February 12th, 2026

Local News

Valentine’s Day weekend has a some unique event options available

By Medicine Hat News on February 12th, 2026

Medicine Hat is gearing up for the long weekend and Valentine’s Day with a series of local opportunities to spend time with friends, partners, or the community at large. Today, astronomy enthusiasts will start at Grit City Distillery before heading out to Eagle Butte Observatory for a presentation on the “tale of Orion and the ... Read More »

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It’s Old News: A flag to unite a nation

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 12th, 2026

Just 97 years after Canada became a country, it adopted its defining symbol. After flying the Red Ensign since the 1860s, Canada and Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson began the process in 1964 of resolving the issue of the lack of an official Canadian flag. The 11-pointed maple leaf, with a red field and a ... Read More »

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A few local bar options available for Team Canada viewing

By Medicine Hat News on February 12th, 2026

As the medal games for the 2026 Winter Olympics draw near, Hatters will be able to, with luck, be in bars early to cheer on the nation. Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis accepted requests for extended hours for establishments with Class A, B and C liquor licences to be able to host patrons to cheer ... Read More »

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Community sends condolences to Tumbler Ridge; local schools offer support for students

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 12th, 2026

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com As more details emerge following a mass shooting that left nine dead and 27 injured in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. on Tuesday, Hatters are weighing in and offering condolences to the community. “On behalf of our entire service, we extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.,” ... Read More »

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Castle Mountain opens high-speed lift, expanding run access

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 12th, 2026

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com A premier ski destination close to Medicine Hat has unveiled its new chairlift, expanding access to more than 20 new runs and a wide expanse of new terrain. Castle Mountain Resort’s first high-speed chairlift is the largest infrastructure investment in its 60-year history, expanding lift-accessed terrain by approximately 25 per cent. The lift was ... Read More »

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Provincial labour market portal now open

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 12th, 2026

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com A new provincial online portal opened this month in its beta mode that provides real-time data on the current labour market in Alberta and is designed to help employers plan for the future. The new portal offers key indicators on unemployment and employment rates, labour force numbers, average wages, trends over a time person, ... Read More »

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Provincial job creation on the rise: minister

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 12th, 2026

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com According to the province’s minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, Alberta gained 41,800 new full-time jobs in January. Joseph Schow says the government has been focused on diversifying the economy and credits that work for an increase of 3.4 per cent employment growth in 2025, compared to the national average of 0.6 per cent. ... Read More »

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Alberta’s dual practice health plan called out for fewer public protections than other jurisdictions

By ZOE MASON on February 12th, 2026

zmason@medicinehatnews.com A report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is objecting to the Alberta government’s claim that its proposed dual practice health system is emulating the public-private schemes of other parts of the world, including Australia and Western Europe. At a press conference regarding Bill 11 in November, Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health ... Read More »

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Big Sugar frontman still has roots in the Hat

By ZOE MASON on February 12th, 2026

zmason@medicinehatnews.com For the classic Canadian 90s band Big Sugar, calling Saturday night’s Medicine Hat performance a hometown show might be a stretch. Born in Manitoba and raised in Ontario, lead singer and founding member Gordie Johnson spent a stint in his teens in the Hat, graduating from Crescent Heights High School before moving away again. ... Read More »

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Valentine’s crunch time is go time for local florists

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on February 12th, 2026

asmith@medicinehatnews.com One of the peak dates for florists throughout the Gas City is just about to bloom, and along with it comes the annual dash to make sure romantics across Medicine Hat have what they need. An employee at Awesome Blossom was literally too busy to be able to make an official comment on how ... Read More »

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College defends Independence Tour booking as adhering to freedom of expression

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 12th, 2026

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Medicine Hat College issued a statement Wednesday in response to public outcry about the campus hosting the upcoming Alberta Independence Tour. The college has launched a webpage offering comment on the backlash surrounding the Rebel News-hosted event and answers to a number of questions about the facility booking process. “Medicine Hat College welcomes a ... Read More »

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