Headlines: May 14, 2024

May 14, 2024 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis said he has asked the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) to investigate police actions related to the clearing of pro-Palestine encampments at the University of Alberta and University of Calgary. Ellis said the government is aware that encampment participants may have been injured while police carried out the removals. "We have asked the director of law enforcement to have ASIRT review these claims," Ellis said in a statement. "Should allegations of serious injury be substantiated, ASIRT will investigate those claims further."
People's University for Palestine YEG, the organizers of the protest encampment at the University of Alberta that was forcibly removed by the Edmonton Police Service on May 11, released a statement calling for university president Bill Flanagan's resignation and disputing his claims about the encampment's risks and participants. Flanagan defended the removal, which has sparked controversy and calls for accountability, including a joint letter from the presidents of the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta, the Graduate Students' Association, the Non-Academic Staff Association, and the U of A Students' Union asking for a meeting to discuss the removal.
During an appearance on CBC's Edmonton AM, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said he was disturbed by the images of Edmonton police removing the protest encampment at the University of Alberta. Sohi said the City will reach out to the university and the police commission about the response, but noted city council doesn't have authority over how the university responds to events on its campus. "When I saw those images, I was concerned," Sohi said, adding it was "not the right approach."
Residents of a north Edmonton neighbourhood are divided over traffic-calming measures planned for 132 Avenue west of 97 Street, where four lanes will be reduced to two with added bike lanes and pedestrian paths. Resident Una Warner expressed frustration over some of the changes that she believes will reduce parking, safety, and accessibility. City officials say the project will enhance community connectivity and safety. The $95.7-million project, expected to be completed by 2027, aims to encourage active transportation and has received international acclaim for its design.
Edmonton is hosting Rendez-vous Canada, which is the country's largest tourism trade show, from May 14-17 attracting more than 1,500 industry experts from around the world. Paul Hawes of Explore Edmonton said the event will help showcase the city and foster longterm tourism partnerships. The conference, which was last in Edmonton 10 years ago, is expected to generate an immediate economic impact of $5.3 million.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is set to increase its Edmonton to Amsterdam service starting this winter, increasing its non-stop flights to five days a week and introducing larger aircraft for the route, the Edmonton International Airport announced.
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid spoke to reporters about a pair of cross-checks he received in Game 3 against the Vancouver Canucks on May 12, calling it part of a "heated series." McDavid was cross-checked by Nikita Zadorov toward Carson Soucy, whose cross-check made contact with McDavid's face. The NHL fined Zadorov $5,000, which is the maximum allowed, while Soucy was suspended for one game.
Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner was pulled after the second period in a 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on May 12, sparking debate about whether he should start in Game 4. Head coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the need for better goaltending, while Skinner said he felt he "let down the team." The Oilers are expected to announce on game day whether Skinner or backup Calvin Pickard will start.
Alberta Federation of Labour president Gil McGowan has dropped out of the NDP leadership race. McGowan said he wasn't able to pay the final $60,000 in required candidate fees. He is the second candidate to leave the race, after Edmonton MLA Rakhi Pancholi suspended her campaign and endorsed former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi. Other candidates in the race are Edmonton MLAs Sarah Hoffman and Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse, and Calgary MLA Kathleen Ganley. The new leader will be elected on June 22.