Alberta to examine its border security situation before taking action: Smith
With Alberta's public safety and justice ministers set to meet U.S. counterparts in Texas on Monday to discuss how to strengthen border security, the premier said this weekend the province needs to evaluate the situation at the border before implementing a plan.
Premier Danielle Smith says she's spoken with the governor of neighbouring U.S. state Montana and that they both believe the main issue at their border is human trafficking.
On her radio show Saturday, Smith said the province needs to do its own surveillance to find issues before it can address root causes.
"We think we have to do our part with the drones, with the dog sniffing or the drug sniffing dogs, and with the commericial vehicle inspections," Smith said on the show in response to a caller's question.
"We can monitor with drones and we'll see what we come up with. We've got to get a baseline first so we can understand the nature of the problem before we start to address (any) embedded social issues."
Border security became a significant political topic on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border in late November when U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to put 25-per-cent tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico if they don't boost border security.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Evan Kenny
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES
LIVE UPDATES Here's the latest on the most destructive fire in L.A. County history
A series of wildfires are tearing through densely populated parts of the Los Angeles, Calif. area. Five people have been reported dead. About 130,000 have been asked to evacuate. Nearly 2,000 homes and other buildings have been destroyed after the fires charred about 108 square kilometres.
'True when I said it, true today': former Canadian PM Harper pushes back against Trump on social media
Former prime minister Stephen Harper doesn’t find U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s jibes about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state very amusing.
NEW
NEW Tipping guide to Canada: When, where and how much to tip for restaurants, taxis and more
CTVNews.ca has created an entirely unofficial guide to tipping in Canada to help visitors, newcomers and curious Canadians navigate the shifting social norms of when, where and how much to tip.
Cape Breton police ask for public's help in finding Justin MacDonald's remains
Police in Cape Breton are asking for the public’s help in finding the remains of a missing man they believe was murdered.
How to apply for the U.K. ETA: A Guide for Canadian travellers
Starting Jan. 8, Canadians visiting the U.K. for short trips will need to secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before boarding their flight, according to regulations set out by the U.K. government.
Billy Crystal, Paris Hilton among celebrities whose homes were destroyed in L.A. wildfires
Paris Hilton, Adam Brody and Billy Crystal were among the celebrities who lost their homes in the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles.
Canada could impose tariffs on U.S. steel, orange juice in response to Trump threat
Canadian officials are narrowing a list of American products to target in the event the federal government must respond to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, CTV News has confirmed.
Quebec energy deal touted as new chapter for Newfoundland and Labrador heads for vote
A draft energy deal with Quebec heralded as a game-changer for indebted Newfoundland and Labrador is heading for a vote tonight in St. John's, N.L.
Can the U.S. really make Canada the 51st state?
Talk of Canada becoming the 51st American state has raised an existential question on this side of the border: Could it be done? Could the maple leaf make way to the stars and stripes? According to several experts, it may be possible, but not painless.
Calgary
-
$1.3M in drugs seized in Calgary trafficking investigation, 3 charged
Calgary police say three people have been charged following a trafficking investigation that uncovered $1.3 million worth of illegal drugs.
-
Sentencing hearing begins for men convicted of leading Coutts blockade
A sentencing hearing is set to start today for three men convicted of helping co-ordinate a blockade at the Canada-U.S. border at Coutts, Alta., in protest of COVID-19 rules and restrictions.
-
'True when I said it, true today': former Canadian PM Harper pushes back against Trump on social media
Former prime minister Stephen Harper doesn’t find U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s jibes about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state very amusing.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge seeing less-than-average snowfall while Rockies return to average
Lethbridge and much of southern Alberta have seen a relatively dry winter.
-
Coaldale man charged in Lethbridge County break-and-enters
A Coaldale man is facing a number of charges after a string of break-ins at rural properties in Lethbridge County were reported.
-
Lethbridge motel murder suspect appears in court
One of three suspects in a Boxing Day murder at a Lethbridge motel appeared in court Wednesday.
