- The Alberta government will end funding for the Housing First program run by Boyle Street Community Services on April 1 and plans to find a new provider through a request for proposals. The province said the program was not achieving the same results as others and had overlapping services, though funding for housing resources overall will continue. The organization says it is working to transfer clients to other agencies, while some worry vulnerable people could fall through the cracks during the transition.
- Edmonton Police Service Chief Warren Driechel's February trip to Israel, funded by the Major Cities Chiefs Association, has drawn criticism and support from Edmontonians. Driechel said he aimed to learn how Israeli police connect with Muslim and Jewish communities and manage global conflicts affecting local protests. Edmonton mosques and Muslim organizations sent a letter to the Edmonton Police Commission, expressing "deep pain" and criticizing Driechel's judgment. Stacey Leavitt-Wright of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton supported the trip, citing its importance following hate incidents locally and in Toronto.
- The Edmonton Police Service warned about a rise in sextortion cases targeting youth in Edmonton, with 983 cases involving young victims reported between 2018 and 2025, including 168 cases in 2025 alone. Police said victims are typically 13-16 years old, and offenders exploit them by threatening to release explicit content unless more images or money are provided. While 68% of victims are female, male victim numbers are increasing. The police service is partnering with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams to educate parents and youth on recognizing warning signs like increased screen time secrecy and anxiety.
- Edmonton's inaugural Arts District Day on March 14 invites residents downtown to experience the city's cultural heart. Centred around the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Citadel Theatre, and Winspear Centre, the event aims to revitalize the Arts District after the pandemic. Activities include free admission and 15-minute tours at the Art Gallery of Alberta, music by Kalaakar Music Society, and artist Nancy Nickolson at the Edmonton Arts Council shop on Churchill Square. Stanley A. Milner Library, ArtsHub Creative Studio, and Ociciwan Contemporary Arts Centre are also participating.
- NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal was in Edmonton to unveil a new big-and-tall furniture line at the Edmonton Convention Centre. The new line is a partnership with The Brick, which was founded in Edmonton. "Everyone in Canada knows Shaq loves Canada," he said.
- Hospitalists in the Alberta Health Services Edmonton Zone warned the Alberta government that changes to their compensation model could cause "immediate, unavoidable surgical cancellations" at Edmonton hospitals by mid-March 2026, CBC reported. The funding model for hospitalists, who support surgical patients, is set to end by April 1, eliminating stipends that comprise 40-50% of their earnings. While the province is engaging with the Alberta Medical Association for a "smooth transition," orthopedic surgeon Paulose Paul stressed the critical role of hospitalists.
- King Charles expressed concern about Alberta separatism during a meeting at Buckingham Palace with leaders from the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, according to Grand Chief Joey Pete. The chiefs raised worries that a potential separation movement could threaten treaty rights and asked the King to consider a royal proclamation affirming the treaty's significance. The meeting comes as First Nations leaders press the Alberta government to denounce the separatist movement. Meanwhile, a Leger poll found most Albertans oppose separating from Canada, with 70% saying the province should remain in the country. Only 17% support independence and 4% favour joining the United States.
- The Edmonton Oilers prospect pool is ranked No. 30 by The Athletic's Scott Wheeler for 2026, dropping one spot from No. 29 in 2025 and remaining among the NHL's shallowest. The top prospect is 21-year-old winger Isaac Howard, who won the 2024-25 Hobey Baker Award after leading college hockey in points per game with Michigan State. Howard has seen limited time with the Oilers and plays for its American Hockey League affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors.
Headlines: March 12, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim