Smith directs ministers to focus on jobs, trade, tourism and culture in new mandates
Premier Danielle Smith has issued new mandate letters directing her ministers to grow Alberta’s economy, expand trade, attract spending and create jobs. Smith tasked Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Minister Joseph Schow, Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, Tourism and Sport Minister Andrew Boitchenko, and Arts, Culture and Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir with […]
Ottawa urged to force 20% of new housing into public and non-profit sector
A federal housing watchdog is urging Ottawa to require that one in five new homes be set aside for low-income families, a proposal that runs directly against advice from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). In a report to Housing Minister Gregor Robertson, the Office of the Housing Advocate called for at least 100,000 “deeply […]
Ottawa spends $204M on youth program no one knows about
A federal initiative launched by Justin Trudeau to spark youth volunteerism has burned through more than $204 million while remaining virtually invisible to the very people it was meant to inspire, according to internal research. _Blacklock’s Reporter_ says the Canada Service Corps, created in 2018, promised up to $1,500 per student to encourage young Canadians […]
Carney announces government’s intent to make bail law stricter
Being a fan of the Alberta premier, I was encouraged by her strident [remarks](https://x.com/junonewscom/status/1960711194341466164) related to Equalization payments at recent town halls in Fort McMurray and Lloydminster. My wife could hear me shouting “Bully! Bully!” at my computer as I listened to the clips of her responding to audience questions. Straight talk, finally.< ... Care first auto […]
Canadian unemployment rises to 7.1%, Poilievre criticizes government response
Canada’s unemployment rate rose to 7.1% in August, according to the latest Labour Force Survey, the highest figure since 2016 outside of the pandemic years. The country lost almost 66,000 jobs during the month, largely in part-time employment. Professional, scientific and technical services, manufacturing, and transportation and warehousing all recorded declines, while construction was one […]
Poilievre says federal deficit nearly doubles forecast
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Ottawa’s deficit for this year could soar past $80 billion, nearly double the $42.2 billion target promised by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet. Speaking to reporters, Poilievre accused Finance Minister Mark Carney of hypocrisy, saying he has ramped up spending instead of tightening Ottawa’s belt. “Mark Carney without even introducing […]
Carney warns of deep cuts as deficit soars
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canadians should brace for an austerity budget this fall as Ottawa struggles with ballooning deficits. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Carney said federal spending has been climbing at twice the rate of economic growth and must be brought under control. “We need to spend precious taxpayers’ dollars as carefully as possible,” […]
Alberta launches digital health card through new Alberta Wallet app
Albertans will soon be able to carry their government-issued documents on their phones as the province rolls out its new Alberta Wallet. The first document available will be a Mobile Health Card, which the province says will serve as valid proof of health insurance coverage across Alberta. The card can be shown at hospitals, clinics […]
WATCH: Poilievre urges alliances over independence for Alberta
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Alberta’s anger at Ottawa is real, but independence is not the answer. Speaking to supporters, Poilievre told a woman who asked about breaking away that he “understands the frustration” many Westerners feel after years of federal policies they see as hostile to oil, gas, and agriculture. “The Liberals told the […]
Ottawa seals Confederation Bridge toll records until 2026
The federal government has blocked public access to all records concerning toll subsidies for the Confederation Bridge until November 2026, sparking questions about transparency and taxpayer costs tied to the private operator. _Blacklock’s Reporters_ says Transport Canada cited consultations with unnamed third parties in its refusal to release emails and documents about toll arrangements for […]