Lisa Johnson

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 Lisa Johnson.

Alberta Next panel set to begin hearings on public concerns with federal government

Alberta Next panel set to begin hearings on public concerns with federal government

EDMONTON -- Premier Danielle Smith's hand-picked panel hearing how to fix relations with the federal government is set to get down to work this week with back-to-back town halls.

Alberta's transgender ban in women's sports exempts visiting out-of-province athletes

Alberta's transgender ban in women's sports exempts visiting out-of-province athletes

EDMONTON -- Alberta is rolling out new regulations this fall banning transgender athletes from playing women's sports, but the province will still welcome out-of-province transgender competitors.

Alberta to ban explicit sex books in school libraries starting Oct. 1

Alberta to ban explicit sex books in school libraries starting Oct. 1

EDMONTON -- Alberta's education minister says sexually explicit content must be gone from school library shelves as of Oct. 1, but the move is not about book banning.

Alberta bans explicit sex books in school libraries starting Oct. 1

Alberta bans explicit sex books in school libraries starting Oct. 1

EDMONTON -- Alberta's education minister says sexually explicit content must be gone from school library shelves as of Oct. 1, but the move is not about book banning.

Alberta bans explicit sex books in schools, limits who reads about kissing, hugging

Alberta bans explicit sex books in schools, limits who reads about kissing, hugging

EDMONTON -- Alberta's education minister says sexually explicit content must be gone from school library shelves as of Oct. 1, but says the announcement is not about book banning.

Estranged United Conservative MLAs aim to create new party to challenge Premier Smith

Estranged United Conservative MLAs aim to create new party to challenge Premier Smith

EDMONTON -- Two sitting Alberta legislature members kicked out of Premier Danielle Smith's governing United Conservative caucus seek to form a rival party to challenge her.

Former United Conservative MLAs resuscitating Alberta's once-dominant PC Party

Former United Conservative MLAs resuscitating Alberta's once-dominant PC Party

EDMONTON -- Two former members of Alberta's governing United Conservative Party are resuscitating the province's once-dominant Progressive Conservative Party.

Amid calls for separation, Alberta's new referendum rules set to formally take effect

Amid calls for separation, Alberta's new referendum rules set to formally take effect

EDMONTON -- As Canada prepares Tuesday to blow out 158 birthday candles, Alberta plans three days later to formalize rules making it easier to have an independence celebration of its own.

Alberta company at the centre of allegations on health contracts urges audit release

Alberta company at the centre of allegations on health contracts urges audit release

EDMONTON -- An Alberta company swept up in allegations of government corruption says it's being further harmed by the suppression of a report it believes could clear the name of its CEO.

Alberta company at the centre of corruption allegations calls for release of audit

Alberta company at the centre of corruption allegations calls for release of audit

EDMONTON -- An Alberta company swept up in allegations of government corruption says it's being further harmed by the suppression of a report it believes will exonerate them.

Alberta's auditor general granted extra $1M for health procurement probe

Alberta's auditor general granted extra $1M for health procurement probe

EDMONTON -- Alberta's auditor general has been granted his request for nearly $1 million in extra funding to dig deeper into allegations of corruption in private health care contracts.

Alberta NDP Leader Nenshi fighting for seat in one of three byelections

Alberta NDP Leader Nenshi fighting for seat in one of three byelections

EDMONTON -- Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is looking to finally win a seat in the legislature after a year of sitting on the sidelines.

Alberta voters to decide today if NDP's Nenshi, separatists to hold legislature seats

Alberta voters to decide today if NDP's Nenshi, separatists to hold legislature seats

EDMONTON -- Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi is looking to finally win a seat in the legislature after a year of sitting on the sidelines.

Alberta doctors association raises concerns over premier limiting free COVID vaccines

Alberta doctors association raises concerns over premier limiting free COVID vaccines

EDMONTON -- The organization representing Alberta doctors is joining health-care unions in raising concerns over Premier Danielle Smith's decision to charge most Albertans for a COVID-19 vaccination this fall.

Health-care unions calling for Alberta government to halt plan to limit free vaccines

Health-care unions calling for Alberta government to halt plan to limit free vaccines

EDMONTON -- Two of Alberta's health-care workers' unions are calling on Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government to reverse its policy forcing many -- including front-line medical staff -- to pay for a COVID-19 vaccination.

