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

Canada should focus on larger vision in talks with Trump administration: ambassador

Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman says it's now time for Canada to shift its strategy in its conversations with the new administration, away from a transactional approach and toward a larger vision. Hillman told The Canadian Press the goal should be to find ways for the two countries to work together to achieve some of Trump's goals.

Canada should focus on larger vision in talks with Trump administration: ambassador

RCMP Black Hawk helicopters start patrolling Manitoba-U.S. border

RCMP in Manitoba say residents near the U.S. border could start seeing and hearing Black Hawk helicopters on a regular basis as the national police force bolsters its presence in the area. The first patrol flight took off a day before the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump on Monday.

RCMP Black Hawk helicopters start patrolling Manitoba-U.S. border

1 in hospital in Kelowna shooting

Kelowna R-C-M-P are investigating a weekend shooting that sent one person to hospital. The Mounties say a male arrived at Kelowna General Hospital early Sunday morning suffering from non-life-threatening injuries after being shot.

1 in hospital in Kelowna shooting

Four British Columbia communities get 26 new addiction treatment beds

British Columbia's minister of health says the province has opened 26 new treatment beds for people with addictions in four communities over the last several months. The ministry says the 26 new spots, which are available at no cost to patients, will help up to 250 people, and more beds will be open by spring.

Four British Columbia communities get 26 new addiction treatment beds

How Canada is reacting to the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump

Here's how notable Canadian politicians and groups are reacting to Donald Trump’s inauguration as president of the United States Monday. While Trump initially promised to impose damaging tariffs on Canada on his first day in office, his team is now indicating those levies won’t come on Day 1.

How Canada is reacting to the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump

Jump in number of respiratory cases at B.C. Children's Hospital emergency room

British Columbia's Children's Hospital says it's seen a steady rise in the number of children coming in with respiratory symptoms. The hospital says in a statement that about 44 per cent of total visits from children to the emergency department involve respiratory illness.