Newsroom

The Service Alberta newsroom provides a single place for the ministry's news releases, social media content, information bulletins and media contacts.

News Releases

2012

Connecting rural households to high-speed Internet (Janauary 16, 2012)
Edmonton... The Government of Alberta is working with municipalities and industry to provide access to high-speed Internet in unserviced areas of rural Alberta.

2011

Alberta honours veterans with new motorcycle plate (Novermber 10, 2011)
Calgary... Starting next spring, Albertans who served their country in the forces will be able to display veterans’ licence plates on their motorcycles with the expansion of the provincial government’s veterans’ plate program.
Click here to see the new motorcycle plate

AlbertaConsumer Champion Awards submissions welcome (September 2, 2011)
Edmonton... The Alberta government is recognizing individuals, businesses and groups for their outstanding commitment to educating consumers about their rights.

Alberta time share operation faces numerous charges (August 2, 2011)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has charged an Alberta-based time share operation with 192 counts under the Criminal Code and the province’s consumer protection legislation following a three-year investigation.

Consumers cautioned about power saving device (July 26, 2011)
Edmonton... Consumers are warned about a potential scam involving a small device that purportedly reduces electricity costs simply by plugging it into a household socket.

Albertans advised to do homework before signing a campsite lease (July 15, 2011)
Edmonton... With the growing popularity of campsite leases as a vacation option, the Alberta government advises Albertans use due diligence before signing any agreements.

New home builder facing several charges (June 21, 2011)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has laid charges against a new home builder for violations of the province’s consumer protection legislation and the Criminal Code... (more)

Alberta to activate emergency mail plan June 16th (June 15, 2011)
Edmonton... The Government of Alberta will activate its emergency mail plan June 16th to ensure critical mail continues to flow between Albertans and the provincial government during the current postal disruption... (more)

Emergency mail plan ready in event Canada Post service disrupted (May 31, 2011)
Edmonton... As part of its emergency mail plan, the Government of Alberta will use provincial offices to ensure critical mail continues to flow between Albertans and the provincial government in the event of a prolonged service disruption... (more)

Consumers warned about local contractors (May 20, 2011)
Edmonton... The provincial government is warning homeowners about two contractors working in the Edmonton area. Nigel Ryder, operating as Nu Renovations Inc., and landscaper Marcie Horyn may be continuing to solicit business as unlicensed prepaid contractors even as they face charges under Alberta’s consumer protection law... (more)

Payday lender ordered to stop charging extra fees for cash cards (May 18, 2011)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has issued a Director’s Order against Cash Store Financial Services Inc., which operates The Cash Store and Instaloans. The order requires the company to immediately cease unfair lending practices, including charging consumers extra fees to get their payday loan in the form of a prepaid cash card... (more)

Albertans reminded to donate carefully to wildfire disaster relief (May 18, 2011)
Edmonton... Albertans donating to relief efforts in Alberta communities affected by wildfires are reminded to ensure they donate carefully and only to legitimate charitable organizations... (more)

Home inspection regulation protects Alberta homebuyers (May 12, 2011)
Edmonton... The Alberta government will license and set standards for home inspectors under new rules to protect Albertans who rely on an inspection when buying a home... (more)

Condominium buyers advised to examine contracts closely (May 3, 2011)
New practice can leave consumers without rights for refunds
Edmonton... The Alberta government suggests prospective condominium buyers review contracts carefully before signing, in light of new “early planning agreements” in which the developer is under no obligation to refund deposits... (more)

Consumers warned about plumbing company (April 13, 2011)
Edmonton... The Alberta government is warning homeowners and businesses in the Edmonton area that Donald John Connors may be continuing to offer plumbing services, despite facing charges under Alberta’s consumer protection law. Connors was operating as Drain Rescue, but is advertising on Internet classified sites as 24HR Drain Cleaning - 24 Hour Plumbing... (more)

Liam and Emma most popular baby names in 2010 (March 16, 2011)
Ethan drops to number two after nine-year reign
Edmonton... Ethan’s nine-year run as Alberta’s most popular name for baby boys ended in 2010 as Liam took the number one spot. Emma also staged a comeback to the spot she held in 2003, 2004 and 2005, displacing Olivia as the most popular girl’s name... (more)

