Western Standard

Kenney calls for redivision of conservative voters over Alberta independence EDMONTON — Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says the UCP needs to eject party members who support Alberta independence, saying that both they and the federal Conservatives need to demonstrate their commitment to Canada.  "There's no doubt that those folks have infiltrated, and I think it's going to require, there will be, when this is done, a moment where there has to be a reckoning," said Kenney when speaking at an Edmonton Chamber of Commerce event on Tuesday.  "Either that party stands for its founding declaration on the commitment to Canada, upon which it has received a majority mandate twice. And if it does, these people have to be shown the door and told they're welcome to participate in democracy, but if their goal, primary goal, is separation, ... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

'THEY WILL NEVER PASS': Nenshi dismisses Alberta referendum proposals as ‘waste of time’ CALGARY — The leader of Alberta’s NDP is predicting the four constitutional reform proposals on the referendum ballot will “never pass,” saying that even if Albertans vote in favour of the measures, they will not accomplish anything. Naheed Nenshi dismissed Premier Danielle Smith’s proposed constitutional changes when speaking with reporters in Calgary on Tuesday, comparing them to former premier Jason Kenney’s 2021 referendum on removing equalization from the Canadian Constitution. “As for the four constitutional questions, they will never pass,” he stated. “They require seven or ten of the other provinces to agree, as well as the federal government. That will never happen. So why are we wasting our time with these?” Nenshi vows no more... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer, part of lung removed in surgery CALGARY — Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer and undergone surgery to remove part of his right lung. The Vatican announced Tuesday that the Pope, 71, underwent surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital after doctors identified a suspicious nodule in his lung. The diagnosis was confirmed as lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that develops in the cells lining the lungs. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung during an operation that reportedly lasted approximately 90 minutes. The procedure was completed without complications. The Pope is expected to remain hospitalized for approximately one week while doctors monitor his recovery. The diagnosis comes just days after Leo publicly acknowledged the discovery of a lung nodule, describing it ... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

Bonds taking fixed mortgage costs higher ahead of Bank of Canada decision With the Bank of Canada’s next rate announcement scheduled for Oct. 28, many fixed-rate mortgage holders may be waiting to see what the bank will do that might affect their mortgage rate.  However, bond markets have a more immediate effect on mortgages than the Bank of Canada; when bond yields increase, so do fixed mortgage rates and bond yields have increased recently and mortgage borrowers are paying more.  “Five-year government bond yields in Canada have climbed 20 basis points over the past month, and any borrower renewing or initiating a fixed-rate loan today is absorbing costs the central bank has yet to formally set,” says Canadian Mortgage Professional (CMP). “A global bond sell-off is driving yields higher across developed markets, (with) the US Feder... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

Nearly 80% of Canadians on board with EU 'associate member' ties Nearly 80% of Canadians are A-ok with becoming an EU "associate member," and making Canada's ties to the EU official. Reported by the Globe and Mail, the statistics were gathered by Nanos Research, which surveyed 1,057 Canadians during late September, asking them if they were on board with the EU entanglement. Four in five Canadians want to work towards closer ties with the EU, with 60% of those polled saying they fully support this and 21% saying they somewhat support the idea. This comes after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed "opening the door" to Canada becoming an "associate member" of the EU in mid-to-late September. In response, Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed a similar interest in getting Canada more involved in EU relations, telling them exactly ... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

HANNAFORD: Carney’s 'choose prosperity’ Thanksgiving illusion — we have tried, sir, we have tried A prime ministerial greeting for Thanksgiving Day is not the place to look for subtlety or detail. (Read it here.) These things are typically political pablum. And so was this.  Nevertheless, Mr. Carney’s patronizing message yesterday has attracted widespread media attention. It has been reported as directed to Albertans, restless as many are with the state of Confederation, as they prepare to vote on whether to have an independence referendum. But Albertans, whether in favour of or opposed to independence, were the one audience the prime minister didn’t address. His statement was empty of fact. Polite Albertans could call it aspirational. Down on the farm, it invites an agricultural metaphor. Anyway, it was an address to other Canadians, the message... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

