- The Alberta government passed a back-to-work bill on Oct. 28, to end the provincewide teachers' strike, which began Oct. 6. The strike stemmed from disputes over wages, resources, and classroom issues. Premier Danielle Smith cited concerns about student learning loss, while Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides emphasized the need for students to return to routine. The Alberta Teachers' Association vowed to take legal action, and Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi criticized the government for using the notwithstanding clause and "trampling workers' rights." The legislation will force 51,000 teachers across the province back to work on Oct. 29. Both the Edmonton Catholic Schools and Edmonton Public Schools confirmed classes will resume.
- The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce released its State of the Economy report on Oct. 22, benchmarking economic vitality, workforce health, and affordability in the city and metro area. Compiled by Resonance Consultancy and ATB using 80 indicators, the report indicated mixed economic news. It highlighted Edmonton's affordability, skilled workforce, and status as a major regional hub, while noting pressures from slower job growth and declining labour force participation. Chamber President and CEO Doug Griffiths called on Mayor-elect Andrew Knack and the newly elected city council to establish a Mayor's Fiscal Task Force within 120 days. This task force would review Edmonton's finances, programs, and debt to restore Edmonton to a sustainable fiscal path.
- Edmonton's new city council, with nine returnees and four newcomers, is expected to continue policies on densification and transit, Postmedia columnist Keith Gerein wrote in his latest article. Council's top priority is to fix city finances, building on previous strategies like prioritizing repairs, growing the tax base, and implementing new budgeting methods, Gerein wrote.
- The Edmonton Police Service received a good report card from Edmontonians, according to a CityNews poll published on Oct. 28. The survey found 86% of respondents approve of new Chief Warren Driechel and 78% believe front-line officers do a good job. While 60% feel safe in their neighbourhoods, 73% fear public transit violence, and 72% worry about slow police response times. Residents prioritized addressing drug activity, homicides, and gang violence. Most (89%) want stricter bail policies for repeat offenders, and 49% advocated for maintaining the current police budget with increased efficiency.
- IslamicFamily has launched its Evergreen Award, offering a $10,000 unrestricted prize for individuals performing outstanding, long-term community service. The award recognizes those in unique, often isolating roles who face challenging environments and risks while advocating for justice. The initiative aims to support recipients' growth, resilience, and professional profile, connecting them with mentorship. Nominations for the award close on Nov. 30.
- Edmonton International Airport has achieved Level 3 certification from the Airports Council International Airport Carbon Accreditation program. This milestone recognizes YEG's success in managing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by collaborating with airlines and other on-site businesses. Airport President and CEO Myron Keehn said the achievement is a significant step towards YEG's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
- Thomas Lukaszuk, former Progressive Conservative deputy premier, said that his "Alberta Forever Canada" petition has collected 456,388 signatures, while filing the petition at the Elections Alberta office in Edmonton. This number significantly exceeds the 293,976 required signatures for a referendum on the question, "Do you agree that Albertans should remain in Canada?" Lukaszuk is urging Premier Danielle Smith and Alberta MLAs to vote on the issue to "put separatism to bed." Elections Alberta will verify the signatures by Dec. 27, with results expected by Jan. 6.
- The Alberta government introduced stricter rules for private career colleges with Bill 3, the Private Vocational Training Amendment Act. Myles McDougall, the minister of advanced education, said the legislation is intended to enhance training quality and protect students from misleading financial information and unrealistic job market expectations. The new rules require institutions to disclose job placement percentages and impose penalties for violations, including licence suspension.
Headlines: Oct. 29, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim