, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The United Treaty Movement is “an ongoing process of chiefs trying to coordinate and be heard,” says Bigstone Cree Nation Chief Andy Alook, “because we are not being heard.” The chiefs are from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. They’re hoping to “affect positive change,” says Alook. On May 26 and 27, the group held a … Read more

Alberta government PR branch moved under premier’s office

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta’s government has quietly transferred responsibility for its communications wing to the premier’s office, greatly expanding the size and budget of the province’s executive council. An April 29 Order in Council shifted responsibility for the province’s Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) department from Treasury Board and Finance to Executive Council, meaning Premier Danielle Smith is now … Read more

Grant applications accepted now for projects targeting family violence — especially among populations at elevated risk

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Groups helping Albertans in rural and remote areas deal with family violence have until June 24 to seek a share of $6 million in project funding. Designed to address family violence through projects informed by evidence and trauma, the grant program targets prevention, the rebuilding of lives, and early and crisis intervention. Along with … Read more

Innovative public infrastructure — it’s not just a big city thing, minister says

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter When it comes to Alberta’s most innovative public infrastructure, the good stuff always gets built in the province’s two major cities. True or false? True, one extremely limited sample suggests. Afterall, last year’s four winners of the inaugural Minister’s Infrastructure Awards were evenly divided between Edmonton and Calgary. False, says Martin Long, Alberta’s minister … Read more

UCP ‘disasters and fires’ fail Albertans with disabilities, NDP maintains

Published June 16, 2025 By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Economic hardship, anger and untenably long waitlists have taken root in Alberta because of UCP mismanagement of the disability file, an opposition critic charged recently. Marie Renaud added that issues harming Albertans with disabilities extend beyond a lack of accessibility legislation. But the government needs to act on that too, … Read more

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

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

NDP, UNA and more blast UCP health care bill

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