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Headlines: April 3, 2025

· The Pulse
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  • The City of Edmonton is warning residents about a fake letter circulating that falsely claims changes to pet licensing fees. Officials confirmed no such changes were made and advised residents to verify information through the official City of Edmonton website or by contacting 311.
  • Edmonton Public Schools is in the early stages of planning an Autism Centre of Excellence School that would serve approximately 225 of the division’s 3,000 students. While the location and cost are undetermined, a school board report says a dedicated school would alleviate pressure from overpopulated schools and allow for specialized programs. Inclusion advocates, like Inclusion Alberta CEO Trish Bowman, expressed concerns that the school is not inclusive. The province said the planning funding comes from the 2024 budget.
  • Edmonton International Airport has opened a new sensory room designed to provide a calming environment for neurodivergent travellers. The room aims to reduce anxiety and overstimulation often experienced by individuals with sensory sensitivities.
  • The Edmonton Arts Council will award $100,000 in prizes to 12 local artists at a May 7 ceremony at the Roxy Theatre for the 2025 Edmonton Arts Prizes. The shortlisted artists include Celeigh Cardinal, King Thief, and margø for the City of Edmonton Music Prize; Darrin Hagen, Don Depoe, and Scott Portingale for the City of Edmonton Film Prize; Cheyenne LeGrande ᑭᒥᐊᐧᐣ, Heather Shillinglaw, and Raneece Buddan for The Eldon and Anne Foote Edmonton Visual Arts Prize; and Benjamin Hertwig, Crystal Gail Fraser, and Marilyn Dumont for the Robert Kroetsch — City of Edmonton Book Prize. The primary recipient in each category will receive $15,000, and two runners-up will receive $5,000.
  • Edmonton businessman Sam Mraiche, owner of MHCare Medical, issued a statement denying any direct dealings with Alberta government officials and said that all contracts were solely with Alberta Health Services, Postmedia reported. The statement comes amid allegations that the Alberta government influenced the health authority to award inflated contracts to Mraiche’s companies. Mraiche acknowledged a friendly relationship with former NDP leader Rachel Notley, but the company said in the statement that it had “no business dealings” when the NDP was in government. The auditor general, an independent investigator, and the RCMP are reviewing AHS procurement practices.
  • Edmonton philanthropist and activist Daniel Johnstone, commonly known as Can Man Dan, expressed frustration with Edmonton’s approach to homelessness, citing a lack of collaboration between social services agencies. His comments came as city councillors debated this week whether to limit shelter capacity to 125 mats. Coun. Anne Stevenson, who supported the idea, said smaller shelters offer safer and more dignified conditions. The Alberta government is opposed to the proposal, warning it could reduce provincially funded shelter spaces and increase encampments. Councillors will vote on the issue next week, while Johnstone says real political help is needed to effectively address homelessness.
  • Flynn, the wellness dog at NAIT, is retiring after a decade of service. “I’ve had students tell me they’ve come to NAIT because Flynn is here,” said Linda Shaw, a student counsellor and Flynn’s owner. The Australian Labradoodle has helped students with mental health and class projects, but Shaw said he needs a break now that he is 12 years old.
  • Richard Brandsma is pushing to save the pool at Edmonton’s Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital after Alberta Health Services decided to permanently close it due to “significant structural issues.” Brandsma’s daughter, Myah, needs aquatic therapy as part of her rehabilitation. The hospital is exploring community-based aqua therapy options, but Brandsma says the Glenrose pool is more convenient, and public pools can be anxiety-inducing. According to hospital director Curtis Perrott, the hospital and Glenrose Hospital Foundation are prioritizing the pool’s replacement.
  • The Alberta NDP is seeking a candidate to run in the riding vacated by former MLA Rod Loyola, who stepped down to run for the federal Liberals. Party members will select a new candidate for the Edmonton-Ellerslie riding on May 14. The Alberta government must set a date for a byelection in the riding by Sept. 24.
  • Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wants to strategize with Quebec Premier François Legault on asserting provincial sovereignty. In a March 21 letter, Smith responded to a Quebec government report with recommendations on how Quebec could assert its authority, including adopting a Quebec constitution. Smith supports at least eight of the recommendations. She is also open to sharing information on Alberta’s Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act and said that Alberta and Quebec have common interests in countering federal overreach.