Albertans reminded to donate carefully (March 14, 2011)
Edmonton... Albertans donating to relief efforts in Japan are reminded to ensure they donate carefully and only to legitimate charitable organizations... (more)

Five Alberta consumer champions recognized for efforts (March 7, 2011)
Edmonton... The Alberta government is recognizing four individuals and one organization as consumer champions for their work protecting car buyers, helping teens manage their money, and educating consumers on their legal rights... (more)

2010

Government helps make starting a business in Olds easier, more efficient (November 19, 2010)
Edmonton... The Town of Olds is the most recent Alberta community to launch BizPaL, an innovative online permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)

Didsbury introduces online business permit and licence tool (October 15, 2010)
BizPaL makes starting a business faster and easier
Edmonton... Didsbury is the most recent Alberta community to launch BizPaL, an innovative online permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)

ID card opens more doors to everyday services for homeless Albertans (October 7, 2010)
Edmonton... Homeless individuals will now be able to obtain secure Alberta government identification cards to help them access services and programs. Helping homeless people overcome the barriers they face when trying to acquire identification is part of the province’s 10-year plan to end homelessness... (more)

Red Deer introduces online business permit and licence tool (September 24, 2010)
BizPaL makes starting a business faster and easier
Edmonton... Red Deer is the most recent Alberta community to launch BizPaL, an innovative online permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)

Alberta Consumer Champion Awards welcomes submissions (September 17, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government is looking for businesses, organizations and individuals to recognize their commitment to consumer protection and education... (more)

Consumers warned about contractor with history of complaints (September 15, 2010)
Edmonton... Calgary-area homeowners are advised that general contractor Samuel Bogale could still be operating even as he faces 66 charges, including criminal fraud and violations of Alberta’s consumer protection legislation... (more)

Consumers warned about Edmonton-area concrete company (August 11, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government is alerting homeowners in the Edmonton area that Lopes Concrete Ltd. is continuing to solicit business in spite of several charges, including operating without a licence and refusing to provide refunds... (more)

Online auto sales company faces charges (July 29, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has charged Calgary-based internet sales company GreatCarsandTrucks.com for misleading consumers about its services and refund guarantee... (more)

Energy marketers convicted of forging contracts (July 27, 2010)
Edmonton... Three former Alberta Energy Savings salespeople charged with signing homeowners to contracts without their consent have been fined a combined total of $6,800 and sentenced to 12-months probation, which includes community service... (more)

Serving armed forces members now eligible for veterans’ plates (July 26, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government is expanding eligibility requirements for veterans’ licence plates to include currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces... (more)

Right click on the below audio files (WAV) from the announcement to download them:

Albertans warned lottery scam is a ticket to losing money (July 16, 2010)
Edmonton... Albertans are advised not to reply to e-mails informing them they have won money from a group claiming to be the Alberta Lottery Fund & Prize America/Canadian Lottery Online Lucky Program... (more)

Homeowners advised to beware of repair scams (July 16, 2010)
Edmonton... Southern Alberta homeowners are reminded to be wary when hiring contractors to repair flood and storm damage... (more)

High River introduces online business permit and licence tool (June 30, 2010)
BizPaL makes starting a business faster and easier
Edmonton... High River is the most recent Alberta community to launch BizPaL, an innovative online permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)

Beaver County introduces online business permit and licence tool (June 30, 2010)
BizPaL makes starting a business faster and easier
Edmonton... Beaver County is the most recent Alberta community to launch BizPaL, an innovative online permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)

Contractor facing numerous charges after targeting seniors (June 22, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has laid charges against an unlicensed pre-paid contractor for violations of the province’s consumer protection legislation. Kenneth Gliddon faces several charges for allegedly misleading a senior citizen by asking for money up front and completing little or no work... (more)

Alberta strengthens protection for time share holders (June 17, 2010)
Edmonton... Consumers considering a time share in Alberta will have increased protection thanks to new tougher regulations being introduced by the Alberta government that include requiring time share businesses to be licensed and clearly disclose their terms and conditions... (more)

Changes to auction rules improve service to buyers and sellers (June 11, 2010)
Edmonton... Changes to the regulation for public auctions will improve transparency for bidders and allow businesses to speed up payment to Albertans who sell items at auctions. The changes are a result of a public consultation undertaken by the Alberta government last fall... (more)

