Jack Farrell

While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Jack Farrell.

Alberta reviewing new plan on forcing oil companies to pay municipal taxes: minister

Alberta reviewing new plan on forcing oil companies to pay municipal taxes: minister

EDMONTON -- Alberta may soon require oil and gas companies to be on top of their municipal property taxes if they want to keep producing.

First recall petition against Opposition NDP politician withdrawn: Elections Alberta

First recall petition against Opposition NDP politician withdrawn: Elections Alberta

EDMONTON -- Elections Alberta says a recall petition against a member of Alberta's Opposition NDP has been withdrawn.

Alberta teachers fail to get court injunction on back-to-work law that ended strike

Alberta teachers fail to get court injunction on back-to-work law that ended strike

EDMONTON -- A judge denied on Friday an injunction application from Alberta teachers against legislation that forced them back to work and ended a provincewide strike last fall.

Alberta landowners take stand over years of missed payments by delinquent oil company

Alberta landowners take stand over years of missed payments by delinquent oil company

EDMONTON -- Some Edmonton landowners are taking a stand by erecting a blockade against what they call a delinquent oil and gas company.

Recall bids against Alberta premier, two caucus members fail to get enough signatures

Recall bids against Alberta premier, two caucus members fail to get enough signatures

EDMONTON -- A petition looking to oust Alberta Premier Danielle Smith from her seat in the legislature has failed.

Alberta eliminates funding for 119-year-old historical society

Alberta eliminates funding for 119-year-old historical society

EDMONTON -- ?A volunteer historical society that's almost as old as Alberta itself is concerned the province's history may go forgotten after its funding was eliminated.

Recall bid against Alberta premier, two caucus members don't get required signatures

Recall bid against Alberta premier, two caucus members don't get required signatures

EDMONTON -- A petition looking to oust Alberta Premier Danielle Smith from her seat in the legislature has failed.

Citizen-led recall bid against Alberta Premier Danielle Smith fails

Citizen-led recall bid against Alberta Premier Danielle Smith fails

A petition looking to oust Alberta Premier Danielle Smith from her seat in the legislature has failed. Smith is the second premier in Alberta's history to face a recall petition, with the other happening nearly 90 years ago.

Citizen-led recall bid against Alberta premier fails to get required signatures

Citizen-led recall bid against Alberta premier fails to get required signatures

EDMONTON -- A petition looking to oust Alberta Premier Danielle Smith from her seat in the legislature has failed.

Citizen-led recall bid against Alberta Premier Danielle Smith fails

Citizen-led recall bid against Alberta Premier Danielle Smith fails

EDMONTON -- A petition looking to oust Alberta Premier Danielle Smith from her seat in the legislature has failed.

Ottawa, Alberta reach prospective agreement to streamline major project assessments

Ottawa, Alberta reach prospective agreement to streamline major project assessments

Ottawa and Alberta have reached a prospective deal that they say will see major projects be approved more efficiently. In a joint announcement Friday the two governments said the deal will bring a "one project, one review" approach to addressing the broader impacts of these projects, including on the environment. A draft version of the deal says projects that fall...

Ottawa, Alberta reach prospective agreement to streamline major project assessments

Ottawa, Alberta reach prospective agreement to streamline major project assessments

EDMONTON -- Ottawa and Alberta have reached a prospective deal that they say will see major projects be approved more efficiently.

Three more citizen-led recall petitions against Alberta politicians fall short

Three more citizen-led recall petitions against Alberta politicians fall short

EDMONTON -- Three more recall petitions against members of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's United Conservative caucus have failed.

Three more recall petitions against Alberta politicians fall short

Three more recall petitions against Alberta politicians fall short

EDMONTON -- Three more recall petitions against members of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's United Conservative caucus have failed.

Alberta teachers go to court seeking injunction on Charter notwithstanding case

Alberta teachers go to court seeking injunction on Charter notwithstanding case

EDMONTON -- Alberta's teachers went to court Wednesday to fight the province's back-to-work legislation, but their union president says if they win, it doesn't necessarily mean their provincewide strike is back on.

Injunction hearing that could renew Alberta teachers ability to strike underway

Injunction hearing that could renew Alberta teachers ability to strike underway

EDMONTON -- Alberta's teachers union was back in court today seeking an injunction against the province's back-to-work legislation last fall.

'Good health policy': Alberta's Smith calls on Ottawa to relax nicotine pouch rules

'Good health policy': Alberta's Smith calls on Ottawa to relax nicotine pouch rules

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is calling on Ottawa to walk back its restrictions on nicotine pouches, arguing the rules are an unnecessary barrier for those trying to quit smoking while inadvertently making it easier for youth to access.

