Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum includes a question on seeking constitutional change to let provinces opt out of federal programs while retaining associated funding. Political scientists say the goal could be pursued through existing federal-provincial arrangements, while securing the support needed for an amendment would be exceptionally difficult.
Prime Minister Mark Carney used his Thanksgiving message to urge Albertans to remain part of Canada ahead of an Oct. 19 vote on whether to hold a second, binding separation referendum. He said Canada is “worth fighting for” and argued the country must stay united to build major projects and face threats to its economy, security and culture.
Former Alberta premiers Jason Kenney and Rachel Notley are scheduled to speak at an Edmonton Chamber of Commerce event today, urging the province to remain in Canada. Their appearance comes days before Albertans vote in a referendum that includes a question about holding a binding vote on leaving the country.
Roughly 310 advance polling stations opened across Alberta Tuesday as voters began answering 10 referendum questions about the province’s place in Canada. Results on the separation question are due Oct. 20, the day after the official vote.
Alberta’s clocks will stay on Mountain Daylight Time when most of Canada turns clocks back on Nov. 1. Some Edmontonians are concerned about darker mornings, while a nurse welcomes avoiding the time change.
With one week until Albertans vote on 10 referendum questions, Elections Alberta is responding to misinformation and confusion about voter eligibility, ballot procedures and its role. The agency says the provincial government wrote the questions and that political parties are responsible for appointing and scheduling scrutineers.
DonnaJean Wilde, a retired teacher from Magrath, held a plank for five hours at the opening ceremonies of the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah. She surpassed the record she set in March 2024 and said the crowd’s encouragement helped her through the final 15 minutes.
The Canadian Finals Rodeo drew 43,903 guests to Rogers Place, up from about 40,000 last year. Seven Alberta athletes won top prizes across 12 events; next year’s rodeo will return to Edmonton, with dates and tickets to be announced later.
Social media posts say attacks on Russian data centres disrupted accounts promoting political messages in Alberta. Publicly available data show disruption to Yandex services, but do not establish that political influence campaigns were affected.
Alberta conservation officers are investigating after an off-leash dog killed a mule deer in Canmore. The town says it has contacted the dog’s owner and is seeking information from the public.
Campaigns over Alberta’s place in Canada are entering their final week, with advance voting opening Tuesday and polling day set for Oct. 19. Politicians and groups on both sides of the separation question are scheduling events across the province.
Kevin’s Natural Foods recalled turkey gravy sold in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan because it contains mustard not listed on the label. No reactions have been reported, and the CFIA is investigating whether the product has been removed from stores.
Alberta’s oldest war memorial was damaged and plaques were taken or pried loose in an act of vandalism discovered Saturday. The Beverly Memorial Cenotaph Committee chair hopes repairs can be completed before the Nov. 11 service, expected to draw more than 4,000 people.
About 30 vehicles joined an Alberta separation convoy in Spruce Grove on Saturday, ahead of the Oct. 19 vote. Organizers say they will keep pressing for change after the referendum, whatever its result.
Journalist Jeremy Appel’s book tracing Danielle Smith’s political career will be released Oct. 13, shortly before Albertans vote in a referendum. The launch at The Aviary offers advance tickets for $25, including a hard copy of the book.
A partly redacted CSIS assessment says Canada’s expanding data centre sector will be increasingly important to the economy and national security, while facing cyber, physical, supply chain and foreign ownership risks. Alberta officials and experts cited the value of sovereign computing and safeguards for Canadian data.
Advance voting in Alberta’s 10-question referendum opens Tuesday, with 310 locations and more than 1,400 polling stations expected on Oct. 19. Elections Alberta is preparing for turnout as high as 85 per cent and says hand-counted results will come in stages after referendum day.
Families visited Stony Plain Fire Hall on Saturday to learn about fire prevention, meet firefighters and try hands-on activities. Fire Chief Jason Nesbitt said the open house helped residents learn about the services available and ways to stay safe in an emergency.
Students at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology are preparing a Thanksgiving meal for about 700 Boyle Street patrons. The dinner will be served Sunday at the Alberta Aviation Museum after months of planning.