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

Tributes to John Horgan as B.C. New Democrat members are sworn in

Former British Columbia premier John Horgan loomed large over the swearing-in ceremony Wednesday for 47 New Democrat members of the legislature, a day after his death. Dick said Horgan was a "friend of the people," while Legislature Clerk Kate Ryan-Lloyd paid tribute to Horgan for his service to the people of B.C.

Tributes to John Horgan as B.C. New Democrat members are sworn in

Build vaccine stockpile, use wastewater testing for H5N1 bird flu, experts urge

Health Canada has authorized three influenza vaccines that could be used if bird flu became a pandemic, the agency says. The federal government also has an agreement with vaccine manufacturer GSK for domestic vaccine production that could be accelerated if needed, the Public Health Agency of Canada told The Canadian Press in an email.

Build vaccine stockpile, use wastewater testing for H5N1 bird flu, experts urge

Vancouver officer sexually assaulted colleague, but police group chat targeted victim

The decision against Narinder Dosanjh, obtained by The Canadian Press, includes the running commentary on the woman's testimony — apparently written by someone inside the courtroom — that calls her a "bad drunk" and says there was "no way" her case would be proved.

Vancouver officer sexually assaulted colleague, but police group chat targeted victim

'Pacific frontal system' moving over B.C. prompts snow, rainfall warnings

Environment Canada is warning drivers who intend to travel Highway 3 from the Paulson Summit and Kootenay Pass about hazardous conditions due to "rapidly accumulating snow." It says a Pacific frontal system will bring up to 50 centimetres of snow before Thursday night.

'Pacific frontal system' moving over B.C. prompts snow, rainfall warnings

Prime Minister Trudeau makes trip to Bermuda to eulogize longtime family friend

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is travelling to Bermuda today to give a eulogy at the funeral for businessman Peter Green. Green was a lifelong family friend to Trudeau and, as reported by the National Post, his family owns a luxury estate in Jamaica where Trudeau has stayed at no cost.

Prime Minister Trudeau makes trip to Bermuda to eulogize longtime family friend

Chrystia Freeland says carbon rebate for small businesses will be tax-free

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the Canada carbon rebate for small businesses will be tax-free. In a statement posted to X late Tuesday, Freeland clarified the parameters of the program after an advocacy group for small business raised concerns that the rebate would be a taxable benefit.