Lorne Gunter opined publicly what many think privately about how to solve the infill problem created under the current city council's watch - vote out the whole council and start anew with some fresh faces and ideas.

Mayoral candidate Tony Caterina thinks the way City Council is handling infill isn't working wrong and needs to be reconsidered and will become an election issue.

• The federal government has announced $21.5 million in funding for five carbon capture projects in Alberta under the Energy Innovation Program. Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson made the announcement in Cochrane, highlighting a $10-million investment in Bow Valley Carbon to store emissions from a gas plant underground. Enbridge Inc. and Enhance Energy Inc. will receive $4 million and $5 million, respectively, for carbon storage hubs, while other funds will support technology testing and analysis improvements. Meanwhile, a much larger $16.5-billion carbon capture project proposed by the Pathways Alliance remains stalled, with Ottawa offering few details on its progress or funding. The Pathways initiative would capture emissions from more than 20 oilsands sites and store them near Cold Lake. Premier Danielle Smith has proposed linking the project to a new crude oil pipeline to the West Coast.
• Two former UCP MLAs, Peter Guthrie and Scott Sinclair, are working to revive Alberta’s Progressive Conservative (PC) Party, aiming to offer what they call a centrist conservative alternative. They argue that Premier Danielle Smith’s UCP has drifted too far toward separatism and controversy, while the NDP represents the political left, leaving moderate conservatives politically homeless. Guthrie and Sinclair must collect nearly 9,000 signatures by November to formally re-register the PC Party, which was dissolved in 2020 after merging with Wildrose to form the UCP. The pair plans to campaign at summer events across the province and hopes to officially launch in the fall. Their platform emphasizes fiscal responsibility and moderate social policies. Premier Smith dismissed the effort as a vote-splitting risk that could hand power back to the NDP, while questioning whether reviving the PC name is even legally permissible.
• The Alberta government has created a new task force to address rising aggression and complexity in schools across the province. The “Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team” will consist of 20 members, including frontline educators, school trustees, and other education professionals. The team will study classroom challenges and submit a report with both short- and long-term recommendations by fall 2025. The task force was launched in response to increasing reports of disruptive behaviour, such as fighting, kicking, and throwing objects, which have made classrooms harder to manage. The final list of team members is expected to be announced soon, with input from major school boards and educational organizations. The group’s recommendations could be implemented as early as the 2025-2026 school year. In addition to examining incidents of aggression, the team will also explore ways to better support students with complex needs, including those requiring mental health services or specialized programs.
• Alberta is rolling out new liquor and cannabis sales reforms aimed at cutting red tape and boosting small businesses. The changes will let liquor retailers set up separate stores within larger commercial spaces, provided they meet requirements like having a separate entrance and floor-to-ceiling walls. Bars with party bike services will also be allowed to serve their own craft brews during bike tours, helping local brewers promote their brands. For cannabis growers, a new retail licence will enable direct sales from their farms, giving consumers more access to homegrown products and aligning Alberta with other provinces. The Province says these moves will support a more competitive marketplace and provide small businesses with new growth opportunities.
• Alberta has appointed Sat Parhar as the first Chief of the new Independent Agency Police Service (IAPS), marking a significant step toward giving municipalities an alternative to the RCMP. Premier Danielle Smith highlighted Parhar’s extensive policing experience and his ability to lead a modern police service that meets Alberta’s diverse needs, especially in rural areas. Parhar, former Deputy Chief of the Calgary Police Service, emphasized his commitment to professionalism, strong partnerships, and addressing community priorities. The IAPS will operate as an independent Crown corporation and eventually be renamed the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service, headquartered in Calgary. The agency will complement existing police forces and help address gaps in law enforcement resources across the province.

