Lisa Johnson
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Living on Treaty 6 land / putting her LEGO design aspirations on hold / Alberta legislature reporter for @CdnPressNews / DMs open
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Articles by Lisa Johnson
Alberta's contentious new riding boundary maps tabled in the legislature
EDMONTON - Alberta's hotly debated riding boundary proposals were released to the public Monday as the Opposition NDP renewed its call for the government to change course. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservatives are aiming to use their legislative majority to rig the new boundaries in order to give themselves an unfair advantage in next year’s election. Nenshi has said they plan to challenge the plan in court. "I believe that this report is illegal.
Alberta's Smith vows to continue fight against Ottawa despite pipeline pact win
EDMONTON - Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is vowing to keep up the fight against Ottawa as she admits many of her United Conservative Party members still need to be convinced that her recent pipeline pact is indeed a victory. The milestone deal with Ottawa signed earlier this week clears regulatory hurdles for a potential pipeline to the West Coast.
Alberta's Smith vows to continue fight against Ottawa despite pipeline pact win
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is vowing to keep up the fight against Ottawa as she admits many of her United Conservative Party members still need to be convinced that her recent pipeline pact is indeed a victory. The milestone deal with Ottawa signed earlier this week clears regulatory hurdles for a potential pipeline to the West Coast.
Alberta government passes bill to use notwithstanding clause to end teacher strike
EDMONTON - Premier Danielle Smith’s caucus worked into the wee hours of Tuesday morning to curtail debate and speedily pass a bill using the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to order 51,000 striking teachers back to work.
Alberta legislature set to resume fall sitting amid provincewide teachers strike
By Lisa Johnson and Jack Farrell The Canadian Press EDMONTON - Alberta politicians return to work in the legislature today in a fall sitting that is already overshadowed by a provincewide teachers strike. The strike is nearing the end of its third week, and teachers are expected to rally outside the legislature while Premier Danielle Smith's government delivers its speech from the throne. The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Alberta government set to receive report into health contract scandal
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Darren Makowichuk/Postmedia EDMONTON — Alberta’s government says it expects to receive a final report today from the investigation into allegations of corruption over health contracts. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
’We’ll be moving’: Alberta transgender children, families brace for legal changes
’We’ll be moving’: Alberta transgender children, families brace for legal changes You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. A seven-year-old transgender boy is photographed in Edmonton, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. He and his family are part of a legal challenge to an Alberta law restricting access to gender-affirming medical care. Photo by JASON FRANSON /THE CANADIAN PRESS EDMONTON — Football decals plaster the walls of his bedroom.
Alberta Premier Smith says Ottawa is dodging responsibility for pipeline decision
Alberta Premier Smith says Ottawa is dodging responsibility for pipeline decision Last updated 2 minutes ago You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces plans to submit an application for a new oil pipeline to northwestern British Columbia, in Calgary, on Oct. 1.
Premature baby dies of measles in Alberta
Alberta has surpassed 1,600 cases of measles as of the end of July. Photo by Natalya Maisheva /Getty Images EDMONTON — A newborn in Alberta has died of measles marking the province’s first death from the disease this year, the government said Thursday. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Alberta Premier Smith dismisses critics who say she’s misleading public on trans law
Alberta Premier Smith dismisses critics who say she’s misleading public on trans law "I encourage you to look up what puberty is," she said to reporters in Edmonton Last updated 15 minutes ago You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
Alberta to use notwithstanding clause on its three transgender laws: memo
Alberta to use notwithstanding clause on its three transgender laws: memo "Alberta's government will continue to vigorously protect the safety and well-being of children using all available legal and constitutional means at our disposal, including the notwithstanding clause should our government deem it necessary" Last updated 20 minutes ago You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
Immigration lawyer, critics raise concerns about citizenship marker on Alberta ID
Immigration lawyer, critics raise concerns about citizenship marker on Alberta ID You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Alberta was the only province in Canada that prevented refugees from getting a licence while they waited for their refugee board hearing.
Alberta’s UCP to fight a legal challenge that aims to scrap school pronoun law
Alberta’s UCP to fight a legal challenge that aims to scrap school pronoun law You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. People walk on a Pride flag crosswalk in Calgary on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019. Photo by Dave Chidley /THE CANADIAN PRESS EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative government says it will fight hard to defend a court challenge to its school pronoun law.
Alberta parents brace for potential teacher strike amid confusion over school policy
Alberta parents brace for potential teacher strike amid confusion over school policy Last week, contract talks between the Alberta Teachers' Association and the provincial government broke down. As of Friday afternoon, the two sides remained at an impasse You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. An empty classroom is pictured at Eric Hamber Secondary school in Vancouver, Monday, March 23, 2020.
