🏛️ Government & Politics
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Alberta will vote Oct. 19 on 10 referendum questions, including immigration control and constitutional changes. Premier Danielle Smith is asking voters whether the province should take increased control over immigration and whether immigration should be capped at a “normal” level under 1% of population (about 50,000 newcomers per year). The referendum also asks whether provincially funded programs should be limited to citizens, permanent residents and Alberta-approved statuses.
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Premiers are staying quiet as Smith asks Albertans to back four major constitutional changes. Smith’s four proposals include abolishing the Senate, letting Alberta appoint King’s Bench and Court of Appeal judges, allowing Alberta to opt out of federal programs without losing funding, and giving provincial laws precedence over Ottawa; three of those would likely need the 7/50 rule (seven legislatures representing over half Canada’s population) to pass.
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Poll shows Albertans divided on immigration, with half undecided on nine non-separation questions. The survey found a split on the immigration questions on Smith’s Oct. 19 ballot and reported that roughly 50% of respondents remain undecided on the nine referendum questions that do not involve separation from Canada.
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Tumbler Ridge residents rallied for 24/7 emergency health services. Residents held a rally calling for round-the-clock emergency health services in Tumbler Ridge, explicitly demanding a 24/7 emergency department for the community.
🏈 Sports
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Edmonton Elks beat Hamilton Tiger-Cats 37-35 in overtime to eliminate Hamilton from the playoff race. The Elks won 37-35 in overtime, a scoreline that mathematically ended the Ticats’ chase for a CFL playoff spot.
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Oilers coach Mike Babcock cleared by NHL investigation and is absorbing media scrutiny as players focus on camp. The NHL concluded an investigation that permitted Babcock to work with the Edmonton Oilers after his 2023 Columbus conduct issues; the team has faced fan backlash over signing Alex Formenton, and a Change.org petition opposing that signing topped 70,000 signatures.
📰 Also Today
- Jobs minister says unions gain leverage under Liberals' new major projects bill.
- U.S. to impose import bans on Canadian alcohol, whey, molasses and motorcycles.
- Alberta referendum matters personally and commercially for ranchers on both sides.
- Economist explains why Alberta’s growth is outpacing the rest of Canada this year.
- Survey shows Albertans split between 'speed kills' and 'just do it' on highway speeds.
- Vancouver Canucks begin rebuild; season opener in Edmonton on Tuesday.
- Winnipeg Jets coping with Connor Hellebuyck holdout and his indefinite suspension.
