- Historically, Edmonton city councillors seeking re-election have an 87% success rate, but perceived public dissatisfaction might challenge this trend in the October 2025 municipal election, Postmedia reported. University of Calgary political scientist Jack Lucas notes that incumbent advantage stems from "personal vote" and reputation. However, a Leger poll found 58% of respondents believe Edmonton is on the "wrong track." Nine incumbents are seeking re-election.
- Edmonton mayoral candidates Rahim Jaffer and Michael Walters unveiled their economic policy statements. Jaffer pledged to cancel the 6.8% tax hike budgeted for 2026, roll back the tax rate to 2021 levels, freeze it for four years, and add 500 more police officers after launching a full city audit. Walters promised to make Edmonton Canada's most attractive city for business by cutting red tape, revitalizing City Centre Mall, and attracting 10 major new employers by 2029, and also said the planned 6.8% tax hike must be reduced. Mayoral candidate Andrew Knack questioned Jaffer's financial claims.
- The City of Edmonton is proceeding with a bridge housing project in the Highlands neighbourhood, despite concerns from some residents who want the initiative put on hold. The project is operated by the Jasper Place Wellness Centre.
- The Edmonton Police Service publicly objected on Sept. 9 to the Crown accepting a manslaughter plea in an Indigenous girl's homicide. Interim Police Chief Warren Driechel sent a letter to Justice Minister Mickey Amery over the issue. Shawn King, president of the Criminal Trial Lawyers' Association, criticized the police service, saying it is "failing to understand its role" and is "not competent to make these assessments," emphasizing prosecutorial independence. The case is being heard by Court of King's Bench Justice Jody Fraser on Sept. 10.
- Ward sipiwiyiniwak will elect a new representative in Edmonton's municipal election in October 2025, as Coun. Sarah Hamilton announced in March 2025 that she will not seek re-election. Seven candidates are vying for the west Edmonton seat. Candidates say they are hearing resident concerns about rising property taxes, inefficient city services like snow removal and potholes, and the need for greater transparency in city spending.
- Coun. Michael Janz is seeking a second term in Edmonton's Ward papastew in the upcoming municipal election, with infill development and noisy vehicles among key issues. Janz, who previously introduced a motion to limit mid-block infill to six units, faces challenges from Joshua Doyle of Better Edmonton and Mark Hillman from the Principled Accountable Coalition for Edmonton (PACE). Doyle highlights an "infrastructure crisis," affecting commutes, while candidate Rozalia Janiszewska advocates for supervised consumption sites, and increased permanent and supportive housing.
- The Edmonton 2 Spirit Society is preparing to open the "first of its kind" emergency and transitional housing in Edmonton in late 2025 for Two-Spirit people fleeing gender-based violence. The facility will offer 12 emergency spaces for 90 days and 12 transitional spaces for up to two years, plus a cultural centre. Helen Kennedy of Egale Canada noted the project's importance, as mainstream shelters often lack the specific expertise or safety needed for 2SLGBTQ+ Indigenous individuals.
- Alberta's unemployment rate jumped to 8.4% in August 2025, according to Statistics Canada, marking the highest rate since 2016, outside of the COVID-19 pandemic. The national unemployment rate also rose to 7.1%. Experts, including David Blackburn of Prospect Human Resources and Blessie Matthew of the University of Alberta, attribute the rise to reduced hiring, layoffs, population growth, immigration, tariffs, and AI adoption.
- The Alberta government and the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) remain at a bargaining stalemate over teacher contracts. Finance Minister Nate Horner said teachers rejected a "good deal" that offered 12% wage increases over four years and a promise to hire 3,000 teachers. ATA President Jason Schilling said the deal doesn't adequately address classroom conditions or salaries, noting teachers have a strike mandate expiring Oct. 7. The Teachers' Employer Bargaining Association also has approval for a lockout.
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will reiterate policy demands to Prime Minister Mark Carney during a meeting in Edmonton while the federal Liberal caucus gathers in the city. Smith seeks progress on nine federal policies, including the greenhouse gas emissions cap and revision of Bill C-69, which she said have severely impacted Alberta's economy and oil and gas industry. She previously warned of an "unprecedented national unity crisis" if her calls were not met and hopes for action from Carney before the end of the year.
- Alberta's counselling therapists remain unregulated despite a provincial government pledge in March 2024 to regulate them by 2025. The College of Alberta Psychologists, which was designated to oversee regulation, is still awaiting provincial funding to develop a code of conduct and practice standards. The Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction said that work is expected to resume this fall.
- Advocates rallied in downtown Edmonton to demand Prime Minister Mark Carney and the federal Liberal government fulfill its pharmacare promise. Organizations like Friends of Medicare called for a national plan covering contraceptives and diabetes care for all Canadians. The federal health minister's office said no further pharmacare commitments would be made, while Alberta's government expressed cost concerns, preferring Ottawa enhance provincial drug programs rather than create duplicate programs.
- The Edmonton Oilers have announced their 2025 Rookie Camp roster and schedule, which will feature 25 players. The camp begins Sept. 10 at Rogers Place in Edmonton with medicals and fitness testing. Players hit the ice on Sept. 11 before facing the Calgary Flames rookies in games on Sept. 12 at Rogers Place and Sept. 14 in Calgary. The camp wraps up on Sept. 15.
- The Edmonton Elks announced they added quarterback Zach Zebrowski, defensive lineman Eli Mostaert, and wide receiver J.J. Jones II on Sept. 9, while releasing national offensive lineman Philip Grohovac.
Headlines: Sept. 10, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim