Headlines: Sept. 21, 2023

Sept. 21, 2023 · The Pulse
By Kevin Holowack

Thousands of Canadians participated in protests and counter-protests related to sexual orientation and gender identity education in schools on Sept. 20, with arrests reported across major cities. The protests were organized under the banner "1 Million March 4 Children," which is related to a growing "parental rights" movement that is increasingly targeting inclusive public education. In Edmonton, the rally happened outside the Alberta Teachers' Association and was met with a counter-protest organized by United for Change Edmonton. ATA president Jason Schilling said the location suggests a misunderstanding about who writes the curriculum, adding the protest was an effort to intimidate teachers and students. Premier Danielle Smith made a statement about the protests that neither condemned nor supported them.
The Edmonton Police Service is launching the Commercial Vehicle Alternative Resolution Program, which allows commercial drivers who receive a ticket for their first safety infraction to attend a free education session instead of paying the fine. It is aimed specifically at drivers of smaller commercial vehicles not associated with large companies that have training in place. The program will roll out in October.
The Infill Development in Edmonton Association and Alair Edmonton are partnering to launch the #BuildingARTyeg award to recognize innovation and excellence in infill and urban development in Edmonton and surrounding areas. The winning initiative will receive $7,500. Association members have until Sept. 22 to nominate projects, and the shortlist will be announced Oct. 12.
Neena Ahluwalia and Sam Malmberg, a mother and son from Edmonton, will be competing on the newest season of Lego Masters, trying to outperform 22 other Lego enthusiasts for a prize of up to $100,000. The season begins Sept. 28. They are the only Canadians competing on the television show this season.
Edmonton Oilers stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been preparing for months in the off season after the team was booted from the playoffs by the Vegas Golden Knights in May, general manager Ken Holland told reporters. Training camp began Sept. 20, but McDavid called the team to Edmonton two weeks early to get a head start. The team's regular season starts Oct. 11 in Vancouver.
Former Edmonton Oilers fan favourites Charlie Huddy and Doug Weight will be inducted into the team's hall of fame on Oct. 26, bringing the membership to 14.
The Edmonton Elks are looking to win their third consecutive home game at Commonwealth Stadium when they face the B.C. Lions on Sept. 22. The team's fortunes have turned around since Tre Ford took over as starting quarterback. Running back Kevin Brown and wide receiver Eugene Lewis have also shown strong performances.
The federal government announced a $150,000 investment to support three active transportation projects in Alberta, including addressing gaps in Alberta's section of the Trans Canada Trail and planning parts of the Athabasca Landing Trail that connects Fort Saskatchewan to Athabasca.