The Rural Alberta Report

Local News

Power and Politics

This week Damien Kurek, the re-elected MP for Battle River–Crowfoot, has announced his intention to resign, paving the way for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to contest a ​by-election in this Alberta ​stronghold. Kurek, who secured over 80% of the vote in the recent federal election, stated his decision aims to support the party by facilitating Poilievre's return to Parliament after his unexpected defeat in the Carleton riding.

 

Alberta Accord

Smith unveiled plans to appoint a special negotiating team to engage Ottawa and push for what she’s calling the ​Alberta Accord​ — a binding agreement that would secure provincial control over natural resources, guarantee port access, and ensure equitable federal transfers. She also announced the creation of an “Alberta Next” panel made up of leading thinkers in law, economics and academia. Their job: consult with Albertans and propose referenda, including one on separation if enough signatures are gathered by 2026.

 

Longest Ballot Committee

The ​Longest Ballot Committee,​ a Canadian activist group advocating for electoral reform, is targeting a forthcoming byelection in Alberta where Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre plans to run after losing his Carleton seat in the 2025 federal election.The group, known for protesting the first-past-the-post voting system by flooding ballots with independent candidates, previously fielded 91 candidates in Carleton, contributing to Poilievre's defeat by Liberal Bruce Fanjoy.

 

Bonnyville RCMP detachment targeted by suspect driving stolen trackhoe

A 62-year-old Bonnyville man is facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing a trackhoe and using it to damage RCMP property on May 3.

RCMP say a man drove a stolen trackhoe into the Bonnyville detachment parking lot around 6:55 p.m. after taking it from a local business. Police allege the suspect drove through a fence during the theft, causing significant damage.

On his way to the detachment, the suspect reportedly picked up several large boulders and dumped them in front of the prisoner bay — an apparent attempt to hinder officers from responding to calls.

The suspect then drove the trackhoe into five unoccupied police vehicles, rendering them inoperable, before fleeing the scene on foot. RCMP say no officers were injured.

Emergency Preparedness Week

Emergency Preparedness Week Urges Albertans to Be Ready for Anything
May 4–10 marks national awareness campaign

As wildfires, floods and power outages become more frequent across Alberta, Emergency Preparedness Week — held May 4 to 10 — serves as a timely reminder for residents to take steps now to be ready when disaster strikes.

This year’s national theme, “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks,” encourages Canadians to understand the hazards in their region and plan ahead. In Alberta, that includes wildfire threats in the forested north, flash floods in the south, and extreme weather across the province.

Preparedness starts at home.  It is recommended that every household should have a 72-hour emergency kit, a family communication plan, and know where to get trusted information during a crisis.

Here are five practical tips for Albertans to prepare:

  1. Build an Emergency Kit
    Include non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, medications, cash, and important documents. Keep it in a waterproof bin and store it in an easy-to-access spot.

  2. Know the Risks in Your Area
    Visit www.alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness to learn about risks like wildfires, tornadoes or chemical spills specific to your region.

  3. Create a Family Emergency Plan
    Decide on a meeting place, designate emergency contacts, and make sure every family member knows the plan — including children.

  4. Stay Informed
    Sign up for Alberta Emergency Alerts on your phone and follow trusted sources like Alberta Emergency Management and your local municipality on social media.

  5. Practice Safety Drills
    Walk through evacuation plans at home, work or school. Regular drills can reduce panic and save time in a real emergency.

Preparedness is peace of mind. By taking a few steps now, Albertans can protect themselves, their families, and their communities when the unexpected happens.

For more information and resources, visit GetPrepared.ca.