Job agency charged for collecting illegal fees from workers (June 3, 2010)
Edmonton... An employment agency has been charged by the Alberta government for collecting fees from foreign workers to find them jobs in the province, a practice not allowed under Alberta law... (more)

Wild Rose Vacations charged under consumer protection laws (May 26, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has charged Wild Rose Vacations travel club for deducting money from consumers’ accounts without their permission, failing to provide refunds as ordered, and misleading consumers... (more)

Company ordered to halt coupon book sales (May 19, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has ordered AMCOR Calgary Inc., operating as All Charities and Alberta All Charity Cancer Campaign, to stop its door-to-door sales activities until it obtains a provincial licence...(more)

Be careful with unexpected offers to buy your house (May 13, 2010)
Edmonton... Albertans are advised to be wary of unsolicited offers to buy their house following complaints to the Alberta government about suspicious letters sent to homeowners... (more)

Be cautious when selling used jewelry (April 16, 2010)
Edmonton... Albertans thinking of sending their unwanted jewelry to businesses offering cash in exchange for gold or diamonds are advised to be careful and do some research first...(more)

Government cautions Albertans about secret shopper scams (March 26, 2010)
Edmonton ... Albertans are cautioned to be suspicious of unsolicited e-mail and text messages advertising jobs for secret or mystery shoppers for retail and service stores... (more)

Input invited on regulations for employment agencies (March 22, 2010)
Edmonton... Albertans are invited to provide input on existing rules for employment agencies in the province to make sure they fit well with the province’s current and future economy... (more)

Lloydminster introduces online permit and licence tool (March 19, 2010)
BizPaL makes starting a business faster and easier Edmonton... Lloydminster is the most recent community to launch BizPaL, an innovative online business permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)

Six Alberta Consumer Champions recognized for efforts (March 8, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government is acknowledging six consumer champions for their work in consumer protection for seniors, increasing renters’ consumer knowledge and providing legal research training for seniors... (more)

Albertans reminded to use caution when shopping online (March 5, 2010)
Edmonton... In conjunction with Fraud Prevention Month, the Alberta government reminds consumers to learn more about their rights when shopping online... (more)

Government investigation of energy sales scam leads to charges (February 24, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has charged three former Alberta Energy Savings salespeople for impersonating consumers and signing up homeowners to energy contracts without their consent... (more)

Limit on costs of payday loans protects Alberta consumers (February 19, 2009)
Edmonton... Payday loan companies in Alberta will only be able to charge a maximum of $23 for every $100 consumers borrow beginning March 1... (more)

Third year running for record births in Alberta (February 18, 2010)
Edmonton... Alberta’s delivery rooms were kept busy in 2009 as the province marked its third record-breaking year in a row for births... (more)

Government warns about self-improvement online ads (February 5, 2010)
Edmonton... Consumers are cautioned about online ads promising free trials or discounts for self-improvement products in light of an increasing number of complaints to the Alberta government... (more)

Parkland County introduces online permit and licence tool (February 5, 2010)
BizPaL makes starting a business faster and easier
Edmonton... Parkland County is the most recent Alberta community to launch BizPaL, an innovative online business permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)

Wood Buffalo introduces online permit and licence tool (January 28, 2010)
BizPaL makes starting a business faster and easier
Wood Buffalo... The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is the most recent Alberta community to launch BizPaL, an innovative online business permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)

Government investigation gets foreign workers their money back (January 22, 2010)
Edmonton... Thanks to an Alberta government investigation, an unlicensed employment agency has paid back $15,000 in illegal fees it charged to find jobs for foreign workers. It also faces $4,500 in fines. Under Alberta’s Fair Trading Act, employment agencies must be licensed by the provincial government and cannot charge workers a fee for finding them jobs... (more)

Government warns consumers about contractor facing charges (January 20, 2010)
Edmonton... Calgary-area homeowners are warned that Samuel Bogale is believed to be operating as a general contractor despite 24 charges against him for violations of Alberta’s consumer protection legislation... (more)

Albertans reminded to only donate to legitimate charities (January 14, 2010)
Edmonton... With many people seeking to donate money to help with disaster relief in Haiti, Albertans are reminded to ensure they donate carefully, only to legitimate charitable organizations... (more)

Search for previous releases