Alberta Premier Smith hopes failing recall petitions a sign people feel heard

Alberta Premier Smith hopes failing recall petitions a sign people feel heard

EDMONTON -- Premier Danielle Smith says she hopes failing recall petitions against members of her caucus mean Albertans are feeling heard.

'Good health policy:' Alberta's Smith calls on Ottawa to relax nicotine pouch rules

'Good health policy:' Alberta's Smith calls on Ottawa to relax nicotine pouch rules

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is calling on Ottawa to walk back its restrictions on nicotine pouches, arguing the rules are a barrier for those trying to quit smoking.

Alberta's Smith hopes failing recall petitions a sign people feel heard

Alberta's Smith hopes failing recall petitions a sign people feel heard

EDMONTON -- Premier Danielle Smith says she hopes failing recall petitions against members of her caucus mean Albertans are feeling heard.

Alberta to update or patch loads of software after spike in cybersecurity incidents

Alberta to update or patch loads of software after spike in cybersecurity incidents

EDMONTON -- Alberta's government is putting $40 million toward software upgrades after seeing a major spike in cybersecurity incidents last year.

Half the recall petitions against Alberta governing caucus fail as more fizzle

Half the recall petitions against Alberta governing caucus fail as more fizzle

EDMONTON -- Elections Alberta says four more recall petitions against members of Premier Danielle Smith's caucus have failed.

Half the recall petitions against Alberta governing caucus fail, more fizzle

Half the recall petitions against Alberta governing caucus fail, more fizzle

EDMONTON -- Elections Alberta says four more recall petitions against members of Premier Danielle Smith's caucus have failed.

Half of recall petitions against Alberta governing caucus confirmed to have failed

Half of recall petitions against Alberta governing caucus confirmed to have failed

EDMONTON -- Elections Alberta says four more recall petitions against members of Premier Danielle Smith's caucus have failed.

Alberta government to earmark $10.8B for education ahead of deficit budget

Alberta government to earmark $10.8B for education ahead of deficit budget

EDMONTON -- The Alberta government says it hopes its latest education budget will show understanding for teachers following a mass strike last year that ended with the province forcing on educators a contract many had previously rejected.

Four more recall petitions against Alberta politicians fail as 10 reach the deadline

Four more recall petitions against Alberta politicians fail as 10 reach the deadline

EDMONTON -- At least four more recall petitions against Alberta politicians have failed.

Two more recall petitions against Alberta politicians fail as 10 reach the deadline

Two more recall petitions against Alberta politicians fail as 10 reach the deadline

EDMONTON -- ?At least two more recall petitions against Alberta politicians have failed.

Alberta Premier Smith can't quantify savings from referendum proposals on immigration

Alberta Premier Smith can't quantify savings from referendum proposals on immigration

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government isn't sure how much it might save if referendum questions proposing restrictions to social services for some newcomers are approved in the fall. Smith announced in a TV address Thursday that her United Conservative Party government is putting nine questions to a provincewide referendum on Oct. 19. They include proposals to restrict social...

Alberta's Smith blaming immigrants for her own failures: Opposition NDP

Alberta's Smith blaming immigrants for her own failures: Opposition NDP

Alberta's Opposition NDP says Premier Danielle Smith is stoking hatred by blaming her government's financial "mismanagement" on newcomers. Smith announced in a TV address Thursday night that her government is putting nine questions to a provincewide referendum on Oct. 19. They include proposals to restrict social services from some immigrants and to open up Constitutional negotiations on abolishing the Senate...

Third recall petition against Alberta politicians comes up short, another withdrawn

Third recall petition against Alberta politicians comes up short, another withdrawn

EDMONTON -- ?A third recall petition against a member of Alberta's legislature has failed, and another has been withdrawn.

'Tumbler Ridge is full of grace tonight': Carney at B.C. shooting vigil

'Tumbler Ridge is full of grace tonight': Carney at B.C. shooting vigil

Prime Minister Mark Carney says there's nothing anyone can do to fill the silence left by the loss of those killed in the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. The prime minister spoke to a crowd of hundreds at a vigil in the community where people held photos of the loved ones they have lost.

