Headlines: Oct. 16, 2024

Oct. 16, 2024 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

A coalition of business leaders is proposing a $500-million investment plan over 10 years to revitalize Edmonton's downtown. The plan includes specific investments in infrastructure, cleanliness, and community hubs to address issues like high office vacancy rates, which have reduced downtown's contribution to the municipal tax base. The plan aims to double the downtown population and enhance its vibrancy. "This is no small feat, and this is no small plan," said Puneeta McBryan of the Downtown Edmonton Business Association. Other groups involved in the plan include the Downtown Revitalization Coalition, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, and BILD Edmonton Metro.
The Edmonton Police Service is seeking a court order to prevent the release of the identity of the officer who fatally shot Mathios Arkangelo on June 29, citing threats to the officer's life. The request follows a $1-million lawsuit from Arkangelo's family and ongoing protests regarding his death. Tom Engel, the family's lawyer, questioned the credibility of the alleged threats, calling the move "unprecedented" and arguing it could undermine transparency in police accountability.
CUPE Local 3550 and CUPE Local 474, which represent more than 4,000 Edmonton Public Schools support staff, are holding strike votes this week due to stalled wage negotiations. The union rejected the employer's offer to extend the contract without addressing wage increases beyond the province's cap. Despite being invited back to the bargaining table, union leaders say the wage offer of a 2.75% increase over four years is unacceptable, citing concerns about cost of living, understaffing, and inadequate benefits.
Former Alberta justice minister Kaycee Madu is facing sanctions from the Law Society of Alberta after it found he "undermined respect for the administration of justice" by calling Edmonton's police chief about a traffic ticket he received in 2021. In a decision published Oct. 15, the committee found Madu guilty of conduct worthy of sanction, although a specific punishment has not yet been determined. Madu, who was removed from cabinet after the incident, argued the call was to address concerns of racial profiling.
The Canadian Press published a profile of Philip Currie, a celebrated Canadian paleontologist and inspiration for "Jurassic Park," who turned 75 this year. Currie is continuing his work and hopes to discover a complete Troodon formosus skeleton in Alberta, a rare dinosaur he finds fascinating. He has been instrumental in establishing dinosaur museums globally, including the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, which marks its 10th anniversary next year, and continues to teach at the University of Alberta.
Edmonton native Erik Sabrowski was in the spotlight at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 14 as he pitched for the Cleveland Guardians in the MLB playoffs against the New York Yankees. The left-handed relief pitcher struck out three of five batters, showcasing his skill on a major stage. Sabrowski's achievement marks the first time a professional baseball player from Edmonton has played in the MLB postseason.
The provincial government is launching a new agency, Primary Care Alberta, which is set to begin operations by Nov. 1. The province says the agency, which is part of its plan to restructure the health system, will focus on improving access to family doctors and nurse practitioners, developing new care models, and expanding virtual after-hours care. Kim Simmonds, an epidemiologist and assistant deputy minister for Alberta Health, has been appointed as CEO.
The Alberta government has launched a $7-million "Scrap the Cap" advertising campaign across several provinces to oppose Ottawa's proposed emissions cap on the oil and gas sector. The campaign argues the cap would harm Alberta's economy and infringe on provincial jurisdiction, while the federal government and environmental groups view it as essential for meeting climate goals. Critics of the campaign questioned its claims about rising costs, suggesting the cap might not significantly impact global oil prices or production.