EDMONTON — RCMP are at the scene of a serious collision in central Alberta on Highway 39 west of Warburg, Alta.

Officers responded at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Sunday to a collision involving two motorcycles at Highway 39 and Range Road 34.

One male was found in critical condition and another suffered minor injuries, Mounties say.

Traffic is being detoured and RCMP say motorists in the area can expect significant traffic delays.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

RCMP are asking anyone who witnessed the accident or has information to contact them at 780-789-3920 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

EDMONTON — Family and friends of Steven Nguyen, an Edmonton father killed by police on June 5, gathered to remember him and ask for answers about why he was killed.

“We felt like this was a senseless act, we need justice for my brother… who didn’t deserve this and we need answers on why this could happen,” said Melissa Solano, Nguyen’s sister. “We don’t want this to happen to anyone else’s family.”

The group gathered at the Legislature grounds with flowers and signs saying “Justice for Steven.”

The family said they are heartbroken, seeking answers as to why police used lethal force.

Solano also said her parents live a block from where the incident happened, though the family wasn’t told about Nguyen’s death until around 4:15 p.m. the following day.

“They heard the gunshots that night, they had no idea it was their son,” said Solano.

Police were called to the Rosslyn neighbourhood June 5 after a resident reported seeing a man armed with a knife, according to EPS.

Officers arrived and one shot Nguyen, though it is not known what led to the fatal encounter. According to investigators, no knife was found at the scene.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating the case.

“We knew he had no knife, we knew he had no gun, he’s not the type to be carrying around a weapon or do anything of that sort,” said Solano. “When we found out and heard it, it tore us apart.”

The family has heard from ASIRT, but Solano said the contact has been minimal and they have not been able to get answers as the investigation is ongoing.

The family also said they want accountability from EPS over the incident.

“We want this guy off the force, we want this guy off the street, we don’t want anyone to go through this,” said Solano.

ASIRT is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Touria Izri

EDMONTON — Premier Jason Kenney took to Twitter on Saturday evening to launch Alberta’s COVID-19 vaccination lottery to help incentivize people to get immunized and drive the push to the next reopening stage.

There will be three $1 million prizes among other winnings. The first prize will be open to all Albertans aged 18 and over who receive their first dose prior to the province reaching the 70 per cent threshold needed to move to Stage 3 of the reopening plan.

“Thank you so much to the 68 per cent of Albertans who have gone out of their way to get at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine,” he said. “Thanks to you, we crushed the spring spike of COVID and we are starting our lives back to normal.”

Kenney added in the video message that the province is simply “not getting enough demand” for vaccines.

“That’s why Alberta today is announcing that we are launching the open for summer vaccine lottery,” he said.

The premier had been saying some form of vaccine incentive could be offered by the province to boost uptake since May.

According to the premier, more details will be released next week about the other prizes and how the other two $1 million draws will be awarded.

Kenney said that the cost of the lottery will be “easily” covered by future savings of residents not contracting or spreading COVID-19.

“We need to just nudge those who haven’t gotten around to getting their vaccines yet,” Kenney said. “Please do your part, because now a vaccine shot is also your shot at $1 million.” 

Several businesses in Alberta have offered perks, discounts, free food or beverages for those who have been immunized against COVID-19. The University of Lethbridge created a contest to grant free tuition to nine lucky vaccinated students.

As of Saturday, approximately 68.5 per cent of those eligible for vaccination in Alberta have received their first dose — an increase of 0.7 per cent since Friday.

More than 19 per cent of the population aged 12 and older in Alberta are fully vaccinated, representing 16.3 per cent of the overall population in the province.

To move to Step 3 of the reopening plan, 70 per cent or more Albertans need to receive their first immunization.

Stage 3 would lift all remaining public health restrictions and permit indoor social gatherings. It would take effect two weeks after the vaccine threshold is reached.

The winner of the first $1 million lottery will be drawn when Stage 3 begins.

According to the premier’s office, there are 64,535 appointments booked over the next seven days for first doses. The government is projecting Alberta will hit the 70 per cent threshold required for Stage 3 and start the two week waiting period to reopening on June 18.

“The arrival and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines in our province have accomplished extraordinary things,” said Health Minister Tyler Shandro, in a statement. “It’s only fitting that we respond in kind with a once-in-a-lifetime event in Alberta. This lottery is an investment in Albertans and our province’s economic future.

“I am confident that we will see that final upswing in vaccinations to take us across that finish line to widespread immunity.”

EDMONTON — Edmontonians enjoyed the sun and warm weather as they attended downtown’s premier outdoor market.

Al-Fresco on 4th returned for the summer season on Saturday with over 40 local vendors with fresh produce, sweet treats, baking, crafts, craft beer, jewelry, and more.

The market will be hosted weekly until September at the 104th Street promenade between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Marking its second year, Al-Fresco on 4th will feature extended restaurant patios and food trucks.

Archana Gupta, who owns Dazzling Designs, told CTV News Edmonton in an interview that she was happy to see the market was well-attended and that people remained physically distanced.

“I love being outdoors, especially on days like this,” Gupta said. “We need some cheer back for all of us to feel good. Somewhere to go that is safe to do some shopping and support local.”

Dazzling Designs sells handpainted ceramics, handmade jewellery and apparel.

“It’s good to be back,” said Larin Generoux from Sunworks Farms.

Sunworks Farms features local organic and humanely raised meats from a farm near Armena, Alta.

For her, the outdoor market is completely different than others in Edmonton and surrounding areas because of its downtown location and extended restaurant patios.

“People can get out and do something and see different things that you wouldn’t see in a mall or a store,” she shared. “Us being here supports the rest of downtown.

“Especially with COVID, it’s been hard for everybody.” 

EDMONTON — Alberta continues to inch toward its third stage of reopening with now only 1.5 per cent of the population needing a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

In a limited update announced on the province’s COVID-19 information website, Alberta reported another 179 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday after completing 5,476 tests. The provincial positivity rate is 3.3 per cent

Alberta has 3,247 active infections. The Calgary zone leads the province for active cases with 1,330. The Edmonton zone has 839 while the North zone has 569. The Central and South zones have 381 and 128 active infections, respectively.

There are 290 people in hospital, including 74 in ICU. Hospitalizations decreased by six and ICU patients by two since Friday.

The Calgary zone also leads the province for hospitalizations and patients being treated in the ICU with 132 and 32, respectively. The Edmonton zone has 88 people in hospital and 27 in ICU. The Central zone has 27 currently in hospital and five patients in ICU. The North zone has 25 hospitalizations and seven in ICU while the South zone has 18 and 3, respectively.

Four more deaths from COVID-19 were reported Saturday, raising the provincial total to 2,269.

Over 3.33 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Alberta.

Approximately 68.5 per cent of those eligible for vaccination in Alberta have received their first dose — an increase of 0.7 per cent since Friday.

More than 19 per cent of the population aged 12 and older in Alberta are fully vaccinated, representing 16.3 per cent of the overall population in the province.

To move to Step 3 of the reopening plan, 70 per cent or more Albertans need to receive their first immunization.

Stage 3 would lift all remaining public health restrictions and permit indoor social gatherings and would take effect two weeks after the vaccine threshold is reached.