- Support staff at Edmonton Public Schools and Sturgeon Public School Division, represented by CUPE Local 3550 and CUPE Local 4625, are set to go on strike on Jan. 13. Picket lines are planned at several Edmonton locations and all Sturgeon schools. Edmonton Public Schools said in a statement last week that "learning will continue" with contingency plans, which may include a mix of in-person and home learning.
- The City of Edmonton hosted its first conference on missing and murdered Indigenous relatives. The two-day event, attended by 250 participants, aimed to address the crisis by including diverse perspectives and exploring solutions, building on federal and municipal action plans. The conference highlighted the importance of community collaboration and the role of municipalities in supporting initiatives related to transit, housing, and harm reduction.
- Edmonton's Food Bank successfully met its $4.5-million fundraising goal and received 270,000 kilograms of food donations through its annual Festive Giving Campaign. Despite meeting its goal, the food bank continues to face an unprecedented demand for assistance as requests increase by about 5,000 people each month.
- The historic Annamoe Mansion on the Victoria Promenade in Edmonton has been sold for $3.5 million to ARH Homes. The new owner, Ali Hassan, plans to preserve the building's architectural charm while making upgrades, such as kitchen renovations. Built in 1914, the mansion remains a sought-after property thanks to its location and views.
- The Edmonton Riverhawks have transformed Re/Max Field into a public ice rink for the winter, offering skating, dog sledding, and sleigh rides. Renting the rink costs $250 per hour for groups of up to 20 people. The rink will be open until the end of February.
- The Edmonton Police Service dismantled a sophisticated encampment in the Fulton Creek area that was built using materials like plywood and solar panels. Police said they also discovered stolen property on site. According to Homeward Trust, more than 1,200 people in Edmonton are living unsheltered. Critics argue that repeatedly clearing encampments is not effective, while police and city officials maintain that their strategy benefits the broader community.
- Flu cases in Alberta are on the rise this season, with more than 3,000 cases and 750 hospitalizations reported so far, while flu vaccination rates are under 20%, which is their lowest in more than a decade. Experts stress the importance of getting vaccinated to alleviate the strain on hospitals, which are also dealing with RSV and COVID-19 cases. This flu season is unusual because of the prevalence of both H1N1 and H3N2 strains.
- HIV cases in Alberta increased significantly in 2023, with 507 reported, marking a 73% rise from 2022. Experts say the increase could be due to a larger population, improved contact tracing, expanded HIV testing, and rapid point-of-care testing in Alberta. They also emphasize the importance of engaging with the HIV care cascade to manage the disease and reduce transmission.
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith visited U.S. president-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, where she discussed the importance of the U.S.-Canadian energy relationship and concerns over proposed tariffs. Smith also met with Trump's political allies and Canadian figures like Kevin O'Leary and Jordan Peterson during the visit. "I will continue to engage in constructive dialogue and diplomacy with the incoming administration and elected federal and state officials from both parties," Smith said in a social media post confirming the visit.
- Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi appeared on Edmonton-based podcast Radio Free Skaro to discuss his love for Doctor Who. Nenshi, who does not currently hold a seat in the legislature, recently announced his plans to run in Edmonton-Strathcona.
- The Edmonton Elks have announced their coaching staff for the 2025 season under new head coach Mark Kilam, featuring Jordan Maksymic as offensive coordinator and J.C. Sherritt as defensive coordinator. The team also welcomed back Demetrious Maxie and Jason Tucker in expanded roles, alongside several new coaching additions.
Headlines: Jan. 13, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim