Alberta
Take part in North America’s longest-running citizen science project
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
Former senior financial advisor charged with embezzling millions from Red Deer area residents
News release from Alberta RCMP
Former senior financial advisor charged for misappropriating nearly $5 million from clients
On April 4, 2024, the RCMP’s Provincial Financial Crime Team charged a Calgary resident for fraud-related offences after embezzling millions of dollars from his clients while serving as a senior financial advisor.
Following a thorough investigation, the accused is alleged to have fraudulently withdrawn funds from client accounts and deposited them into bank accounts he personally controlled. A total of sixteen victims were identified in the Red Deer area and suffered a combined loss of nearly $5 million.
Marc St. Pierre, 52, a resident of Calgary, was arrested and charged with:
- Fraud over $5,000 contrary to section 380(1)(a) of the Criminal Code; and,
- Theft over $5,000 contrary to section 344(a) of the Criminal Code.
St. Pierre is scheduled to appear in Red Deer Provincial Court on May 14, 2024.
“The ability for financial advisors to leverage their position to conduct frauds and investment scams represents a significant risk to the integrity of Alberta’s financial institutions. The investigation serves as an important reminder for all banking clients to regularly check their accounts for any suspicious activity and to report it to their bank’s fraud prevention team.”
- Sgt. John Lamming, Provincial Financial Crime Team
The Provincial Financial Crime Team is a specialized unit that conducts investigations relating to multi-jurisdictional serious fraud, investments scams and corruption.
Alberta
Political parties will be part of municipal elections in Edmonton and Calgary pilot projects
Strengthening Alberta’s local elections
Alberta’s government is introducing legislation to ensure Albertans can rely on transparent, free and fair elections, and municipally-elected officials have clearer accountability measures.
In a democratic society, Albertans expect their local elections to be free and fair, and their elected officials to be held to account by clear rules that govern their local councils. The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act proposes amendments to the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) and the Municipal Government Act (MGA) to add greater transparency to local election processes and ensure local councils and elected officials continue to remain accountable to the citizens who elected them.
“Our government is committed to strengthening Albertans’ trust in their local governments and the democratic process that elects local leaders. The changes we are making increase transparency for Alberta voters and provide surety their votes will be counted accurately. We know how important local democracy is to Albertans, and we will work with local authorities to protect and enhance the integrity of local elections.”
Local Authorities Election Act
Albertans expect free and fair elections and that’s why it’s important we strengthen the rules that govern local elections. To strengthen public trust in local elections, Alberta’s government will eliminate the use of electronic tabulators and other automated voting machines. All Albertans should be able to trust the methods and results of local elections; requiring all ballots to be counted by hand, clarifying rules and streamlining processes for scrutineers will provide voters greater assurance in the integrity of the results.
All eligible Albertans should be able to vote in local elections without impediment. Alberta’s government will limit the barriers for eligible voters to cast a ballot by expanding the use of special ballots. Currently, special ballots can only be requested for very specific reasons, including physical disability, absence from the municipality, or for municipal election workers. By expanding the use of special ballots, the government is encouraging more voter participation.
Amendments in the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act would increase transparency in local elections by enabling political parties at the local level. Political parties would be enabled in a pilot project for Edmonton and Calgary. The act will not require candidates to join a political party in order to run for a local or municipal office, but will create the opportunity to do so.
In addition, proposed changes to the Local Authorities Election Act would allow municipalities the option to require criminal record checks for local candidates, thus increasing transparency and trust in candidates who may go on to become elected officials.
Municipal Government Act
The role of an elected official is one with tremendous responsibility and expectations. Changes proposed to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) will strengthen the accountability of locally elected officials and councils. These include requiring mandatory orientation training for councillors, allowing elected officials to recuse themselves for real or perceived conflicts of interest without third-party review and requiring a councillor’s seat to become vacant upon disqualification.
If passed, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act will also unlock new tools to build affordable and attainable housing across Alberta. Proposed amendments under the MGA would also create more options for municipalities to accelerate housing developments in their communities. Options include:
- Exempting non-profit, subsidized affordable housing from both municipal and education property taxes;
- Requiring municipalities to offer digital participation for public hearings about planning and development, and restricting municipalities from holding extra public hearings that are not already required by legislation; and
- Enabling municipalities to offer multi-year residential property tax exemptions.
Municipal Affairs will engage municipalities and other partners over the coming months to hear perspectives and gather feedback to help develop regulations.
Quick facts
- The LAEA establishes the framework for the conduct of elections in Alberta municipalities, school divisions, irrigation districts and Metis Settlements.
- The MGA establishes the rules governing the conduct of local elected officials once on council, as well as the overall administration and operation of municipal authorities in Alberta, including any policy those authorities may wish to implement.
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