Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says she has spoken to her Mexican counterpart and he expects the situation in the country to “normalize” in the coming days.

But Anand says Canadians should continue to follow local instructions and continue to shelter in place if that is the direction given to them.

Anand says she is monitoring what she calls the serious and rapidly evolving situation in Mexico as violence broke out in multiple regions on Sunday after a major drug cartel leader was reportedly killed in a government operation.

She says all Canadians in Mexico should register to ensure they can receive assistance and updated information from the federal government.

Anand admitted there have been “kinks” in the system for Canadians to register with Ottawa for updates but insists it is now fully functional.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 23, 2026.

Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press

Smith said Wednesday that rapid population growth coupled with slagging oil prices have put an unsustainable strain on the province’s finances.

“You have to be a taxpayer before you start using our services,” she told reporters at an unrelated announcement in Calgary.

“And we’ve had the reverse — we’ve had people who have been heavy, heavy users of our services and might not even be a taxpayer, might not even have the prospect of having a job.”

She noted that historically, many immigrants, including the Chinese community, arrived before Alberta became a province.

“We have always been successful when we have a number of migrants that matches our capacity to give jobs and also support them with social services. And we just simply are out of balance right now,” she said.

“It creates a lot of tension in society when things are out of balance, and we don’t want that to happen.”

Smith said her address will touch on a number of issues. The provincial budget is to be tabled next Thursday.

Smith’s United Conservative Party government pushed, through its Alberta Next panel tour of the province last year, for public support to cut off some immigrants from social services.

The panel was propped up by calls from in-person attendees who at times called for mass deportations.

In January, Smith’s government walked back what it called a “premature” decision to cut off temporary foreign workers from provincial health-care coverage, including those who had already obtained work permits.

The ministry said at the time the move was on pause pending review.

On Wednesday, Smith’s chief of staff, Rob Anderson, reposted a social media infographic about immigration numbers and invited readers to watch the premier’s address Thursday.

“This absolute insanity needs to stop. It will,” he wrote.

The executive director of the premier’s office, Bruce McAllister, also pointed to the same social media post to sound off on population growth.

“Why import from nations with failed systems when our Judeo-Christian heritage and principles have worked so well here? It almost feels like these elites are ashamed of what built this great country,” wrote McAllister.

Smith was asked Wednesday if her government shared McAllister’s values. She didn’t directly answer but said western society is based on “the Socratic Judeo-Christian tradition.”

“However, Alberta was also created since 1905 based on the immense diaspora communities that come here,” she said.

She said the federal government has made changes to refocus on economic migrants and that the previous system “broke.”

“It was the No. 1 issue that we heard,” she said, referring to the Alberta Next panel.

The address can be viewed live on CTV, Global and Rogers, and will also be livestreamed to alberta.ca/news and Premier Smith’s Facebook page and X account.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 19, 2026.

Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press

The Red Deer-based company announced in January 2025 it would close 96 stores, and it followed through later in the year after liquidation sales.

At the time, the parent company, Peavey Industries, said it was a “profoundly difficult” decision to close the doors, having sought and gained creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act from Alberta’s Court of King’s Bench.

President and CEO Doug Anderson said last year that the Canadian retail industry is experiencing “unprecedented challenges,” including record-low consumer confidence, inflationary pressures, and rising operating costs along with supply disruptions.

But it was in late 2025 when the company announced a revival of sorts, with seven locations to reopen.

Four have already done so, in Lacombe, Westlock, Camrose and Spruce Grove.

Two will open later this winter in Saskatchewan (Assiniboia and Yorkton), plus one in Red Deer, Peavey Mart shared Wednesday.

“The locations that were chosen by the ownership group are reflective of a number of factors these communities hold, including the strength of the stores in these communities, an ease of access to the previously held storefronts, as well as how quickly we could expedite hiring and launch operations in the locations chosen,” says Meagan Parisian, leader of marketing & eCommerce.

“Our suppliers recognize that we hold ourselves to a high standard and expect to deliver a top-tier experience for our customers. They’re working with us to ship items to our distribution centre in Red Deer County, and in some cases directly to stores, as quickly as possible so we can fulfill these expectations.”