FLANAGAN: When universities surrender to ‘Loudmouth’ and ‘Waterboy’ Tom Flanagan is a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Calgary. On September 29, I was one of two panellists at an event organized by the Calgary branch of Canadian Students for Free Speech. The other panellist was Drea Humphrey, a noted reporter for Rebel News. It was a Charlie Kirk-style event. We sat at a table in a high-traffic place on campus with large posters inviting students to come and debate with us whether Indian Residential Schools (IRS) constituted a genocide. Everything was set up with university approval. We started about noon, and for the first hour and a half, everything was calm, as a few students stopped by to debate. They all took the position that the IRS were genocidal, and Drea and I tried to supply evidence to the contrary. Nobod... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

‘CRYING WAS ROUTINE:' Freeland reveals Trudeau's woke cabinet culture OTTAWA — Crying ministers, comforting hugs and public scoldings over politically incorrect language were apparently part of life in Justin Trudeau's cabinet, according to former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland's new memoir. In Unreliable Boyfriend, released Tuesday, Freeland describes the atmosphere inside the Trudeau government, including an occasion when the former prime minister reprimanded a female minister for using the word “crazy.” “Crying was routine at cabinet meetings,” Freeland writes, according to excerpts reported in a review of the book. Tissues were kept on hand, and Trudeau sometimes offered hugs to ministers who became emotional. Freeland also recalls a meeting where “a very progressive female colleague” described something as “crazy,” prompting... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

New poll shows Liberals hold 21-point national lead, tied with Tories in Alberta A new poll from EKOS Research shows that the Liberal Party has held its substantial 21-point lead over the opposition Conservatives. The poll also highlighted regional gains for the Liberals with them leading by substantial margins in Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces and even showing them tied with the Conservatives in the Tory heartland of Alberta. Nationally, the Liberals were polled by EKOS at 47.2%, while the Tories were shown to be straggling behind, polling at just 26.4% nationally. The Liberals continue to poll well despite a somewhat resurgent NDP, who are polling at 15.3%, meaning that much of their vote gain has come at the expense of the Conservatives. EKOS poll showing the year-over-year results of their running national poll... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

Nenshi vows no more Alberta independence referendums, accusing Smith of changing the law CALGARY — Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi has told the Western Standard that there will be no further referendums on Alberta independence if he becomes premier. Speaking to the media before taking part in the first day of advance voting for the October 19 referendum on Tuesday, Nenshi said he hopes independence supporters suffer a decisive defeat but also acknowledged they could claim a political victory even if they lose. “I would love to see an 80%-20% or a 75%-25%,” he said when asked about his preferred outcome for the overall vote. “At the end of the day, what we really know is that the support for separatism hasn't grown at all. It's been the same for 20, 25 years. So, despite Premier Smith pandering to the separatists, despite... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

Alberta breaks ground on $2.9-billion Yellowhead Pipeline expected to support 2,000 jobs Construction is getting underway on Alberta’s $2.9-billion Yellowhead Pipeline, a major natural gas infrastructure project expected to support approximately 2,000 jobs and help generate $20 billion in industrial development. Premier Danielle Smith and Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean welcomed the groundbreaking, saying the project will strengthen Alberta’s energy infrastructure and support long-term economic growth. The project involves construction of 235 kilometres of pipeline and associated facilities, adding more than one billion cubic feet per day of natural gas transportation capacity. The additional capacity will supply Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, supporting industries including petrochemicals, manufacturing, hydrogen ... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

Chow’s lead over Bradford shrinks to under three points in new poll TORONTO — Olivia Chow’s lead over Brad Bradford has narrowed to under three points in a new Mainstreet Research poll, with the race now inside the margin of error two weeks before election day. The survey of 1,000 Toronto residents, taken Oct. 6 and 7, put the mayor at 40.8% and Bradford at 38.3% among all respondents, with 10% undecided. Among decided and leaning voters the gap was 2.9 points. In a head-to-head that excluded other names, Chow led 44.7% to 41.5%. The poll’s margin of error is ±3.1%, 19 times out of 20. Mainstreet’s previous snapshot, taken Sept. 28 and 29, had Chow ahead by roughly six points, at 38.1% to Bradford’s 32.2%, with Chris Alexander at 7.2%. Alexander suspended his campaign on Oct. 6. Quito Maggi, Mainstreet’s president, said the race is now comi... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