Alberta book order only for graphic images, classics are safe: Smith
Classics are safe from Alberta's book restrictions, Smith says Revision comes after Edmonton's public school division added titles such as Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Jack Farrell and Lisa Johnson Last updated 4 hours ago You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
Premier Smith draws approval, punts criticism at Fort McMurray town hall
Premier Smith draws approval, punts criticism at Fort McMurray town hall Smith and her panel members are set to hear more feedback Wednesday at an event in Lloydminster You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces the members of the Alberta Next Panel at Heritage Park in Calgary on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
Former Alberta deputy premier takes pro-Canada petition fight to driveways, dog parks
Former Alberta deputy premier takes pro-Canada petition fight to driveways, dog parks You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Thomas Lukaszuk speaks to the media as he gathers signatures for the "Alberta Forever Canada" anti-separation referendum petition at Dr. Wilbert Mcintyre Park, in Edmonton Saturday Aug. 2, 2025.
Taxpayers advocate applauds Alberta new expense reporting rules
Taxpayers advocate applauds Alberta new expense reporting rules Premier Danielle Smith's government says it's reverting to its previous rules after critics from across the political spectrum accused it of dodging responsibility You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Premier Danielle Smith at an announcement in Edmonton on Friday, July 18, 2025.
Alberta government again shifting expense disclosure policy after widespread backlash
Alberta government again shifting expense disclosure policy after widespread backlash "This makes it look like the Alberta government has some expenses to hide from taxpayers, the people who are paying the bills" You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Visitors check out the fountains in Violet King Henry Plaza at the Alberta Legislature, in Edmonton Thursday May 22, 2025.
Alberta government to cover COVID-19 shots for health-care workers in policy reversal
Alberta government to cover COVID-19 shots for health-care workers in policy reversal Public health experts and health-care unions called it irresponsible to force front-line workers to pay for protection in the workplace You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
Albertans can start pre-ordering paid COVID-19 shots after June policy shift Original
Albertans can start pre-ordering paid COVID-19 shots after June policy shift Last updated 5 minutes ago You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. A nurse delivers a COVID-19 vaccination shot at the First Nations Vaccination Clinic at the River Cree Resort and Casino, near Edmonton Tuesday April 13, 2021. Photo by David Bloom /Postmedia EDMONTON — Albertans can begin pre-ordering COVID-19 shots for the fall after a recent policy shift.
Smith, Alberta Next panel’s first town hall hears support, calls for separation vote
Smith, Alberta Next panel’s first town hall hears support, calls for separation vote "If you ask for permission for freedom, you're never going to get it," one speaker said Last updated 9 minutes ago You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces the members of the Alberta Next Panel at Heritage Park in Calgary on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
Alberta ER doc challenges premier to come on shift, see patients wait in hallways
Alberta ER doc challenges premier to come on shift, see patients wait in hallways The head of emergency medicine for Alberta’s doctors association is challenging Premier Danielle Smith to join him on shift to see the frustration of patients jammed for hours in hallways and the moral injury of doctors looking into the eyes of the those who wait. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Amid calls for separation, Alberta’s new referendum rules set to formally take effect
Amid calls for separation, Alberta’s new referendum rules set to formally take effect Published Jun 30, 2025 • 3 minute read An Alberta flag is held aloft outside of the Alberta legislature building on Saturday, May 3, 2025 Photo by Shaughn Butts /Postmedia Article content EDMONTON — As Canada prepares Tuesday to blow out 158 birthday candles, Alberta plans three days later to formalize rules making it easier to have an independence celebration of its own.
Alberta judge grants temporary injunction blocking transgender health-care bill
Alberta judge grants temporary injunction blocking transgender health-care bill Published Jun 27, 2025 • 3 minute read The transgender pride flag is seen flying above city hall in Calgary on March 31, 2022. Photo by Steven Wilhelm /Postmedia, file Article content By Lisa Johnson and Jack Farrell EDMONTON — An Alberta judge has put on hold a provincial law that bans doctors from providing gender-affirming care to youth.
Alberta voters to decide today if NDP’s Nenshi, separatists to hold legislature seats
Alberta voters to decide today if NDP’s Nenshi, separatists to hold legislature seats Published Jun 23, 2025 • 1 minute read Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi addresses delegates at the NDP convention at the Convention Centre in Edmonton on Saturday, May 3, 2025 . Photo by Shaughn Butts /Postmedia Article content EDMONTON — Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi is looking to finally win a seat in the legislature after a year of sitting on the sidelines.
Health-care union calls for Alberta government to halt plan to limit free vaccines
Health-care union calls for Alberta government to halt plan to limit free vaccines Published Jun 16, 2025 • Last updated 1 minute ago • 1 minute read A union representing 30,000 health-care workers in Alberta is calling on Premier Danielle Smith's government to reverse course and provide free COVID-19 vaccines to all front-line workers and any other Albertan who wants the shot.
