Alberta failing to ensure daycares use funds to cut fees for parents: auditor general

Alberta's auditor general says the provincial government has not done the work to ensure daycares getting public funds use them to lower fees for parents or top up staff wages.

Doug Wylie, in a report released Thursday, says without proper verification, Alberta could be overcompensating operators with federal and provincial funds meant to lower the average cost of daycare to $10 per day.

"There is a risk that public funds may not be used as intended — leading to parents overpaying for child-care and educators being under-compensated," the report says.

UPDATE: Airdrie RCMP seek public assistance in locating missing male

Airdrie RCMP are reporting that the previously missing male has been located safe.

He was reported missing Friday morning. Thanks to everybody who helped locate him.

 

Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon. 

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM. 

Candidate in federal Alberta byelection stops door-knocking due to death threats

An Independent candidate running in a rural Alberta byelection says she has stopped door-knocking because of death threats.

Sarah Spanier, 33, of Castor, Alta., says she has told Mounties about the online threats, which include a social media comment saying she would be met with a shotgun if she showed up at someone's door.

She attributes the threats and other derogatory messages she has received to her advocacy for transgender people during her campaign in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding, which encompasses communities such as Camrose, Drumheller and Wainwright.

Airdrie teen faces third battle with cancer

17-year-old Airdronian Evie Hooper is currently in her third fight with cancer.

Just days after graduating from high school, she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive bone cancer called osteosarcoma.

Veronica Hooper, the mom of Evie, explained her first battle came only at a month old when she was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma.

"She had her right eye removed because of tumours in both eyes. We flew to Toronto for treatment, and she was doing pretty well. The form of cancer she did have meant there was a chance she would get cancer again."

Ottawa army unit head removed as part of social media misconduct probe

The head of an Ottawa-based Canadian Army regiment has been temporarily removed as part of an investigation into alleged online behaviour that the commander of the army says disgraced the military.

The commanding officer of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa has been removed from his post in connection with a probe into the "Blue Hackle Mafia" social media group, Lt-Gen Michael Wright said in a statement to army ranks Wednesday and shared with The Canadian Press Thursday.

Robust federal collection, analysis of UFO data could dispel misinformation: report

Systematic government collection and analysis of data about mysterious sightings in the sky could help Canada better prepare for incidents like the sudden appearance of several high-altitude balloons over North America two years ago, says a report from the federal science adviser.

One of the balloons, which wafted above western Canada in early 2023 before being shot down off the U.S. coast, apparently originated from China and carried sophisticated equipment.

The balloon episodes generated intense public speculation before fading from the headlines.

All Canada Classic showcases top sheep breeding stock

The All Canada Classic Sheep Show returned to Brandon this past weekend, bringing together sheep producers from across the country to showcase breeding stock and connect with fellow industry members.

With about 250 sheep for sale and attendees from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, the event marked a milestone for the national sheep industry.

A local success story

Brandon last hosted the national show in 1981, and the event remained here for three years before moving westward across the country.

Hells Angels rolling Into Calgary — Police on high alert

Calgary police are bracing for an influx of motorcycle gang members in the metropolitan area— including the Hells Angels — for a planned gathering on Friday.

The police did not confirm the location or scope of the gathering but advised residents to remain vigilant.

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) says residents can expect to see a heightened police presence across the city during the event, with officers closely monitoring participants and enforcing all applicable laws, including the Traffic Safety Act.