What was supposed to be a public hearing on Monday seems to have been City Council's version of "bait & switch". The bait was giving the public opportunity to express themselves regarding the residential zoning bylaw. But sensing the prevailing opposition to the by law Council used some procedural trickery and switched the hearing to the end of summer hoping opposition anger would cool down.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Be part of the crowd and take in an incredible circle-show at the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival, attend the opening reception of Latitude 53’s Oily: On Fandom exhibition, enjoy an afternoon on 124 Street & Area filled with live music featuring 5 Elements Lion Dance and Brianna Lizotte, check out Tiff Hall's Very Lit Music Show for a night of improv, live music and burlesque, explore the deeply-rooted traditions of Indigenous and Chinese tea practices at Strong Roots | Anxie-Tea Workshop: Find Calm in the Cup, and so much more!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

A proposed mountain bike skills park in Queen Elizabeth Park created debate amongst recreational advocates and environmental voices, but City Council had the final say and approved the mountain bike park.

The Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance (EMBA) led the efforts in getting the proposal approved, will help with design and construction, plus handle much of the ongoing maintenance. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year and be completed next year.

Eric Gormley of Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition raised concerns about a “nibbling away” of Edmonton’s river valley and is of the opinion that the river valley should be reserved for natural connection rather than active recreation.

Councillor Aaron Paquette thinks there should be a balance between environmental concerns and reality and said “The best way to not impact the environment is not to have a city, but we do have one.” If folks are to provide amenities to turn a place that has already been disrupted into something that can be useful, and then also mitigate some of the issues that exist there currently, it makes a lot of sense to me.”

The traditional school year is over, and the race for school board trustee is underway!

The October 20th election may seem plenty far away, but with the summer break followed immediately by the back-to-school rush, it will sneak up on us quickly.

Of course, the majority of students (and the majority of children of Alberta Parents' Union supporters) who attend residentially-assigned schools have their education affected by elected school board officials.

In fact, one of the major problems with the current crop of school board trustees is that they practice learned helplessness.

They don't exercise their proper authority and they allow Administration to run amok.

But as we've we’ve written about before - and will write again with more examples - school board trustees don’t only affect families in residentially assigned schools.

They also affect those who have opted for schools of choice, as well.

While education is a provincial responsibility, a preference for local control has led to the Government of Alberta delegating many responsibilities - including spending priorities and much of the social policy surrounding schools - to elected school trustees.

Many of the decisions parents most frequently come to us in anger over are made by elected school boards.

And we know that there's a shaky foundation underneath the crumbling facade we can see.

That's why we want to do more research into the management, transparency, and priorities of school boards.

We also have promised to survey trustee candidates in every ward in every school division in Alberta and present their answers publicly.

We did this with great success for the Calgary Catholic by-election, and are confident that parents all over the province will benefit from more information about trustee candidates.

Our commitment is to equip parents - as well as grandparents, taxpayers, and educators who support us - to make a difference in these school board elections.

How can we do that?

We can vote.

Turnout is much lower for municipal elections than it is for provincial and federal elections.

Even fewer people vote for school trustees, even if they're already at the polling station for mayor or council.

That means your vote - in particular, your informed vote - has a greater impact than you may think.

If you take the time to be informed about the issues and the positions of the candidates, which we hope to facilitate, then you can multiply your impact by helping friends and neighbours get informed too.

While engaging friends and neighbours in the process informally will multiply the impact of simply casting a well-researched vote yourself, you can increase your effectiveness even more by offering your time to a quality candidate's campaign.

Most candidates for school trustee don't have volunteers outside their immediate family.

With volunteers, quality candidates can connect with more voters and make sure they're engaged with the issues in time for the October 20th election.

And helping a candidate you support is easier than you might think.

We would like to offer training in grassroots advocacy that will give you the confidence to help a trustee candidate of your choice.

Of course, if you simply cannot find a trustee candidate you can support in your area, you could perhaps run yourself!

We refuse to be like far too many school boards and wallow in learned helplessness.

We can make a difference for Alberta students, together.

If we keep re-electing school board trustees who refuse to plan, prioritize, and fight for students, we're sending the message that mediocrity is acceptable.

