Advertise | Sign Up

Good morning {{ first name}}!

Last week, we asked how you feel about Alberta's move to permanent daylight saving time — and it was close, but most of you would have preferred to keep standard time. Several readers pointed to the health and circadian rhythm impacts of more darkness in the morning, with one noting that kids will be heading to school before the sun has barely come up. That said, at least one night shift worker was absolutely ecstatic about the longer evening light.

👀 In today's edition:

Get your story told! Promote your business, event, or restaurant in front of 30,000+ engaged locals! Contact our team today.

☁️ Today: High 17C, Low 10C. See the 7-day forecast.

🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.

⚠️ Here’s the current smoke forecast / check Calgary wildfire and fire restrictions and the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard.

QUICK POLL

Alberta will begin rolling out a redesigned driver's licence and ID card on July 2 that consolidates three pieces of information onto a single card: identity, personal health number, and Canadian citizenship status. The province says the change will reduce the need for Albertans to carry multiple pieces of ID when accessing government programs and services.

Under the new system, anyone applying for or renewing a driver's licence or ID card will need to show proof of legal entitlement to be in Canada. Those who confirm Canadian citizenship will receive a "CAN" marker in the top right corner of their card. Eligible citizens and permanent residents with Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan coverage will have their personal health number integrated on the back of the card. Fees will not increase.

"These redesigned cards are more than a visual update," said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction. "They are a practical improvement that will make life easier for Albertans."

The rollout will replace Alberta's paper health cards, which the province says number roughly 5.5 million despite a population of approximately five million. Nally told Global News he believes the cards will pay for themselves through reduced fraud.

Not everyone is convinced the consolidation is without risk. Tony Anscombe, chief security evangelist at ESET, told Global News the card becomes a high-value target. "If they can breach that database, they're going to get [all those details] in one place," he said, adding that security around that data would need to be stringent.

Calgary resident Sean Maier echoed the concern, telling Global News the card seemed like "a really good recipe to make fraud."

Alberta's information and privacy commissioner raised concerns last year about the citizenship marker, noting that the Registrar of Motor Vehicles is not subject to privacy legislation. Eligible non-citizens can still obtain a card, and a one-time 60-day grace period is available for those who need additional time to gather the required documents.

The new design replaces the dinosaur fossil on the current card with an oil derrick and wild rose, with the words "Alberta Strong and Free" on the back.

SPONSORED BY MATEINA YERBA MATE

Mateína’s new Zero Sugar line delivers smooth, organic energy from yerba mate — no crash, no weird ingredients. With clean caffeine and theobromine, it supports lasting focus and mental clarity. It’s plant-powered fuel that helps you stay sharp, alert, and energized — without the sugar. Try it out today.

🎓 Alberta's student loan program is changing this fall, with the minimum student contribution doubling to $3,000 and parental income factored back into eligibility. Student unions at MRU and UCalgary are calling it an added financial barrier.

🐴 Alberta's wild horse debate continues, with the province counting 2,072 horses and calling levels unsustainable, while advocacy group HAWS puts the number significantly lower.

⚖️ Premier Smith warned this week that the law will be enforced if First Nations communities engage in civil disobedience over the separation referendum, after Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi threatened to block highways or industry.

🚂 Alberta has committed $15 million to advance passenger rail planning, with high-speed Calgary-Edmonton service and airport express connections among the priorities identified in a new Passenger Rail Master Plan.

🔫 Calgary police are investigating three separate shootings in a 24-hour period, two of which fell on the National Day Against Gun Violence. No suspects are in custody.

🐻 Banff's legendary grizzly The Boss was fitted with a tracking collar by Parks Canada in May — and ripped it off within a week.

🐰 A Calgary man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for maiming and killing rabbits — an Alberta record — with the Calgary Humane Society calling it a heartening signal from the justice system.

🧑‍🍳 Cooking When Fatigued (Everyday Meals Made Easier) June 24 Learn to eat well, while living with fatigue. (Free ONLINE class from Registered Healthcare Providers).*

💻 Ready to find your ideal workspace? For businesses of all sizes—from startups to enterprises—discover the coworking space that fits your needs. Connect with a WeWork professional today.*

_{*Sponsored listing}

A program that has helped launch the careers of more than 100 Western and Northern Canadian musicians is returning to Studio Bell this fall — and applications are now open.

Artist Entrepreneur West, known as AE West, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a new cohort running November 2 to December 4 at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre in Calgary's East Village. The program, presented in partnership with Canada's Music Incubator and the National Music Centre, equips emerging and independent artists with practical tools, one-on-one mentorship, and industry training to help them build sustainable careers in music.

Since launching alongside the opening of Studio Bell in 2016, AE West has delivered more than 1,500 hours of mentorship, with alumni going on to earn JUNO Awards and major industry nominations. Past participants include Noeline Hofmann, Sebastian Gaskin, Josh Sahunta, and Celeigh Cardinal.

Most program costs are covered for participating artists thanks to support from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Canada, Stingray Radio, and TD Ready Commitment. One Indigenous artist is also sponsored annually through the Vince Fontaine Legacy Award.

Artists based in Western and Northern Canada who are 18 or older and actively writing, recording, or performing can apply at canadasmusicincubator.com/aewest. The deadline is July 12, 2026.

🍴 HANKKi: A Korean street food franchise founded in 2019, HANKKi has grown to multiple Alberta locations with a simple philosophy — food tastes better when it's made with heart. Expect bold flavours served in a bowl.

🍴 Cluck N Cleaver: Owned and operated by sisters Nicole and Francine Gomes, Cluck N Cleaver serves up halal fried and rotisserie chicken with serious culinary credentials behind it. Nicole is a Top Chef Canada: All Stars winner with appearances on Beat Bobby Flay and Iron Chef Gauntlet — so you know the chicken is good.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

🎟️ 4th Street Lilac Festival: One of Calgary's most beloved kickoffs to festival season returns on Sunday, June 7, with live music across six stages, 500-plus vendors, and free admission along 4th Street SW.

🎟️ Spruce Meadows National: World-class show jumping comes to Spruce Meadows from June 10-14, with Olympic champions and junior riders competing alongside a Barbie x Spruce Meadows activation, a Hobby Horse Challenge for kids, and duck herding demonstrations. General admission starts at $5.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Thanks for reading today. If you found something interesting, please forward this email to another Calgarian and tell them to sign up!

And before you go, we’d love to know…

We’ll see you back here on Tuesdays and Thursdays, same time, same place!