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Matthew Scace

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 Matthew Scace.

Jason Kenney warns Alberta independence movement could become ‘a real factor’ in politics

Jason Kenney warns Alberta independence movement could become ‘a real factor’ in politics

Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney warned that while he believes the province’s secessionist movement isn’t likely to succeed, national unity could soon face a serious stress test if frustration with Ottawa drives more people to reject federalism. Onstage at The Globe and Mail’s Intersect 2026 conference in Toronto on Wednesday, Mr. Kenney described Quebec’s five-decade-long sovereignty debate as a “sterile...

  • 2026-04-23
  • — The Globe and Mail
Alberta separatists making alternative plans to force referendum if they lose court challenge

Alberta separatists making alternative plans to force referendum if they lose court challenge

Alberta separatists are making alternative plans to pressure Premier Danielle Smith’s government to call an independence referendum if a judge throws out their current efforts after a multiday hearing next week. Mitch Sylvestre is organizing an independence petition under Alberta’s Citizen Initiative Act. Mr. Sylvestre’s campaign needs 178,000 signatures to force a constitutional referendum. Earlier this week, Mr. Sylvestre declared...

  • 2026-04-04
  • — The Globe and Mail
Smith defends Alberta separatists after Eby’s ‘treason’ remarks

Smith defends Alberta separatists after Eby’s ‘treason’ remarks

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she won’t demonize the roughly one million Albertans who are open to separation after B.C. Premier David Eby said Alberta separatists who went to Washington in search of political support are engaged in treason.

  • 2026-01-29
  • — The Globe and Mail
Danielle Smith punts questions on health CEO’s election night appearance

Danielle Smith punts questions on health CEO’s election night appearance

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith pointed to her advisers when asked to explain how an Edmonton businessman whose contracts with the province’s health agency are now under scrutiny ended up in a hotel suite with her top lieutenants on the night of the 2023 provincial election. A Globe and Mail investigation published over the weekend examined the links between medical supply...

  • 2025-12-02
  • — The Globe and Mail
Details of Premier’s ties to businessman underscore need for public probe, Alberta NDP says

Details of Premier’s ties to businessman underscore need for public probe, Alberta NDP says

Alberta’s Official Opposition on Sunday said a Globe and Mail story documenting ties between Premier Danielle Smith’s government and an Edmonton businessman underscore the need for a public inquiry into the province’s health care procurement practices. New Democratic Party Leader Naheed Nenshi said The Globe’s investigation detailing links between executive Sam Mraiche and Ms. Smith’s government reveal “deep, deep, deep”...

  • 2025-12-01
  • — The Globe and Mail
Smith defends Ottawa energy deal at UCP convention

Smith defends Ottawa energy deal at UCP convention

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith walked a thin line at this weekend’s annual United Conservative convention trying to appease the pro-independence grassroots base of her party while simultaneously touting a new energy deal with her frequent foes in Ottawa. While the she faced loud boos attempting to sell her energy accord with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday, and a combination...

  • 2025-11-30
  • — The Globe and Mail
Smith's Alberta Next panel closes out tour in tense Calgary town hall

Smith's Alberta Next panel closes out tour in tense Calgary town hall

CALGARY -- Premier Danielle Smith's Alberta Next panel closed out its cross-province tour on a tense note in Calgary on Monday night as the premier heard from residents with grievances directed at Ottawa and her own government.

  • 2025-09-30
  • — Canadian Press
Smith Alberta Next panel to close out cross-province tour in Calgary

Smith Alberta Next panel to close out cross-province tour in Calgary

CALGARY -- Premier Danielle Smith and her Alberta Next panel are set to wrap up their cross-province tour tonight in Calgary.

  • 2025-09-29
  • — Canadian Press
'It's not us anymore': Renewables go from boom to bust in the wind capital of Canada

'It's not us anymore': Renewables go from boom to bust in the wind capital of Canada

In Pincher Creek, wind is king, roaring down the eastern Rockies, delivering power for generations, so much so the municipal district made a windmill part of its corporate logo. Not anymore. District Reeve Rick Lemire said the windmill image, which sits alongside other Alberta icons on the logo -- a wild rose, wheat, a pumpjack and cattle -- will soon...