'ENJOY THE PERKS': Viral clip touts food banks as a grocery hack One viral social media clip exposing the abuse of food bank charities in Canada is sending many Canadians into a tizzy. The clip, whose original user's identity is unknown, shares with his audience the secret hack that allows people to "sav[e] 70% to 80%" on groceries. "I saved 70% to 80% on groceries last week as I got this much groceries free," the man in the video shares. He explains to his audience, which he infers are mostly newcomers to Canada: "So Canada has this food bank concept which work on the charity basis," he explains. > Immigrant scams Canadian food banksWe opened our doorsWelcomed them in with open arms They turn around and scam our programs The ones we provide for the most vulnerable And then teach others how to perpetuate their scam Empathy is goodSuicidal empathy... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

Pro-Alberta independence TPAs demand Elections Alberta allow nationalist and federalist scrutineers EDMONTON — Several nationalist third-party advertisers are demanding that Elections Alberta appoint both pro-independence and federalist scrutineers for Alberta's referendum, arguing that failing to do so will raise unnecessary questions about the vote's legitimacy. "I think in order for the results to be accepted by Albertans on either side, it needs to look at least fair, that everybody participated in it," said Jason Lavigne, head of The Lavigne Show TPA, in an interview with the Western Standard on Tuesday. "By removing TPAs, especially Option Two organizations, if the results come back as an Option One vote, it's going to be difficult for people to accept those results as is. We need to give the perceptio... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

WATCH: Man killed after jumping into UK tiger enclosure identified The man who died after jumping into a tiger enclosure at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster has been identified as William Chapman. The incident occurred at around midday this past Saturday when Chapman was seen by visitors to the wildlife park entering the enclosure of a rare Amur tiger named Altai. Visitors reported seeing Chapman, who was wearing headphones, pacing around the tiger enclosure before he climbed over a wall and entered the enclosure. He was apparently visiting the park on his own. It has since been revealed that he had recorded a video while inside the enclosure and posted it to his social media account. Once inside, videos taken by onlookers show the tiger approaching Chapman, who was behaving somewhat erratically. The tiger is then filmed biting Chapman on the back of the neck. Chapm... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

NDP urges Stelco nationalization, Poilievre rejects proposal, as layoffs set to continue OTTAWA — NDP Leader Avi Lewis is calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to nationalize Stelco to protect Canada's steel industry, putting him at odds with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who rejected government ownership of the company last week. Lewis issued the appeal Tuesday as Stelco's American owner, Cleveland-Cliffs, proceeds with layoffs affecting up to 500 workers at its Hamilton operations despite threats of legal action from Ottawa. “Canada cannot afford to lose its steel industry,” Lewis said. “That’s why today I am calling on Prime Minister Carney to nationalize Stelco and protect the jobs and industry our country depends on.” His proposal contrasts with comments Poilievre made during a media scrum Thursday, when a... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

WATCH: Woman filmed relieving herself beside road near Banff Springs Hotel CALGARY — A video circulating on social media appears to show a woman relieving herself beside a busy roadway near the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Toronto-based social media commentator Sonduren Fanarredha shared the footage on X on Monday, reacting to the apparent roadside incident. The video shows a woman wearing blue clothing crouching beside a grey SUV along the roadside, apparently relieving herself as vehicles pass nearby. The footage appears to have been recorded from inside another vehicle, with the woman partially obscured by the SUV. The original social media post reportedly identified the location as Lake Louise, but a commenter subsequently disputed that claim, suggesting the incident actually occurred near the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. > ... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

