Separatism, conviction in fatal dog attack: The week’s top stories

A Spruce Grove man is getting creative when it comes to finding a partner. CTV News Edmonton's Nahreman Issa explains.

These are the stories that dominated Edmontonians’ interest this week.

Smith vs. Smith

Alberta Premier and United Conservative Party (UCP) Leader Danielle Smith has won an internal party dispute with president Rob Smith over whether the party should pick a side in the separation debate. Despite the president previously saying the party would not pick a side, the UCP issued a statement Wednesday declaring its support for Alberta staying a part of Canada.

The October referendum question on separation was also finalized this week. Albertans will be asked to pick one of two options:

A. “Alberta should remain a province of Canada.”

B. “The Government of Alberta should commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada.”

Fleet vehicle used in hit-and-run

Police are looking for the driver of what appeared to be a fleet vehicle that hit a motorcyclist on Highway 2A south of Millet on Tuesday. The vehicle is believed to have possible been a Ford Explorer or Chevy Equinox and was marked with the unit number #019.

Driver killed in Highway 16 crash

A driver who crashed into a lifted work platform on Highway 16 near Acheson early Thursday morning died at the scene, and a worker who was on the platform at the time of the collision was hospitalized with serious injuries.

RCMP and Occupational Health and Safety are both investigating.

Spencer is looking for a wife

Spencer Griffin-Beale, a single 40-year-old oilfield and construction worker, is getting creative in his search for love.

Dog owner convicted in boy’s death

A woman whose two dogs killed 11-year-old Kache Grist at her Edmonton home was found guilty of criminal negligence causing death this week. Crystal MacDonald, 46, should have done more to protect the boy from the 100-pound Cane Corsos, who had a history of violence.