ACAC happens upon a workable provincial remedy to a world-wide conundrum

Hints, rumours and pure nonsense are being shuffled like an endless deck of cards as sports officials keep looking for a wild card that would help to clarify the road back to what once was considered a normal – or at least near-normal – state of affairs.

The same is true in the real world, of course, but this space sees more reason every day to puzzle over the wisdom of trying to save all these schedules. At this moment, painful or not, it seems that the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference has happened upon a workable provincial remedy to a world-wide conundrum.

Earlier this week, the University of Alberta decision to wipe out at least six major sports resulted in emotional responses that reached wall to wall for sports. Now, the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference takes another logical step by announcing a plan to conduct events almost solely in April, May and June.

Unaffected, for example, are soccer and the other events normally scheduled in the opening semester: “Their schedules (in a normal year) would be totally finished by then,” said executive director Mark Kosak.

It is considered possible that “between 12 and 16 games” of volleyball, basketball, perhaps even men’s and women’s hockey, could be played during that period. “Other tournament-style sports like curling and golf could be accommodated at the same time.” One essential commitment is to avoid conflicts between athletics and the important job of focusing on exams and other year-end functions.

Kosak confirmed that high-level school and conference officials have spoken in favour of a decision like this one.

“They respected that it would be our (athletic) decision, but it was clear that nobody wants an outbreak of any type on campus. This did not make the decision any easier. “The last thing we want to do is make it harder for our student-athletes,” he repeated. “Their disappointment and frustration has been heard.”

Certainly, some ACAC athletes will be unable to compete during the latest stage of their school year. Many must be committed to jobs away from school at that time. “We understand. Our athletes don’t want disruptions like this; neither do we.”

One other major provision, recognizing cost factors and other elements, has been introduced so institutions are free to opt out of the existing plans for a year. “The option was provided to all of our members and one school – the Camrose campus of the University of Alberta – has already accepted that option,” Kosak said.

This sort of delay might be a separate long-term benefit for the Augustana Vikings. Alumni members confirmed last month that several had been working extremely hard for enough financial and community support to delay a probable decision to wipe out men’s hockey despite the storied history of the Vikings and the once-renowned Viking Cup international tournament.

Kosak, ever the optimist, spent a few moments on an overview of these difficult times in post-secondary sports administration. He found a tiny benefit: “It is not easy to seek and find decisions like this, but it’s certainly a challenge . . . all these variables and unknowns to deal with.”

And what is sport, after all, but a challenge?

John Short

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Alberta

Emissions Reduction Alberta offering financial boost for the next transformative drilling idea

Published on December 1, 2025

Todayville

From the Canadian Energy Centre

$35-million Alberta challenge targets next-gen drilling opportunities

‘All transformative ideas are really eligible’

Forget the old image of a straight vertical oil and gas well.

In Western Canada, engineers now steer wells for kilometres underground with remarkable precision, tapping vast energy resources from a single spot on the surface.

The sector is continually evolving as operators pursue next-generation drilling technologies that lower costs while opening new opportunities and reducing environmental impacts.

But many promising innovations never reach the market because of high development costs and limited opportunities for real-world testing, according to Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA).

That’s why ERA is launching the Drilling Technology Challenge, which will invest up to $35 million to advance new drilling and subsurface technologies.

“The focus isn’t just on drilling, it’s about building our future economy, helping reduce emissions, creating new industries and making sure we remain a responsible leader in energy development for decades to come,” said ERA CEO Justin Riemer.

And it’s not just about oil and gas. ERA says emerging technologies can unlock new resource opportunities such as geothermal energy, deep geological CO₂ storage and critical minerals extraction.

“Alberta’s wealth comes from our natural resources, most of which are extracted through drilling and other subsurface technologies,” said Gurpreet Lail, CEO of Enserva, which represents energy service companies.

ERA funding for the challenge will range from $250,000 to $8 million per project.

Eligible technologies include advanced drilling systems, downhole tools and sensors; AI-enabled automation and optimization; low-impact rigs and fluids; geothermal and critical mineral drilling applications; and supporting infrastructure like mobile labs and simulation platforms.