If you, like so many of us, are not satisfied with the status quo in education, then sign up to volunteer, and we may announce a training session in your area:

VOLUNTEER

On Monday, a public hearing was held to discuss proposed changes to the zoning bylaw and when, some not all was all said & done Mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell stated his thoughts by saying, "It’s an absolute mess.” More speakers are scheduled to speak on Thursday, but any decision will have to wait until Council returns from their summer break.

Before City council takes their summer break, there are two items on the agenda regarding the river valley. First is a mountain bike area in the Queen Elizabeth Park area and the second is a highrise complex in Rossdale. We'll have to wait for council to deliberate the proposals before they decide the valley's future.

Celebrate with us!

FREE Canada Day Pancake Breakfast

Tuesday July 1st

8:30am-10:00am Rain or Shine

Come enjoy yard games, bouncy castle, and a free pancake breakfast

Life Church is at 4461 50ST NW

Green Shack Program Summer 2025

Summer Green Shack runs from July 2 to August 21; Monday to Friday

AM Program

Greenview School

5804 38 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6L 3P5

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

PM Program

Hillview School

355 Woodvale Rd E Northwest, Edmonton, AB T6L 2H2

2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Children can join in on games, sport, crafts, music, drama and special events. A complete list of activities and special events may be posted on the side of Green Shacks each week. If there is a game or activity that peaks your child's interest that you would like to have included in programming, just ask the Program Leader. Program leaders will be hosting a variety of games, challenges and activities that are sure to get children active. Visit your neighbourhood Green Shack for more details.

City Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/green-shacks Woodvale Rink Update

The Woodvale Rink is open for general sports use on the concrete surface. The rink is open 7 days a week from 9:00am to 9:00pm, until the end of August 2025. Hours are dependent on weather, and volunteer availability. The rink team can be contacted at woodvalecommunityrink@gmail.com for any questions or ideas. The rink is not available for private bookings.

Construction is starting on new active transportation routes in your area

The City of Edmonton is expanding Edmonton's active transportation network to provide people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds more choice in how they move around. The Active Transportation Network Expansion Program focuses on filling in missing links in the existing active transportation network including new city-wide district connectors within the redeveloping areas of the city (within Anthony Henday Drive). 

Construction of the 2024 routes began in spring 2024, with most locations now open for use. Construction of a few locations is being carried forward to the 2025 construction season. Construction of the 2025 routes is starting in the coming weeks. Planning and design for the 2026 active transportation network expansion is underway. To view the map of 2024, 2025 and 2026 routes, please visit edmonton.ca/ActiveTransportation.

Attached you will find a copy of the construction bulletin that is being sent to residents and businesses near the route. We have also included some program information below to help you answer questions you may receive from your community league members: 

• Active transportation matters. An expanded network will give Edmontonians access to routes that are safe, accessible and predictable.
• Edmonton is growing and the way we move around our city will change. The expanded active transportation network makes Edmonton a more vibrant, active city. It offers more choices in how people move around the city, whether bicycling, walking, running or rolling.
• Active transportation improves access for Edmontonians, offers travel options for commuters, reduces vehicle trips and traffic congestion for people that drive, and supports healthy minds and bodies. This makes Edmonton a more vibrant, active city, with different ways for everyone to get where they’re going.
• The expansion program focuses on filling in missing links in the city’s active transportation network to improve access for Edmontonians. It offers safe travel options for commuters, reduces vehicle trips and traffic congestion, and supports healthy minds and bodies.
• Once completed, Edmonton’s active transportation network will be a mix of city-wide and local neighbourhood routes. The new infrastructure will include protected bike lanes, shared pathways and local street bikeways.
• A network of approximately 200 routes was originally identified based on the City’s Bike Plan and Bike Plan Implementation Guide.
• Routes that will connect with the existing city network were prioritized for earlier work. These connections will make routes safer and easier to navigate. 
• The prioritization framework considers connectivity, ridership potential, feasibility, constructability, equity and safety. Routes were prioritized to best provide a connected, city-wide network with the available funding.
• The active transportation network expansion designs were developed based on technical and safety requirements, City policies, The City Plan, targeted engagement where needed, and previous public engagement data collected during development of the Bike Plan. 