The Red Deer store will reopen in its previous location, a building constructed in 2022 along Gaetz Avenue at 28 Street, sometime in April.

The company also notes that the stores already reopened do not have full stock, but will by March 1, while Red Deer will be fully stocked come day one.

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READ MORE

• Westerner Park searching for new sponsor after Peavey Mart closes doors
• Peavey Industries confirms closure of 96 stores across Canada
• Peavey Mart building new ‘flagship’ location in Red Deer
• Westerner Park unveils the ‘Peavey Mart Centrium’

The funding is part of a matching program supported by volunteer activities across 24 local branches and funds raised at a DFSCA fundraising event called Runway: Behind the Velvet Rope, which was held on Sept. 18, 2025.

The fundraiser was a celebration of fashion, performance, and purpose that raised over $111,000 and brought together community leaders, sponsors and volunteers.

“The Zukiwsky Group with ScotiaMcLeod are true champions in advancing our mission to empower women,” said Erin Forbes, Executive Director of Dress for Success Central Alberta, in a media release. “Their hands-on involvement, from branch volunteers to financial support, is helping us expand our reach, strengthen our programs, and create lasting change for women across Central Alberta.”

This donation was made possible through the Scotiabank Team Community Program, an employee engagement program that encourages employees to work together to raise funds in the community for a cause that is important to them.

DFSCA said the Zukiwsky Group’s involvement exemplifies the power of local leadership in driving change.

“We believe in building strong relationships and creating meaningful impact,” said Dion Zukiwsky, founder of The Zukiwsky Group. “Supporting Dress for Success aligns with our values and our vision for a more inclusive and empowered community.”

Dress for Success Central Alberta’s mission is to empower women in the workforce by providing workplace attire, career services, and skills development programs.

They reported that by the end of 2025, they estimate to have grown their programming to serve 700 clients through expanded career services, leadership, and styling program offerings.

In early 2026, they are set to launch a new initiative called the Career Hub, a 24/7 client resource platform and online community. The Career Hub will help prepare local women for that first good job, ensure a smooth transition into a new role, as well as offer resources and inspiration for leadership and growth in their careers.

The incidents took place earlier this month, and police believe they may be related.

The first took place on Jan. 3 at approximately 9:55 p.m. when police and fire services responded to a report of a gas leak in a passenger van at a location in the 5100 block of 54 Avenue.

Officers inspected the vehicle and found a drill mark in the rear gas tank, and police say it was done intentionally.

The second incident occurred the next day at approximately 9:45 p.m. at a property in the 5700 block of 56 Avenue.

Police were called to the area for a report of vandalism to two trucks, both of which had similar damage to that in the prior incident.

Police say surveillance footage was obtained, and in the video, they observed a suspect who was wearing a black jacket and blue jeans.

No arrests have been made at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.

If you have any information related to this incident or other criminal activity in the area, please contact the Lacombe Police Service at 403-782-3279 or your local police agency. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.tipsubmit.com.

The Edmonton Public School Division says it has removed 34 titles in order to comply, though it doesn’t plan to share the list with the public.

The division says the list isn’t exhaustive and that titles can be added or removed as seen fit.

The Calgary Board of Education says it removed 44 titles from school libraries, but it also won’t be sharing a list.

The new provincial policy was first announced in the fall and requires schools to remove books containing explicit images or illustrations of sexual content.

The policy initially included books with written descriptions of sexual content, but the province softened the rules after Edmonton Public said it would need to remove classic titles in order to comply, including Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 6, 2026.

According to government officials, this pipeline has the potential to transform Canada into a global energy superpower. However, the province also acknowledges that the road to shovels in the ground is a long one, hoping the new website will act as a central hub for project information and updates, ensuring transparency and open dialogue.

Officials say the new website includes information for all people in Alberta and across Canada on the economic benefits of a pipeline, the engagement underway with Indigenous communities, and the expedited process that is underway to seek approval from the federal Major Projects Office.

The province says it is committed to acting as a proponent to deliver a submission of a pipeline project to Canada’s northwest coast to the Major Projects Office. Government officials note, this was part of the 2025 agreement signed by Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney that the province says clears a path for increased energy production and an oil pipeline to access Asia and other global markets.