Alberta premier defends charging most Albertans for COVID-19 vaccines
Alberta premier defends charging most Albertans for COVID-19 vaccines Dr. Lynora Saxinger, a physician and University of Alberta infectious diseases expert, told The Canadian Press Saturday that both COVID and influenza vaccines are formulated based on seasonal changes, so Smith's prioritization is perplexing.
Mark Carney, Danielle Smith won’t be watching Oilers battle Panthers on home ice this weekend
Mark Carney, Danielle Smith won’t be watching Oilers battle Panthers on home ice this weekend The premier's press secretary says the upcoming G7 leaders' summit and their demanding schedules make seeing the game together impossible Published Jun 12, 2025 • Last updated 7 hours ago • 1 minute read Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
Alberta Premier Smith says she’s invited Prime Minister Carney to Oilers game
Alberta Premier Smith says she’s invited Prime Minister Carney to Oilers game Published Jun 06, 2025 • 2 minute read Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, front second left, and B.C. Premier David Eby, front right, watch the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers play Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series in Vancouver on May 10, 2024.
Onion Lake Cree Nation to proceed with its legal challenge of Alberta sovereignty act
Onion Lake Cree Nation to proceed with its legal challenge of Alberta sovereignty act "I stand here today to remind the premier and her government that we do not stand by and allow our treaty to be violated, disregarded and pushed aside while the talk of separation continues" Published May 16, 2025 • 3 minute read Onion Lake Cree Nation Okimaw (Chief) Henry Lewis makes an official statement on the Nation's litigation with the province of Alberta regarding the Alberta Sovereignty Act on...
Alberta government amends referendum bill in effort to placate First Nations’ concern
Alberta government amends referendum bill in effort to placate First Nations’ concern Published May 15, 2025 • 3 minute read Justice Minister Mickey Amery and Premier Danielle Smith announce proposed changes to several pieces of democratic process legislation at the Alberta legislature on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Photo by Shaughn Butts /Postmedia Article content EDMONTON — Alberta’s government has made 11th-hour changes to controversial proposed legislation, declaring that no separation...
Alberta’s premier says new environment minister a ’step in the wrong direction’
Alberta’s premier says new environment minister a ’step in the wrong direction’ Share this Story : Alberta’s premier says new environment minister a ’step in the wrong direction’ Alberta’s premier says new environment minister a ’step in the wrong direction’ EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the appointment of Julie Dabrusin as Canada’s new environment minister is a bad idea that forecasts renewed federal opposition to oil and gas development.
Alberta’s premier says new environment minister a ’step in the wrong direction’
Author of the article: Canadian Press Lisa Johnson Published May 13, 2025 • 1 minute read You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith at a news conference in Calgary on Dec. 19, 2024.
Alberta chief electoral officer warns UCP proposals will hurt investigative ability
Alberta chief electoral officer warns UCP proposals will hurt investigative ability Published May 10, 2025 • 4 minute read Elections Alberta business analyst Ryan Phillips demonstrates a high-speed tabulator used to count advance polls in the May 2024 provincial general election. The province's Bill 20 banned such machines from being used in municipal elections.
Alberta NDP distances itself from Ottawa, national party in bid to expand membership
Alberta NDP distances itself from Ottawa, national party in bid to expand membership Naheed Nenshi said Premier Danielle Smith is dragging the province away from the rest of the country to feed their 'extremist fringe agenda' Published May 04, 2025 • Last updated 20 hours ago • 3 minute read Alberta NDP convention delegates gave leader Naheed Nenshi an 89.5 per cent approval rating and voted to end the practice of provincial members automatically joining the federal party this weekend.
Alberta doctors association warns measles will rise, ramped-up health campaign needed
Alberta doctors association warns measles will rise, ramped-up health campaign needed Published Apr 25, 2025 • Last updated 34 minutes ago • 3 minute read Alberta Medical Association president Dr. Shelley Duggan said the numbers suggest that within weeks, the number of measles cases could skyrocket to more than 1,000.
Former Alberta cabinet minister calls government health contract probe ’whitewashing’
Former Alberta cabinet minister calls government health contract probe ’whitewashing’ Published Apr 25, 2025 • 3 minute read Peter Guthrie, MLA for Airdrie-Cochrane, speaks at the Alberta legislature on Oct. 30, 2024. Photo by Shaughn Butts /Postmedia Article content EDMONTON — A former Alberta cabinet minister says an investigation called by Premier Danielle Smith’s government into multimillion-dollar health contracts looks like a whitewashing exercise.
Former Alberta cabinet minister calls government health contract probe ’whitewashing’
Skip to Content Advertisement 1 Peter Guthrie, a former UCP MLA wrote a public letter criticizing the investigation into health care contracts as too narrow Article content EDMONTON — A former Alberta cabinet minister says an investigation called by Premier Danielle Smith’s government into multimillion-dollar health contracts looks like a “whitewashing” exercise.
