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

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

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

Farmers cheered on as they work Alberta’s fields

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

Jasper anticipating 20% less visitors than usual this summer

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

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

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