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Calgary fire officials share home safety tips during school drills
Calgary officials recommend two escape routes per room and twice-yearly home drills.
With students now settled into the new year, Calgary fire officials have reminded residents that safety doesn’t end at the schoolyard line.
Members of the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) held a media availability on Oct. 22 at St. Elizabeth Seton School, located in the city’s northwest, to demonstrate the behind-the-scenes of fire drills.
Chief Steve Dongworth said each school must complete at least six fire drills each year, and that fire officials must attend at least one. He said this ensures staff, students, and the broader community know what to do.
“Firefighters attend the drill to support school staff, check access points, fire safety systems, evacuation procedures, and assembly areas — all critical parts of a fire escape plan,” said Dongworth.
“We also connect teachers with important fire safety educational resources, so that students and parents can learn what to do in emergency situations.”
He said that, over the years, the fire department has become more involved in spreading this awareness, including partnering with school boards. The basic principle remains the same, however: getting everyone out fast and efficiently.
“To get out quickly, to check that everyone’s accounted for by assembling in a position or a place where it’s agreed that’s what’s going to happen,” said Dongworth.
“So that we can, when we come, take care of whatever situation there is that needs to be taken care of.”
Kean Hallisey, this year’s junior fire chief, is a Grade 8 student who said he wants to become a fireman. He said that it’s important to take fire plans seriously not only at school, but at home, too.
Hallisey recommended that every home have an escape plan with two exit options for each room and a predetermined meeting location far from the home.
“You should practice it twice a year so you remember what to do and stay safe in a real emergency,” he said.
“If you have a pet or something, and you are out, stay out — you can ask the [firefighters] to get them. Hopefully, they can get it for you.”
For more information about home fire safety, visit the City of Calgary’s website.
Copyright 2026, LiveWire Calgary. All rights reserved.
Sarah Palmer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, LiveWire Calgary.
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Ottawa gives Stelco owner 15 days to address alleged violations or face legal action
Ottawa gives Stelco owner 15-day deadline
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn
Ottawa is giving the U.S. owner of Stelco Inc. a 15-day deadline to address alleged violations of binding commitments it made when it purchased the Ontario steelmaker two years ago or face potential legal action.
In an 11-page letter Thursday, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly accuses Cleveland-Cliffs of failing to honour six binding commitments made when it acquired Stelco, including employment guarantees.
She also accuses Cleveland-Cliffs of advocating for U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel despite its commitment to support Canada's steel industry, then using those same tariffs to justify layoffs.
Cleveland-Cliffs announced plans on Sept. 28 to lay off up to 500 workers at Stelco's Hamilton Works and Lake Erie Works in Ontario, citing U.S. tariffs and challenging market conditions.
Joly says the company must address its alleged violations, prove it has not broken its commitments or explain why it has failed to meet them.
If the company fails to comply, she says the federal government may apply to a superior court for remedies including an order requiring Cleveland-Cliffs to divest control of Stelco.
The letter discloses the exact employment commitments Cleveland-Cliffs agreed to in 2024, including to maintain an annual average of at least 1,766 full-time-equivalent unionized workers and 603 full-time-equivalent salaried workers.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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Quebec Superior Court hears arguments to suspend Montreal bylaw banning insults
Court hears Montreal bylaw injunction request
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
Lawyers are asking Quebec Superior Court to suspend a recently-adopted bylaw banning insults against employees of the city of Montreal, including police officers.
The bylaw prohibits insults, harassment, threats, abuse and intimidation, as well as offensive and aggressive behaviour.
Justice Eleni Yiannakis heard arguments from lawyers representing an association for progressive jurists and the St-Michel legal clinic Thursday morning.
Lawyer Sibel Ataogul argued the bylaw is too broad and encroaches on fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of expression, and is against public interest.
Lawyer Dardia Garcelle Joseph argued that the bylaw will mainly apply to interactions with police and can lead to serious harm to those already marginalized.
Lawyers for the City of Montreal are expected to argue in the afternoon.
Yiannakis stressed that she will rule only on the request for the injunction and not on the constitutionality of the bylaw.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2026.
By Erika Morris | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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