- Ahead of Edmonton's Oct. 20 municipal election, mayoral candidates are strategizing to reach undecided voters. Political experts emphasize traditional door-knocking, but candidates are also highly active online. Candidate Andrew Knack uses Twitch livestreams and campus video game events to engage young voters, and includes his personal phone number on flyers. Tim Cartmell targets older millennials with Instagram reels, such as a bike lane policy video with more than 1 million views. Omar Mohammad, appealing to voters seeking political change, has the most Instagram followers and has spent $46,000 on social media ads.
- Public safety appears to be the top issue in Edmonton's municipal election, with 85% of residents prioritizing improving safety and reducing crime, according to a Janet Brown Opinion Research poll done for CBC News. Mayoral candidates outlined their plans to tackle crime and disorder. Andrew Knack advocates for balancing enforcement with social services and housing, while Tim Cartmell emphasizes proactive community policing and improving response services. Michael Walters focuses on creating day shelters and enhancing transit safety, and Rahim Jaffer proposes building a "recovery village" in northeast Edmonton and hiring 500 additional police officers.
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed disappointment on Oct. 17 that the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) rejected the government's request to end the provincewide teachers' strike and enter enhanced mediation. ATA President Jason Schilling called the proposal "insulting," as it excluded discussion of classroom size caps, a key union demand. The strike is entering its third week. Smith suggested back-to-work legislation is possible by Oct. 27 if the strike persists. The province has made November diploma exams optional.
- The Canora Community League in West Edmonton celebrated the groundbreaking for its significant retrofit and revitalization project on Oct. 18. This project marks a major step towards enhancing the community centre's facilities for residents in the area.
- Christenson Group of Companies, which operates several retirement communities in Edmonton and central Alberta, entered creditor protection on Oct. 17. The company owes nearly $200 million in life lease payments to hundreds of seniors, many waiting years for their money, and an additional $105 million to secured lenders. Court of King's Bench Justice Colin Feasby approved an initial 10-day order under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act, allowing the group to restructure by potentially selling assets to repay creditors. An independent monitor will oversee the process.
- Voting is open until Nov. 22 for the Field Law Community Fund Program. This year, $85,000 is available in funding across Alberta and the Northwest Territories. The program has awarded $915,000 to 167 projects since launching in 2013, and is on track to reach $1 million in total funding by the end of 2025. A selection of ideas that seek to improve local communities is available online.
- Edmonton sports reporter and anchor John Sexsmith died Oct. 17 at 63, following a lengthy and public battle with prostate cancer. An Edmontonian since 1971 and a NAIT graduate, Sexsmith was a beloved figure at Global Edmonton. He also worked at K-97 radio and 630 CHED. Beyond media, he was a high-performance coach with Hockey Alberta, volunteered for Sport Central, and joined the Alberta Cancer Foundation, using his platform to openly share his cancer journey and raise awareness for men's health.
- The University of Alberta Pandas women's rugby team rallied from a 12-3 deficit to defeat the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns 15-12 and claim the Canada West bronze medal at Foote Field. Captain Molly Stetsko's late first-half try narrowed the gap before Anéla Hébert's score in the 37th minute sealed the comeback. The win marked Alberta's third bronze in four seasons and their first victory over Lethbridge this season. The University of Victoria Vikes secured the Canada West Final title with an 18-17 victory over the UBC Thunderbirds.
- As Alberta's cold and flu season intensifies, physicians are expressing concerns about escalating emergency room patient volumes and low vaccination rates. Brian Wirzba, president of the Alberta Medical Association, noted that the healthcare system remains strained, entering each season with already full ERs. For the week of Oct. 5, Alberta recorded 42 influenza, 16 RSV, and 146 lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases. Doctors urge Albertans to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19.
- Former Manitoba judge Raymond Wyant released his report investigating allegations of government interference in Alberta Health Services (AHS) procurement contracts. Prompted by former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos's wrongful dismissal lawsuit, the report found no wrongful interference by the premier or government officials, but Wyant identified two former AHS staffers who were in "real or perceived" conflicts of interest regarding AHS vendors. In response, Premier Danielle Smith said she was "deeply disappointed with the way these procurements and contracts were dealt with by AHS decision makers and some of its employees" and said her government will work to implement the report's 18 recommendations.
- Premier Danielle Smith urged the business community to hire younger Albertans during an Edmonton Chamber of Commerce event on Oct. 16. Smith expressed concern about youth unemployment, even after the provincial rate for those aged 15-24 dropped to 14.7% in September. She highlighted the government's $8 million Alberta Youth Employment Incentive Program, which offers a $10/hour wage subsidy to help 1,000 businesses hire 2,500 youths.
Headlines: Oct. 20, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim