Edmonton Daily Digest — April 1, 2026

Tragic crash near Granum — Two people were killed in a collision on Highway 2 near Granum, Alta., about 40 minutes northwest of Lethbridge on Wednesday; a northbound semi struck a vehicle turning east onto Highway 519, the two occupants of the struck car died at the scene and the semi driver had minor injuries, and police say alcohol or drugs don’t appear to be factors. This is the second multi-fatal crash on that stretch recently — on Feb. 2 three people died when a northbound semi hit a vehicle carrying members of the Southern Alberta Mustangs junior hockey team.

Court date set after Stoney Trail crash — A 39-year-old Calgary man has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and obstructing a peace officer after a fatal crash on Stoney Trail that happened around 11 p.m.; police say another driver later drove through the barricaded scene at 2:45 a.m., risking officers and evidence, and the accused is scheduled to appear in court May 13, 2026. Investigators haven’t released what caused the initial crash and are asking anyone with information to call 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers.

Teachers offended by neutrality mandate — Alberta’s Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides tabled a bill this week that would require teachers to present issues neutrally; Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, called the suggestion offensive and said teachers already act with integrity. Nicolaides says the aim is to teach students how to think, not what to think, and that the bill will encourage tough conversations.

Minimum wages rise but still not enough, advocates say — New minimums come into effect this spring across parts of Canada: Nova Scotia to $16.75 (rising to $17 in Oct.), Newfoundland $16.35, P.E.I. $17, Quebec $16.60 in May, B.C. $18.25 in June, territories higher (Nunavut $19.75, Yukon $18.51) and federal workers $18.15 — but advocates point out livable-wage estimates (e.g., Nova Scotia $27.60/hr in a 2025 report) mean these rates still fall short. Workers and experts warn wages aren’t keeping up with rising costs for groceries, rent and gas, while Alberta’s minimum has stayed at $15 since 2018.

Alberta moves to register employers who hire foreign workers — Jobs Minister Joseph Schow introduced a bill that would require businesses to register with the province before hiring temporary foreign workers, with the changes expected to take effect in early 2027 and penalties up to $1 million for individuals or $1.5 million for corporations (and possible jail up to one year). The province says the registry and licensing will help protect workers and ensure Albertans get first crack at jobs, while critics warn it may encroach on federal immigration powers; Alberta reports 271,024 non-permanent residents as of Jan. 1.

Two charged after highway shooting that killed a young man — RCMP say 22-year-old Barinder Singh was shot in the neck on March 14 while driving near Leduc and later died; police have charged 18-year-old Jimmy Gassner with second-degree murder (arrested March 21 in Canoe Lake, Sask.) and 23-year-old Deon Libsekil with second-degree murder and accessory after the fact (arrested March 26 and remanded to appear April 2). Investigators say the attack appears partially random, the victims had no gang ties, and RCMP are reassuring the Sikh community it was not targeted.

Snow warning for Calgary region ahead of long weekend — Environment Canada issued a special weather statement as a storm moves through overnight Wednesday into Thursday; Calgary’s expected snowfall was downgraded from as high as 20 cm to about 5 cm, while Edmonton may see flurries up to about 2 cm. Poor visibility and messy driving are possible on Hwy 2 and parts of Hwy 1, but warmer temperatures (mid–high single digits on Friday) should melt most snow before Easter weekend travel.

First Calgary arrest in South Asian extortion probe — Calgary police have charged 45-year-old Rana Cheema with extortion and uttering threats after an investigation into a wave of extortion attempts affecting Calgary’s South Asian community; police documented incidents between March 4 and 22, including property damage at daycares and a shooting linked to demands for large sums. Authorities say there have been 41 extortion attempts since January 2025 (18 involving shootings) and are urging more victims to come forward; Cheema is due in court April 22, 2026.

Screening age for colorectal cancer drops in some places — Prince Edward Island and Nunavut will lower screening age to 45, and B.C. is investigating a similar move as evidence shows more young people are getting colorectal cancer (people under 50 are now 2–2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed than earlier generations). Survivors and advocacy groups like Colorectal Cancer Canada want more provinces to follow; several provinces and territories (NS, NB, AB, SK, MB, QC, NWT, NL, ON) are reviewing the evidence or timelines for change.

Oilers sign prospect William Nicholl — The Edmonton Oilers signed 19-year-old forward William Nicholl to a three-year entry-level deal starting next season; Nicholl, drafted 196th overall in 2024, had 15 goals and 11 assists in 32 OHL games with the London Knights this season and helped them win last year’s Memorial Cup. He has 43 goals and 62 assists in 168 OHL games over four seasons.

Shelter-in-place lifted after armed-suspect alert — RCMP lifted a shelter-in-place advisory for Atikameg First Nations and nearby areas (about four hours north of Edmonton) after three of four men believed to be armed were arrested; the suspects were last seen on Highway 750 near Nahachick Road and police continue their investigation into the fourth person. Residents were warned to avoid the area and not pick up hitchhikers while the search was active.

Birthday shutout for Ingram helps Oilers win — Goaltender Connor Ingram celebrated his 29th birthday by making 27 saves for a 3–0 shutout of the Seattle Kraken on April 1, earning his second shutout of the season and ninth of his career as Edmonton extended its win streak to four games. Ingram is now 14–8–2 with the Oilers, Max Jones, Kasperi Kapanen and Connor McDavid scored (McDavid’s goal streak hit five games), and the team moved into closer playoff positioning in the Pacific Division.