Alberta-ordered review of Calgary water system finds problems and poor decisions
CALGARY -- A third-party report into Calgary's problematic water system says the city wasn't properly aware of the extent of the problem.
Dayne Patterson
While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Dayne Patterson.
Alberta Premier Smith tells UCP separatists to toe pro-Canada line or find new party
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her United Conservative Party is a pro-Canada party and that any members who want to stump for separation need to leave.
Alberta referendum expected to bring finality, but also more questions on separation
On Monday, Albertans vote on whether to stay in Canada or hold another binding referendum on quitting Canada. If the vote goes as polls suggest, a majority of Albertans will mark an X to stay in Confederation, and Premier Danielle Smith has said if that's so, she expects everyone to accept it and move on. Leaders of the independence movement...
Alberta referendum expected to bring finality, but also more questions on separation
On Monday, Albertans vote on whether to stay in Canada or hold another binding referendum on quitting Canada.
Poilievre urges Albertans not to 'quit' on Canada ahead of separation vote
Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he understands separatist disillusionment with the state of affairs in Canada but that quitting isn't the answer. Poilievre says quitting is the easy way out and Albertans are not quitters. He says the solution is to restore the greatness of a country that has been defended and built up through generations.
Poilievre urges Albertans not to 'quit' on Canada ahead of separation vote
CALGARY -- Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he understands separatist disillusionment with the state of affairs in Canada but that quitting isn't the answer.
'Vote like Canada depends on it': Carney tells Alberta referendum rally
Prime Minister Mark Carney told thousands rallying in Calgary on Thursday night that Albertans should vote to keep the province in Canada, arguing that failing to do so would cause "deep division and great uncertainty." "Vote like Canada depends on it," he told a crowd of roughly 5,000 people. "Because it does." Carney spoke at a Forever Canadian rally ahead...
'Vote like Canada depends on it,' Carney tells Alberta referendum rally
CALGARY -- Prime Minister Mark Carney has told thousands rallying in Calgary that Albertans should vote to keep the province in Canada, arguing that failing to do so will cause "deep division and great uncertainty."
CP NewsAlert: 'Vote like Canada depends on it,' Carney tells Alberta referendum rally
CALGARY -- Prime Minister Mark Carney has told thousands rallying in Calgary that Albertans should vote to keep the province in Canada, arguing that failing to do so will cause "deep division and great uncertainty."
Carney hits Calgary to stump for unity, gets swarmed by selfie-seeking well-wishers
Prime Minister Mark Carney was swamped by selfie-seeking well-wishers Thursday as he toured through Alberta's largest city to rally the pro-Canada vote ahead of Monday's referendum on separation. Carney urged Albertans to not only vote for Confederation, but to also reject the nine other questions on the ballot involving immigration and the Constitution. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she needs...
Calgary mayor says Alberta interfering in Edmonton housing sets disturbing precedent
CALGARY -- Calgary's mayor says the province's decision to overturn some Edmonton housing rules is disturbing attack on local democracy.
Alberta separatists say Ottawa prioritizing pipeline doesn't halt independence push
Alberta is on the fast track to get a new oil pipeline to the B.C. coast - but leaders who want the province to quit Canada say that doesn't move the needle for them on wanting to stay in Confederation. "This doesn't change the system whatsoever," Cory Morgan said in an interview. "(The separation issue) is much deeper than the...
Alberta separatists say Ottawa prioritizing pipeline doesn't halt independence push
CALGARY -- Alberta is on the fast track to get a new oil pipeline to the B.C. coast - but leaders who want the province to quit Canada say that doesn't move the needle for them on wanting to stay in Confederation.
Young Canadians less hopeful about democracy: Statistics Canada study
A study suggests young Canadians are more likely to feel hopeless about democracy than older residents.