PROPOSED CHANGES TO EDMONTON’S ZONING BYLAW

Stephanie Swensrude

Zoning regulations that city council approved in 2023, which allow for larger, multi-family buildings on many lots in most neighbourhoods, could be partially reversed after a public hearing on June 30. That’s when Edmonton’s council is set to debate several proposed changes to the zoning bylaw. If passed, the changes would limit the size and location of multi-family buildings in redeveloping neighbourhoods. Here’s a guide to make sense of what’s up for discussion:

1. Eight unit max

On June 30, Council will hear from the public about proposed amendments to reduce the maximum number of infill units the bylaw allows in mid-block developments — that is, those not on a corner lot.

The current eight-unit maximum applies to the small-scale residential (RS) zone, which allows buildings of up to eight units on mid-block lots that are 600 square metres or larger. This was one of the headline changes when the zoning bylaw renewal was introduced. In May, after roughly one year of the bylaw being in effect, Taproot reported that of 242 total development permits on lots where eight unit applications were an option, half applied to build eight units; the other half applied to build single-detached homes or duplexes.

On June 17, council’s urban planning committee, along with councillors who not on that committee, debated a potential change to this introduced by Coun. Michael Janz, through a motion that asked administration to prepare the amendments to the zoning bylaw that would reduce the limit from eight to six.

Eric Cameracci, an Edmonton resident, urged councillors to maintain the eight-unit maximum. “I see these changes as killing the zoning bylaw renewal by a thousand cuts,” Cameracci said. “We would eventually have feedback that six is still too much, and we’d go down to four, and then to two, then single family housing all over again.”

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said he was open to having a conversation about changing the maximum, along with all the other proposed changes set for debate. “I think we need to have this conversation and bring people along on this journey, and let’s see where the conversation takes us,” Sohi said. “I think it’s important to respond to the concerns from people, whether real or perceived.”

Coun. Erin Rutherford said the city did enough consultation over the many years it worked on the zoning bylaw, and that the new bylaw hasn’t been in effect long enough to determine whether resident fears about the changes are justified. “The whole reason we needed an entire zoning bylaw renewal and a comprehensive look is because of all these ... small amendments (over time) that led to discretion in the bylaw, that led to inconsistencies, and I worry that we’re heading down that road again,” Rutherford said.

Janz, plus councillors Jo-Anne Wright and Andrew Knack, and Mayor Sohi, voted in support of the motion. Coun. Jennifer Rice opposed the motion, and said she wants the maximum reduced to four units. (Rutherford did not vote as she is not a member of the council committee.)

In the council report that will be presented on June 30, administration said it supports lowering the unit maximum. This is a change from administration’s position presented in its one-year review of the zoning bylaw renewal, released weeks ago. That report said administration did not recommend revisiting the unit maximum.

2. Cartmell calls for infill ‘moratorium’

Tim Cartmell, the councillor for Ward pihêsiwin who is also running for mayor, released a statement on June 24 that said he intends to introduce a motion at the meeting on June 30 to “place a moratorium on all new infill development.” Later, he posted an amended version of the statement on his website, which said he wants a temporary moratorium on mid-block infill.

Tim Cartmell, who’s running for mayor, said he plans to call for a moratorium on infill housing construction in redeveloping neighbourhoods at the June 30 public hearing. (Stephanie Swensrude)

Sean Sedgwick, the executive director of the Infill Development in Edmonton Association told Global News that “Canada is in a housing crisis and restrictive zoning practices constraining supply are a major cause, (and) to call for a moratorium on infill homes under these circumstances is to advocate for recreating the same problem here.”

In July 2024, Cartmell wrote a blog post that had a different message on the matter. “I absolutely support infill, and the reduction of contradictory policies that prevents infill development,” he wrote. Cartmell voted in favour of the zoning bylaw renewal in 2023.