Alberta premier defends charging most Albertans for COVID-19 vaccines

Alberta premier defends charging most Albertans for COVID-19 vaccines

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government's new policy forcing many Albertans to pay out of pocket for a COVID-19 vaccination is about focusing on those who need it the most.

Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith to greet world leaders arriving in province for G7

Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith to greet world leaders arriving in province for G7

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to greet world leaders when they arrive at the Calgary airport for the G7 summit.

Former Alberta health agency CEO asks for speedy ruling in lawsuit against government

Former Alberta health agency CEO asks for speedy ruling in lawsuit against government

EDMONTON -- A former health-care agency leader is asking a judge to deliver a quick decision on her wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the Alberta government, but the province says it will push back.

Prime Minister Carney and Alberta Premier Smith won't take in Stanley Cup Game 5

Prime Minister Carney and Alberta Premier Smith won't take in Stanley Cup Game 5

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's office says she and Prime Minister Mark Carney won't be watching the Edmonton Oilers battle the Florida Panthers on home ice Saturday.

Alberta teachers vote 95 per cent in favour of strike action as talks continue

Alberta teachers vote 95 per cent in favour of strike action as talks continue

EDMONTON -- The union representing Alberta teachers says members have voted 95 per cent in favour of strike action and they could hit the picket lines in the next four months.

Premier Smith visits rural Alberta to lend voice to local byelection candidate

Premier Smith visits rural Alberta to lend voice to local byelection candidate

THREE HILLS -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is winning applause but also facing pointed questions from party members ahead of three byelections.

Separatist Alberta Republican Party cries foul after byelection debate is cancelled

Separatist Alberta Republican Party cries foul after byelection debate is cancelled

EDMONTON -- The separatist Republican Party of Alberta is crying foul over a cancelled debate in a central Alberta byelection, suggesting the governing United Conservative Party is dodging democracy.

Alberta Premier Smith says she's invited Prime Minister Carney to Oilers game

Alberta Premier Smith says she's invited Prime Minister Carney to Oilers game

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she has invited Prime Minister Mark Carney to watch an Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup Final game.

Alberta premier's former chief of staff suing fired health CEO, news outlet

Alberta premier's former chief of staff suing fired health CEO, news outlet

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's former chief of staff is suing the fired CEO of the province's front-line health agency and the newspaper that first reported allegations of corruption in multimillion-dollar health contracts.

Onion Lake Cree Nation to proceed with its legal challenge of Alberta sovereignty act

Onion Lake Cree Nation to proceed with its legal challenge of Alberta sovereignty act

EDMONTON -- Alberta's bill lowering the bar for a separation referendum has spurred a First Nation to push ahead with a legal challenge against the premier's flagship sovereignty act.

Onion Lake Cree Nation to proceed with legal challenge of Alberta sovereignty act

Onion Lake Cree Nation to proceed with legal challenge of Alberta sovereignty act

EDMONTON -- Alberta's bill lowering the bar for a separation referendum has spurred a First Nation to push ahead with a legal challenge against the premier's flagship sovereignty act.

Alberta government amends referendum bill in effort to placate First Nations' concern

Alberta government amends referendum bill in effort to placate First Nations' concern

EDMONTON — Alberta’s government has made 11th-hour changes to controversial proposed legislation, declaring that no separation referendum question could threaten First Nations' existing treaty rights.

Alberta's premier says new environment minister a 'step in the wrong direction'

Alberta's premier says new environment minister a 'step in the wrong direction'

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the appointment of Julie Dabrusin as Canada's new environment minister is a bad idea that forecasts renewed federal opposition to oil and gas development.

Alberta premier's chief of staff criticizes new federal environment minister

Alberta premier's chief of staff criticizes new federal environment minister

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's chief of staff is sounding the alarm over Prime Minister Mark Carney's pick to head up the government's environment portfolio.

AFN chief calls for review of natural resource deals amid talk of Alberta separation

AFN chief calls for review of natural resource deals amid talk of Alberta separation

EDMONTON -- The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is calling for a federal review of nearly century-old natural resource transfer agreements in response to Alberta's government opening the door to a separation referendum.