Former British PM David Cameron says Alberta separation vote unlike Brexit
The former leader of the United Kingdom during the Brexit referendum says you can't compare that debate to Alberta's prospective split from Canada. David Cameron largely avoided talking directly about Alberta's separation debate when speaking at an energy leadership conference in downtown Calgary on Monday morning.
Former British PM David Cameron says Alberta separation vote unlike Brexit
CALGARY -- The former leader of the United Kingdom during the Brexit referendum says you can't compare that debate to Alberta's prospective split from Canada.
Albertans set to vote on immigration questions that have only spawned more questions
CALGARY -- Albertans soon head to the polls to not only vote on Confederation but also on a raft of questions on immigration - questions that in recent months have spawned more questions.
Calgary city council makes symbolic vote in support of remaining in Canada
CALGARY -- Calgary city council is stating clearly it wants to stay in a united Canada.
Alberta separatist leaders say Oct. 19 vote won't end fight regardless of outcome
Premier Danielle Smith and her government expect next month's separation referendum to be the last word on the subject - but those fighting for an independent Alberta say no matter the outcome, the fight goes on. "We're never giving up," Jeff Rath, the lawyer for a group that helped organize an independence petition, said Wednesday in an interview. "The logic...
Alberta separatist leaders say Oct. 19 vote won't end fight regardless of outcome
CALGARY -- Premier Danielle Smith and her government expect next month's separation referendum to be the last word on the subject - but those fighting for an independent Alberta say no matter the outcome, the fight goes on.
Carney says Canada will need millions of drones, promises closer work with Ukraine
Canada will work with Ukraine to produce "millions" of drones for the Canadian military, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday in Calgary after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "I have to confess that our Armed Forces currently have but 2,000 drones in our inventory. In the years to come, we will need millions," Carney said. He also promised more...
Carney tells Zelenskyy Canada will help Ukraine rebuild
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised Canada on Thursday for offering some form of air defence. Standing alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney before their meeting in Calgary, Zelenskyy told reporters he was thankful for the air defence while adding he wouldn't "spoil" what seems to be a looming announcement. "This is a very important package of air defence. This is crucial...
Carney tells Zelenskyy Canada will help Ukraine rebuild
CALGARY -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised Canada on Thursday for offering air defence as the two nations announced a joint statement on energy co-operation.
Calgary city councillor apologetic but unrepentant over budget document leak
CALGARY -- Calgary city councillor Landon Johnston said Tuesday he is apologetic -- but unrepentant --for recently leaking private budget documents to the media.
Legislation binds Calgary councillors from censuring colleague in privacy leak
CALGARY -- Calgary city councillors are being told that their hands are tied if they want to sanction a fellow councillor who leaked private information.
Groups pen letter to Carney, Smith asking not to deport student protesters
CALGARY -- A coalition close to 300 labour and community groups are calling on the federal and Alberta governments to halt the removal of 10 international students it says were singled out for enforcement at a protest.
As referendum nears, Danielle Smith avoids separation talk in Alberta Day address
CALGARY -- Premier Danielle Smith avoided the topic of provincial separation as she marked the anniversary of Alberta joining Confederation, but she noted in a short speech that Canada recognizes the province's importance.
Edmonton-born father back in Canada after 9 months in U.S. immigration detention
A Edmonton-born man who lived most of his life in the United States is back in Canada, after losing a legal fight to remain south of the border to be with his two young sons.
Alberta NDP urges Smith to cancel separation vote amid Canada-U.S. trade war
Alberta's Opposition leader says now is not the time to hold a referendum on quitting Canada as the country wages a consequential trade war with its southern neighbour. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says Premier Danielle Smith needs to cancel it or, at the very least, postpone it. "It's time to call off the referendum," Nenshi told reporters Tuesday in Calgary...
Alberta NDP urges Smith to cancel separation vote amid Canada-U.S. trade war
CALGARY -- Alberta's Opposition leader says now is not the time to hold a referendum on quitting Canada as the country wages a consequential trade war with its southern neighbour.
