National

Smith, Alberta Next panel begin town hall series to hear grievances about Ottawa

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 15 Jul, 2025 11:05 AM

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and a hand-picked panel are set to hold the first in a series of town halls to address public concerns with the federal government.

Some 650 people are expected at today's event in Red Deer as Smith and the 15 other members of the Alberta Next panel hear about grievances inspiring separatist sentiment in the province.

The government is dedicating time at the event to several strategies it's pitching to wrest more control from the federal government, including pulling out of the Canada Pension Plan and withholding social services from some immigrants.

There will also be an open question-and-answer period.

Smith and panel members are set to hear feedback in Edmonton on Wednesday.

The premier has said the panel will recommend ideas and policy proposals for a referendum after the town halls wrap up in October.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Todd Korol

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Confused about Mark Carney's blind trust? Here's how they work

Prime Minister Mark Carney's critics have been asking pointed questions lately about the assets in the former central banker's blind trust — a tool meant to allow politicians to avoid conflicts of interest. How do blind trusts work?

Confused about Mark Carney's blind trust? Here's how they work

B.C. Greens want answers about New Democrats' emergency powers legislation

Interim Leader Jeremy Valeriote said in a statement that while he understands the "urgency of the situation" given the ongoing trade strife with the United States, the proposed Bill 7 in its current form has "vague wording" and "could allow for sweeping economic decisions without clear limits or transparency."

B.C. Greens want answers about New Democrats' emergency powers legislation

Poilievre wants 'shovel ready zones' with pre-approved construction permits

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre wants to create what he calls "shovel ready zones" that would have pre-approved permits for major projects resources or energy projects. In a media statement, Poilievre says that the goal is to permits in place for a mine, liquefied natural gas plant, pipeline or other major project.

Poilievre wants 'shovel ready zones' with pre-approved construction permits

Federal union concerned about planned cuts to Translation Bureau

A major federal union says it's worried about a plan to eliminate more than 300 positions at Canada’s Translation Bureau. In a news release, the Canadian Association of Professional Employees says it’s condemning a five-year business plan that would shrink the bureau’s workforce by almost 25 per cent.

Federal union concerned about planned cuts to Translation Bureau

Prime Minister Mark Carney expected to call federal election on Sunday

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to launch a federal election campaign on Sunday and send Canadians to the polls as soon as April 28. While sources would not confirm the date of the vote, federal campaigns must run at least 37 days.

Prime Minister Mark Carney expected to call federal election on Sunday

Bank of Canada signals shift in how it sets rates amid tariff uncertainty

Tiff Macklem says that means monetary policymakers may be “acting quickly” when it comes to setting interest rates, rather than looking far into the horizon to stay “flexible and adaptable.”