Political Volunteer 

Province announces online tool to help non-profits access vital information

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Anna Smith, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Albertans will now have easier access to information regarding the province’s various non-profits thanks to a new online tool, the province says. The Alberta Non-profit Listing Dashboard is an interactive, searchable database which uses the official records of the Alberta Corporate Registry. Through it, residents can search for the location, type and incorporation status … Read more…

Political 

Rural concerns stay high on UCP’s agenda — premier

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta’s rural heartland will continue to inform the UCP agenda in 2025, Premier Danielle Smith said in a yearend interview aimed at audiences beyond Calgary and Edmonton. Health care, public safety and housing for seniors are among the issues that small-town, small-city and countryside Alberta can expect continued progress on, she told The Macleod Gazette. … Read more…

Political 

Nenshi ploughs through media interviews, car repairs and — finally — some food during yearend recap schedule

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A barely touched hamburger and fries at his side, Naheed Nenshi had completed six yearend interviews back-to-back at the Citadel Theatre in downtown Edmonton. It was the day after the final 2024 sitting of the Alberta legislature, and thieves had smashed through a window to get into his car. But his staff had accomplished … Read more…

Volunteer 

Declining volunteers increasing risk to rural municipalities

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter From victim services to hockey rinks to libraries to municipal committees, volunteers keep many organizations and services in rural Alberta up and running. Plummeting numbers of volunteers, however, have led to a crisis that threatens the sustainability of rural communities. Volunteer rates are declining across Canada. According to a report from Volunteer Canada, 65 … Read more…

Environmental Political 

What are Alberta’s ‘contractual’ obligations to coal companies?

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Government of Alberta says it has an obligation to some coal companies to allow open-pit mining despite the practice being banned under the province’s new coal policy, but these “contractual relationships” aren’t quite formal contracts. When Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean announced details of the province’s coal industry “modernization” initiative on Dec. … Read more…

Local News 

Town draft budget carries six percent increase

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Mickey Dumont Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A Town of Claresholm draft operating and capital budget for 2025 proposes a 6.045 percent tax increase.“This is an interim budget to allow the town to continue to operate into the new year,” said Jennifer Place, town director of corporate services, in introducing the financial document at the Dec. 9, town council meeting.“The … Read more…