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One week after a devastating fire destroyed a historic hangar in Edmonton, police have released photos of a person of interest. The fire, which broke out on April 22nd, gutted Hangar 11, a 7,400-square-meter wood-framed structure that was one of only two remaining in Canada from the Second World War era. The hangar, located at the former City Centre Airport, was a municipal historic resource and had been under redevelopment as part of the Blatchford neighborhood. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, it has been deemed suspicious. Police are now seeking to identify the man pictured in surveillance video, who is seen inside a convenience store and on a bicycle near the hangar. Anyone with information on the person of interest is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service.

Governments in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are reviewing their smartphone policies in schools as several Canadian jurisdictions tighten restrictions on their use during class time. The move comes amidst emerging evidence suggesting a link between smartphone usage and negative mental health outcomes among students, as well as concerns about screen time and distractions. Former New Brunswick education minister Dominic Cardy expressed regret for not implementing a ban earlier due to growing scientific evidence of the dangers. Similar measures have already been adopted in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has appointed Sean Webster, a former Progressive Conservative candidate, to lead a new regional office in Ottawa. However, the financial details of Webster’s compensation package remain undisclosed, prompting questions and dissent within Ford’s caucus. Some MPPs, including Lisa MacLeod, have expressed opposition to the office’s creation, while others have raised concerns about the potential for patronage appointments. The appointment of Webster, who has ties to lobbying and corporate interests, has further fueled accusations of Ford running a “gravy train” with wasteful spending.

The Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market is making a grand return to 104th Street every Saturday from June 15 to October 12. The market will operate between Jasper Avenue and 102nd Avenue, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse range of vendors. With over 75 vendors already applying, the community can expect to find their favorite stalls, such as Lacombe Fresh, Riverbend Gardens, and Steve & Dan’s. The Downtown Business Association (DBA) is managing the market, while Foundry Events will operate it through a competitive RFP process.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested in Saint John, New Brunswick, for allegedly committing aggravated assault and forcible confinement at an encampment in the city. Police discovered a 42-year-old man being held captive for two days within the encampment. Emergency responders transported the victim to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Currently, the accused is in custody and scheduled to appear in court on May 28th. Authorities request anyone with information or footage of the incident to reach out to the police or Crime Stoppers.

A snowboarder at Lake Louise Ski Resort in Alberta had a close encounter with a grizzly bear on Wednesday afternoon. James Hardy and a friend were snowboarding along Cameron’s Way when they came across the bear. Hardy captured the encounter on video, which shows the bear emerging from the forest and walking alongside the run. The ski resort closed off access to the area where the bear was spotted and monitored the situation to keep guests and the bear separated. No further sightings of the bear were reported, and normal operations resumed once it left the resort property. Parks Canada was notified of the incident, but no further action was taken.

The Alberta government has announced a comprehensive 15-year Passenger Rail Master Plan, outlining ambitious plans to expand passenger rail services across the province. The plan envisions a modern and efficient rail network, connecting major cities and regional destinations, with a focus on commuter lines and intercity travel. To facilitate this expansion, the plan includes the establishment of a Crown corporation modeled after Ontario’s Metrolinx to oversee infrastructure development, operations, and future expansion.

Saskatchewan is facing an increase in wildfires as dry conditions persist across the province. The Saskatchewan Volunteer Firefighters Association president, Louis Cherpin, attributes the rise in wildfires to the increasingly dry land and warmer temperatures. As of Monday, the province has experienced 83 fires, nearly four times the five-year average. Human activity is a significant contributor to wildfires, with actions like discarding cigarettes or burning debris potentially sparking uncontrolled fires. Residents are urged to take precautions by removing dead trees and debris from their properties, especially combustible materials like leaves.

New Brunswick’s latest attempt to expand primary care access involves collaborative care clinics, a model that has faced challenges in the past. Collaborative care clinics group physicians, nurses, and other allied health practitioners under one system with central administration support. The idea is to tailor patient visits to their specific needs, freeing up doctors and nurse practitioners to handle more acute cases. Despite past successes, funding issues have caused setbacks. The government has now earmarked $20 million for collaborative care practices, hoping that administrative support will attract physicians. While healthcare professionals have expressed a desire for collaborative settings, the message may not have reached policymakers. The success of this latest attempt remains to be seen, but the potential benefits of improved access and reduced wait times are significant.

Alberta Municipalities, representing the province’s cities, towns, and villages, has expressed concerns over a bill that grants the provincial government sweeping powers over local governments. The legislation, introduced by Premier Danielle Smith, empowers the cabinet to dismiss councillors and overturn local bylaws, raising fears of intimidation and the silencing of elected officials critical of the provincial government.