Saskatoon
-
'You're killing them inside': Sask. hockey referee blows the whistle on verbal abuse of young officials
A Saskatchewan hockey referee is gaining widespread attention after posting a video on social media telling coaches and parents to “do better.”
-
Sask. ministry says it mailed more than 400 T4A tax slips to the wrong address
Saskatchewan's Ministry of Advanced Education says 415 T4A tax slips were mistakenly sent to wrong addresses after errors with an electronic spreadsheet.
-
Saskatchewan highway closed following single-vehicle rollover
Meadow Lake RCMP were called to a single-vehicle rollover on Highway 55, east of Flying Dust First Nation, Thursday morning.
Regina
-
Sask. ministry says it mailed more than 400 T4A tax slips to the wrong address
Saskatchewan's Ministry of Advanced Education says 415 T4A tax slips were mistakenly sent to wrong addresses after errors with an electronic spreadsheet.
-
Sask. taxidermy business fined more than $7,000, 144 'wildlife exhibits' seized
What began as a "straightforward" inspection of a Saskatchewan taxidermy business quickly became a complex investigation – ultimately leading to more than $7,000 in fines.
-
Saskatchewan newspaper predating province's formation ceases publication
Older than the province of Saskatchewan itself, the Estevan Mercury has now ceased publication after more than a century of operation.
Vancouver
-
Elections BC looks into vote complaint in riding that gave NDP majority
Elections BC says it is looking into a complaint of voting irregularities from a B.C. Conservative candidate in a riding narrowly won by the NDP, giving the government a one-seat majority in October’s provincial election.
-
Vancouver police cleared of wrongdoing after suspect sustains 'significant injury'
British Columbia's police oversight agency has cleared Vancouver police officers of criminal wrongdoing after a suspect was seriously injured during an arrest more than a year ago.
-
Chain that boasts world's largest deliverable pizza set to open Vancouver location
Big things are on the horizon for Vancouver pizza lovers – literally.
Vancouver Island
-
Elections BC looks into vote complaint in riding that gave NDP majority
Elections BC says it is looking into a complaint of voting irregularities from a B.C. Conservative candidate in a riding narrowly won by the NDP, giving the government a one-seat majority in October’s provincial election.
-
Vancouver police cleared of wrongdoing after suspect sustains 'significant injury'
British Columbia's police oversight agency has cleared Vancouver police officers of criminal wrongdoing after a suspect was seriously injured during an arrest more than a year ago.
-
Booze-free 'liquor' stores offer options, as some B.C. craft brewers decline and fall
Whatever your tipple, Angela Hansen's liquor store on Vancouver's Commercial Drive has stock to satisfy, from Prosecco to tequila — so long as you don't want any actual liquor.
Toronto
-
Premier Doug Ford says Ontario ready to support California during 'devastating' fires
As deadly wildfires continue to tear through the Los Angeles area Thursday morning, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the province is standing by to offer its support, calling the situation 'devastating.'
-
Will Toronto become Canada's most expensive housing market in 2025?
This year could be the year Toronto takes the crown for the most expensive real estate market in the country.
-
Pedestrian dies after being struck by vehicle in North York
A pedestrian is dead after they were struck by a vehicle in North York Thursday morning.
Montreal
-
Lawsuit against Mike Ward: Supreme Court dismisses Sylvie Gabriel's application
The Supreme Court of Canada has put an end to attempts by Sylvie Gabriel, the mother of Jeremy Gabriel, to obtain compensation from comedian Mike Ward.
-
Here's why part of Montreal's Village is closed: skating rink coming
Sainte-Catherine Street between Atateken and Wolfe streets in the Village will be closed until March as a new ice rink is set up.
-
30-year-old man electrocuted and killed on the job in Quebec City area
A 30-year-old man died on Wednesday evening in the workplace in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, in the Greater Quebec City area.
Atlantic
-
Suspicious deaths in Mahone Bay result of intimate partner violence: N.S. RCMP
The RCMP in Nova Scotia says two suspicious deaths in Mahone Bay, N.S., over the weekend were the result of intimate partner violence.