  • 2025-09-28
  • — Canadian Press
'It's not us anymore': Renewables go from boom to bust in the wind capital of Canada

'It's not us anymore': Renewables go from boom to bust in the wind capital of Canada

PINCHER CREEK -- In Pincher Creek, wind is king, roaring down the eastern Rockies, delivering power for generations, so much so the municipal district made a windmill part of its corporate logo.

  • 2025-09-28
  • — Canadian Press
Smith greeted with support Alberta Next panel stop in Airdrie

Smith greeted with support Alberta Next panel stop in Airdrie

AIRDRIE -- Premier Danielle Smith and her Alberta Next panel met another friendly audience at a packed town hall in Airdrie on Monday night, where the crowd cheered for separation and voted enthusiastically for the province's proposals for greater autonomy from Ottawa.

  • 2025-09-16
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta Next panel, seeking input on federal grievances, hosts town hall in Airdrie

Alberta Next panel, seeking input on federal grievances, hosts town hall in Airdrie

Premier Danielle Smith's Alberta Next panel is in Airdrie tonight, as she marches through a final stretch of town halls surveying the public on the province's relationship with the federal government. It's the eighth of 10 in-person town halls scheduled for the panel, which has been travelling across Alberta since mid-July to address grievances Smith says are fostering separatist sentiment.

  • 2025-09-15
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta Next panel, seeking input on federal grievances, hosts town hall in Airdrie

Alberta Next panel, seeking input on federal grievances, hosts town hall in Airdrie

AIRDRIE -- Premier Danielle Smith's Alberta Next panel is in Airdrie tonight, as she marches through a final stretch of town halls surveying the public on the province's relationship with the federal government.

  • 2025-09-15
  • — Canadian Press
Danielle Smith, Alberta Next panel received warmly by Lethbridge crowd in latest stop

Danielle Smith, Alberta Next panel received warmly by Lethbridge crowd in latest stop

LETHBRIDGE -- Premier Danielle Smith's Alberta Next panel faced a mostly supportive and inquisitive crowd at its latest stop Thursday night in Lethbridge as the group continues to take the public's temperature on the province's relationship with Ottawa.

  • 2025-09-12
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta Next panel reconvenes in Lethbridge as southern leg of tour continues

Alberta Next panel reconvenes in Lethbridge as southern leg of tour continues

LETHBRIDGE -- Premier Danielle Smith's Alberta Next panel is in Lethbridge tonight as she continues to take the public's temperature on the province's relationship with Ottawa.

  • 2025-09-11
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta, citing oil prices and U.S. trade woes, says budget deficit rising to $6.5B

Alberta, citing oil prices and U.S. trade woes, says budget deficit rising to $6.5B

The bad news for Alberta's oil-reliant budget is set to get worse. Finance Minister Nate Horner says softening oil prices mean this year's projected budget deficit is expected to grow by $1.3 billion, and will now finish at $6.5 billion in the red when the fiscal year ends next spring. That represents a massive multibillion-dollar swing in Alberta's financial fortunes...

  • 2025-08-28
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta, citing oil prices and U.S. trade woes, says budget deficit rising to $6.5B

Alberta, citing oil prices and U.S. trade woes, says budget deficit rising to $6.5B

CALGARY -- The bad news for Alberta's oil-reliant budget is set to get worse.

  • 2025-08-28
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta municipal candidates weigh options with financial advantages given to parties

Alberta municipal candidates weigh options with financial advantages given to parties

CALGARY -- This year, municipal candidates in Calgary and Edmonton face a decision they've never had to make: whether to join a political party.

  • 2025-08-25
  • — Canadian Press
Jasper marks one year since thousands fled wildfire on one road out in dark of night

Jasper marks one year since thousands fled wildfire on one road out in dark of night

JASPER, ALTA. -- One year to the day a wind-whipped fire forced thousands to flee in the dark of night along one smoke-choked road, the mayor of Jasper acknowledged it was a moment of remembrance that some would much rather forget.