'Tumbler Ridge is full of grace tonight': Carney at B.C. shooting vigil

'Tumbler Ridge is full of grace tonight': Carney at B.C. shooting vigil

TUMBLER RIDGE -- Prime Minister Mark Carney says there's nothing anyone can do to fill the silence left by the loss of those killed in the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

Mass killer had no specific target, was 'hunting' in Tumbler Ridge school: RCMP

Mass killer had no specific target, was 'hunting' in Tumbler Ridge school: RCMP

Officers from the five-person RCMP detachment in Tumbler Ridge arrived at the community's secondary school on Tuesday to sounds of fire alarms and a voice yelling from a window that the shooter was upstairs. In seconds they were through the door and up the stairs, where RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said they were met with gunshots. Soon after, more...

Mass killer had no specific target, was 'hunting' in Tumbler Ridge school: RCMP

Mass killer had no specific target, was 'hunting' in Tumbler Ridge school: RCMP

TUMBLER RIDGE -- Officers from the five-person RCMP detachment in Tumbler Ridge arrived at the community's secondary school on Tuesday to sounds of fire alarms and a voice yelling from a window that the shooter was upstairs.

Alberta's Smith says 'significant' deficits to come, rules out tax hikes and big cuts

Alberta's Smith says 'significant' deficits to come, rules out tax hikes and big cuts

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says "significant" deficits are in store for her province as it tries to grapple with low oil prices. The government's new budget is set to be unveiled later this month, and Smith says it's going to be a "tough" one. The premier told RED FM Calgary this week that she has ruled out tax hikes and...

Alberta's Smith says 'significant' deficits to come, rules out tax hikes and big cuts

Alberta's Smith says 'significant' deficits to come, rules out tax hikes and big cuts

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says "significant" deficits are in store for her province as it tries to grapple with low oil prices.

Alberta's sport minister says he hasn't signed petition for separation vote

Alberta's sport minister says he hasn't signed petition for separation vote

Alberta's sport minister says he hasn't signed his name to a petition that seeks to force a referendum on the province quitting Canada. Andrew Boitchenko says he and Premier Danielle Smith's United Conservative Party government are focused on strengthening Alberta's position within Canada. Boitchenko's comment comes after a leader for the group organizing the separatist petition said some unnamed members...

Alberta's sport minister says he hasn't signed petition for separation vote

Alberta's sport minister says he hasn't signed petition for separation vote

EDMONTON -- Alberta's sport minister says he hasn't signed his name to a petition that seeks to force a referendum on the province quitting Canada.

Canadian Bar Association speaks out against Smith's judicial appointment demands

Canadian Bar Association speaks out against Smith's judicial appointment demands

The Canadian Bar Association is speaking out against Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's call for more input on the selection of federal judges. Smith says if Alberta doesn't get more say on future judicial appointments to the province's superior courts and the Supreme Court of Canada, her government would hold back money those judges need to do their jobs.

Alberta's Smith owes answers before separation vote: former federal minister Dion

Alberta's Smith owes answers before separation vote: former federal minister Dion

The former federal cabinet minister responsible for the law dictating what happens after a provincial separation vote says Premier Danielle Smith must answer questions before a referendum. Stephane Dion, a former Liberal leader, tabled the Clarity Act in 1999 after the unsuccessful referendum in Quebec four years earlier. The act says a vote with a clear majority in favour of...

Alberta's Smith owes answers before separation vote: former federal minister Dion

Alberta's Smith owes answers before separation vote: former federal minister Dion

EDMONTON -- The former federal cabinet minister responsible for the law dictating what happens after a provincial separation vote says Premier Danielle Smith must answer questions before a referendum.

Language requirements for judges shouldn't be made political: French lawyers group

Language requirements for judges shouldn't be made political: French lawyers group

EDMONTON -- Two Alberta-based francophone groups say bilingualism requirements for Canada's top court -- something Premier Danielle Smith is calling on Ottawa to relax -- should not be a political issue.

Second recall petition against an Alberta legislature member fails

Second recall petition against an Alberta legislature member fails

EDMONTON -- A second recall petition to oust a member of Alberta's legislature has failed after falling well short of the required signatures.

CP NewsAlert: Second recall petition against an Alberta legislature member fails

CP NewsAlert: Second recall petition against an Alberta legislature member fails

EDMONTON -- A second recall petition to oust a member of Alberta's legislature has failed after falling well short of required signatures.

Alberta separatist says members of Smith's caucus have signed referendum petition

Alberta separatist says members of Smith's caucus have signed referendum petition

A leader of Alberta's separatist movement says some members of Premier Danielle Smith's United Conservative Party caucus have signed the petition looking to force a vote on the province quitting Canada. "I know of (UCP members of the legislature) that have signed the petition," Jeff Rath, a lawyer for Stay Free Alberta, the group organizing the petition campaign, said Thursday...