Alberta pauses some of its fight-back plan against the U.S. amid tariff dispute
Alberta pauses some of its fight-back plan against the U.S. amid tariff dispute Published Apr 17, 2025 • 1 minute read Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally with Premier Danielle Smith on March 28, 2024. Photo by Shaughn Butts /Postmedia Article content EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government is pausing the procurement policy it announced more than a month ago to fight U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Nenshi calls proposed Alberta cut of council conduct rules ’an affront’ to voters
Nenshi calls proposed Alberta cut of council conduct rules ’an affront’ to voters Published Apr 09, 2025 • Last updated 6 minutes ago • 3 minute read NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says the government’s proposed bill to wipe out municipal councils’ codes of conduct could create a free-for-all of delinquency and grift.
Alberta shifting health-care grants to "activity-based" funding
Alberta shifting health-care grants to 'activity-based' funding Premier Danielle Smith said the new model ties public funding to the number and type of procedures performed Published Apr 08, 2025 • 3 minute read Danielle Smith at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute in Edmonton to announce a new funding model for acute care on Monday, April 7, 2025.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says latest U.S. tariffs hard to celebrate, but give time for talks
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says latest U.S. tariffs hard to celebrate, but give time for talks Lisa Johnson and Matthew Scace Published Apr 03, 2025 • 2 minute read Premier Danielle Smith in Calgary on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
Alberta Health Services halts plan to reduce patient food, drinks after pushback
Alberta Health Services halts plan to reduce patient food, drinks after pushback Published Apr 01, 2025 • 3 minute read Stock images of AHS building on 107 Street in downtown Edmonton on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Photo by Shaughn Butts /Postmedia file Article content The head of Alberta Health Services says the agency is halting a proposed food-reduction policy after public outcry over patients potentially being cut off from snacks and drinks.
Smith heads to Florida for controversial U.S. fundraising event at secret location
Smith heads to Florida for controversial U.S. fundraising event at secret location Published Mar 28, 2025 • 3 minute read Alberta Premier Danielle Smith at a news conference in Calgary on Dec. 19, 2024. Photo by Jim Wells /Postmedia, file Article content EDMONTON — Premier Danielle Smith arrived somewhere in south Florida on Thursday to represent Alberta in a controversial fundraiser for a right-wing U.S. organization — but neither side would disclose the location.
Longtime Edmonton Alberta NDP MLA is resigning his provincial seat
Longtime Edmonton Alberta NDP MLA is resigning his provincial seat Published Mar 25, 2025 • 1 minute read Edmonton - Ellerslie candidate Rod Loyola take part in a campaign stop, in Edmonton Friday March 22, 2019. Photo by David Bloom /Postmedia Article content EDMONTON — A longtime Alberta New Democrat member of the legislature is resigning his seat, sparking what will be the third provincial byelection in Alberta since the 2023 provincial vote.
Amid calls to cancel, Premier Danielle Smith stands by plan to go to U.S. fundraiser
Amid calls to cancel, Premier Danielle Smith stands by plan to go to U.S. fundraiser Smith is to make a speaking appearance this week with conservative media personality Ben Shapiro at an upcoming fundraiser for PragerU, despite weeks of calls for her to cancel Published Mar 25, 2025 • Last updated 16 hours ago • 3 minute read Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks to media at Lougheed House in Calgary on Jan. 29, 2025.
Amid calls to cancel, Premier Danielle Smith stands by plan to go to U.S. fundraiser
Smith is to make a speaking appearance this week with conservative media personality Ben Shapiro at an upcoming fundraiser for PragerU, despite weeks of calls for her to cancel Author of the article: CP, The Canadian Press Lisa Johnson Published Mar 25, 2025 • Last updated 11 hours ago • 3 minute read You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks to media at Lougheed House in Calgary on Jan. 29, 2025.
Online posts claiming Canada 'offloading' $400 billion in U.S. bonds are false
In March, several social media accounts made claims that Canada is dumping $400 billion worth of U.S. bonds, with some suggesting the move was in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods. The claims are false, and Canada is not selling off its existing U.S. government securities. Instead, the Canadian government recently launched a five-year US$3.5 billion global bond as a routine move to replenish its foreign reserves.
Health agency head rebuts Alberta government’s defence in wrongful dismissal lawsuit Original
Health agency head rebuts Alberta government’s defence in wrongful dismissal lawsuit Lisa Johnson and Jack Farrell Published Mar 21, 2025 • 3 minute read Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health talks as Athana Mentzelopoulos, CEO, Alberta Health Services listens about how Alberta's government is making progress on a refocused health care system by engaging with Albertans on Thursday, March 21, 2024 in Edmonton.
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