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Headlines: Jan. 16, 2025

· The Pulse
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  • Edmonton and surrounding areas are under an advisory for snow squalls, or intense blizzard-like conditions, on Jan. 16 as a strong cold front sweeps across Alberta. Anyone travelling in and around Edmonton should check conditions along their route before leaving home. Strong wind is also expected in Edmonton, especially midday and early afternoon. The snow squall advisory zone also includes Edson, Hinton, and Grande Prairie, while heavy snow is expected in northern Alberta and intense wind in southern Alberta.
  • New Edmonton Transit Service fares will take effect on Feb. 1, after city council approved the adjustments as part of the 2023-2026 operating budget. Single Arc trips will be $3 instead of $2.75, cash fare will be $3.75 instead of $3.50, and the monthly adult Arc fare will be $102 instead of $100. The monthly youth fare is decreasing from $73 to $66, but eligibility for youth passes will drop from age 24 to 18 and under. Daniel Witte with Edmonton Transit Riders said the increases are in line with other Canadian municipalities but underscored the consequences for young adults, especially those without a U-Pass.
  • Coun. Michael Janz said the Alberta government has an unfair funding gap when it comes to snow and ice control for provincial highways in Edmonton and Calgary. The province says it pays $3.25 million each year for snow and ice control for Calgary's Deerfoot Trail but doesn't cover those costs for Edmonton's Whitemud Drive and Yellowhead Trail because the roads are within municipal jurisdiction. "I'm not begrudging Calgary for getting the deal," said Janz. "I'm asking for the same fair deal for Edmonton."
  • Unifor, the largest private sector union in Canada, said it stands in solidarity with education support workers employed by Edmonton Public Schools and Sturgeon Public Schools, who went on strike Jan. 13. Unifor represents about 3,500 workers in Alberta's education sector. CUPE Alberta, which represents the striking workers, is running a letter-writing campaign for residents to call for fair wages for education workers.
  • Eveline Charles, a beauty industry entrepreneur, has died. Charles was "a visionary who transformed the beauty industry with her innovation and dedication," EvelineCharles Salons and Spas wrote in an online post honouring her legacy. In 2003, Charles became the first woman inducted into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame.
  • The Alberta government says it is drafting policy options for procuring COVID-19 vaccines after the federal government's distribution program ends this summer. A provincial spokesperson said it would be a "significant cost" to continue providing free COVID-19 shots to Albertans. Stephanie Smith, a doctor at the University of Alberta Hospital, said she expects some provincial funding for COVID-19 vaccinations, but it's unclear how much or for whom, noting COVID-19 "seems to be so politically fraught."
  • Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney is expected to announce his bid for the leadership of the federal Liberal Party at an event in Edmonton on Jan. 16. Born in the Northwest Territories, Carney spent about 12 years in Edmonton during his youth. A 2009 profile of Carney, who was then serving as governor of the Bank of England, captured his reflections growing up in Edmonton.
  • Edmonton is Canada's fifth-sexiest city, according to PinkCherry, an online retailer of sexual health and wellness products. The company's list of sexiest cities in Canada is based on its per capita sales from 2024. Edmonton buyers showed a particular demand for blindfolds, the company said.
  • The Edmonton Elks have released punter Jake Julien to pursue opportunities to play in the NFL. Julien, who was the team's main punter for two years, led the CFL in gross punt yards and punt average.