Strathmore

Elections Canada is launching a probe into problems with special ballots in the last federal election.

"We really have to look at the controls in place to make sure that they are sufficient," and make improvements where possible, Chief Electoral Officer Stéphane Perrault told reporters at a press conference on Parliament Hill on Monday.

Plans for the review were outlined on Monday in the agency's report on the 45th general election held on April 28. The report promises a "comprehensive review" that will examine training, control mechanisms and processes."

After talking up the prospect of cross-party collaboration in the House of Commons, Liberal and Conservative MPs wasted little time after Parliament resumed Monday before reverting to partisan attacks over housing and the cost of living.

The tone was set early Monday afternoon, when the first-ever question period exchange between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre began cordially before turning belligerent.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government is adding proof of citizenship markers to driver's licences and other forms of identification to streamline services and prevent election fraud.

Smith told reporters in Calgary the change would make it easier for students and the disabled to get funding, as they already have to prove Canadian citizenship to do so.

"We believe in making things better, faster and more convenient for everyone," Smith said Monday.

Winter items and jackets will soon be taken out of dressers, and some will be going to those in need. 

Chestermere Community Services has announced the return of its annual Jacket Racket program, running from Wednesday (Sept. 10) to Oct. 15.

Residents can drop off new or gently used winter clothing items at several locations throughout the city. 

Donation bins are available at Chestermere City Hall, Synergy Connects, the Chestermere Recreation Centre, and the Chestermere Public Library. 

Hundreds of residents were at Admin Park in Siksika Nation for the Family Fun Carnival.

The event took place on Saturday (Sept. 13) afternoon, featuring a ton of activities for local families.

The carnival included bounce castles, face painting, a dunk tank, and a photo booth. There were also door prizes for those who attended.

The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) wants to see two key pieces of infrastructure upgraded at the Port of Vancouver, the country's largest port.

The GGC says the federal government's major projects list remains incomplete if the 1969 Second Narrows Rail Bridge and 1904 New Westminster Rail Bridge upgrades are not included.

For the first time, the Strathmore Full Gospel Church relocated its annual Fall Festival to a new venue.

The event was hosted at the church itself for the first two years, but this year it was moved to Kinsmen Park on Saturday (Sept. 13).

The festival featured bouncy castles, potato sack races, horse rides, and other family-friendly activities.

There were also several live music performances led by pastor Kyle Lomenda. 

The Legion Cavaliers are a motorcycle club run by members of the Royal Canadian Legion - and they just opened their first branch in Alberta.

The new branch, based out of the Royal Canadian Legion Strathmore-Branch 10, held its first-ever motorcycle show in the Legion parking lot on Saturday (Sept. 13).

Don Callan, padre of the club and chaplain at the Strathmore Legion, says the Alberta branch of the Cavaliers is relatively new.