- More than 27,000 Alberta healthcare workers represented by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees have approved a contract deal with Alberta Health Services. The agreement provides a 12% wage hike over four years, retroactive to April 1, 2024, when the workers' contract expired.
- Edmonton-based engineering and professional services company Stantec has pulled out of contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The contracts, held by a joint venture between Stantec and a business owned by Oneida Nation in Wisconsin, were for quality assurance for ICE facilities in Texas and Wisconsin. The move followed backlash and a resolution by the Oneida Nation to disengage from ICE contracts. Stantec spokesperson Danny Craig confirmed no active contracts remain.
- Edmonton's Chinatown businesses are experiencing mixed foot traffic, with some reporting significant drops due to construction and safety concerns. Andrew Hui, organizer of Chinatown Dining Week, noted a 30% decline for some businesses following recent homicides and concerns about social disorder. Mayor Andrew Knack links the City of Edmonton's $480,000 investment in community projects to increased visitors, and events like Chinatown Dining Week have been a major benefit for participating establishments. Businesses hope for continued City funding to improve safety and attract more people to the community.
- Edmonton-based fintech company Everyday Payments faces allegations from dozens of British Columbia users who claim money is missing from their digital wallets for tips and staff wages. The Bank of Canada, which oversees payment service providers, confirmed it is investigating these concerns under the Retail Payment Activities Act.
- Hundreds of people marked the upcoming Lunar New Year at a Vietnamese celebration in Edmonton hosted by the Edmonton Viets Association on Feb. 7. The event highlighted Edmonton's rich Vietnamese culture, said organizer Linda Hoang, showcasing singing, dancing and storytelling.
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith defended her threat to withhold judicial funding, calling it a "negotiating tactic" to achieve more provincial input on judge appointments. In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney on Jan. 23, Smith proposed a special advisory committee with provincial representation for selecting judges for Alberta's courts and the Supreme Court of Canada. Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser said he won't act on the call, saying the current process is independent.
- The Edmonton Elks have extended fullback Jacob Plamondon through the 2026 season. Plamondon, a Red Deer native, was a second-round draft pick by the Elks in 2022. He has since played 51 games for Edmonton as both a fullback and defensive lineman, recording 21 special teams tackles.
Headlines: Feb. 9, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim