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Headlines: March 19, 2025

· The Pulse
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  • Edmonton charities are preparing for the potential effects of the ongoing trade war between Canada and the U.S. Tamisan Bencz-Knight of Edmonton's Food Bank anticipates its $4 million food purchase budget could increase to $6 million, also noting tariffs could add $50,000 to the cost of a delivery truck being built in the U.S. Habitat for Humanity Edmonton expects building costs could rise by 6%, potentially reducing the number of affordable homes it can build in the Edmonton area. Hope Mission is also concerned about how its services will be affected, as well as the construction of a new shelter in Wetaskiwin.
  • Edmonton Global hosted an online briefing on March 12 about how new U.S. tariffs will affect the Edmonton Metropolitan Region's economy. Experts, including Edy Wong of the University of Alberta, Traci Bednard of Explore Edmonton, and Tanis Kozak of Direct Energy, discussed strategies for businesses to adapt and build resilience. Key takeaways included the need for diversification of trade partnerships, removing interprovincial trade barriers, and a collaborative approach across municipal, provincial, and federal levels.
  • The Hardisty Residence, home to early Edmontonians Richard George Hardisty and his wife Esther, has been designated as a Municipal Historic Resource. The owners are eligible to receive $74,407 from the City of Edmonton's Heritage Resources Reserve fund for renovations. The City is also starting work on a Heritage Places Strategy to replace the existing Historic Resource Management Plan.
  • Parkland School Division and CUPE Alberta reached a tentative agreement for 400 education support workers, potentially ending the strike that began on Feb. 25. Workers first have to vote on the deal, with results expected March 19. The agreement, similar to those reached in Edmonton and Fort McMurray, includes pay increases and extends the contract through August 2028. Education workers employed by Edmonton Public Schools are set to vote on their agreement on March 19. Workers in Sturgeon, Foothills, and Black Gold school divisions remain on strike.
  • Construction on a mountain bike park in Queen Elizabeth Park in Edmonton is set to begin this year. The project is being developed by the Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance. The $1.2-million park was made possible by provincial and municipal grants, along with private sponsorships and donations.
  • Edmonton shoppers visited the Hudson's Bay store in Southgate Mall on March 18 to reminisce and seek deals as the company looks to liquidate its products and close all stores across Canada. Shoppers expressed sadness over the store's potential closure. The company is seeking approval from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to liquidate its $315 million inventory as it struggles with nearly $1 billion in debt.
  • Quentin Glabus has been named the new Hokanson Chef in Residence at NAIT, where he will focus on teaching students about culture through cuisine. Glabus aims to show respect for ingredients and various cultures, emphasizing the importance of understanding the story behind the food.
  • Alberta Women Entrepreneurs announced that Marcela Mandeville will step down from her role as CEO, after 16 years with the organization. During Mandeville's nine years as CEO, AWE generated a $400 million impact on Alberta's economy, supporting thousands of women entrepreneurs in the province. Lynette Tremblay will take on the role of interim CEO as the group searches for a permanent replacement.
  • Two Alberta-raised politicians, Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre, now lead Canada's two main federal parties as they battle for control in Ottawa, political commentator Dave Cournoyer wrote on his blog, Daveberta. U.S. President Donald Trump's threats against Canada and Justin Trudeau's exit from politics have erased Poilievre's once-dominant polling lead, while Carney's swearing-in as prime minister has given the Liberals a temporary boost. While Carney does not have a seat in the House of Commons, some political watchers are speculating he may run in Edmonton Centre, Cournoyer wrote.