- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she is "disappointed" Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not call a federal election after announcing his resignation, arguing it leaves the country without strong leadership as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump prepares to impose tariffs on Canadian imports. Smith emphasized the need for premiers to advocate for Canadian interests in trade negotiations and expressed concern over the potential economic impact on Alberta's oil and gas industry. Trudeau, who prorogued Parliament until March 24, plans to resign after the Liberal Party selects a new leader, a process he claims is necessary due to internal opposition and a "paralyzed Parliament."
- The University of Alberta is replacing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies with a new framework focused on "access, community, and belonging." In an op-ed published in Postmedia, university president Bill Flanagan described the language of DEI as "polarizing," calling the shift "more than a change in terminology." Representatives of the university's staff and student groups expressed concerns about how the change will affect work to address systemic inequalities, while some observers characterized the move as a response to political pressures and funding concerns under Alberta's UCP government.
- Condo owners in Castledowns Pointe in north Edmonton, which was evacuated in 2023 due to structural flaws, are awaiting the $6.25-million sale of the property to Cormode and Dickson Construction Ltd. The sale, originally expected to close in November, has been postponed to Jan. 31, but the condo board is preparing backup plans in case the deal falls through. Owners, who continue to have financial obligations and are unable to return to their units, are hoping for a resolution soon to alleviate their mounting debts.
- Postmedia columnist Keith Gerein wrote that Edmonton can expect major change in 2025, with upcoming elections, ongoing debates about taxes, policing, and homelessness, and infrastructure projects like the Winspear Centre expansion and LRT extensions. Additionally, the City of Edmonton will have to find a new police chief, continue work to address homelessness, and navigate regional relations. While 2024 "set a high bar for change," this year "seems primed to top it," Gerein wrote.
- Preparations for the UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup and YEG Ice Fest are underway in Edmonton's Louise McKinney Park, featuring a 21-metre ice wall. The event, scheduled for Feb. 27 to March 2, will host up to 120 competitors from 20 countries and will include activities such as ice climbing, speed climbing, and dry tooling, along with winter activities like fat biking and ski tours. The festival is free to attend, with optional private seating and warming area access available for purchase.
- A Court of King's Bench justice upheld unpaid suspensions for two former Edmonton Police Service officers, Scott Carter and Mark Coates, who were accused of assault and creating a toxic workplace, respectively. However, the justice overturned the suspension of Richard Abbott, who had been penalized for speaking at a freedom convoy event, citing factual errors in the decision. All three officers are no longer with the police service.
- Many Ukrainian Canadians in Edmonton are transitioning to celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, following Ukraine's official change from the Julian calendar to distance itself from Russian traditions. While some community members have adopted the new date, others continue to celebrate the traditional January Christmas. "The tradition and the celebration of Ukrainian Christmas really has not changed, and it really is just the date that has changed," said Orisya Boychuk, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council.
- The Mah Society of Edmonton is hosting bi-monthly "Learn To Play Mahjong" nights to teach newcomers the game, bringing together participants of all ages. The events aim to revitalize Edmonton's Chinatown by encouraging locals to explore the area and enjoy cuisine prepared by community members. "Those of us that work in Chinatown are always looking for reasons to bring people back over and over again," said Chinatown volunteer William Lau.
- The number of Albertans receiving provincial Income Support has surged to a five-year high, with nearly 57,500 residents receiving assistance as of October 2024. The increase is largely attributed to the end of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, along with high unemployment and rising living costs. Statistics Canada data showed that Alberta's unemployment rate in December was 7.5%, which was the fourth highest in the country.
Headlines: Jan. 7, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim