Suncor Energy Inc. is taking precautionary measures at its Firebag oilsands site due to a wildfire burning out of control nearby. The company is moving to have only essential personnel at the site, which produces about 215,000 barrels of oil per day. The wildfire is currently located approximately 8 km northeast of the Firebag main plant.
A 27-year-old man from Alberta has been charged with aggravated assault, failing to provide the necessaries of life, and criminal negligence causing bodily harm after a young child was hospitalized with serious injuries. The charges stem from an investigation that began in June 2024, after authorities were notified of the child’s condition by Child and Family Services.
Alberta’s police watchdog has ruled that two Edmonton Police Service officers were justified in shooting and killing a man in 2020 while responding to a gun complaint. The officers, who responded to multiple reports of a man with a shotgun, found him sitting in a lawn chair with the weapon. Despite repeated commands to drop the gun, the man raised the firearm towards the officers, leading to the fatal shooting. The watchdog found that the officers’ use of force was proportionate, necessary, and reasonable under the circumstances.
Alberta has announced a $4.3 billion surplus for the fiscal year ending in March 2024, driven by strong revenue from non-renewable resources and increased tax collection. The province spent more than expected on disaster relief and health system improvements, while also growing its Heritage Savings Trust Fund.
Residents of Lloydminster, a city on the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan, are being warned about a black bear that has been approaching people and vehicles. The RCMP issued a warning on Thursday, urging residents to take precautions. The bear was last seen near an A & W restaurant in the east end of the city at 10:35 a.m. Alberta Fish and Wildlife has been notified and is advising people to avoid approaching or feeding the bear. They also recommend keeping small children and pets indoors, securing food and garbage, and keeping fences and doors closed and locked. Anyone who sees the bear is asked to contact the Lloydminster RCMP at 780-808-8400.
One person has tragically lost their life in a single-occupant glider crash near Highway 7, south of Calgary, Alberta. Diamond Valley Fire Rescue confirmed that a call was received at approximately 1:30 p.m. Wednesday reporting the incident. Fire crews responded to the scene, but upon arrival, they found that the individual had already succumbed to their injuries. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) dispatched the Diamond Valley detachment to investigate the incident, which was initially reported as an “airplane crash.” Diamond Valley is situated approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Calgary. Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
As Pride Month approaches, the LGBTQ+ community in Alberta is facing a complex blend of emotions. While celebrations will continue, this year’s events will also be marked by activism, in response to proposed provincial policies that have raised concerns about the rights and healthcare of transgender youth. Advocates and legal experts have denounced the proposed policies as unconstitutional and transphobic, sparking protests and open letters. The Alberta government has stated that the policies aim to provide support for transgender adults and youth, while also preserving the rights of children and families. However, the LGBTQ+ community remains steadfast in their commitment to fight for equality and inclusion.
Calgary homeowners should expect their 2024 property tax bills to arrive by the end of next week, with a deadline of June 28 for payment. Failure to pay on time will result in a seven percent penalty on July 1. The funds collected from the property tax are shared between the Alberta government and the City of Calgary.
Fourteen Alberta LGBTQ+ organizations have banned Premier Danielle Smith and the United Conservative Party (UCP) from participating in 2024 Pride celebrations due to the government’s policies targeting the transgender community. The groups cited Smith’s intention to restrict healthcare access and infringe on the rights of transgender individuals, stating that these policies do not represent the views of the gender and sexually diverse community.
Wildfires and smoke haze are deterring tourists from visiting Alberta, impacting the province’s $100 billion tourism industry. Despite efforts by tourism officials to emphasize that not all of Canada is affected by wildfires, many international travelers are rescheduling or canceling their trips.
