
Alberta government offering its own museum freebies as part of Canada Strong pass
The province says it's offering its own free and discounted admissions as part of the Canada Strong Pass program, introduced by the federal government last month.
First promised as a way to promote Canadian tourism in response to the U.S. tariff war, the federal pass includes free access to national parks and historic sites, along with free rail tickets and museum admission for those under 18.
Until Sept. 2, the same free museum admission for kids — and half-price discount for 18- to 24-year-olds — will apply to Alberta museums and historic sites.
Alberta Arts Minister Tanya Fir says it will drive more economic activity and showcase the province's history and culture.
Federal Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault says the federal government is pleased the province has joined up to make it easier for families to choose Canadian destinations.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2025.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Vancouver Sun
30 minutes ago
- Vancouver Sun
More Canadians using air conditioning to beat the heat, says Statistics Canada
A new report from Statistics Canada says just over two-thirds, or 68 per cent, of Canadian household are reporting use of air conditioning or cooling systems such as heat pumps to beat the heat of summer. That's up from 64 per cent in 2021. Air conditioning can offset some of the health and safety effects of heat waves, says StatCan but the agency is also urging Canadians to conserve energy by turning the a/c down when they aren't home. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Air conditioner ownership varies across Canada. Ontario households (83 per cent) were the most likely to air conditioning, while households in British Columbia (45 per cent) were least likely. This is due in part to climate. Meanwhile, says StatCan, 'the most densely populated areas of Southern Ontario reaching higher average summer temperatures than other regions of Canada.' People in newer homes were predictably more likely to have an air conditioner: 80 per cent of homes built in 2001 and later, compared with 58 per cent of homes built before 1960. Air conditioning was also more prevalent among homeowners (76 per cent) than renters (52 per cent). It was also more likely in households with higher incomes (82 per cent of those earning more than $150,000 before taxes) than by households with lower incomes (55 per cent among those earning less than $50,000). There were no differences based on age. Atlantic Canadians prefer to maintain slightly cooler temperatures than other regions of the country, at 19.8 C. Natural Resources Canada suggests an indoor thermostat range of 22 C to 25 C. As of 2025, just over half (51 per cent) of Canadians with an air conditioner reported turning it off or down when they go away on vacation for one week or longer, says StatCan. Households in the Prairies (56 per cent) and British Columbia (56 per cent) are most likely to do so. Meanwhile, only a third (28 per cent) of folks out of town for the weekend reported turning air conditioning off or down while away. Adults aged 30 to 44 years were most likely, compared with people 60 years and older. About 26 per cent of people aged 15 to 64 years reported turning it off or down while at work or school. People aged 75 years and older (25 per cent) were more likely to turn down their air conditioning for short absences, compared to people aged 45 to 59 (18 per cent). The vast majority (82 per cent) of Canadians said they want to avoid wasting energy. The second most-cited reason was to prolong the lifespan of their cooling equipment (7 per cent). This answer was more prevalent among people aged 30 to 59 years. A further 5 per cent of Canadians mentioned that their main reason for turning down their a/c was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A 2023 study released by Health Canada linked air conditioning and prevention of deaths, as well as a variety of heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses include heatstroke, exhaustion, dehydration and hospitalization resulting from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Approximately 280 deaths occurred during the 2010 Quebec heat wave, and 619 deaths occurred in British Columbia during the 2021 heat dome in Western North America. Health Canada has identified the most vulnerable groups when it comes to heat-related health challenges. First was older adults (more than 65 years old). The second was older adults living alone. Third was older adults with health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart and respiratory diseases. Air conditioning is more of an issue for renters, where units are only sometimes provided by the landlord. Generally, if your rental contains air-conditioning, then your landlord is legally obligated to maintain it, as with any other equipment in the home. Ontario law simply states that a rental unit 'must be fit for habitation.' However, in Toronto the legal obligation for landlords has tightened. Against a backdrop of heat waves that have increasingly hit central Canada, the city amended its bylaws as of April 30, 2025. For rental units equipped with air conditioning provided by the property owner, the Property Standards Bylaw was updated to require landlords to operate air conditioning from June 1 to September 30 (instead of June 2 to September 14). Meanwhile, federal regulations focus more on air-conditioning types, efficiency, and equipment standards. See the federal government's guidance here . Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .


The Market Online
40 minutes ago
- The Market Online
@ the Bell: Markets bounce back as Nvidia hits $4 trillion milestone
Following two consecutive days of declines, Canada's main stock index rebounded on Wednesday, driven by gains in the real estate sector though losses among mining and energy stocks stifled some momentum. Meanwhile, US markets also advanced, led by the tech sector, with Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) making headlines by becoming the first company to reach a market valuation of US$4 trillion. Investors continued to keep a close eye on the latest tariff developments from President Donald Trump. The Canadian dollar traded for 73.06 cents US compared to 73.12 cents US on Tuesday. US crude futures traded $0.02 lower at US$68.31 a barrel, and the Brent contract lost $0.20 to US$70.14 a barrel. The price of gold was up US$3.27 to US$3,312.91. In world markets, the Nikkei was up 132.47 points to ¥39,821.28, the Hang Seng was down 255.75 points to HK$23,892.32, the FTSE was up 12.84 points to ₤8,867.02, and the DAX was up 342.65 points to €24,549.56. Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For full disclaimer information, please click here .


Cision Canada
41 minutes ago
- Cision Canada
SIR Royalty Income Fund Announces July 2025 Distribution and Increase to Distribution Amount
BURLINGTON, ON, July 9, 2025 /CNW/ - SIR Royalty Income Fund (TSX: ("the Fund") today declared a cash distribution of $0.10 per unit for the period June 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025. The distribution amount of $0.10 per unit represents an increase of approximately 5.3% compared to the prior monthly distribution amount of $0.095 per unit. The distribution will be payable on July 31, 2025 to unitholders of record as at the close of business on July 18, 2025. The Trustees of the Fund believe the increase is appropriate given the performance of the Royalty Pooled Restaurants. About SIR Royalty Income Fund The Fund is a trust governed by the laws of the province of Ontario that receives distribution income from its investment in the SIR Royalty Limited Partnership and interest income from the SIR Loan. The Fund intends to pay distributions to unitholders on a monthly basis. About SIR Corp. SIR Corp. ("SIR") is a privately held Canadian corporation that owns a portfolio of 54 restaurants in Canada. SIR's Concept brands include Jack Astor's Bar and Grill® with 35 locations and Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar® with 14 locations. SIR also operates one-of-a-kind Signature brands including The Loose Moose®, Reds® Square One and Edna + Vita TM. All trademarks related to the Concept and Signature brands noted above are used by SIR under a License and Royalty Agreement with SIR Royalty Limited Partnership. SIR also owns two Duke's Refresher® + Bar locations, which are currently not part of the Royalty Pool. For more information on SIR or the SIR Royalty Income Fund, please visit