Emera-Canadian Utilities Merger, 3,000 Invalid Mail-in Ballots & Paredes to Retire — Calgary Tuesday

🏛️ Government & Politics

1. More than 3,000 Alberta mail-in referendum ballots returned with errors and declared invalid. Elections Alberta says over 3,000 packages were returned missing declaration forms, with identification errors; officials have verified about one-third of more than 652,000 mailed packages and say two-thirds of the 60,000 workers needed have now been hired.

2. Emera to merge with Calgary-based Canadian Utilities in a $72-billion deal. The all-stock transaction creates a combined utility valued at about $72 billion, will keep Canadian Utilities’ corporate and operational headquarters in Calgary and Edmonton, and commits to a $32-billion capital plan under CEO Scott Balfour.

3. Alberta doctors ratify a three-year master pay deal by 76% of votes cast. The Alberta Medical Association reports 22% voter turnout among eligible members and says 76% of those voted to ratify the mediated agreement, which the government calls a framework to provide competitive compensation and sustainability.

4. Alberta separatists hail Quebec premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon as an ally. Separatist leaders including Jeffrey Rath say Plamondon’s Parti Québécois victory and pledge to hold another Quebec referendum signal political support; Rath described private meetings with Plamondon during the leader’s Calgary visit.

5. Torrington’s World Famous Gopher Hole Museum closed indefinitely over decaying century-old buildings. Director Laural Kurta said the 1996 museum in a former schoolhouse and grain office closed last Tuesday because the two heritage buildings can no longer provide required heat and humidity control for taxidermy collections.

6. An 18-year-old from Yorkton charged with terrorism offences linked to the 764 Network. RCMP’s INSET in Alberta charged the teen with participation, facilitating activity and commission of offences for a terrorist group; the youth was remanded and scheduled to appear in Yorkton provincial court, and police say the 764 Network was designated a terrorist entity in December 2025.

🏈 Sports

1. Stampeders kicker Rene Paredes will retire after the 2026 season. Calgary announced Paredes, 41, will finish his 15-year career after the Oct. 17 regular-season game at McMahon Stadium; he ranks second in franchise history with 253 games, 2,535 points, 649 field goals and 547 converts.

2. B.C. Lions release Canadian defensive back Josh Hagerty after suspension. The Lions cut Hagerty, 28, following a two-game CFL suspension for striking Montreal’s Liam Talbot on Sept. 17; Talbot underwent surgery and was placed on Montreal’s six-game injury list.

📰 Also Today

• Watchdog finds past Alberta separatist U.S. meetings not subject to foreign influence registry.
• Emera to acquire Canadian Utilities in a $14.3-billion deal (reporting duplicate/related to merger).
• Community groups mobilize to inform voters ahead of Alberta referendum, various events planned.
• Man who killed Lethbridge sex worker testifies in own defence at murder trial.
• Calgary mayor accuses separatists of 'selling out Alberta' to U.S. interests.
• MNP report: almost half of Albertans turning to side hustles amid financial concerns.
• Alberta Catholic bishops ask faithful to consider referendum impact on vulnerable people.
• Pro-separation advertiser calls for further action against Forever Canadian.
• Judge orders AHS and government to hand over records in Mentzelopoulos case.
• Alberta separatist lawyer denied access to more frozen funds in dispute with First Nation.