  • 2025-07-22
  • — Canadian Press
Jasper marks one year since thousands flee wildfire on one road out in dark of night

Jasper marks one year since thousands flee wildfire on one road out in dark of night

JASPER, ALTA. -- One year to the day a wind-whipped fire forced thousands to flee in the dark of night along one smoke-choked road, the mayor of Jasper acknowledged it was a day of remembrance that some would much rather forget.

  • 2025-07-22
  • — Canadian Press
'Full box of emotions': Rebuild progress slow in Jasper one year after wildfire

'Full box of emotions': Rebuild progress slow in Jasper one year after wildfire

After 45 years in their Jasper home, it took mere minutes for Wes Bradford's quaint mountain abode to burn to a pile of ash.

  • 2025-07-20
  • — Canadian Press
'What are you doing here?': Carney makes first Stampede visit as prime minister

'What are you doing here?': Carney makes first Stampede visit as prime minister

Canada's new prime minister, best known as a buttoned-down banker, donned a cowboy hat and toured the stables Friday evening at the Calgary Stampede. Over an hour-long tour winding through the rodeo grounds, Mark Carney crawled into a tank, snacked at food stations and posed for dozens of selfies, marking his first visit to the Stampede as prime minister.

  • 2025-07-05
  • — Canadian Press
'What are you doing here?': Carney makes first Stampede visit as prime minister

'What are you doing here?': Carney makes first Stampede visit as prime minister

CALGARY -- Canada's new prime minister, best known as a buttoned-down banker, donned a cowboy hat and toured the stables Friday evening at the Calgary Stampede.

  • 2025-07-04
  • — Canadian Press
'Political petting zoo': Politicos arrive to flip pancakes at Calgary Stampede

'Political petting zoo': Politicos arrive to flip pancakes at Calgary Stampede

CALGARY -- The first political pancakes have been flipped as party leaders from around Canada gather for the Calgary Stampede.

  • 2025-07-03
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta Next survey asks if province should withhold social help for some immigrants

Alberta Next survey asks if province should withhold social help for some immigrants

CALGARY -- Whether Alberta should withhold social services from some immigrants is among the issues Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is tabling for debate this summer when she travels the province to consult citizens on potential referendum questions.

  • 2025-06-25
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta Next survey asks if province should withhold social services for immigrants

Alberta Next survey asks if province should withhold social services for immigrants

Whether Alberta should withhold social services from immigrants is among the issues Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is tabling for debate this summer when she travels the province to consult citizens on potential referendum questions. The tour is part of what Smith has dubbed the "Alberta Next" panel. At a news conference Tuesday, she announced details of its work and named...

  • 2025-06-24
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta Next survey asks if province should withhold social services for immigrants

Alberta Next survey asks if province should withhold social services for immigrants

CALGARY -- Whether Alberta should withhold social services from immigrants is among the issues Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is tabling for debate this summer when she travels the province to consult citizens on potential referendum questions.

  • 2025-06-24
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta Next panel announced with legislature members, academics and business leaders

Alberta Next panel announced with legislature members, academics and business leaders

CALGARY -- Premier Danielle Smith says she'll be spending the summer touring the province with business leaders, backbenchers and an academic to find ways to protect Alberta from what she calls federal mistreatment and overreach.

  • 2025-06-24
  • — Canadian Press
G7 leaders agree to 'charter' on wildfires, pledging global co-operation

G7 leaders agree to 'charter' on wildfires, pledging global co-operation

BANFF -- Leaders of the G7 have agreed to co-operate on efforts to manage the impacts of devastating wildfires, which are surging for another summer across Canada.

  • 2025-06-17
  • — Canadian Press
'I had higher expectations': In tourist town of Banff, G7 felt rather than seen

'I had higher expectations': In tourist town of Banff, G7 felt rather than seen

BANFF -- In her hometown of Banff, Alta., Monica Dominguez's experience of the G7 leaders' summit has been defined by the sound of helicopter blades humming from above.