UFC champion Sean Strickland sparks Alberta independence buzz before Edmonton event CALGARY — The UFC’s middleweight champion is the latest public figure to wade into the waters of the Alberta independence debate. American fighter Sean Strickland has seemingly backed Alberta leaving Canada by posting “#freealberta” on the social media platform X on Monday — one week before the October 19 referendum vote on independence. > #freealberta > > — Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) October 12, 2026 He didn’t explain the post further, but the hashtag followed a message announcing his trip to Edmonton. “On the lighter side I'm going to corner the Alberta card this week,” Strickland said. “Any gyms in Edmonton? Heard you f*ckers like to have a good time. Where is the best scrapping at?!” One X user joked that “Canada won’t let you i... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

Stelco layoffs begin as Cliffs says it will fight Ottawa in court TORONTO — The first Stelco layoffs have taken effect in Hamilton, and the American owner of the plant says it will fight Ottawa in court rather than reverse them. Cleveland-Cliffs must give Industry Minister Mélanie Joly a plan Monday for meeting the job commitments it made when it bought Stelco, or face a court application. United Steelworkers Local 1005 president Ron Wells has said notices began going out last week and the first separations took effect Sunday. He has put the Hamilton total at roughly 330 to 350 workers over three weeks, with another 40 to 50 expected at Lake Erie Works in Nanticoke starting later this month. The company has said up to 500 jobs could be affected across both sites as it idles cold-rolled and coated operations. Wells has said only about 40 to 45 ... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026

Calgary, Edmonton and other Canadian police forces to gain cellphone jamming powers Police departments across Canada, including Calgary, Edmonton and several other Alberta forces, could soon be authorized to block cellphone signals under proposed federal regulations expanding the use of electronic jamming equipment. Blacklock's Reporter says the changes would allow designated municipal and provincial police agencies to interfere with wireless communications during criminal investigations, public safety operations and national security activities. Currently, cellphone jammers are generally prohibited under the federal Radiocommunications Act, with violations carrying fines of up to $25,000. Limited exemptions have been granted to the RCMP, Correctional Service of Canada and Department of National Defence. “The RCMP is the only law enforcement agency that has been issued an exemption order,” the Department of Industry wrote in a legal notice outlining the proposed changes. “Allowing certain other law enforcement agencies to use jammers will decrease their dependency on the RCMP and empower them to fulfill their operational requirements,” the department said. The proposed regulations follow federal consultations with dozens of police departments about their ability to operate specialized equipment designed to disrupt communications between cellphones and wireless towers. “Certain law enforcement agencies have experience with specialized equipment and operational capacity that could be applied to use radiocommunication jammers,” cabinet wrote in a Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement. Alberta police agencies included in the proposal are the Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service and Medicine Hat Police Service. Other municipal forces identified include departments in Barrie, Durham Region, Halton Region, Hamilton, Kingston, Niagara Region, Ottawa, Peel Region, Regina, Saskatoon, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Toronto, Thunder Bay, Vancouver, Victoria, Windsor, Winnipeg and York Region. The Ontario Provincial Police, Sûreté du Québec and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary would also be authorized to use the technology. The proposed order would permit designated police agencies to conduct jamming activities for a broad range of purposes, including national security, public safety and criminal investigations anywhere in Canada. Federal officials said the equipment could be used to protect critical infrastructure, secure major public gatherings and assist officers working at crime scenes. “For example, the order could support law enforcement agencies in the protection of critical infrastructure, major public events and crime scenes,” said the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement. “In addition, it may enable the exempted law enforcement agencies to assist the RCMP in maintaining the security and integrity of the Canadian border.” The federal government said the expanded powers build on experience gained by the Mounties since they were first authorized to use cellphone jamming equipment in 2015. “This order builds on more than a decade of experience gained through RCMP exemptions,” cabinet wrote. The department did not provide further details about the RCMP's operational experience with the technology. Cellphone jammers work by disrupting radio signals between mobile devices and cellular networks, potentially preventing affected phones from making calls, sending messages or accessing wireless data services. Depending on the equipment and its operating range, the technology can also interfere with communications involving devices other than those targeted by police. The federal government previously expanded jamming exemptions to the Correctional Service of Canada in 2025 following complaints that inmates were using illegally obtained cellphones to communicate outside prison walls. Prison officials said... westernstandard​.news • Oct 13, 2026