Alberta separatist says members of Smith's caucus have signed referendum petition

Alberta separatist says members of Smith's caucus have signed referendum petition

EDMONTON -- A leader of Alberta's separatist movement says some members of Premier Danielle Smith's United Conservative Party caucus have signed the petition looking to force a vote on the province quitting Canada.

Alberta judges urge respect after Smith said she wants to 'direct' them

Alberta judges urge respect after Smith said she wants to 'direct' them

Alberta's judges are calling for respect days after Premier Danielle Smith said she wishes she could "direct" them. The province's three chief justices say in a rare public statement that democracy only functions when all three branches of government operate independently and respect each other's role. "It ensures judges can make decisions based solely on the law and evidence presented,"...

Stay a town or become a city? Alberta community again weighing the pros and cons

Stay a town or become a city? Alberta community again weighing the pros and cons

EDMONTON -- An Alberta town is once again thinking about becoming a city and the obstacles in its way -- including a road.

Hundreds line up near Edmonton to sign petition calling for vote on separation

Hundreds line up near Edmonton to sign petition calling for vote on separation

STONY PLAIN -- An hour after the doors opened Thursday at a community centre west of Edmonton, an employee poked her head in to make sure the crowd was still under its 650-person fire capacity.

Hundreds line up near Edmonton to endorse referendum on Alberta leaving Canada

Hundreds line up near Edmonton to endorse referendum on Alberta leaving Canada

STONY PLAIN -- Hundreds of people braved bone-chilling temperatures today at a community centre just west of Edmonton to sign a petition to force a vote on Alberta leaving Canada.

Failed recall petition a vote of confidence in government: Alberta minister

Failed recall petition a vote of confidence in government: Alberta minister

EDMONTON -- Alberta's education minister says he's taking an unsuccessful recall petition launched against him as a new vote of confidence for the government.

Former Alberta justice ministers criticize government for 'unacceptable' conduct

Former Alberta justice ministers criticize government for 'unacceptable' conduct

EDMONTON -- Two former Progressive Conservative justice ministers and nearly 30 other lawyers are denouncing Alberta's government for what they say are self-serving legal manoeuvres and "unacceptable" attacks on the justice system.

Former Alberta justice ministers criticize government for "unacceptable" conduct

Former Alberta justice ministers criticize government for "unacceptable" conduct

EDMONTON -- Two former Progressive Conservative justice ministers are among more than 30 lawyers speaking out against Alberta's government for what they say is "unacceptable" conduct.

First citizen recall petition against Alberta legislature member fails

First citizen recall petition against Alberta legislature member fails

EDMONTON -- The first of more than two dozen recall petitions launched against members of Alberta's legislature has come up short.

Alberta's Smith calls on Carney to speed up major project approvals

Alberta's Smith calls on Carney to speed up major project approvals

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is calling on Ottawa to further speed up its approval process for major projects, saying she wants to see applications approved within six months.

Disabled warning system, poor visibility led to N.W.T. plane crash: report

Disabled warning system, poor visibility led to N.W.T. plane crash: report

EDMONTON -- A report says poor weather and a plane's disabled warning system led it to crash near Yellowknife, prompting a dramatic military rescue during a blizzard.

Alberta school boards remove dozens of library books as provincial ban in effect

Alberta school boards remove dozens of library books as provincial ban in effect

EDMONTON -- Alberta's two biggest school divisions say dozens of library books have been taken off the shelves as the province's ban on sexually explicit material took effect this week.

Petition 10K signatures short as first deadline looms in burst of Alberta recalls

Petition 10K signatures short as first deadline looms in burst of Alberta recalls

EDMONTON -- A petitioner looking to oust an Alberta cabinet ministers says she has a huge task ahead, as the campaign nears its deadline for signature collection.

Three more Alberta recall petitions issued against politicians, bringing total to 26

Three more Alberta recall petitions issued against politicians, bringing total to 26

EDMONTON -- Elections Alberta issued three more recall petitions Tuesday for members of the provincial legislature -- two United Conservative backbenchers and one Opposition New Democrat.

'Independent state?' Proposed referendum question approved on Alberta separation

'Independent state?' Proposed referendum question approved on Alberta separation

Alberta's election agency announced Monday it has approved a proposed referendum question on the province separating from Canada. The question seeks a yes or no answer to: "Do you agree that the province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?" Elections Alberta said the proponents — the Alberta Prosperity Project and its...