Formenton Signing, Elections Workers Shortfall & Smith Speech — Edmonton Saturday

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Oilers sign Alex Formenton amid large local backlash. The 26-year-old signed a one-year, US$850,000 contract with the Edmonton Oilers on Sept. 9 after three seasons in Switzerland with HC Ambri‑Piotta; he was acquitted in July 2025 on sexual‑assault charges from a 2018 Hockey Canada gala. The signing prompted a petition with nearly 70,000 signatures and Saturday protests outside Rogers Place, while the Oilers cited reinstatement and a “lengthy due diligence process.”

Tristan Jarry aims to rebound as Oilers’ No. 1 goaltender. Jarry, acquired Dec. 12 last season, played 19 games for Edmonton in 2025-26 with a 9-6-2 record and will start the Sept. 29 season opener while Frederik Andersen recovers from a knee injury expected to sideline him until late October. The Oilers kept seven goalies in camp and added Devon Levi in an off‑season trade with Buffalo; Levi has 39 NHL games to his name.
Edmonton Elks lose 24-19 to Toronto; Argonauts clinch playoffs. The Elks fell 24-19 on Saturday as Chad Kelly threw two touchdown passes to lift the Toronto Argonauts into the post‑season; Toronto improved to start playoffs at BMO Field and Kelly finished 19-of-31 for 373 yards. The loss leaves the Elks outside a clinch position; Toronto was already set for playoffs after Montreal beat Hamilton 37-25 on Friday.
Calgary Stampeders beat Ottawa 40-38 on a 62-yard field goal. Rene Paredes hit a career-long 62-yard field goal with two seconds left to give Calgary a 40-38 win on Saturday; Calgary improved to 6-8 while Ottawa fell to 0-13, becoming the second CFL team ever to start 13 straight losses. McLeod Bethel‑Thompson threw five touchdown passes for Ottawa but the team still lost in Calgary’s McMahon Stadium.

Elections Alberta less than halfway to recruiting 60,000 referendum workers. Elections Alberta reports it has recruited under half of the 60,000 election workers it needs for the Oct. 19 referendum, leaving a gap as the province prepares logistics for advance and election‑day voting. Elections Alberta’s shortfall raises questions about staffing at local advance polls and returning offices across the province.
Alberta temporarily changes voter‑list rules ahead of Oct. 19 referendum. The provincial government made temporary adjustments to voter‑list rules this month to streamline residency verification and voter eligibility for the referendum, prompting the NDP to publicly raise concerns about the changes. The adjustments apply only to the upcoming referendum administration and do not alter permanent election law.
Premier Danielle Smith pleads with Albertans to stay in Canada at online forum. At a virtual assembly co‑hosted by Preston Manning and Gordon Campbell, Premier Smith on Saturday recounted grievances against the federal government and said she has called a referendum for Oct. 19 that may include a question on pursuing separation; she spoke about affordability pressures on farmers and young families during her remarks.

Rain this summer blamed for higher mosquito numbers, more standing water reported.
Grande Prairie opens new addiction‑treatment facility, funding and bed count unspecified in report.
Lloydminster Heavy Oil Show draws industry optimism, largest turnout in years reported.
Column: Brexit analogy used to argue Alberta separation risk, columnist reflects on family views.
Opinion asks where pro‑Canada movement is, questions organized local response.
Liberals consider giving minister power to end strikes, federal sources cited.
Fort McMurray hosts largest Oil Sands Expo in over a decade, exhibitors optimistic.
Calgary council split on official stance for Alberta separatism, vote remains unresolved.
New maps show Canada’s complex time zones, interactive maps updated.
Carney government files third court challenge on First Nations child welfare complaint, litigation continues.
Red Deer to spend $2.9M federal housing money on permanent supportive housing, council approved funding.