All posts tagged: Alberta

Mark Carney warns of Brexit-like regret if Alberta leaves Canada

Mark Carney warns of Brexit-like regret if Alberta leaves Canada

Published by Sam Flores

Mark Carney, Canada’s prime minister, during a news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on Thursday, May 14, 2026. David Kawai | Bloomberg | Getty Images Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has labeled oil-rich Alberta’s separatist movement a “dangerous bluff” that echoes the U.K.’s Brexit vote of 2016. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa on Monday, Carney shared “an observation from experience.” “In these separation issues, it is often advanced that, ‘vote for this and it’s a free option. Vote for this and we will strengthen our hand in future negotiations.’ That is a very dangerous bluff,” he said. “I saw first-hand what happened in the United Kingdom when the view was, ‘vote for this it’ll be soft and then we’ll negotiate.’ And they’re still, 10 years later, trying to undo what people didn’t think they were voting for but what they ended up having.” Last week, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced plans for the province to hold a non-binding vote on whether to remain a part of Canada or move ahead with a second binding vote on …

Oil-rich province to vote on whether to separate from Canada

Oil-rich province to vote on whether to separate from Canada

Published by Sam Flores

A view of the Syncrude refinery at its Mildred Lake facility, which has a capacity of bitumen conversion to synthetic crude oil of 350,000 barrels per day, in the Wood Buffalo municipality of Alberta, Canada, on May 5, 2026. Daphne Lemelin | Afp | Getty Images Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced plans for the oil-rich province to hold a non-binding vote in the fall on whether its residents wish to remain a part of Canada — or move ahead with a second binding vote on separation. The move marks the first time in Canadian history that a province other than Quebec has put the question of separation to the public and comes after months of campaigning from a group of separatists. Speaking during a televised address on Thursday evening, Alberta’s Smith said she supports the province remaining in Canada and would vote as such in a provincial referendum. “However, despite my personal support for remaining in Canada, I’m deeply troubled by an erroneous court decision that interferes with the democratic rights of hundreds of …

What’s behind the secessionist movement in the Canadian province Alberta? | Politics News

What’s behind the secessionist movement in the Canadian province Alberta? | Politics News

Published by Sam Flores

Secessionists in the western Canadian province of Alberta recently announced that they have gathered enough signatures to launch a referendum on independence from the rest of the country. Leading secessionists said that they formally submitted about 300,000 signatures to election authorities earlier this week, far more than the 178,000 required for the province to consider a referendum. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list “This day is historic in Alberta history,” secessionist leader Mitch Sylvestre said. “It’s the first step to the next step — we’ve gotten by Round 3, and now we’re in the Stanley Cup final,” he added, referring to a hockey championship tournament. Even if a vote were in favour of independence, an uncertain and protracted process would follow, including possible legal challenges and negotiations with the federal government. But the possibility of a referendum has brought renewed attention to Alberta’s longstanding frustrations with federal power in Canada and calls for greater autonomy. What is driving Alberta’s secessionist movement? What are the prospects of success for the referendum, and what could …

Alberta approves 28 operators ahead of regulated online gambling market launch

Alberta approves 28 operators ahead of regulated online gambling market launch

Published by skeptic

Alberta is moving closer to the launch of its regulated online gambling market after provincial regulators approved 28 operators to enter the province ahead of the July 13 opening date. An updated list released by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission includes several of the biggest sportsbook brands active across North America. BallyBet, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet Canada, and theScore Bet all appeared on the regulator’s latest roster. Albertans will still have access to PlayAlberta, the government-run betting platform that currently operates in the province. Regulators also expect additional operators to join after launch, as Alberta continues efforts to shift gray-market gambling activity into the legal system. A market designed to compete quickly The commission’s update also identified 22 approved Critical Gaming Service Providers as of May 1. That group includes major industry suppliers such as IGT and Light and Wonder, which provide technology and gaming infrastructure for sportsbook and casino operators. Alberta’s government has been preparing for market expansion for months as officials look to create a framework similar to …

Alberta online gambling expansion sparks concern among First Nations casino operators

Alberta online gambling expansion sparks concern among First Nations casino operators

Published by skeptic

Alberta is moving ahead with plans to expand online gambling, a shift that is already raising concern among some First Nations leaders who rely heavily on revenue from brick-and-mortar casinos. The province is aiming to launch its new iGaming system on July 13 after passing the iGaming Alberta Act, which establishes a framework allowing private companies to operate under provincial regulation. Officials say the goal is to bring structure to a market where a significant share of betting already takes place through offshore or unregulated platforms. The expansion comes as global gambling operators prepare to enter the province. Companies such as DraftKings are already positioning themselves for Alberta’s opening market, viewing it as part of a broader North American push into newly regulated jurisdictions. Concerns from First Nations over casino revenue Despite the economic ambitions behind the plan, the proposal is drawing criticism from Indigenous leaders who warn it could undermine land-based casino revenues that support essential community programs. One First Nations chief told CBC News the province has not gone far enough to protect …

Alberta Faces Proposed Censorship Legislation, and More Library News

Alberta Faces Proposed Censorship Legislation, and More Library News

Published by José Betancourt

Supportive Library Legislation Updates Illinois and Rhode Island each have pending legislation that would strengthen and support libraries in the state. Illinois’s proposed bill tackles the perpetual eBook problem and would stop publishers from overcharging libraries for digital materials, as well as limit the number of eBook software licenses a library can purchase. Rhode Island’s bill, meanwhile, would require every public school in the state to have a dedicated library and a certified school librarian. Of course, the big question for Rhode Island revolves around funding, but I still appreciate seeing bills like this that recognize the importance of school libraries for all students. Check Your Shelf Sign up to receive Check Your Shelf, the Librarian’s One-Stop Shop For News, Book Lists, And More. Subscribe to Selected No Thanks Book Bans Reach Canada Obviously, the US isn’t the only country dealing with book bans and censorship issues, but we’re starting to see a lot of noise coming out of Alberta recently. Proposed legislation would modify Alberta’s existing laws and allow the Municipal Affairs Minister to …

DraftKings Alberta entry signals Canada gambling market legal shift ahead

DraftKings Alberta entry signals Canada gambling market legal shift ahead

Published by skeptic

DraftKings is lining up for Alberta, and the timing says as much as the announcement itself. The company disclosed on Thursday (April 16) that it plans to bring its sportsbook and casino products to the province, subject to licensing. Alberta is preparing to open a private online market, making it only the second province after Ontario to take that route. Today, @DraftKings announced its intent to launch its online sports betting and casino products in Alberta, Canada, pending licensure and regulatory approval. If granted approval, DraftKings Sportsbook and Casino intends to be available on the province’s anticipated universal… pic.twitter.com/lvUuYX7MbO — DraftKings News (@DraftKingsNews) April 16, 2026 In its release, DraftKings said it “today announced its intent to launch its online sports betting and casino products in Alberta, Canada, pending licensure and regulatory approval.” The company added: “If granted approval, DraftKings Sportsbook and Casino intends to be available on the province’s anticipated universal launch date of July 13, 2026, as set by the AGLC.” The planned debut arrives while Canada’s courts are still debating whether Ontario’s …

PointsBet starts Alberta iGaming registration after AGLC regulatory approval granted officially

PointsBet starts Alberta iGaming registration after AGLC regulatory approval granted officially

Published by skeptic

PointsBet has begun the registration process to operate in Alberta’s iGaming market As a result of the announcement, PointsBet can now begin the process of setting up its digital stall across the province and fire up its marketing efforts to sway a new crowd of potential bettors. The green light from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has enabled the latter part of PointsBet’s setup and operations. PointsBet expands in Canada The news, published as an official statement by PointsBet, indicates that, in the wake of the MIXI takeover saga, the brand is looking to expand in a nation that has already provided 26% growth for the company. One interesting thing about the forthcoming Alberta iGaming market is that operators can start signing up customers when they apply for a license. No deposits yet, though. Here, for example, is @PointsBetCanada announcing AB pre-reg is now open for customers: pic.twitter.com/tANclBf89H — Geoff Zochodne (@GeoffZochodne) February 3, 2026 “The company is proud to have built an authentically Canadian sportsbook, supported by Canadian employees and designed specifically …

US seeks to use Alberta to destabilize Canada

US seeks to use Alberta to destabilize Canada

Published by Sam Flores

US President Donald Trump speaks to the press alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during their meeting at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, on June 16, 2025. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP The threat has shifted. While Europeans breathed a sigh of relief at US President Donald Trump’s recent retreat on Greenland, Canada has now become the target. The US administration has set its sights on the province of Alberta, an energy hub in western Canada that accounts for 90% of national oil production. “Alberta is a natural partner for the US,” declared Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on January 22 during his visit to Davos, Switzerland, as if referring to a fully sovereign state. Notably, he was responding to MAGA influencer Jack Posobiec, a prominent Christian nationalist. “People are talking. People want sovereignty. They want what the US has got,” Bessent noted. Bessent was referring to a campaign launched at the start of January to collect nearly 178,000 signatures in the province, aiming to organize a referendum on independence, asking the question: “Do you …