Alberta
Take part in North America’s longest-running citizen science project

Blue jays are commonly found across Alberta during the Christmas Bird Count.
From the Province of Alberta
Christmas bird counts taking flight
Volunteers across the province are taking part in the Christmas Bird Count – North America’s longest-running citizen science project.
Cities and towns across Alberta have begun the annual Christmas Bird Count, which takes place every year between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. Each local area plans its own bird count and provides data to the National Audubon Society.
Christmas Bird Counts are organized by volunteer groups at the local level. Thousands of volunteers participate each year, making the Christmas Bird Count one of the world’s largest sets of wildlife survey data.
The results of the bird count play an important role in protecting bird species year-round. Wildlife biologists at Alberta Environment and Parks use the data to assess bird population trends and inform strategies to protect birds and their habitat.
The Christmas Bird Count is a fun outdoor activity for the whole family to learn about birds and become active participants in wildlife conservation.
“The Christmas Bird Count is a great example of how everyday Albertans can play an important role in wildlife conservation. Thank you to the thousands of volunteers across the province who participate in this one-of-a-kind initiative.”
Although many birds migrate to warmer climates in the winter, you might be surprised to learn how many birds stick around all year long. Although we are all familiar with the common winter species, such as chickadees, house finches, magpies and blue jays, the Christmas Bird Count uncovers a few more unusual winter gems.
Quick facts
- The Christmas Bird Count is now in its 120th year.
- During the Christmas Bird Count, volunteers comb the surrounding forests, parks, backyards and back alleys for any sign of bird life.
- The count continues all day, with teams out at night listening for nocturnal birds, such as the great horned owl – Alberta’s provincial bird.
- Last year, there were 59 Christmas Bird Counts across Alberta.
- Calgary recorded 73 bird species, which is 10 more species than the previous year.
- Lethbridge recorded the highest number of Canada geese for a bird count circle in Canada at 29,459.
- Sheep River recorded both the most Canada jays (160) and boreal chickadees (177) in Canada.
- Over the last 10 years, bird counters in Edmonton found a bald eagle, belted kingfisher, a bufflehead (duck), and a chipping sparrow – not unusual birds for the spring and summer months, but not typically found braving our winters.
- Calgary has seen Wilson’s snipe and Steller’s jay – a bird more commonly found in British Columbia.
- Lethbridge has had the occasional bald eagle, greater white-fronted goose and red-tailed hawk. Last year, there was a small flock of wild turkeys.
- There have also been highly sought-after sightings of gyrfalcons and snowy owls, species that birders in other parts of North America maybe only dream of seeing.
Alberta
Red Deer Justice Centre Grand Opening: Building access to justice for Albertans

The new Red Deer Justice Centre will help Albertans resolve their legal matters faster.
Albertans deserve to have access to a fair, accessible and transparent justice system. Modernizing Alberta’s courthouse infrastructure will help make sure Alberta’s justice system runs efficiently and meets the needs of the province’s growing population.
Alberta’s government has invested $191 million to build the new Red Deer Justice Centre, increasing the number of courtrooms from eight to 12, allowing more cases to be heard at one time.
“Modern, accessible courthouses and streamlined services not only strengthen our justice
system – they build safer, stronger communities across the province. Investing in the new Red Deer Justice Centre is vital to helping our justice system operate more efficiently, and will give people in Red Deer and across central Alberta better access to justice.”

Government of Alberta and Judiciary representatives with special guests at the Red Deer Justice Centre plaque unveiling event April 22, 2025.
On March 3, all court services in Red Deer began operating out of the new justice centre. The new justice centre has 12 courtrooms fully built and equipped with video-conference equipment to allow witnesses to attend remotely if they cannot travel, and vulnerable witnesses to testify from outside the courtroom.
The new justice centre also has spaces for people taking alternative approaches to the traditional courtroom trial process, with the three new suites for judicial dispute resolution services, a specific suite for other dispute resolution services, such as family mediation and civil mediation, and a new Indigenous courtroom with dedicated venting for smudging purposes.
“We are very excited about this new courthouse for central Alberta. Investing in the places where people seek justice shows respect for the rights of all Albertans. The Red Deer Justice Centre fills a significant infrastructure need for this rapidly growing part of the province. It is also an important symbol of the rule of law, meaning that none of us are above the law, and there is an independent judiciary to decide disputes. This is essential for a healthy functioning democracy.”
“Public safety and access to justice go hand in hand. With this investment in the new Red Deer Justice Centre, Alberta’s government is ensuring that communities are safer, legal matters are resolved more efficiently and all Albertans get the support they need.”
“This state-of-the-art facility will serve the people of Red Deer and surrounding communities for generations. Our team at Infrastructure is incredibly proud of the work done to plan, design and build this project. I want to thank everyone, at all levels, who helped make this project a reality.”
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.
Quick facts
- The new Red Deer Justice Centre is 312,000 sq ft (29,000 m2). (The old courthouse is 98,780 sq ft (9,177 m2)).
- The approved project funding for the Red Deer Justice Centre is about $191 million.
Alberta
Made in Alberta! Province makes it easier to support local products with Buy Local program

Show your Alberta side. Buy Local. |
When the going gets tough, Albertans stick together. That’s why Alberta’s government is launching a new campaign to benefit hard-working Albertans.
Global uncertainty is threatening the livelihoods of hard-working Alberta farmers, ranchers, processors and their families. The ‘Buy Local’ campaign, recently launched by Alberta’s government, encourages consumers to eat, drink and buy local to show our unified support for the province’s agriculture and food industry.
The government’s ‘Buy Local’ campaign encourages consumers to buy products from Alberta’s hard-working farmers, ranchers and food processors that produce safe, nutritious food for Albertans, Canadians and the world.
“It’s time to let these hard-working Albertans know we have their back. Now, more than ever, we need to shop local and buy made-in-Alberta products. The next time you are grocery shopping or go out for dinner or a drink with your friends or family, support local to demonstrate your Alberta pride. We are pleased tariffs don’t impact the ag industry right now and will keep advocating for our ag industry.”
Alberta’s government supports consumer choice. We are providing tools to help folks easily identify Alberta- and Canadian-made foods and products. Choosing local products keeps Albertans’ hard-earned dollars in our province. Whether it is farm-fresh vegetables, potatoes, honey, craft beer, frozen food or our world-renowned beef, Alberta has an abundance of fresh foods produced right on our doorstep.
Quick facts
- This summer, Albertans can support local at more than 150 farmers’ markets across the province and meet the folks who make, bake and grow our food.
- In March 2023, the Alberta government launched the ‘Made in Alberta’ voluntary food and beverage labelling program to support local agriculture and food sectors.
- Through direct connections with processors, the program has created the momentum to continue expanding consumer awareness about the ‘Made in Alberta’ label to help shoppers quickly identify foods and beverages produced in our province.
- Made in Alberta product catalogue website
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