Headlines: May 29, 2023

May 29, 2023 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

The Edmonton Public School Board approved a $1.3 billion budget for 2023-24, but trustees were disappointed because they say it won't provide sufficient support for students. While the total budget increased this year, student enrolment increased at a higher rate, which board chair Trisha Estabrooks said actually amounts to a cut. "We need a funding model that is adequate, that is sustainable, that takes into account growing school divisions," Estabrooks said. Trustees urged parents to consider the issue when voting in the provincial election on May 29 and to ask candidates how they plan to adequately fund public education in Alberta.
Ahead of the provincial election, CBC News published an in-depth piece featuring interviews with conservative supporters in Edmonton, which is an NDP stronghold. Zahir Shivji, a conservative voter in Edmonton-Glenora, said he supports the UCP's economic policies and believes they are supportive of small businesses, which his family owns. Richard Wong, the UCP candidate in Edmonton-City Centre, said he knows the race will be a "big uphill battle" but hopes to win over voters by emphasizing his values and experience, even if they do not support the UCP brand.
Record numbers of Alberta voters have turned out for advance polls, with 758,550 people having voted as of May 27, according to Elections Alberta. That represents an 8.29% increase over 2019 numbers, when 700,476 votes were cast at advance polls. The province-wide vote anywhere system, which allowed voters to cast their advance ballot in a different electoral district from their own, could have helped contribute to the record numbers.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council said in a release it is disappointed the Edmonton Heritage Festival will allow Russian participation at this year's event, which "undermines the principles of peace, justice, and respect for human rights that our multicultural society is built upon." Postmedia reported that it received a response from the festival's Instagram page indicating that the list of pavilions is not yet finalized and will be released 50 days before the event, which is scheduled for Aug. 5-7 at the Edmonton Exhibition Lands. The Russian pavilion was approved in 2022, but pulled out before the festival took place.
Edmonton-based GoAuto announced a $500,000 donation to the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation and a partnership with the Edmonton Stingers Fresh Hoops program, which refurbishes outdoor basketball courts at public schools. Representatives from each organization will be on hand June 1 at Delton School for a cheque presentation and the unveiling of a refurbished court. GoAuto also announced a donation-matching program until 2025 for up to another $500,000, for a possible total donation of $1.5 million. The public can make donations on the foundation's website.
The Edmonton Stingers opened their Canadian Elite Basketball League season with a pair of losses against the Calgary Surge. The Stingers lost 74-70 in Calgary on May 27 and 82-81 in Edmonton on May 28. Stingers head coach Jordan Baker said he looks forward to a new rivalry between the Alberta teams, with Calgary's introduction to the league this season.
The Edmonton Elks announced on May 28 they have cut 18 players, including national defensive back Hakeem Johnson and American quarterback Khalil Tate, one day after they closed out their pre-season with a 25-23 loss against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Condor Airlines announced a new non-stop flight from Edmonton International Airport (YEG) to Frankfurt, which began May 26. The airline will operate the route twice a week with Boeing 767-300 aircraft and offer three classes of service. Myron Keehn, President and CEO of YEG, said the new flight improves access to Europe for the region's businesses and freight community, while enhancing commercial and tourism prospects in both markets.