Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to call on Alberta to join forces with other provinces to demand Ottawa change policies he argues holds them back — a move he says is “the practical, realistic path to a stronger Alberta within a united Canada.” This is part of a keynote speech Poilievre will deliver today in Calgary as part of his campaign to convince Albertans to remain in Canada. In the fall, Albertans will vote on whether they want the province to hold a binding referendum on separating from Canada. Premier Danielle Smith has framed the vote as a way to decide whether it’s a cause that’s worth devoting time and resources. Smith has said a vote in favour of separation doesn’t trigger the formal process, but instead will allow Alberta to start a legal process required to hold a binding referendum. Smith has repeatedly stated she will vote for Alberta to remain in Canada.
Iran launched missiles at Israel yesterday in the first such bombardment since a fragile ceasefire took effect in early April, raising the possibility of a return to heavy fighting and complicating mediation efforts to end the war. Tehran had warned of retaliation after Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs without warning earlier Sunday in defiance of Washington’s request days ago to stand down. Israel said the Iranian-backed Hezbollah fired at northern Israel earlier in the day. A senior U.S. official said U.S. President Donald Trump called Netanyahu to urge him not to retaliate immediately for the Iranian missile attack in an effort to deescalate the situation. In early morning trading, oil futures headed back towards the $100 per barrel mark on the news.
It was perfect weather to get outside and exercise yesterday and the annual County Kids of Steel triathlon took full advantage. Our Brenda Little has more (60s).
And, here’s an opportunity that doesn’t come along every day. The former Mississauga home of Colonel Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, was listed for sale last week for $1.5 million. Harland David Sanders, who was born in Henryville, Indiana in 1890, moved with his wife Claudia to the four-level side split home at 1337 Melton Avenue in Mississauga’s Lakeview neighbourhood in 1965. The couple relocated to Canada to oversee the Canadian operations of his fried chicken business, now known as KFC, and stayed for good. Already a millionaire after selling the majority of his American franchises in 1964, he lived at the home until his death in 1980 at a hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.
That’s your County FM news, Sports is next.
Sports
Let’s start with baseball. It was going pretty well for the Blue Jays yesterday as they looked to close out the weekend against the Baltimore Orioles with a series win. But after ace Kevin Gausman gave up 4 runs in the 5th it took a fortunate non-call when it looked like Ernie Clement left the base path on a potential double-play, to give the Jays 5 runs in the 6th to take the lead. The Jays added one more in the 8th for a 6-4 win. With the win, the Blue Jays improve to 32-34 on the season, half a game back of the Texas Rangers for the last American League wild card spot.
Reports emerged yesterday that the Toronto Maple Leafs are including future hall of famer Joe Pavelski on their list of coaching candidates. Pavelski only retired from active duty at the end of the 2023-2024 season and has spent retirement coaching his son’s team in Madison, Wisconsin.
Sticking with hockey, Vancouver native Milan Lucic announced his retirement yesterday after a 17 year-career that included a Stanley Cup win with the Boston Bruins. The 37 year-old last played in the NHL in the 2023-2024 season, but did attempt a comeback earlier this season with St. Louis. After 5 games in the American Hockey League, Lucic was released by the Blues.
And it was an action packed Monaco Grand Prix yesterday as the Formula One circus paraded around the streets of Monte Carlo. 19 year-old Mercedes phenom Kimi Antonelli won his 5th straight race, ahead of Lewis Hamilton for Ferrari and Red Bull’s Issak Hadjar.
