Glassy Cutworm
Dr. Carcamo and Kevin Floate suggest watching for this cutworm now particularly in fields where wheat and corn are in rotation. According to the Cutworm Pests of Crops on the Canadian Prairies: Identification and Management Field Guide, outbreaks can last 2-3 years.
These are all over North America and damage roots of plants while leaving the plants upright. This is just one species of cutworm that may be in Alberta fields.
The Canola Council of Canada also has great information about this pest.