The Biggest Winner of This Election: The Toronto Police

The B. C. Conservatives went into this snap election trying to sell voters on a more moderate version of their party under interim leader Lorne Doerkson. But far-right ideas have still popped up on the campaign trail and provided fuel for the NDP to mount attacks.

Actor Jacob Woike is this year’s hero in East Van Panto: Hercules. East Van’s wackiest, joyfully subversive and family-friendly tradition returns for its 14th year! The Cultch presents Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto: Hercules at the York Theatre from Nov. 18 to Jan. 10.

Since the launch of the Major Projects Office last summer, the term “nation building” being applied to large-scale infrastructure proposals is becoming something of a cliché. Its framing implies that there are projects of such scope and importance that they require extra government attention, funding, or expedited regulatory processes to get them to the finish line. But the term also implies that even if the project is in Pearse Island, British Columbia or Timmins, Ontario, the importance of the project is not strictly “local,” but in the national interest, as there is a broader public implication whether or not it succeeds. This is perhaps an obvious way to look at massive infrastructure builds, but it’s one that is rarely applied at the municipal level.

Alberta’s meta-referendum on whether to hold a referendum on separation suffered a predictable defeat. Forget actual separation, a clear majority—more than 76 percent—of Albertans don’t even want to be asked the question. Now we see what happens next. Of course, the actual number of Albertans who want to be an independent country is much less than 24 percent. Of those who voted for Option 2, some want full independence, a smaller number want to shift dependence to the United States, and most don’t want either but were happy to whack the smug Laurentians with the only stick at hand. It’s an understandable temptation.

Jason Stephan Courtesy Jason Stephan/Facebook Published on:20 Oct 2026, 1:54 amLoading content, please wait... AbpoliAblegJason Stephan

Live results coverageWestern Standard CanvaPublished on:20 Oct 2026, 1:45 amJoin the Western Standard live on Alberta referendum night as the results come in. Our team will track the vote, break down the numbers and bring you reaction and analysis on what the outcome means for Alberta’s political future and its relationship with Ottawa. Stay with us throughout the night for continuing coverage as the results develop. Livestream starts at 8:45 p.m. Alberta time (MT)AlbertaWesternAlberta independence referendumAlberta referendum 2026