Alberta chief electoral officer warns UCP proposals will hurt investigative ability

Alberta chief electoral officer warns UCP proposals will hurt investigative ability

EDMONTON -- Alberta's chief electoral officer is warning the government that proposed legislation will impair the election commissioner's power to investigate election rule breaking.

Alberta chief electoral officer warns UCP proposed bill will hurt investigations

Alberta chief electoral officer warns UCP proposed bill will hurt investigations

EDMONTON -- Alberta's chief electoral officer is warning the government that proposed legislation will impair the election commissioner's power to investigate election rule breaking.

Danielle Smith dismisses Doug Ford's warning against separatist threats from Alberta

Danielle Smith dismisses Doug Ford's warning against separatist threats from Alberta

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is urging her Ontario counterpart Doug Ford to mind his own business when it comes to talk of separating from Canada.

Alberta premier promises separation referendum in 2026 if petition signatures warrant

Alberta premier promises separation referendum in 2026 if petition signatures warrant

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she would hold a referendum on provincial separation next year if citizens gather the required signatures on a petition.

CP NewsAlert: Alberta premier promises separation referendum if signatures warrant

CP NewsAlert: Alberta premier promises separation referendum if signatures warrant

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she would hold a referendum on provincial separation next year if citizens gather the required signatures on a petition.

Alberta NDP votes to allow opting out of federal party membership

Alberta NDP votes to allow opting out of federal party membership

EDMONTON -- Alberta's New Democratic Party has voted overwhelmingly to cut traditional membership ties with its federal counterpart.

Alberta NDP vote to allow opting out of federal party membership

Alberta NDP vote to allow opting out of federal party membership

EDMONTON -- Alberta's New Democratic Party has voted overwhelmingly to cut traditional membership ties with its federal counterpart.

Alberta NDP vote to allow opting out of federal party membership

Alberta NDP vote to allow opting out of federal party membership

EDMONTON -- Alberta's New Democratic Party has voted overwhelmingly to cut traditional membership ties with its federal counterpart.

Alberta Premier Smith punts suggestions she's stoking separatism talk

Alberta Premier Smith punts suggestions she's stoking separatism talk

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is deflecting accusations that she's stoking the fires of separatism, despite her government moving to lower the bar for holding a referendum.

Nenshi says Alberta premier's efforts backfired on the federal Conservative party

Nenshi says Alberta premier's efforts backfired on the federal Conservative party

EDMONTON -- In the wake of a federal election that saw the Liberals form a minority government, Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says it's clear Premier Danielle Smith's efforts to defuse a cross-border trade war backfired on the federal Conservative party.

Alberta Premier Smith congratulates Carney, warns him against future 'hostile acts'

Alberta Premier Smith congratulates Carney, warns him against future 'hostile acts'

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has delivered a note of congratulations -- along with a sharply worded warning and a blanket condemnation -- to Prime Minister Mark Carney and his new Liberal government.

Former Alberta cabinet minister calls government health contract probe 'whitewashing'

Former Alberta cabinet minister calls government health contract probe 'whitewashing'

EDMONTON -- A former Alberta cabinet minister says an investigation called by Premier Danielle Smith's government into multimillion-dollar health contracts looks like a "whitewashing" exercise.

Former Alberta minister details allegation Premier Smith purposely misled cabinet

Former Alberta minister details allegation Premier Smith purposely misled cabinet

EDMONTON -- An outspoken member of Alberta's legislature, booted from the United Conservative Party caucus, is airing more detailed allegations of what he calls government deception over a health-care contract scandal.

Alberta pauses some of its fight-back plan against the U.S. amid tariff dispute

Alberta pauses some of its fight-back plan against the U.S. amid tariff dispute

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government is pausing the procurement policy it announced more than a month ago to fight U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs.

Smith's Alberta government unveils promised mandatory addiction treatment law

Smith's Alberta government unveils promised mandatory addiction treatment law

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government has introduced promised legislation to allow for people to be forced into addiction treatment facilities.

Alberta's Smith resists calls from NDP to pull lawyers from health probe process

Alberta's Smith resists calls from NDP to pull lawyers from health probe process

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says hiring lawyers to funnel requests from the auditor general isn't meant to obstruct an investigation into multimillion-dollar health contracts - it's about helping get to the truth.