Calgary to house quantum defence hub to develop tech for armed forces
CALGARY -- Canada's defence minister says the University of Calgary will be home to a new quantum research hub.
Clinics, technicians unsure of Alberta's new self-referral method for health tests
Some Alberta medical clinics are taking a wait-and-see approach to the province's new program that lets patients bypass their doctor and privately book diagnostic imaging tests. And those who run the machines are skeptical the province's plan will work at all. "The fact is we do not have enough (medical radiation technologists) in Alberta to support the number of diagnostic...
Clinics, technicians unsure of Alberta's new self-referral method for health tests
Some Alberta medical clinics are taking a wait-and-see approach to the province's new program that lets patients bypass their doctor and privately book diagnostic imaging tests.
Alberta to begin allowing self-referred medical testing as of Friday
Beginning Friday, Albertans will be able to pay out-of-pocket for diagnostic screening tests, including an MRI and an ultrasound, and without a doctor's referral. The new change can help those who pay get a faster cancer diagnosis, and improve their chances of survival, without increasing wait times for others, the government said Monday. Premier Danielle Smith said Albertans can self-refer...
Alberta to begin allowing self-referred medical testing as of Friday
CALGARY -- Beginning Friday, Albertans will be able to pay out-of-pocket for diagnostic screening tests, including an MRI and an ultrasound, and without a doctor's referral.
'It's looking good': Carney chats pipelines while mingling at Calgary Stampede
Prime Minister Mark Carney, on the heels of a trip to the Middle East, landed Saturday night at the Calgary Stampede where he ate mini doughnuts, watched chuckwagon races — and talked pipelines. "It's good to be back," said Carney, wearing a white hat and a belt buckle, as he walked the Stampede grounds and was welcomed by some in...
Calgary mayor says he wants to hold advocacy campaign opposing separation, but can't
CALGARY -- The mayor of Alberta's largest city says he wants to hold an anti-separation advocacy campaign as the province nears a referendum on quitting the country but that provincial rules prevent the city from taking that step.
Separation anxiety: Canada Day evokes emotional mixture in Alberta
CALGARY -- Alberta's separation from the rest of the country was top of mind for Maple Leaf adorned Albertans in the province's largest city as they celebrated the birth of Confederation.
Country Thunder cancels Calgary festival citing sound restrictions, construction
CALGARY -- A major multi-provincial music festival has cancelled this year's show in Calgary, citing construction and noise levels that the city contests should not be an issue.
Former Calgary leaders opposing police request to keep phones seized in investigation
CALGARY -- The lawyer for former Calgary mayor Jyoti Gondek is arguing police have no reason to hold onto her phone any longer as they investigate her and others for municipal corruption.
These Albertans signed petitions. What do they think of the separation referendum?
CALGARY -- Alberta is planning to ask residents in an Oct. 19 referendum whether the province should stay in Canada or if there should be a future binding referendum on separation.
Poilievre says Alberta needs new priorities from Ottawa, not a new country
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says the easiest way to squash separatist sentiment in Alberta is for the federal government to butt out of the province's business. Poilievre, speaking in Calgary, says Albertans don't need a new country; they just need Ottawa to change its priorities. He says Albertans could benefit from freeing up resources, building pipelines, respecting provincial autonomy and...
Poilievre says Alberta needs new priorities from Ottawa, not a new country
CALGARY -- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says the easiest way to squash separatist sentiment in Alberta is for the federal government to butt out of the province's business.
Separatism and energy: Alberta's Smith to meet with counterpart in Quebec this week
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is planning to meet with her counterpart in Quebec City this week, with separatism and energy possible topics of discussion. Smith says she's hoping Quebec Premier Christine Frechette will be open to talking about an east-west energy corridor. Smith says every time she has met with leadership in Quebec that she has talked about developing a...
Separatism and energy: Alberta's Smith to meet with counterpart in Quebec this week
CALGARY -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is planning to meet with her counterpart in Quebec City this week, with separatism and energy possible topics of discussion.