  • 2025-06-17
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith faces raucous, angry town hall on province's coal policy

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith faces raucous, angry town hall on province's coal policy

Premier and several cabinet ministers shouted down by attendees. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and three of her ministers got an earful on Wednesday night from southern Alberta locals at a rowdy, hours-long town hall to discuss the province's coal policy. About 500 people, many dressed in cowboy hats, belt buckles, and jeans, packed a community hall in Fort Macleod, Alta....

  • 2025-06-12
  • — Canadian Press
Leaders should ignore Trump outbursts at G7 summit: Former PM Chretien

Leaders should ignore Trump outbursts at G7 summit: Former PM Chretien

Former prime minister Jean Chrétien says dignitaries attending next week's G7 leaders summit in Alberta should avoid engaging the "crazy" from U.S. President Donald Trump. Chrétien, speaking Thursday at a conference in Calgary, said leaders can't predict what Trump might do, the president can be a bully and it would be best if the rest of the G7 leaders ignored...

  • 2025-06-12
  • — Canadian Press
Leaders should ignore Trump outbursts at G7 summit: former PM Chrétien

Leaders should ignore Trump outbursts at G7 summit: former PM Chrétien

CALGARY -- Former prime minister Jean Chrétien says dignitaries attending the upcoming G7 leaders summit in Alberta should avoid engaging the "crazy" from U.S. President Donald Trump.

  • 2025-06-12
  • — Canadian Press
Kananaskis: An explainer on Alberta's cherished park and G7 host location

Kananaskis: An explainer on Alberta's cherished park and G7 host location

CALGARY -- For the next week, Derek Ryder will be temporarily divorced from his favourite mountain range and beloved trails in Kananaskis, Alta., so the world's most powerful people can safely gather for the G7 leaders summit.

  • 2025-06-11
  • — Canadian Press
Coal mines on Alberta's eastern slopes could push fishery 'beyond recovery': study

Coal mines on Alberta's eastern slopes could push fishery 'beyond recovery': study

CALGARY -- Old coal mines on the eastern slopes of the Alberta Rockies are leaching chemicals that are poisoning the fish downstream, says a new study by Alberta government scientists.

  • 2025-06-06
  • — Canadian Press
Kananaskis golf course getting ready for G7, possible Trump visit

Kananaskis golf course getting ready for G7, possible Trump visit

KANANASKIS -- Darren Robinson had some very important news to tell U.S. president George Bush and Jose Maria Aznar, the prime minister of Spain.

  • 2025-06-05
  • — Canadian Press
G7 finance ministers to discuss global economy, Ukraine at Banff summit

G7 finance ministers to discuss global economy, Ukraine at Banff summit

BANFF -- Top economic officials from the G7 are gathering for a full day of closed-door discussions in Banff, Alta., to examine pressing topics including the global economy and the war in Ukraine.

  • 2025-05-21
  • — Canadian Press
Separation referendum would be 'bad for the country': Calgary Chamber of Commerce

Separation referendum would be 'bad for the country': Calgary Chamber of Commerce

CALGARY -- The head of a group representing Calgary's business community says a referendum on separation would inflict grave damage on the economies of Alberta and Canada -- regardless of the result.

  • 2025-05-16
  • — Canadian Press
Calgary, Edmonton mayors call potential separatism referendum 'dangerous'

Calgary, Edmonton mayors call potential separatism referendum 'dangerous'

CALGARY -- Alberta's two big-city mayors say a separation referendum would be "devastating" to their local economies and is a needless distraction during a period in which the country should be focused on unity.

  • 2025-05-09
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta separation would send Canada into uncharted territory, say legal experts

Alberta separation would send Canada into uncharted territory, say legal experts

As separatist discontent bubbles up anew in Alberta, experts say a vote to sever ties with Canada would pitch the country into unexplored territory on everything from money to First Nations and national parks. "You're in terra incognita. You're off the map when we get to that stage of the proceedings," said law professor Eric Adams. "A lot of things...

  • 2025-05-08
  • — Canadian Press