Latest news with #AlbertaLegislature
Toronto Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Alberta Premier Smith demands apology from fire-stricken Jasper for critical report
Published Jul 18, 2025 • 3 minute read Premier Danielle Smith speaks to reporters during a press conference at the Alberta Legislature, in Edmonton Tuesday May 6, 2025. Photo by David Bloom / Postmedia EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith demanded Friday the fire-stricken town of Jasper apologize and retract a report criticizing her government for its role in last summer's devastating blaze. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Smith, speaking at an unrelated press conference in Edmonton, also blamed the federal government for failing in the fire response by not asking sooner for provincial help and for not clearing out dead trees that provided fuel for the flames. 'I'm very disappointed that this report politicizes what actually should be a very successful example of unified command,' Smith said. 'This report come as a shot out of the blue. It's unfair, it's untrue and I would like them to withdraw it.' Smith added: 'This was a federal fire. It took place in a federal park, and it was a federal Parks Canada response. 'I would ask for an apology from the city (town of Jasper) as a result,' she continued. 'We want to work collaboratively with our municipal and federal partners, but pointing fingers at others when they should be looking at what they can do to improve their own response would have been a far better outcome.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A spokesperson for the town and Mayor Richard Ireland did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The report, released Thursday, was commissioned by the town and reflects a survey of firefighters and other front-line staff who battled the blaze, which destroyed a third of buildings in the town located in the federally run Jasper National Park. Feedback was also gathered through a one-day workshop with 68 attendees, including some from government agencies. The report says Smith's United Conservative Party government complicated the response by regularly requesting information and by attempting to make decisions despite not having jurisdiction. 'While Alberta Wildfire actively supported firefighting operations and participated in the (Incident Management Team), jurisdictional overlap with the province created political challenges that disrupted the focus of incident commanders leading to time spent managing inquiries and issues instead of directing the wildfire response and re-entry,' the report reads. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Smith said her government had no involvement in the lead-up to the fire hitting the town but also that the report didn't accurately convey Alberta's contributions, including $181 million worth of support in disaster recovery funding, evacuation payments and more. 'We all have to look at what we have done in the past and how we can improve. And I don't think that Parks Canada and the town of Jasper have done an adequate job of that,' Smith said. 'I hope they go back to the drawing board.' Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi said in a statement Smith's response to the report put politics above people's lives. 'Rather than accepting responsibility and promising to do better, they do what they always do: lash out at any criticism, insult others and refuse to accept any blame for the mistakes they have made,' Nenshi said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Bill Given, Jasper's chief administrator, said in an interview before Smith's news conference that the report wasn't to lay blame. It should be considered a chapter in an overall look at the fire response focusing on municipal improvements, he said. 'We were specifically asking, 'How can (the town) improve?' And in order to find out how you can improve, you look for gaps, you look at overlaps, you look for weaknesses, and then you go to address them moving forward.' Given said it was clear last July that Jasper's unique jurisdictional circumstance made the response complicated, and the report affirms the need for all parties to understand each other's roles. He also repeated that the report was written by independent consultants and based on surveys of those involved. 'The spirit that the report is being put into the public is one of continuous improvement,' Given said. MMA Toronto & GTA Tennis Celebrity Toronto & GTA
Toronto Sun
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Husband of ex-premier questions why Smith's spouse sitting in on government meetings
Published Jul 15, 2025 • 1 minute read Premier Danielle Smith speaks to reporters during a press conference at the Alberta Legislature, in Edmonton, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Photo by David Bloom / Postmedia Network EDMONTON — The husband of a former Alberta premier is questioning why Premier Danielle Smith is inviting her husband to sit in on government meetings. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Lou Arab is married to former premier Rachel Notley and has long been a senior leader with the Canadian Union of Public Employees. In a social media post, Arab takes issue with Smith's recent comments saying there is nothing wrong with her husband David Moretta sitting in on meetings discussing government rail projects. Smith says Moretta covered rail issues as a former journalist and as her husband can advise her on anything she sees fit. But Arab says when Notley was premier he was not allowed anywhere near labour policy, was not free to lobby any cabinet minister, and says Smith is, in his words, 'full of it' when she claims having Moretta in such meetings is acceptable conduct. The CBC reported this week that Moretta was invited in 2023 to three government meetings about a proposed passenger train project and future provincial rail plans. RECOMMENDED VIDEO NFL Editorial Cartoons Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA Columnists
CTV News
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Couple finds sweetness in shared gingerbread Alberta legislature project