“All transformative ideas are really eligible for this call,” Riemer said, noting that AI-based technologies are likely to play a growing role.

“I think what we’re seeing is that the wells of the future are going to be guided by smart sensors and real-time data. You’re going to have a lot of AI-driven controls that help operators make instant decisions and avoid problems.”

Applications for the Drilling Technology Challenge close January 29, 2026.

Alberta

New era of police accountability

Published on December 1, 2025

Government of Alberta

The Police Review Commission (PRC) is now fully operational, giving Albertans a single, independent process to file policing complaints and ensure accountability.

Alberta’s government is putting the province at the forefront of police oversight in Canada with the creation of the PRC. This new commission replaces the current patchwork of police investigating police with one independent body responsible for receiving complaints, conducting investigations and overseeing disciplinary hearings. By centralizing these functions within a single, independent agency, Alberta is ensuring complaints are handled fairly and consistently.

“The Police Review Commission represents a new era in how Alberta addresses policing complaints. These changes are part of a broader paradigm shift where police are no longer seen as an arm of the state, but rather an extension and a reflection of the community they serve. As an independent agency, it is committed to fairness, accountability and public trust, ensuring every complaint is investigated impartially and resolved openly.”

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

The Police Amendment Act, 2022 laid the groundwork for this new model, establishing a modern approach to oversight built on accountability, consistency and public confidence. The PRC will manage the full complaints process from receiving and assessing, to investigating and resolving complaints related to police conduct, including serious incidents and statutory offences.

“The Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police welcomes the launch of the Police Review Commission as a meaningful step toward enhanced oversight and greater transparency in policing. By ensuring complaints are reviewed fairly and impartially, the Commission will help strengthen accountability and reinforce public trust in Alberta’s police agencies. Police leaders across the province are committed to working with the Commission and our communities to ensure every Albertan has confidence in the integrity of our police services.”

Al Murphy, president, Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police

A timely and transparent complaint resolution process is essential for both the public and police. That is why the PRC must complete investigations within 180 days, and if more time is needed, the chief executive officer must publicly report on delays and provide justification. This ensures clarity, predictability and accountability throughout the process. The commission will be arm’s length from government and police services, meaning people can have greater confidence that their complaints will be investigated and resolved impartially.

“Our goal is to build trust in policing by delivering timely resolutions and fair, consistent outcomes that put people first. Every complaint will be reviewed thoroughly and handled with the transparency and respect Albertans expect and deserve.”

Michael Ewenson, interim chief executive officer, Police Review Commission

The PRC can also initiate systemic reviews related to police conduct or emerging trends without the need for a public complaint, and these reviews must be made public. Together, these measures create a clear, accountable process that strengthens transparency, supports continuous improvement and enhances trust in how police oversight is carried out across Alberta.

“Public safety and the confidence the public has in our police services and service members are incumbent for effective and responsible service delivery. The PRC has been developed so that Albertans may have a responsible and impartial mechanism to voice concerns regarding delivery of policing services in Alberta. I am confident that the PRC will be an inclusive and diverse representation of the communities, so we may better understand the most appropriate and effective way to respond to concerns regarding police services. I look forward to the positive outcomes for the community.”

Teddy Manywounds, justice and public safety director, G4 Stoney Nakoda Tsuut’ina First Nations

The commission’s design was informed by engagement with Indigenous communities, law enforcement partners, municipal officials and community organizations, ensuring its structure and training reflect Alberta’s diversity and values.

Quick facts

The PRC will handle complaints in three categories:
- Level 1: Death, serious injury and serious or sensitive allegations involving all police services in Alberta, as well as peace officer agencies.
- Level 2: Allegations of criminal and other statutory offences involving all police services in Alberta.
- Level 3: Complaints about non-criminal misconduct involving officers employed by municipal and First Nations police services.
Complaints that fall outside the three categories will be referred to the appropriate bodies or agencies for review.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) will now operate under the PRC.