Alberta government and auditor at odds over lawyer involvement in health probe

Alberta government and auditor at odds over lawyer involvement in health probe

EDMONTON -- The Alberta government and its auditor general are at odds over the province's decision to bring its lawyers directly into the investigation surrounding multimillion-dollar health contracts.

Nenshi calls proposed Alberta cut of council conduct rules 'an affront' to voters

Nenshi calls proposed Alberta cut of council conduct rules 'an affront' to voters

EDMONTON -- Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says the government's proposal to wipe out municipal councils' codes of conduct could create a free-for-all of delinquency and grift.

Alberta moves to restrict public boards' power to police trustees, councilors

Alberta moves to restrict public boards' power to police trustees, councilors

EDMONTON -- The Alberta United Conservative government introduced two bills Tuesday to reduce the self-policing powers of elected public school boards and municipal councils.

Alberta Health Services halts plan to reduce patient food, drinks after pushback

Alberta Health Services halts plan to reduce patient food, drinks after pushback

EDMONTON -- The head of Alberta Health Services says the agency is halting a proposed food-reduction policy after public outcry over patients potentially being cut off from snacks and drinks.

Smith heads to Florida for controversial U.S. fundraising event at secret location

Smith heads to Florida for controversial U.S. fundraising event at secret location

EDMONTON -- Premier Danielle Smith arrived somewhere in south Florida on Thursday to represent Alberta in a controversial fundraiser for a right-wing U.S. organization - but neither side would disclose the location.

Moe backs Alberta Premier Smith's controversial U.S. advocacy efforts

Moe backs Alberta Premier Smith's controversial U.S. advocacy efforts

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's efforts to defuse an escalating trade war with the United States should be commended.

Alberta Premier Smith rejects criticism U.S. meetings amount to treason

Alberta Premier Smith rejects criticism U.S. meetings amount to treason

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, dressed in red and white and quoting Winston Churchill, stood in the legislature Wednesday to denounce those who accuse her of "treason" by cosying up to U.S. influencers and officials who wish to do Canada harm.

Amid calls to cancel, Alberta's Smith stands by plan to go to U.S. fundraiser

Amid calls to cancel, Alberta's Smith stands by plan to go to U.S. fundraiser

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending her plan to fly to Florida to appear at an event alongside a far-right U.S. influencer who calls Canada "a silly country," saying it is her duty to do everything she can to reach out to Americans to prevent tariffs.

Amid calls to cancel, Alberta's Smith stands by plan to go to U.S. fundraiser

Amid calls to cancel, Alberta's Smith stands by plan to go to U.S. fundraiser

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending her plan to fly to Florida to appear at an event alongside a far-right U.S. influencer who calls Canada "a silly country," saying it is her duty to do everything she can to reach out to Americans to prevent tariffs.

Longtime Edmonton Alberta NDP MLA is resigning his provincial seat

Longtime Edmonton Alberta NDP MLA is resigning his provincial seat

EDMONTON -- A longtime Alberta New Democrat member of the legislature is resigning his seat, sparking what will be the third provincial byelection in Alberta since the 2023 provincial vote.

Alberta doctors say province seeks to cut $400M in billing fees

Alberta doctors say province seeks to cut $400M in billing fees

EDMONTON -- The Alberta government wants to cut more than $400 million in the fees it pays to doctors, according to a confidential memo obtained by The Canadian Press.

Alberta doctors say province seeks to cut $400M in cuts to billing fees

Alberta doctors say province seeks to cut $400M in cuts to billing fees

EDMONTON -- The Alberta government wants to cut more than $400 million in the fees it pays to doctors, according to a confidential memo obtained by The Canadian Press.

Alberta government backbencher booted from caucus over threat to vote against budget

Alberta government backbencher booted from caucus over threat to vote against budget

EDMONTON -- Alberta's governing United Conservatives have booted a rural backbencher from caucus following his public opposition to the government's proposed budget.

Alberta premier cuts off future alcohol from U.S. in tariff row, but no change to oil

Alberta premier cuts off future alcohol from U.S. in tariff row, but no change to oil

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her province will no longer buy American alcohol and video lottery terminals to retaliate in the ongoing tariff row with the United States.