Your forecast
Sunny, with wind becoming south 20 km/h early this afternoon. High 15 C. UV index 2 or low.
What’s happening today
Albertans head to the polls today for a historic vote on whether they want to stay in Canada. More than 1.3 million Albertans have already cast ballots by mail or in advanced polls in a referendum called by Premier Danielle Smith. The Canadian Press reports.
Outside the Alberta legislature this past weekend, a sea of deep blue flags snapped in the stiff October wind, held aloft by a crowd of about 1,100 people that gathered for one last hype-up hurrah together before Monday’s referendum. Most of the flags bore the province’s crest; many were emblazoned with a variety of slogans, all of them defiant. “Send A Message to Ottawa.” “Live Free or Die.” “We’re Done — Alberta First.” Melissa Martin reports from Edmonton.
“Canada Guy” waves a Canadian flag during an Alberta independence rally at the Alberta legislature, in Edmonton on Saturday. (The Canadian Press)
Today’s must-read
Premier Wab Kinew said Manitoba “stands ready to help in any way we can” and will lower its flags to half-mast after a large fire tore through a Canadian Forces Base in Wainwright, Alta. Saturday, resulting in four confirmed deaths and dozens of serious injuries.
“This is a terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones, those who were injured and everyone affected,” Kinew said in a statement Sunday. Malak Abas has the story.
A deadly fire swept through CFB Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday afternoon.(John Ulan / The Canadian Press)
On the bright side
Melanie Young was taken aback when she was awarded the Order of the Red Cross after 14 years of service.
“I appreciate it but it’s still a surprise. I feel like I don’t deserve it. There’s so many volunteers and so many teams everywhere involved in what we do. So many others that deserve it,” says the Canadian Red Cross volunteer.
The Pas resident was given the organization’s highest honour for supporting Manitobans during some of their most difficult moments at a private ceremony this month. AV Kitching has more here.
After 14 years of service, Melanie Young was awarded the Order of the Red Cross, one of just 483 Canadians to receive this recognition since 1984.(Supplied)
On this date
On Oct. 19, 1927: The Manitoba Free Press reported former naval officer Bernard Addington Rivett, while out for a horseback ride with a woman companion, was thrown when his horse stumbled on Pembina Highway near Portage Junction; his skull was fractured and he died in hospital seven hours later.
Today’s front page
Get the full story: Read today’s e-edition of the Free Press.
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