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Alberta report weighs trade gains against costs of separation

A Calgary Chamber-commissioned report says removing Canadian internal trade barriers could add up to $200 billion to the economy, while Alberta separation could bring costly new trade divisions. Separate Alberta Transition Council reports estimate independence would cost about $5 billion over three years, but do not assess potential effects on trade, jobs or market access.

TSB seeks better rail wheel analysis after 18 cars derail in Alberta

The Transportation Safety Board is urging Transport Canada to improve analysis of railcar wheel data after a 2023 CN derailment in central Alberta. Investigators found a shattered wheel rim caused the derailment, despite regular inspections that met safety standards.

Smith considers $1,900 health premium for Alberta temporary workers

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the province is considering a health-care premium of about $1,900 per worker for temporary residents, citing rising costs and pressure on services. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says the proposal unfairly targets a small group and deflects from problems in the health-care system.

Alberta independence reports project billions in savings, but professor disputes assumptions

The Alberta Transition Council says Alberta could retain billions annually after independence, while University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe says the projections leave out major costs and depart significantly from current fiscal reality. The council’s reports estimate transition and ongoing expenses, but do not forecast the shape of a post-separation economy.

Wind and cooler air set to mark Edmonton’s first autumn weekend

Edmonton is forecast to turn windy and cool on Saturday after showers move through parts of Alberta late Friday and overnight. The weekend outlook calls for a high of 12 or 13 C Saturday, followed by sunshine and a gradual temperature rebound.

Earthquake felt in Calgary

Last Monday night, there was an earthquake felt in Calgary-Shaw. Voters in this provincial riding did something Alberta hasn’t seen in 60 years. Calgary-Shaw was one of the safest conservative seats in the province and it has flipped to the Alberta NDP. In a historic byelection result, Calgary-Shaw voters chose Kyle...

Alberta commits $2.4 million to gambling addiction treatment ahead of operator revenue

Alberta announced a $2.4-million grant for Brick House Recovery Centre as it begins regulating online gambling, saying treatment funding should be available before the province collects its planned share of operator revenue. The province expects $76 million in iGaming revenue this year and says its one-per-cent treatment allocation will be reviewed as the market grows.

Global Business Forum opens in Banff amid focus on global turmoil

The 27th annual Global Business Forum is being held at Banff Springs Hotel under the theme “thriving in chaos.” Sessions will address global security, Canada-U.S. relations, space travel and artificial intelligence, with political, diplomatic and business speakers on the programme.

Alberta launches WorkFirst matching service as youth unemployment remains high

Alberta has added a matchmaking concierge to its WorkFirst Talent Exchange, a tool intended to connect employers with applicants whose skills may not be clear from conventional résumés. The move comes as the province’s unemployment rate, particularly among young people, remains a concern for industry and post-secondary organizations.

Water incident at University of Alberta hall raises questions about historic organ

A sprinkler head burst at the University of Alberta’s Convocation Hall on Aug. 25, the same day the university announced plans to move its Casavant pipe organ to a church in southern Alberta. The university says the organ was inspected and suffered no damage, while advocates are seeking answers about the hall and the organ’s future use.

Family marks one year since Darius MacDougall went missing

Family and friends gathered outside Lethbridge city hall on Tuesday night, one year after 2025 disappearance of 11-year-old Darius MacDougall. His family continues to seek information as an online petition calls for changes to Canada’s Amber Alert system.

Super El Niño could bring Alberta a warmer, drier winter and spring risks

Climate scientists say a strong El Niño could raise Alberta winter temperatures by as much as 7 C above normal, reduce Rocky Mountain snowfall and leave less moisture for spring. The outlook also raises questions about drought, agriculture and wildfire conditions, though officials say it is too early to predict the season with confidence.

Lethbridge shelter sees intake ease as Alberta animal services remain stretched

Lethbridge’s animal shelter is operating at 40 per cent capacity after years of high intake, while Alberta animal welfare groups continue to report heavy demand. The shelter’s director cites fewer unclaimed strays, housing-related abandonment and the city’s updated animal care bylaw among current developments.

Alberta municipal leaders focus on local needs as separation referendum approaches

Municipal leaders at an Edmonton conference said community issues and calls for less provincial oversight are taking priority as a referendum on Alberta’s place in Canada approaches. Premier Danielle Smith said Alberta and Ottawa are moving in the right direction and indicated she is open to changes that could simplify municipal processes, though no changes to the Municipal Government Act are expected this fall.

Pilot repairs plane after emergency landing on Banff highway

A mechanical problem forced pilot Dave From to land his single-engine plane on the Trans-Canada Highway in Banff National Park shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday. No one was injured, and From repaired the aircraft at the scene before taking off for Springbank Airport around 4:40 p.m.