Alberta’s Referendum, Ottawa’s sovereignty stress, rising beef costs, and more

<p>Separation anxiety. Premier Danielle Smith says she is putting the question of separation to Albertans in a fall vote. The measure is drawing criticism from all sides, from the NDP’s Naheed Nenshi, who is the provincial opposition leader, to the leader of Alberta’s independence movement.</p><p><br></p><p>Ottawa is also looking West, and keeping a close eye on the situation in Alberta. Prime Minister Mark Carney says the energy-rich province plays a key role in Canada’s future, while the federal Conservative Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre promises his party will campaign for a united country over the coming months.</p><p><br></p><p>And: High ‘steaks.’ Why the price of beef is getting harder to swallow, just in time for the summer grilling season.</p><p><br></p><p>Plus: Health Canada addresses Ebola concerns, Kitchener, Ontario encampment battle, Canadian Gaza flotilla activists start to return home, and more.</p>