Nicholas Rheubottom, the former executive director of IDEA who is running with Cartmell’s Better Edmonton party in Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi, posted on his blog that he did not entirely agree with Cartmell’s statement. “I remain committed to infill and to making sure it is done well,” Rheubottom wrote. “For me, that has always been a key part of responsible growth and a resilient, welcoming city.”

There is also a petition circulating that calls for council to repeal the entire zoning bylaw, which would be illegal. Under the Municipal Government Act, each municipality must have a land use bylaw.

3. Row housing design

Administration has proposed further amendments to the zoning bylaw that would change the design of mid-block row housing developments, making the buildings smaller and with fewer entrances facing neighbouring homes. The changes would reduce the maximum allowed length of a building from 30 metres to 50% of the site’s depth or 25 metres, whichever is less. On a typical lot, this could reduce the site coverage by about 8%, the report detailing the proposed amendments said. This would make it easier to plant trees, provide backyards, and have parking on-site, administration said. The changes would also limit the number of entrances allowed on the side of a building to two and increase the minimum space between a side entry and the edge of the property.

4. Small-medium transition zone

Council is also scheduled to debate amendments to the district planning policy. Approved in October 2024, the policy is used to determine where extra density is appropriate when council is reviewing a rezoning application.

The policy identifies nodes and corridors as areas that are expected to experience the most development as Edmonton’s population grows. Outside of the nodes and corridors, the policy allows for more density if the site reaches criteria that can include its proximity to a node, corridor, or mass transit station, or if it is next to a large roadway, a park, or a site zoned for a larger building.

However, administration has proposed amendments to the district policy and the zoning bylaw that would limit opportunities for rezoning properties to the small-medium scale transition (RSM) zone outside of nodes and corridors. The RSM zone allows for buildings up to three or four storeys and is generally meant for properties between a larger development and a lot zoned for small-scale residential (RS). The proposed changes would limit support for the RSM zone to corner sites that meet at least one of the above-mentioned criteria.

Janz also introduced the motion that led to these proposed amendments — at a public hearing on April 28. “We’re seeing more and more of these single-lot rezoning (applications) popping up outside of the nodes and corridors, especially in my ward. They’re disruptive, because whether or not admin supports them, they’re still out in the community, neighbours get agitated, and there’s a feeling that the RS zone doesn’t matter, that people can still try and ask for exemptions anyway,” Janz said when introducing the motion. “I really worry that what we’re seeing right now is an undermining of our intention to offer predictability and consistency to all parties involved.”

5. Shelter regulations

Council is also set to debate changes to the zoning bylaw that regulate the allowable size and location of shelters for those experiencing homelessness. If the first part of the proposed amendments is approved, a shelter would not be allowed in the business employment zone when the property is beside a heavy industrial property. The proposed change is to mitigate concerns about locating shelters near sites where vulnerable people could get hurt.

The second part of the amendment would limit the number of people sleeping in a congregate shelter to 125. Administration does not support this limit, as it would restrict the ability of shelter operators to provide accommodation to their clients, administration said in the report.

