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Alberta

Rocky View County murder. RCMP charge one with first degree murder; searching for second suspect

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 News release from Strathmore RCMP

The Alberta RCMP have now laid charges in connection with the tragic shooting which occurred in Rocky View County on Aug. 6, 2024. RCMP have charged Edmonton resident 35-year-old Arthur Wayne Penner with the first-degree-murder of Airdrie resident Colin John Hough as well as attempted murder of another individual. Penner has been arrested and taken before a justice of the peace. He has been remanded into custody with his next court date set for Aug. 15, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie.

Additionally, RCMP continue to search for the second suspect in the shooting. Elijah Blake Strawberry, 28-years-old, now has a warrant for his arrest for the second-degree-murder of Colin Hough. RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Strawberry.

Elijah Strawberry is described as:

  • Light complexion
  • 6 feet 1 inch tall
  • 169 pounds
  • Several arm and face tattoos.
  • Brown Hair

Elijah Strawberry is considered armed and dangerous. If seen do not approach dial 911 immediately.

The Alberta RCMP wish to offer a timeline into the investigation that led to both an arrest and a warrant for arrest.

On Aug. 6, 2024, around noon hour, officers from the Strathmore RCMP received a report of two men who had been shot while doing work along a roadway on Township Road 250 and Range Road 281 in Rocky View County. Upon arriving on scene, emergency crews discovered that Colin Hough and a 39-year-old victim had both been shot during an attempted robbery by two, then unknown, individuals. The suspects burnt the stolen vehicle they arrived to the scene in, and stole one of the victim’s Rocky View County pick-up trucks.

Responding officers were able locate the suspects in the Rocky View County pick up truck and engaged in a pursuit, however the suspects were successful in evading police.

Soon after, using the Rocky View County pick-up truck on-board GPS, police were able to locate the truck abandoned in a field in the area of Range Road 252 and Township Road 260. Faced with the potential of armed suspects in area, RCMP issued a Police-Initiated Public Alert advising residents in the area to shelter in place. Strathmore RCMP, with assistance of our Emergency Response Team, Calgary Police TAC, Calgary Police Dog Service, the Alberta RCMP helicopter, Calgary HAWCS, drones, and neighbouring detachments, conducted a thorough search of the area. At this point in time police had limited and vague descriptions of the suspects involved in the incident. Providing vague or potentially inaccurate information to the public about the suspects at this crucial time could have been misleading and potentially dangerous.

After conducting a thorough search, RCMP were satisfied that the suspects could no longer be in the area and the immediate risk to residents had subsided. Police at this time lifted the shelter in place and continued to investigate.

After continued investigation, police learned that the suspects, during an unrelated incident, were involved in a minor collision in Calgary in which the stolen vehicle they were driving was partially disabled. They then drove to where the shooting victims were working and attempted to steal a new vehicle. It was at this time both victims were shot.

On Aug. 8, 2024, RCMP determined that Arthur Wayne Penner was one of the suspects. Immediate actions were taken to set up surveillance on Penner and liaise with Alberta Crown Prosecutors to obtained charge approvals.  Once the approval was received, RCMP with assistance from Edmonton Police Service, safety arrested Penner in Edmonton.

On Aug. 11, 2024, police identified Elijah Strawberry as the second suspect in this incident. Today, after receiving crown approval, RCMP have obtained a warrant for his arrest. We ask that anyone who sees him or as information about his whereabouts call 911.

“I want to assure everyone that the RCMP has done, and continue to do, everything in our power to swiftly investigate and arrest these dangerous suspects. I give my most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Colin Hough who was out working and making a living when these individuals took his life,” says Staff Sergeant Mark Wielgosz, “I also want the other victim in this tragedy to know that our thoughts are with him as well.”

Despite these charges, the RCMP’s investigation continues:

  • We continue to work at identifying the occupants of Black Volkswagen Jetta as they may have witnessed this incident. We ask for these individuals to come forward.
  • We believe that a quad stolen on Aug. 7, 2024, a 1:34 p.m. in Wheatland County maybe be connected to our investigation. We ask that members of public check their dash cam footage and surveillance cameras if they have seen the quad or its occupants.

Elijah Strawberry is considered armed and dangerous. If seen do no approach – dial 911 immediately. Alberta RCMP are still seeking public’s help with video footage and information surrounding this incident. If you have information about this incident or those responsible, please call the Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3535. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

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Alberta

Alberta to unlock new market potential

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Alberta’s government has announced new steps to meaningfully act on the province’s ownership of its oil and gas resources and maximize resource revenue.

Alberta’s government will now collect bitumen royalties in-kind (BRIK) in addition to conventional royalties in-kind (CORIK), allowing the province to obtain the top price for oil resources and positioning Alberta as a potentially significant player in the global oil market.

The Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission (APMC), Alberta’s commercial oil and gas agency, will now be able to combine conventional and bitumen royalty barrels to bring to market significant petroleum volumes that will spur private sector investments. This will give government the ability to seek new deals on Alberta’s energy resources internationally, making the province one of the largest global heavy oil market players and maximizing the return for Albertans.

On March 10, 2025, Premier Danielle Smith met with a global oil and petrochemical multinational to discuss a first-of-its-kind potential transaction that would see the overseas transport and sale of approximately two million barrels per month of Government of Alberta owned heavy oil via the APMC.

“This program gives the province greater say in where we sell our oil. Receiving bitumen royalties in-kind is another tool in our investment toolbox and will give us the opportunity to maximize our resource potential, become one of the most significant players in the heavy oil market and garner more value for Albertans.”

Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta

“Alberta and Canada have benefited greatly from the innovation and investment of our partners, the companies driving our energy industry. This move will allow us to promote increased pipeline capacity and grow our global markets, which is good for Albertans, for industry, and for global energy security.”

Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals

Given the significant volume of conventional and bitumen royalty barrels that will become available over time, the APMC will seek agreements with other jurisdictions and industry players to ensure Albertans benefit to the greatest extent possible from the ownership of their natural resources. This will help improve and diversify markets. The transportation of these barrels will help incentivize pipeline capacity growth in support of Alberta’s aspiration to double its oil and gas production.

“APMC will work diligently to seek commercially prudent deals that make sense for Albertans and the Alberta energy industry. The opportunity exists to find transactions that will directly and indirectly secure extra value for Albertans, and the experienced team at APMC is committed to doing just that.”

Adrian Begley, CEO of Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission

Faced with uncertainty around trade and security, Alberta’s government remains focused on diplomacy and continuing to build a resilient and diversified economy that is better positioned to withstand external shocks and ensure long-term prosperity.

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Alberta

Alberta pushes back on illegal U.S. tariffs

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Alberta’s government is implementing a proportionate, measured response to U.S. tariffs and taking decisive action on internal trade with free trade and mobility agreements.

As part of its non-tariff retaliatory measures, Alberta is altering its procurement practices to ensure Alberta’s government, as well as agencies, school boards, Crown corporations and Alberta municipalities, purchase their goods and services from Alberta companies, Canadian companies or countries with which Canada has a free trade agreement that is being honoured.  

“I will always put the best interests of Alberta and Albertans first. These non-tariff actions are measured, proportionate and put an emphasis on defending Alberta and Canada against these economically destructive tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, while breaking down restrictive provincial trade barriers so we can fast-track nation building resource projects and allow for the unrestricted movement of goods, services and labour across the country. I understand this is an uncertain time for many Albertans, and our government will continue to do all it can to prioritize Alberta’s and Canada’s world-class products and businesses as we face this challenge together. I also look forward to working with my provincial counterparts to help unite Canada and ensure free and fair trade throughout our country.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

Alberta’s government has also directed Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis to suspend the purchase of U.S. alcohol and video lottery terminals (VLTs) from American companies until further notice. This will ensure Alberta and Canadian brands take priority in restaurants, bars and on retail shelves.

“We are committed to putting Canadian businesses first. By suspending the purchase of U.S. produced alcohol, slot machines and VLTs, we are ensuring that Alberta and Canadian brands take priority in our restaurants, bars and retail stores. We will continue to take bold steps to support local industries and strengthen our economy.”

Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction

To encourage the purchase of stock from vendors in Alberta, Canada and other countries with which Canada has a free trade agreement, the government will help all Alberta grocers and other retailers with labelling Canadian products in their stores. In the coming weeks, Alberta’s government will augment these efforts by launching a “Buy Alberta” marketing campaign. Spearheaded by Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson, this campaign will remind Albertans of their options for local food and the importance of supporting Alberta’s agriculture producers and processers.

“Alberta’s agriculture producers and processers are the best in the world. Although these U.S. tariffs are incredibly concerning, this “Buy Alberta” campaign will put a spotlight on Alberta’s farmers, ranchers and agri-food businesses and support Albertans in choosing goods from right here at home.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

Building on Alberta’s reputation as a leader in removing barriers to trade within Canada, Alberta’s government will continue to push other provinces to match our ambition in providing full labour mobility and eliminating trade barriers through work like mutual recognition of regulations. This will allow for goods, services and labour from other provinces to flow into and out of Alberta without having to undergo additional regulatory assessments.

“While no one wins in a tariff war, this situation underscores the need to develop Canada’s trade infrastructure and the diversification of our trading partners and could be the catalyst to unlocking Canada’s true potential. As we look at how best to support Albertans and our businesses, we must also work to reduce internal trade and labour mobility barriers while expanding markets for Alberta energy, agricultural and manufactured products into Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond. Albertans and Canadians are counting on us.”

Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

Alberta’s government is also focused on doubling oil production. With U.S. tariffs in place on Canadian energy products, Alberta is looking elsewhere for additional pipeline infrastructure, including east and west, in order to get our products to new markets.

Alberta’s government will continue to engage with elected officials and industry leaders in the U.S. to reverse these tariffs on Canadian goods and energy and rebuild Canada’s relationship with its largest trading partner and ally.

Quick facts

  • On March 4, U.S. President Trump implemented a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods and a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy.
  • The U.S. is Alberta’s – and Canada’s – largest trading partner.
  • Alberta is the second largest provincial exporter to the U.S. after Ontario.
    • In 2024, Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled C$162.6 billion, accounting for 88.7 per cent of total provincial exports.
    • Energy products accounted for approximately C$132.8 billion or 82.2 per cent of Alberta’s exports to the U.S. in 2024.
  • About 10 per cent of liquor products in stock in Alberta are imported from the United States.
    • U.S. products represent a small minority of the beer and refreshment beverage categories; however, a significant number of wines originate in the U.S.
    • In 2023-24, about $292 million in U.S. liquor products were sold in Alberta.
  • Alberta has been a longstanding supporter of reducing barriers to trade within Canada. In 2019, the province removed 21 of 27 exceptions, including all procurement exceptions, and narrowed the scope of two others. Since then, the province has only added 2 exceptions, which allow for the management the legalization of cannabis.
    • Removing party-specific exemptions has helped facilitate even greater access to the Alberta market for Canadian companies in the areas of government tenders, Crown land acquisition, liquor, energy and forest products, among others.
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