Calgary Dispatch
News Desk
Stories filed by the Calgary Dispatch news desk.
Stories by News Desk (115) · page 9 of 10
- Alberta ·
Why Danielle Smith might roll the dice on a February snap election
If Alberta heads to the polls in early February, it won’t be because the government has to, but because Premier Danielle Smith may decide it is the least-bad moment to lock in a new mandate before several political headwinds collide. Speculation about an early election has already begun circulating in Alberta’s political class, with commentators […]
News Desk - Alberta ·
Survey Shows Overwhelming Support for Stronger Industry Accountability in Alberta’s Energy Sector
An omnibus survey conducted in October 2025 shows overwhelming public support for requiring oil and gas companies—not taxpayers—to take responsibility for the financial and environmental liabilities associated with aging energy infrastructure. According to the findings, 92 percent of Albertans believe companies should cover the final cleanup costs of inactive or end-of-life wells, with only a […]
News Desk - Alberta ·
Alberta government preparing sweeping health-care reforms
Alberta is preparing sweeping health-care reforms that would allow physicians to work in both the publicly funded system and private clinics at the same time. Under the proposed framework, doctors would be required to complete a minimum number of publicly funded surgeries or procedures each year before being permitted to offer additional elective care through […]
News Desk - Canada ·
Conservative MP Launches Bill to End Automatic Birthright Citizenship in Canada
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner is advancing a landmark private-member bill aimed at overhauling Canada’s immigration and citizenship framework. She argues that, after what she calls “a decade of Liberal mass-immigration policies that let too many people in too fast,” the automatic-birth citizenship rule and other permissive immigration practices have weakened the value of Canadian […]
News Desk - Canada ·
Judge Hears Opening Arguments in Alberta Sovereignty Referendum Challenge
The Alberta Prosperity Project has officially entered court as its proposed referendum question — asking whether the province should become a sovereign country and cease to be a province of Canada — is now under judicial review. The question was submitted under the Citizens’ Initiative Act and referred by the Chief Electoral Officer to the […]
News Desk - Alberta ·
Auditor General Blasts Alberta’s Failed DynaLIFE Lab Deal for Costly Oversight Breakdowns
The Auditor General’s investigation into Alberta’s community laboratory services contract with DynaLIFE has found serious lapses in governance, procurement and financial oversight, which contributed to major disruptions in lab services and undue cost to taxpayers. According to the report, between 2013 and 2023 non-value-add expenditures totalled approximately $125 million, representing costs tied
News Desk - Local ·
Council Prepares Vote on Repealing Blanket Rezoning
A motion to repeal Calgary’s controversial blanket rezoning bylaw is heading to the city’s Executive Committee, marking one of the most significant early policy tests for Mayor Jeromy Farkas. The bylaw, introduced in 2024, automatically rezoned many low-density residential areas to allow a wider range of housing types without requiring individual public hearings. Supporters saw […]
News Desk - Local ·
Farkas Loses Vote on Palestinian Flag Motion
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas suffered an early setback on council after losing a vote to fast-track a motion aimed at banning the raising of foreign national flags at city hall. The proposed change to the city’s flag-policy followed a recent controversy over the raising of the Palestinian flag at municipal plaza events. Councillor Dan McLean […]
News Desk - Canada ·
Quebec Liberal Leader Vows Transparency Amid Alleged ‘Cash-for-Votes’ Scandal
Quebec Liberal Party Leader Pablo Rodriguez is facing the most serious test of his leadership after reports alleged that some party members were offered cash in exchange for votes during last spring’s leadership race. Speaking at party headquarters in Montreal, Rodriguez said he was “shaken” by the allegations but insisted he has “nothing to hide,” […]
News Desk - Politics ·
Alberta UCP Launches Legal Action Against Ex-Caucus Members in Party Identity Dispute
The United Conservative Party (UCP) of Alberta has filed a lawsuit against two former caucus members, claiming they conspired to damage the party’s reputation by working on behalf of the rival Alberta Party and attempting to adopt the defunct Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta (PC) name. The UCP alleges that the ex-MLAs conspired to mislead […]
News Desk - Politics ·
Alberta’s insurance reforms hit political roadblock
Grassroots members of Alberta’s United Conservative Party are mounting significant opposition to the province’s planned shift to a no-fault auto insurance system. The reform, scheduled for 2027, would eliminate most avenues for injured drivers to sue at-fault motorists and instead require individuals to seek compensation from their own insurers. While insurers have supported the change […]
News Desk - Alberta ·
Calgary MLA Tanya Fir Apologizes After Profanity Heard in Leaked Voicemail
Calgary-Peigan MLA Tanya Fir has issued a public apology after a leaked voicemail revealed her using profanity while responding to a constituent. The message, which circulated widely online, captured Fir expressing frustration about criticism she had received during the tense political atmosphere surrounding the province’s education and labour disputes. The leak quickly drew attention from […]
News Desk