Headlines: May 21, 2024

May 21, 2024 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

The Edmonton Police Service held a press conference to explain its response to the May 11 dismantling of a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Alberta that came under scrutiny. Police said that demonstrators were repeatedly warned they were trespassing and were not cooperative when members of the police public safety unit arrived. Police also released additional footage of the confrontation. In a statement, the university said that safety "was at the forefront in the difficult decision" to call in the police, while a spokesperson for the group that organized the encampment said it was peaceful until officers arrived. "At no point were we a threat to any members of the U of A community," said organizer Nour Salhi.
The wildfire near Fort McMurray that led to the evacuation of 6,600 people has been contained at 19,451 hectares, Alberta Wildfire said over the weekend. With the evacuation order lifted, the City of Edmonton closed its Emergency Operations Centre at Clareview Recreation Centre over the weekend, which supported 1,845 evacuees for five days. Residents from evacuated neighbourhoods have returned home, but officials say the wildfire will continue to burn for months, with smoke potentially visible during the summer. Firefighting crews are now focusing on extinguishing hot spots and extending containment lines.
The 43rd annual Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival will happen from Aug. 15-25 under the theme "Find your Fringe," featuring 216 productions and more than 1,600 artists. The festival provided an update on its Sustain Fringe fundraiser, which has raised $100,000 and secured more than 290 monthly donors, with a goal of raising $300,000 by the end of the festival.
Alberta recorded 1,867 opioid-related deaths in 2023, surpassing the previous high of 1,639 from 2021, according to the latest provincial data. Petra Schulz of Moms Stop the Harm called the numbers a "catastrophic policy failure" from the provincial government, which has focused on a recovery-oriented approach to opioid addiction. A spokesperson for the province said the numbers are concerning, but that it is "cautiously optimistic" about a decrease recorded in the first two months of 2024, when 237 Albertans died of opioid-related poisonings.
The Edmonton Oilers eliminated the Vancouver Canucks from the NHL playoffs with a 3-2 victory in Game 7 of their second-round series. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and an assist, while Zach Hyman scored his NHL-leading 11th playoff goal. Leon Draisaitl extended his point streak to 12 games, and Stuart Skinner made 15 saves for Edmonton. The Oilers will now advance to the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars, beginning in Dallas on May 23.
A new permanent exhibit called The Journey of the Horse has opened at the Mah Society of Edmonton, showcasing more than a century of Chinese-Canadian history and the challenges faced by early Chinese immigrants. Created by Sue Mah and Andrea Maru, the exhibit highlights the discrimination, economic struggles, and eventual successes of these immigrants, highlighting their contributions to Canadian society.
Edmonton's vintage streetcars have resumed operations for the season. Members of the Edmonton Radial Railway Society appeared on Global News to discuss plans for the season, including the introduction of two newly restored streetcars from Saskatchewan. The society is also partnering with The Common to host events on the High Level Bridge streetcar.
Alberta's construction sector is facing a shortage of skilled labour, with a projected shortfall of 22,000 workers by 2033. While government initiatives like increased funding for apprenticeship programs and the Alberta is Calling campaign aim to attract workers, industry leaders stress that these efforts won't immediately solve the workforce gap, especially with population growth in the province putting pressure on infrastructure. "It's literally the No. 1 issue on everyone's mind," said Mike Martens of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association Alberta.