Headlines: May 27, 2024

May 27, 2024 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

Despite recent rain, Edmonton's mosquito population remains low because of an exceptionally dry spring, with minimal hatching observed primarily in roadside ditches and industrial areas. Mosquito numbers are among the lowest seen in May for many years, said the City of Edmonton's pest management specialist Mike Jenkins, though that could change if June brings significant precipitation.
The arts faculty council at the University of Alberta passed a vote of non-confidence against university president Bill Flanagan, largely due to his handling of a pro-Palestinian student encampment that was forcibly removed by the Edmonton Police Service. The vote, which passed 56-7, follows calls for Flanagan's apology and resignation from students and faculty. The incident has sparked significant backlash, including a potential investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team and criticism over potential violations of protesters' Charter rights.
The City of Edmonton is revising its Residential Parking Program in response to concerns from residents of the Alberta Avenue and Parkdale neighbourhoods. The new policy, approved by the council's urban planning committee in March, reduces restricted parking areas across Edmonton from 19 to four. Residents were particularly upset about Commonwealth Stadium parking restrictions being extended year-round instead of just on event days, and reducing the Northlands and Stadium permit areas. In response to community backlash, the city modified the program, lowering the permit fee to $30 and reinstating event-based restrictions.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating a police shooting that happened May 25 in north Edmonton, where an Edmonton Police Service officer shot a man with a weapon outside a gas station. The man suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital. No officers were injured, and police said in a release they found a stun gun at the scene.
The Alberta Human Rights Commission fined the Edmonton Police Service $80,000 for racially discriminating against two Black men, Yousef John and Caesar Judianga, during a wrongful arrest in 2017. The men, who were pepper-sprayed and handcuffed after witnessing a crime and calling 911, were each awarded $40,000 for "injury to dignity." The commission's decision highlighted that the police acted on stereotypes, though no personal liability was found against the officers involved.
The 2024-2025 budget for Edmonton Public Schools shows increased funding due to higher enrolments but remains tight due to inflation, forcing the division to dip into its reserve funds. Despite a projected 5.2% enrolment growth, the division will struggle to hire enough staff, potentially leading to larger class sizes. Trustees are urging the provincial government for more funding to address the budget constraints. "The challenge is that all of our costs are increasing, including our staffing costs. It's getting tighter and tighter," superintendent Darrel Robertson said.
A time capsule buried in 1996 at the former Clareview movie theatre, now a GoodLife Fitness, could see the light of day thanks to the efforts of local resident and self-described cinephile Michael Vecchio. The capsule was buried to mark the grand opening of the cinema, which closed in 2015, and its location is still marked with a plaque near the building's entrance. Vecchio has prompted the property management company to consider digging it up, adding he hopes the capsule, intended to be opened in 2096, is still buried and hasn't been removed already.
Global News spoke to some businesses outside downtown Edmonton that are seeing a drop in activity during the Edmonton Oilers playoff run. For establishments in the city's downtown, business is booming. "Home games, away games. Both are crazy. Everyone wants to be a part of the action," said Sarmad Rizvi with Home & Away sports bar near Rogers Place.
Vancouver's mayor made good on his bet with Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi by raising the Edmonton Oilers flag at Vancouver city hall after the Oilers eliminated the Canucks from the NHL playoffs. "Cheers to the last Canadian team standing," he wrote.
Spring in Edmonton brings an increase in Canada Goose sightings, leading to potential aggressive behaviour from the birds, which are highly protective of their goslings. Residents are advised to maintain eye contact and make themselves appear larger if confronted by a goose. "They're beautiful animals, and we just have to learn to live with them properly," said Dale Gienow with WILDNorth Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation.
The Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) has raised concerns about funding cuts exceeding $500,000 for seven school districts across the province, which it says will lead to teacher layoffs, larger class sizes, and program reductions. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the funding changes are due to lower student enrolment in those districts. Funding is determined by a three-year, weighted moving average formula, which Nicolaides says provides stability to smaller districts. However, ATA president Jason Schilling argued that the model is inadequate amid rapid enrolment growth.
Federal Liberal politicians, including Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault, are ramping up their social media efforts to engage younger voters, who observers expect will be a crucial demographic in the upcoming election. Boissonnault's Gen Z staffers have increased his online reach by 300% by leveraging social media trends. This shift in strategy is intended to address the trust issues younger voters have with traditional political messaging. A recent poll showed the gap between the Liberals and Conservatives among younger voters has narrowed to 5%.