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REDWATER — Residents in rural areas northeast of Edmonton have been ordered to leave their homes because of separate wildfires.

EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is urging her Ontario counterpart Doug Ford to mind his own business when it comes to talk of separating from Canada.

VANCOUVER — Politicians and business leaders in British Columbia say talk of separation in Alberta is an opening for better co-operation between Ottawa and Western provinces, but dividing the country is a step too far.

CALGARY — Whitecap Resources Inc. is on track to join forces with Veren Inc. next week after shareholders of both companies gave their blessing for the $15-billion deal.

QUÉBEC — The leader of the sovereigntist Parti Québécois is throwing his support behind a possible referendum in Alberta, applauding Premier Danielle Smith for standing up for her province.

LAS VEGAS — Oilers goalie Calvin Pickard was confirmed to start Game 1 of the second-round series Tuesday against the Vegas Golden Knights after Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch was cagey on the subject. Pickard went 4-0 with a with 2.

WASHINGTON — Prime Minister Mark Carney says he will meet again in person with U.S. President Donald Trump at the G7 leaders' summit in Kananaskis, Alta., in June.

EDMONTON — The chief of staff to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending a business class flight he charged to taxpayers, citing a health condition that increases his risk of blood clots.

LEDUC — A law firm representing women who sued an Alberta municipality over claims of sexual assault, harassment and discrimination says over $9.5 million has been paid out to 155 women whose claims were approved in a settlement.

EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she will hold a referendum on provincial separation next year if citizens gather the required signatures on a petition.