Results for: Premier Danielle Smith

A threatening wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alberta, remains out of control, forcing thousands to evacuate. Premier Danielle Smith will hold a news conference Wednesday morning to provide an update on the situation, which has seen 6,600 residents from the southern part of the city forced to leave their homes. The wildfire, known as MWF-017, has grown to 20,940 hectares and is burning about 7.5 kilometers from the Fort McMurray landfill. Officials are monitoring the situation closely and will provide further updates as they become available.

The Alberta Municipalities organization, representing over 85% of the provincial population, has expressed concern over a lack of consultation regarding amendments to Bill 20, which would grant Premier Danielle Smith’s government significant authority to dismiss councillors and cancel bylaws. The amendments are expected to be introduced to the legislature next week, despite the tight timeframe for consultation and strong opposition from municipal leaders. Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver initially promised consultations but has not responded to requests for comment, and the opposition Alberta New Democrats have called for the bill to be withdrawn, citing the lack of credible consultation and the alarming nature of the proposed powers.