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• On Wednesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a City Council meeting. On the agenda are options for the Alberta Avenue Arts Common project. The City of Edmonton has reacquired the ArtsCommon 118 site in Alberta Avenue after the Edmonton Community Development Company found the original arts-focused development unviable. Administration plans to list the property for sale on the open market, encouraging proposals that reflect the community’s vision, including flexible arts spaces, a black box theatre, galleries, artist studios, retail, and residential units. Community groups have emphasized the need for arts-related development combined with timely, financially viable construction and ongoing engagement with local stakeholders. The City intends to support accelerated development by extending construction timelines and may consider using $3.3 million from the Financial Stabilization Reserve to aid the project. Administration will seek proposals for six months before reporting back on suitable options. Ongoing community involvement will be mandated as part of any development agreement to ensure alignment with neighbourhood needs.
• Council has voted to extend the Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) by 10 years, allowing the City to borrow against future tax revenues until 2044 to fund downtown projects. The CRL aims to support housing, arts and culture, and public amenities, but the extension sparked debate over two controversial projects tied to the Oilers Entertainment Group. While many Councillors supported the extension, some opposed using public funds for private developments associated with a billion-dollar company. Supporters of the extension argued that the projects would boost economic activity, cultural engagement, and tourism in the core. Several community and business leaders urged Council not to delay, lest they risk losing momentum in downtown revitalization. Critics worried about a lack of transparency and potential provincial rejection if the project list changes. Ultimately, Council rejected motions to delay the decision and moved forward with the extension.
• Starting July 1st, Edmonton will remove all mobile photo radar from school and playground zones. The City plans to redirect efforts and funds toward long-term safety upgrades like more crosswalks and speed bumps. Since 2019, Edmonton has invested over $6 million in playground zone improvements. While some community members welcomed the shift toward infrastructure-based solutions, others expressed concern that removing photo radar would reduce road safety, especially for children. The Province has allocated $13 million to municipalities for traffic safety improvements. Edmonton aims to achieve its Vision Zero goal of zero traffic fatalities by focusing on safer infrastructure and community engagement. Advocates note, however, that without photo radar, road safety risks may increase until infrastructure changes are fully implemented.
• Councillor Aaron Paquette is advocating for a footbridge over Manning Drive to connect growing neighbourhoods like Brintnell and Cy Becker to the nearby Manning Town Centre shopping area. Residents have expressed concerns about the current lack of safe pedestrian crossings, with many resorting to jaywalking across the busy arterial road. The footbridge would offer a safer, more direct route without disrupting vehicle traffic. Paquette introduced a motion to fund a feasibility study for the bridge, which passed unanimously, with Council potentially deciding on funding this fall. The bridge could cost over $10 million, but local developers have shown interest in contributing. Community members have supported the idea, noting it would improve access for non-drivers and potentially boost local business.
• Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi won a byelection in Edmonton-Strathcona with about 82% of the vote, securing his seat in the Legislature after leading the party for a year without one. Another NDP candidate, Gurtej Singh Brar, also won in Edmonton-Ellerslie, capturing 51% of the vote, though the NDP's support, and the margin to the second-placed UCP, dropped significantly. Nenshi pledged to advocate strongly for issues like public healthcare, education, workers’ rights, and community safety. Brar, a local broadcaster and tech enthusiast, emphasized his commitment to improving health care, education, community safety, and the reinstatement of a cancelled south Edmonton hospital project.
• Current Councillor and Mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell says he wants City Council to pause approvals for large mid-block infill developments, arguing the City’s strategy is moving too fast. Cartmell plans to introduce a motion that would place a moratorium on bigger projects while the City reviews how infill fits with its 15 districts. He says smaller projects like duplexes are not the issue, but larger buildings between single-family homes are fuelling neighbourhood frustration. Supporters of the City’s new zoning rules say more infill is critical to tackle housing costs and make Edmonton’s neighbourhoods more sustainable. Critics argue big multi-unit buildings bring traffic, parking headaches and tree loss. Cartmell says the City must listen more closely to residents. Council’s Urban Planning Committee recently backed a proposal to cut allowable units in mid-block row houses from eight to six.

