The Current

Flags across all federal buildings are flying at half-mast today following a deadly fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday. Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed yesterday that four people are dead and dozens more seriously wounded. At least 19 are in critical condition. We speak CBC’s Stephanie Cram, on the ground in Wainwright about what happened, Mayor of Wainwright Bruce Pugh about how his community is navigating through this tragic incident, and Retired Major-General Denis Thompson, who served 39 years in the Canadian Army and trained at CFB Wainwright about how he is processing the news. Then, we’ll hear from Erin O'Toole, he served twelve years in the Canadian Armed Forces and is a former Minister of Veterans Affairs of Canada. He is also the president of ADIT North America, and the former leader of the Conservative Party.

Piera Aiello’s husband was murdered in a Sicilian Mafia hit. Three days later, she decided to testify against the Cosa Nostra, then she fled her home — spending the next three decades under a new identity.Her story reveals a side of Italy’s fight against organized crime we rarely hear about: what happens after people take a stand. Now, a new Italian law aims to protect children and adults trying to break free from the Mafia. We speak with CBC’s Italy correspondent Megan Williams, who has been speaking with women, their children and anti-Mafia officials about what this means.

Our National Affairs Panel talks about Alberta politics — and whatever the outcome, what it means for the federation and Alberta's relationship with Ottawa. Plus, the US mid-terms and how they could impact trade talks.

Constitutional lawyer Keith Wilson has become a leading voice in the Alberta separatist movement. He’s the co-chair of Let Alberta Decide and leads the Alberta Transition Council. We speak to him about why he thinks even federalists should choose Option 2 and why independence is the best choice for Alberta. Plus, Monte Solberg held several cabinet posts under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and independent senator Paula Simons represents Alberta in the Senate of Canada. They explain why Alberta is better off staying in Canada.

Matt Galloway is on the ground in Alberta as voting gets underway in a referendum on whether to start the legal process to leave Canada. Hear from voters and organizers on both sides of the debate about the impact on communities. Plus hear from Chief Samuel Crowfoot of Siksika Nation and Alberta newcomers worried about the immigration questions also on the ballot.