Matt Intihar and Sheila Guevara with their model of the Alberta legislature created out of gingerbread. This is a love story made out of gingerbread. Matt Intihar and Sheila Guevara spend often spend quality time relaxing together in a unique way: by making model houses from the sweet-and-spicy baked delight. 'Both of us inspired each other in doing a project, because he's good at what I'm not, and I think for him, I'm good at what he's not, so we compliment each other,' Guevara told CTV News Edmonton. The pair were in a local bake shop when they saw a gingerbread castle built by the baker. 'We thought, 'Geez, that would be pretty neat if we could build something like that,' Inithar said. 'I don't know if we're up to it, but we can give it a try.' Gingerbread Alberta legislature A replica of the Alberta legislature created by Matt Intihar and Sheila Guevara out of gingerbread. (Connor Hogg/CTV News Edmonton) Their first gingerbread house was simple, then they decided to go bigger. At first, they planned to build a replica of the White House, home of the U.S. president. They ultimately selected the Alberta legislature as their subject. It was closer to home and easier to research in person. 'As time went on, we thought, 'We can do this, we can add that on, and so slowly, it became a bit more detailed as time went on,' Intihar said. Intihar and Guevara worked on their project together and separately, dictated by their shift-work schedules. 'He comes home, I'm sleeping, or I come home, he's sleeping,' Guevara said. 'But when I come home, I see something that he did. and I'm like, 'Oh, cool! I can do this!' Creating their delicious legislature took six months of manipulating gingerbread and key ingredient marzipan – plus painstaking research, baking, sculpting and re-sculpting. 'We managed to finish it, and we're pretty happy with how it looks,' Intihar said. Alberta legislature gingerbread A replica of the Alberta legislature created by Matt Intihar and Sheila Guevara out of gingerbread. (Connor Hogg/CTV News Edmonton) The happy couple are in the process of finding a place to display their work and also sharing what they learned about each other in the process. 'He sits right there and he's just doing his little thing,' Guevara said. 'It's very heartwarming, and he is very graceful doing it, and it makes me push myself harder, too.' Intihar said the process brought them even closer. 'I guess this kind of thing could pull people apart, maybe they'd get fed up with each other,' he said. 'I think, for us, it did bring us together.'
Toronto Sun
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
GUNTER: What to make of a spike in national pride this Canada Day
Donald Trump is a huge reason for the shift toward more patriotic feelings Edmontonians take in Canada Day celebrations at the Alberta Legislature, Monday July 1, 2024. Photo by David Bloom / Postmedia We Canadians are prouder to be Canadian this Canada Day than we were last July 1. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Thanks, Donald Trump, and your repeated boorish taunts about Canada becoming the 51st state. But thanks, too, to Justin Trudeau for leaving the P.M.'s job. The former prime minister was not proud of Canada for what it was. He called the country 'genocidal' and 'colonial.' And he offered a very weak defence against mobs that tore down statues of prominent historical figures like John A. Macdonald and Queen Victoria, or burned historic churches. Trudeau seemed to apologize for everything that had ever been done by the federal government before he became PM (And nothing while he was prime minister.) His constant apologies undermined public faith in the nation. So the recent surge in pride in the country may have as much to do with Trudeau leaving and taking his disappointment with him, as it does with Trump coming in and disparaging our independence. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. An extensive new survey by Abacus Data shows that 68 per cent of Canadians are proud of this country. That's not a staggering increase since 2024 – just two per cent. And the Abacus survey doesn't include a detailed regional breakdown, so there is no way of knowing how Albertans feel, in particular. But I, a passionately proud Albertan, can tell you how I feel. While I am prouder of Canada this year than I was last, I cannot say for sure that I would never vote to leave. I would say the chances of me voting for separation are less than 50/50. And the odds depend entirely on central Canada finally accepting the West as a full and equal part of Confederation. However, I have spent nearly all of my adult life arguing for a fairer deal for Alberta and the West only to have central Canadians dismiss our grievances and scoff at us for feeling unjustly treated. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Like lots of Albertans, I have also watched as the self-same central Canadians have fallen all over themselves attempting to appease Quebec and its grievances – and squeezing us for the money to pay for it. It may sound weird, but having said all that about my reservations with Confederation, I too feel prouder of Canada this year. And it's because of Trump's sneering, bullying, recurrent mocking about 51st-state status. The one thing I can say for sure this year, that I would not have said last year, is that if Alberta were ever to go its own way, I've soured on our province becoming the next star in the American flag. Trump has blown the allure of that option. But what makes Canadians so proud of this country on our national day? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Abacus says we are most proud of 'our natural beauty and the environment.' Sixty-five per cent of respondents cited Canada's lakes, rivers, mountains, forests and (at least for me) bald-headed prairie. Not only do we have a lot of land (the second-largest landmass in the world), but much of it is stunningly beautiful. And most of us live a relatively short time from a gorgeous, tranquil, inspiring site – or several. The second reason for our national pride (62 per cent) is our belief that this is a 'peaceful and safe society.' We are in danger of losing that with rising crime and societal divisions over world events, but for now, that is a key factor. Then comes universal health care at 60 per cent. This shouldn't be true. It's the product of decades of indoctrination. There are plenty of single-payer systems around the world that are as good or better than ours. But we do have tens of thousands of dedicated health professionals who provide superb care, of whom we should be genuinely proud. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Other reasons cited in the survey 'being distinct from the United States' (56 per cent), tolerance and inclusivity (56 per cent), 'sense of community' (43 per cent), human rights, Indigenous culture and the arts. Whatever your reason, be proud to be Canadian. Happy Canada Day! Read More Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add and to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here. You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun. Toronto Maple Leafs Ontario Music Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Blue Jays
