- The provincial government has introduced Bill 4 which would amend the Municipal Government Act to limit the authority of municipalities to pass bylaws related to mask-wearing or proof-of-vaccination. "If (municipalities) want to require local businesses to force their customers to wear masks, they will need permission from the minister of municipal affairs," McIver said. Under the proposed legislation, municipalities could still require masks at city-operated locations.
- Hours later, city council voted 8-5 to repeal the Temporary Mandatory Face Coverings bylaw. Councillors Michael Janz, Erin Rutherford, Ashley Salvador, Anne Stevenson, and Jo-Anne Wright were opposed. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said he voted to repeal the mask bylaw because of Bill 4. "Not repealing it and keeping it will be more of a performative act, not a substantive act to actually protect people because we won't have that ability," Sohi said. "We are treated like kids by the province. So, it's a really sad day."
- Following the repeal of Edmonton's mask bylaw, two subsequent motions for new bylaws were also passed. One would require mask-wearing on public transit and in city facilities, while the other would be similar to the repealed bylaw but would be submitted to the province for approval per the requirements of Bill 4 (which has not yet taken effect). Councillor Andrew Knack, who brought forward the latter motion, said exploring every option is warranted. "Getting back to normal is never going to happen," he said. "Our normal from two years ago is not going to be the normal going forward." Both bylaws are slated to come back to city council for consideration next week.
- Edmonton Catholic Schools announced on International Women's Day that washrooms from Grades 4 and up "will soon be equipped with dispensers for free period products and disposal receptacles" to support efforts to strengthen equity in schools. "No student should have to skip class or feel embarrassed because they cannot access period products," said board chair Sandra Palazzo. The initiative is estimated to cost $300,000.
- The Edmonton Queer History Project has launched its new interactive website, walking tours, and podcast series. A new map marks 27 historically-significant landmarks. The first episode of the From Here To Queer podcast features Michael Phair. "We want young people to be able to learn this history," he told CTV News. "To be able to understand that the rights and the privileges that they enjoy today as queer young people were only here because of the brave and courageous people who fought for them."
- 95.7 CRUZ FM's Pam Kirby and 102.3 NOW! Radio's Raj Dhami are the last two late-night radio hosts in Edmonton, Postmedia reports.