• Alberta ended the 2024-25 fiscal year with a surprising $8.3 billion surplus, largely driven by higher-than-expected oil royalties and increased tax revenue from population growth. Finance Minister Nate Horner said that just over $5 billion of the surplus is available cash, which will be divided between savings, debt repayment, and the Heritage Fund. A major contributor to the surplus was $22 billion in non-renewable resource revenue, including $17 billion from bitumen royalties. Alberta also received a $713 million payout from a national tobacco settlement. Despite the strong final results for 2024-25, the Province is still forecasting a $5.2 billion deficit for 2025-26, citing volatile oil prices, tax cuts, and global uncertainties like US tariffs. Horner warned that trade tensions with US President Trump, particularly over Canada’s digital services tax, could worsen Alberta’s financial outlook. Improved oil prices could help reduce the deficit in 2025-26, but Horner emphasized the need for conservative oil forecasts to stabilize long-term budgeting.
• Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi won a byelection in Edmonton-Strathcona, securing his seat in the Legislature with 82% of the vote. His party also held onto Edmonton-Ellerslie, where Gurtej Brar won with 51%, though the NDP's lead over the UCP was reduced to about 13%, compared with 25% in the 2023 general election. In Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, UCP candidate Tara Sawyer won with 61% of the vote, defeating Beverley Toews of the NDP, who came second. The Alberta Republican Party came third. Nenshi used his victory speech to suggest there is only a limited appetite for separatism and reaffirmed the NDP’s commitment to public health care, education, and affordability. Sawyer said the separatist showing reflects rural frustration with Ottawa, but emphasized unity and the UCP’s ongoing efforts to advance Alberta's interests.
• Despite the election results, Premier Danielle Smith says separatist sentiment in Alberta is at an all-time high, citing the nearly 18% support for the separatist candidate in the aforementioned byelection as evidence of Albertans' growing frustration with Ottawa. Speaking in Calgary, Smith blamed federal policies - such as emissions caps and energy regulations - for stifling Alberta’s economy and fuelling discontent. She argued that, like in the 1980s, separatist momentum could fade if Ottawa repeals harmful legislation. Smith has called on Prime Minister Carney’s government to address the federal laws that harm investment in Alberta. In response, Minister Chrystia Freeland expressed optimism that Canada is entering a new phase of cooperation, pointing to legislation aimed at accelerating project approvals. Smith welcomed this as a hopeful sign but emphasized the need for more action.
• Speaking of more action, Premier Smith has named 15 members to the Alberta Next Panel, a new initiative aimed at pushing back against federal overreach. The panel includes MLAs, economists, energy executives, and legal experts, and will gather public input through town halls and surveys. Smith says the goal is to develop policy ideas and possibly citizen-led referendum questions for 2026. A referendum on Alberta separating from Canada could also be held at the same time, but only if enough signatures are collected on a Citizen Initiative Petition - the government will not call one themselves. The Alberta Next Panel will build on the work done by the 2019 “Fair Deal Panel”, launched under Jason Kenney. At the Alberta Institute, we played a leading role during the Fair Deal Panel, helping thousands of Albertans engage with issues like equalization, an Alberta Pension Plan, and provincial policing. Now, with the launch of the new Alberta Next Panel, we’re stepping up again to ensure Albertans are informed, organized, and heard. Stay tuned for more information about how to get involved!
• As Alberta’s population approaches five million, a new electoral boundaries commission is reviewing how to redraw ridings for the next provincial election. The commission, which holds reviews every 8-10 years, has finished public hearings across the province and will add two new ridings, increasing the number of seats in Alberta's Legislature from 87 to 89. A key issue is whether to create more “rurban” ridings that blend rural and urban areas, a move that has drawn both support and criticism. Opponents argue these mixed districts dilute distinct local interests, while supporters say they could foster more balanced representation. This review marks the first time the commission is not required to align riding borders with municipal boundaries, potentially leading to significant shifts in representation. Nine ridings, mostly in Calgary and Edmonton, are currently over the population threshold, signalling likely urban seat increases. The commission’s interim report is due in October, with a final version expected by March 2026.
• An Alberta judge has granted a temporary injunction against a provincial law that would ban gender-affirming care for youth under 16, citing potential “irreparable harm” to transgender youth. Justice Allison Kuntz ruled that the law, which was not yet fully in effect, raises serious constitutional questions and discriminates against gender-diverse youth. The case was brought forward by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and five transgender youth. The Alberta government says the law is meant to protect children from making irreversible decisions at a young age. The government plans to defend the law in court and is considering its next steps. Meanwhile, other parts of Alberta’s transgender legislation - including sports restrictions - remain unchallenged for now.