Alberta Premier Danielle Smith last night thanked provincial voters for rejecting a referendum to pursue independence. It was the first vote of its kind nationwide since a 1995 Québec referendum: "Thank you to all." READ MORE
Vote Rebukes The Senate
The Liberal-appointed Senate yesterday faced an unprecedented rebuke after thousands of Albertans voted to abolish the Upper Chamber. It was the first referendum of its kind since Alberta pioneered Senate elections 37 years ago: "The Senate continues to lose credibility as an institution." READ MORE
Blaze Followed 2021 Warning
A disastrous fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Alta. followed a 2021 warning from auditors that safety programs in the military were haphazard and lacked proper oversight, including protection against fire risks. Casualties at Wainwright numbered 43 with four dead: "Are you comfortable with the military investigating itself?" READ MORE
Canada Still Short Of Nurses
Nursing shortages persist nationwide despite federal programs to hire foreign nurses, Statistics Canada data showed yesterday. The agency said the shortage as measured through job vacancy rates has increased fivefold in the past decade: "Vacancy rates remained highest among licensed practical nurses at 12 percent." READ MORE
Donor Hero’s Bill Gets OK
A private bill to have Parliament award medals to living organ donors yesterday passed the Senate human rights committee. The bill cleared the Commons by unanimous vote last April 22 on its sponsor’s appeal to do “a great thing.” READ MORE
Pension Put $9.5B In Alberta
The Canada Pension Plan invested billions in Alberta prior to today’s referendum that asks residents if they'd pursue independence. Holdings total $9.5 billion according to filings, mainly in energy stocks: "Should Alberta remain a province of Canada?" READ MORE
RCMP Destroyed Nazi Files
The Mounties in 1979 destroyed evidence on Nazi collaborators and suspected war criminals in Canada, newly-released records show. The misconduct was “similar to the destruction of police files on Nazis in South America,” said an internal federal report. READ MORE
Guest Commentary
I have served in the legislature, provincial cabinet and House of Commons but none are as maligned as the Senate. Many Canadians do not understand or appreciate what the Senate does or why, or the importance of its work. The scandals don’t help. Yes, the Senate has made mistakes. Canadians are questioning why the Senate is even necessary. There’s no question Canadians have lost confidence in the accountability of Senators.