Manitoba premier calls on Alberta to pause its fall separation vote for 'year or two'
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is urging Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to press pause on her fall separation referendum. Kinew, speaking directly to Smith at the annual meeting of western and northern premiers, said with all provinces signing and building megaprojects -- including an Alberta pipeline to the West Coast -- this isn't the time for such uncertainty.
Manitoba premier calls on Alberta to pause its fall separation vote for 'year or two'
KANANASKIS -- Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew urged Tuesday for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to pause her fall separation referendum.
As Alberta battles with separation, Saskatchewan's Moe affirms party wants to stay
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says while separatist agitation bubbles away in Alberta - and even in his own province -- his party stands with Confederation. "We support a strong and growing province of Saskatchewan with the united nation of Canada," Moe told reporters Monday. "(But) again, those frustrations shouldn't be discounted." Moe made the comments on the first day of...
As Alberta battles with separation, Saskatchewan's Moe affirms party wants to stay
KANANASKIS -- Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says while separatist agitation bubbles away in Alberta – and even in his own province -- his party stands with Confederation.
Eby questions western Canadian premiers meeting agenda amid Alberta separation talk
British Columbia Premier David Eby says he's wondering why western Canadian premiers are meeting in Alberta to talk co-operation when the host premier wants to test separation. "To say that this is the worst time to begin testing the bonds that hold this country together is a significant understatement," he said. "It empowers the people who would break our country...
Western Canadian premiers set to meet in Alberta as province grapples with separatism
Premiers from Western Canada and the northern territories are set to gather in Alberta to discuss business, trade and their neighbouring relationships, all while the host province stews over a monumental question of quitting Confederation. The annual western premiers conference runs Monday and Tuesday in Kananaskis, west of Calgary. Sam Blackett, a spokesperson for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's office, says...
Alberta is to vote on whether to hold a separation referendum. Here's how we got here
Premier Danielle Smith announced Thursday that Albertans will be going to the polls Oct. 19 to vote on whether there should be a future binding referendum on the province quitting Canada. Here's a timeline of pivotal moments in Alberta's separatism debate: Oct. 28, 1980 -- The federal government ignites widespread alienation in Alberta with the National Energy Program, which seeks...
Alberta is to vote on whether to hold a separation referendum. Here's how we got here
Premier Danielle Smith announced Thursday that Albertans will be going to the polls Oct. 19 to vote on whether there should be a future binding referendum on the province quitting Canada.
Snowbirds aerobatic team grounded until early 2030s while new planes purchased
MOOSE JAW -- The federal government says the Canadian Forces Snowbirds team is being grounded until the early 2030s while its aging planes are replaced.
Snowbirds grounded until early 2030s while new planes built
MOOSE JAW -- The federal government says the Canadian Forces Snowbirds team is being grounded until the early 2030s while its aging planes are replaced.
Calgary city council votes to cut back on water use, fix leaky pipes in new plan
CALGARY -- Alberta's largest city has laid out new plans to reinforce its flawed water system by instituting new limits on lawn watering and putting funds toward sealing leaky pipes.
Calgary and its city manager agree to part ways as search begins for replacement
CALGARY -- Calgary is on the hunt for a new city manager.
Calgary councillors, Gondek not focus of RCMP investigation: mayor
CALGARY -- Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas says he believes past and present councillors -- including former mayor Joyti Gondek -- are not at the centre of an ongoing police investigation after some of their devices were seized by officers.
Calgary looks to repeal blanket rezoning as it considers how best to improve housing
CALGARY -- Calgary city councillors worked through a gauntlet of speakers Monday in the latest round of debate over a contentious housing policy and whether it has worked to alleviate the housing shortage in Alberta's largest city.
Alberta to shutter supervised drug consumption sites in Calgary, Lethbridge
CALGARY -- The Alberta government announced Friday it's shutting down the province's first-ever supervised drug consumption site.