-
Cape Breton police ask for public's help in finding Justin MacDonald's remains
Police in Cape Breton are asking for the public’s help in finding the remains of a missing man they believe was murdered.
-
N.S. RCMP searching for Pictou County man wanted on provincewide warrant
The RCMP in Nova Scotia's Pictou County is searching for a man wanted on a provincewide warrant.
Winnipeg
-
‘A policing trailblazer’: Tributes pour in for MFNPS chief believed to have died in house fire
The remains of Manitoba First Nations Police Service’s (MFNPS) leader are believed to have been found following a fire at his home.
-
Manitoba school divisions reporting student information system data breach
Several Manitoba school divisions are reporting a data breach of their student information system.
-
Winnipeg hospital death to be investigated as critical incident
The recent death of a man waiting for care in a Winnipeg hospital’s emergency department is being investigated as a critical incident.
Ottawa
-
Elgin Street restaurant closes after 18 years in Ottawa's Centretown neighbourhood
St. Louis Bar and Grill has closed its doors on Elgin Street in Ottawa's Centretown neighbourhood, after serving customers for 18 years.
-
Ottawa MP Chandra Arya running for Liberal leadership
Ottawa Liberal MP Chandra Arya is running to be leader of the Liberal party, promising to end the consumer carbon tax and to make Canada a republic.
-
Here's a first look at the proposed Tewin development in Ottawa's southeast end
Ottawa residents are getting their first glimpse at plans for the Tewin development, the proposed development in the city's southeast end with homes for approximately 35,000 people.
Northern Ontario
-
'True when I said it, true today': former Canadian PM Harper pushes back against Trump on social media
Former prime minister Stephen Harper doesn’t find U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s jibes about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state very amusing.
-
Ontario Premier Doug Ford unharmed after Highway 401 collision, 18-year-old driver charged
Ontario Premier Doug Ford was uninjured after an OPP vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on Highway 401 earlier today.
-
'This isn't just my mom's story,' says daughter of woman allegedly killed by partner
Abigail Robson says she moved from Nova Scotia to Alberta as a young girl with her mother 10 years ago for a fresh start.
Barrie
-
Basement fire in Alliston leaves family displaced
A house fire on Buchanan Drive in Alliston closed roads until 8:30 p.m.
-
Increased police presence in Georgian Bluffs
Police are asking people to avoid the downtown area of Sussex Square.
-
Smash-and-grab robbery in Newmarket
Police are looking for three suspects after a robbery in Newmarket.
Kitchener
-
'True when I said it, true today': former Canadian PM Harper pushes back against Trump on social media
Former prime minister Stephen Harper doesn’t find U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s jibes about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state very amusing.
-
Cold weather blamed for mutliple watermain breaks in Kitchener
Crews from the City of Kitchener have been busy repairing several watermain breaks over the past 24 hours.
-
City council to discuss next steps to finalize redevelopment of former Stratford factory
After sitting empty for 50 years, the City of Stratford is moving closer to redeveloping the former location of the Grand Trunk Railways shop.
London
-
Industrial fire closes road for 12 hours
No injuries have been reported in an industrial fire that caused road closures in Petrolia on Wednesday.
-
All hands on deck of active structure fire in east London
Fire crews are fighting an active structure fire in the 1300 block of Trafalgar Street, east of Highbury, on Thursday afternoon.
-
Kitchen fire leads to $200,000 in damages
A kitchen fire on Thursday morning had fire crews in action in the 200 block of Conway Drive.
Windsor
-
Sentencing date set for Windsor man convicted of careless driving in fatal Retrofest collision
A sentencing date has been set for a Windsor man convicted of careless driving in a fatal Retrofest collision.
-
Woman with scissors arrested after Tecumseh Road robbery
A 35-year-old woman has been arrested after a robbery with scissors at a business near the downtown area.
-
OPP Commissioner explains 'significant role' in new border measures
The Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police believes they can play a significant role in border security but said more resources will be needed for long-term sustainability.