“We remain committed to evidence-based planning and collaboration as we lead the way in advancing the Northwest Coast Oil Pipeline submission,” says Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals, in a press release. “With the launch of this new webpage, we’re providing a transparent, accessible platform for everyone in Canada to stay informed.”

Provincial officials say the initial phase of the pipeline project focuses on early dialogue with Indigenous communities, determining the potential route and costs and demonstrating market demand, economic viability and need for a new pipeline. The government says this will lay the groundwork in attracting investment from industry to build the pipeline in partnership with Indigenous communities.

“This new webpage is more than a resource – it’s a commitment to transparency,” states Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations. “Indigenous communities are helping guide the way on this project from day one, and access to clear, factual information ensures their leadership continues to shape every step. By sharing knowledge openly, we strengthen trust, create opportunities and build a future where Indigenous voices guide progress for all people in Canada.”

If approved, the government says the project will significantly increase access to Asian markets and ensure the province and country are no longer dependent on just one customer to buy their most valuable resource – strengthening national prosperity, reducing dependence on U.S. markets and delivering billions in economic activity across multiple provinces and Indigenous communities.

Alberta government quick facts

• The application will be ready to submit to the federal Major Projects Office on or before July 1, 2026.
• The three companies participating in the technical advisory group are South Bow, Enbridge and Trans Mountain.
• Canada has the fourth-largest proven oil reserves globally and is the fourth-largest global oil producer.
• Net export receipts of crude oil have climbed from $6 billion in 2000 to $130 billion in 2024.
• Additional infrastructure from Alberta to British Columbia’s coast will ensure Alberta energy resources can contribute to meeting significant Asian demand from countries like Japan, Korea, China and India.

It will take place on Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to collect books for the organization’s future book sale on Jan 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Christmas Bureau will also have Cosmos on site to receive recyclables for collection.

Officials say they are raising money for their literacy center which provides three new or gently used books for each of their clients’ children.

“We believe that education is the key, so this is our small way to help,” reads a statement from the Red Deer Christmas Bureau.

If the above mentioned book and bottle drive date doesn’t work for you, contact the Christmas Bureau to arrange a different time for drop off.

The 17-year-old from Edmonton suited up for the club in two games over the last week and scored the game-winning goal against the Seattle Thunderbirds on Saturday.

Before that, he appeared in 26 games with the Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League this season, where he recorded 13 points and 47 penalty minutes.

Last season, he played for the Edmonton Jr. Oilers Orange U18 AAA of the AEHL and posted 18 points in 22 games.

He also won a silver medal at the 2025 World Junior A Hockey Challenge with Canada West.

The institution says the donation means RDP students will face fewer financial barriers when pursuing a post-secondary education, as the donation will expand access and opportunities for learners across the province.

The donation will form The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary that will provide 11 awards valued at up to $5,000 each that will go to students heading into their first year of any RDP program. These bursaries, RDP says, are renewable for the duration of the student’s programs as long as they maintain good academic standing.

“We are extremely grateful to receive this endowment gift to create The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary,” said Patrick Machacek, vice president of development and partnerships at RDP in a media release. “These funds will help eliminate financial barriers and ensure that more students can continue to access post-secondary education, participating in job-ready education, training and applied research opportunities while attending RDP, and contributing to Alberta’s skilled workforce after graduating.”

The funds will be given to full-time students who are Canadian citizens just beginning their first post-secondary program and have demonstrated perseverance in overcoming personal challenges.

RDP says that preference will be given to students from central Alberta.

“This bursary program reflects Ron Joyce’s lifelong commitment to giving young people a chance to pursue their dreams,” said Rob MacIsaac, chair of the Joyce Family Foundation. “We’re proud to continue that legacy by helping students advance their education at Red Deer Polytechnic, knowing that their dedication and promise are being recognized and supported.”

The Joyce Family Foundation is a private family foundation established by Ronald V. Joyce, and they are dedicated to supporting the social, economic and emotional well-being of children and youth.

RDP students can apply for this bursary beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.