CTV News
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Here's what's happening on Canada Day in the Edmonton area
Musicians and performers will be on hand to celebrate Canada Day at the Alberta legislature on Tuesday. Musicians and performers will be on hand to celebrate Canada Day at the Alberta legislature on Tuesday. Albertans invited to the legislature on Tuesday for Canada Day Turn up the national pride and get ready to celebrate Canada Day on Tuesday, July 1. From family fun to buffet cruises and fireworks, there is something for everyone to enjoy and spend the day doing in and around Edmonton. Fireworks in Edmonton The Edmonton fireworks show will be held in the River Valley on Tuesday, July 1. Here is a list of the best places to watch the fireworks in full view: Queen Elizabeth Park and Hill; River Valley Road shared pathway; Victoria Park; and Ezio Faraone Park (west entrance to High Level Bridge on 109 Street north). Other spots where you can catch a glimpse of the fireworks include: Alberta Legislature grounds; Walterdale Hill Road sidewalks and east promenade; Government House Park; and 109 Street (between Saskatchewan Drive and the High Level Bridge). There will be no viewing or access to Kinsmen Park. Foot traffic will be unavailable from 9:45 p.m. until 30 minutes after the fireworks on several bridges. A list of full road closures and parking restrictions can be found online. Canada Day fireworks (City of Edmonton) Edmonton Transit Service buses and trains will operate on Saturday or Sunday schedules, with some additional bus service for the fireworks show. Transit riders can map out their route ahead of time online. City officials are asking people to follow bylaws and safety precautions if they wish to view the fireworks by watercraft on the North Saskatchewan River or fly a drone. Canada Day at the Alberta Legislature For the early risers, the Edmonton Canada Road Race will be taking place on the legislature south grounds at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. Or, they can come hungry for a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Free, family-friendly entertainment and activities will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Oilers anthem singer Rob Clark will start the celebration on the main stage with O Canada. Live performances will follow throughout the afternoon and roving artists will move about the grounds, including the Brasstactics, jugglers, circus acts and puppetry performers. A full list of the scheduled events can be found online. The visitor centre will also be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Capital Gifts, the Alberta legislature gift shop, will have a holiday discount of 20 per-cent off for the day. Canada Day Salute A Canadian Army Reserve unit will do a 21-gun salute at Government House at noon. Soldiers will fire blank ammunition from 105mm howitzers for about 5 minutes. People can watch the salute behind the 100-metre safety perimeter. Canada Day in Edmonton There is a place for everyone to celebrate the holiday in the city. The Edmonton Valley Zoo will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will also be marking its 66th birthday. Celebrate the zoo milestone and Canada Day by learning about Canadian species and taking in a scavenger hunt, making crafts and more. The Muttart Conservatory will be open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to those wanting to check out the summer feature pyramid, Imagination, with a magical theme and bright floral display. Special activities for the day include airbrush tattoos, story telling and a scavenger hunt. An interactive Edmonton sign, which was recently moved from city hall, is also on site for your next social post. Muttart The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Military Museum is hosting an open house at the Prince of Wales Armouries between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday. People can check out the military vehicles on display and kids can go through an obstacle course. Fort Edmonton Park will host celebrations during park hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those wanting to revisit the city's history. Sir Winston Churchill Square will be alive with art and music on July 1 as The Works Art and Design Festival wraps up its last day. Visual art displays, food trucks and tours open at 11 a.m., and art workshops will run from noon to 8 p.m. Musical performances will take centre stage from noon until 10 p.m. The Art Gallery of Alberta will have free admission on Canada Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ride down the North Saskatchewan River on the Edmonton River Boat for a brunch cruise, or a late dinner buffet with a fireworks watch party. Tickets can be purchased in advance online. Enjoy the greenery at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden with Canada Day festivities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can sign up online to create their own red-and-white flower planter to take home. There may be additional fees for activities on top of admission price. Catch some baseball as the Edmonton Riverhawks take on the Port Angeles Lefties at 7:05 p.m. at Re/Max Field. Watch the Edmonton fireworks from your seats. Mill Woods Park will host its 33rd year of Canada Day celebrations from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is free and the festivities will feature multicultural performances, dance, music and fireworks. Officials are also encouraging people to enjoy other city facilities like spray parks, rec centres, outdoor pools and golf courses for the long weekend. Other Fireworks Not heading to the heart of downtown Edmonton for Canada Day? Here is a list of other firework shows in and around the city: Beaumont - 11 p.m. at Four Seasons Park Fort Saskatchewan - 10:45 p.m. at Rotary Amphitheatre Leduc - 11 p.m. at Lede Park Mill Woods - 11 p.m. at Mill Woods Park (66 Street and 23 Avenue) Sherwood Park - 11 p.m. Northern Lights Fiber Fireworks at Broadmoor Lake Park Spruce Grove - 11 p.m. at Jubilee Park (weather permitting) St. Albert - 11 p.m. at Meadowview Ball Diamonds Wetaskiwin - 11 p.m. at the grandstand at Edmonton International Raceway
