Western Standard News Update | Alberta independence signatures hit 177k, advocates say | 31 Mar 2026

In this Western Standard News Update, the latest headlines from across Canada include Alberta independence advocates saying their petition has passed 177,000 signatures, enough to trigger a referendum if verified. The update also covers a court order forcing the CBC to release records under access to information law, though much of the material was heavily redacted, Prime Minister Mark Carney avoiding questions on forced labour concerns tied to China, Lethbridge police announcing the city’s largest fentanyl bust, and the launch of Artemis II as man prepares to return to the moon.Follow Western Standard on Spotify, YouTube Music and Apple Podcasts, and visit westernstandard.news for more news and analysis.