Alberta This Week (Your Voice For Choice)
May 31 - June 6, 2025
This is YOUR resource - Share any links here on social media to educate others! - “Your Voice For Choice.” Welcome to your Non-Partisan Information Source of Alberta News
Events:
Thank you to everyone holding weekly protests at their MLA’s office on the weekends. Medicine Hat and Red Deer! Week 17
If you have been following our newsletter, you know that former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos was fired from AHS for investigating government contracts with private surgical groups and the procurement of acetaminophen (Turkish Tylenol) from overseas, as well as PPE. To find out the truth, this case needs to be brought to court. We want the truth! Albertans deserve the truth. She needs money to fight back. Check out this video. It's a righteous cause you would be supporting. Let's do it! We Are Stronger Together! ❤️
Update May 23: Athana has been sued for $12 million by former Smith Chief of Staff, Marshall Smith, for alleged defamation of character.
Update May 29: Athana was in court because the Province wanted her to reveal what evidence she had shared with the RCMP and with the Auditor General. The AG had a special intervenor’s status to stop the Government lawyers from getting that information before the case goes to court.
ABR Spotlight
This week, as our website is down, we are archiving this issue, so we will be starting this again when we go live.
UCP Caucus Travels:
This next week, June 4 - June 11,
Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson is still in Southeast Asia, visiting Vietnam and the Philippines from May 30 to June 8.
Premier Danielle Smith is on her way for two days to deliver a keynote address at day one of the U.S. Energy Streams 10th Washington Energy Forum, as well as rub elbows with the Washington elite, June 3 to June 4
Minister Brian Jean is joining her in Washington to attend the Forum from June 1 to June 7.
Minister Nathan Neudorf will be arriving in Washington on June 4 and returning to Alberta on June 7.
Parliamentary Secretary Chantelle De Jong will also be attending the forum from June 4 to June 9, while enjoying a private day in Washington on June 8.
They will be accompanied by various staffers. Your money is paying for this!
This makes 35 trips and 166 days that Alberta taxpayers have paid for the UCP MLAs’ out-of-country trips.
The UCP Caucus is down 3 members and is now at 45. There are 36 NDP MLAs, 2 Independents, and 3 vacant seats.
Peter Guthrie has been kicked out of the caucus.
Scott Sinclair has been sitting as an independent since the budget came out.
Nathan Cooper (Speaker) - resigned and will move to Washington in June as Alberta’s emissary. (IF you are interested in seeing the number of foreign offices Alberta has, check the Freedom Strategy below - We list the offices and the Albertans employed there)
The UCP has called by-elections in three ridings.
The UCP has nominated Darby Crouch to run against Naheed Nenshi in the Edmonton Strathcona Riding -
The UCP Nominated Tara Sawyer for Olds-Didsbury. The NDP candidate is Bev Toews - Alberta’s New Democrats Nominate Bev Toews for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills By-Election. The Alberta Republican Party is nominating Cam Davis as their leader to run in this riding.
The UCP nominated Naresh Bhardwaj as their candidate for the Edmonton-Ellerslie. The NDP has nominated Gurtej Singh Brar.
If you live in a constituency where your MLA is a UCP backbencher, there is something you can do. Check out this video.
The UCP Backbencher Phone Book - feat. MLA Marlin Schmidt - YouTube
Videos of The Week
Alberta: Reputation vs. Reality
A Message from ABR (Alberta Resistance)
Recalls: are moving closer to a Recall for Change in Calgary Bow and Calgary North West.
Build Community: Albertans need to work together to educate and build community.
REBOOT Alberta has an event coming up on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
RISE UP ALBERTA, a REBOOT ALBERTA EVENT Tickets, Sat, Jun 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
Knowledge: Several articles from Das Hiebz outlining what the UCP is trying to hide
Bills 53, 54, 55 Status:
Passed Royal Assent on May 15, 2025. outside of the House sitting
Comes into Force: on proclamation with exceptions SA 2025 cC-21.5
Link to a letter you can forward/modify re: Bills 53, 54, and 55.
Do Albertans still have avenues to protest Bills 53, 54, and 55 in Alberta?
(They only win if we give up!)
Wins this week -
By-elections have been called in 3 constituencies. Voting day is June 23, 2025. If you know people in those constituencies, please share some of the information you have learned. - The UCP is for Oil and Gas, People are not their priority. We need to look out for each other.
We are closer to recalls in Calgary Bow, Nicolaides, and Calgary North West, Sawhaney - if you want to/can volunteer, please let us know at info@abresistance.ca. We need people in Bow and the North West. Even if you don’t live there, we have jobs you can do. We can support anyone who wants to do a recall in their constituency. Our website has a recall package that will show you the steps to doing a recall. (Currently our website is under construction - we will post when it is back up and running)
AB Resistance pays for expenses solely through donations. If you would like to donate to our cause, please etransfer to abrdonate@gmail.com. We are a third-party advertiser, which means we report to Alberta Elections. When you donate, please include your name, address, and postal code in the message.
ABResistance has a “Speaker Series” - check it out on our webpage SPEAKER SERIES - AB Resistance.
We have a merch store! Check out our t-shirts and hoodies.
AB Resistance Merch @ odd-i-tees
It’s been a week! Let’s get started!
Saturday, 31
AI and Crypto
The digital asset industry is ‘the wave of the future. It takes lots of energy and lots of water!!!
The digital asset industry is ‘the wave of the future,’ but is Alberta ready for it in the present?
Alberta-Federal Elections
Dani wrote Mark Carney a 5-page letter making demands for oil and gas.
Bell: Danielle Smith and Alberta give Mark Carney an offer he shouldn't refuse
Education
Bill 51, how will that affect public school property ownership? Calgary is concerned. Alberta Infrastructure will take over ownership of schools that are built in 2025 and beyond.
The UCP’s takeover of new school land | The Sprawl
Libraries
The Canadian School Libraries Association makes a statement regarding book banning.
CSL Statement on Alberta’s Announcement Regarding Possible Book Bannings – Canadian School Libraries
Sunday, 1
Canadian Armed Forces Day
Military Liaison Justin Wright issued the following statement on Canadian Armed Forces Day:
Canadian Armed Forces Day: Military Liaison Justin Wright
National Indigenous History Month
Minister of Indigenous Relations Rajan Sawhney issued the following statement on National Indigenous History Month:
National Indigenous History Month: Minister Sawhney
Pride Week
Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir issued the following statement on the start of Pride:
Boating
Starting June 1, all boats, jet skis, kayaks, and other watercraft entering via Alberta’s east or south borders must be inspected.
Separation
The Rights’ view on Alberta's threat to separate.
MORGAN: Why should Alberta stay?
Monday, 2
Alberta/Ontario Free Trade
Premiers Smith and Ford have inked a new agreement to cooperate on opening up trade between the provinces and advance shared priorities within the Canadian federation.
Next stop for free trade: Ontario!
AUPE Negotiations
From May 28, the AUPE and the Alberta Government are set to resume negotiations in June.
AUPE, Government of Alberta to resume negotiations in June - St. Albert News
Brain Injury Awareness Month
Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services Jason Nixon issued the following statement on Brain Injury Awareness Month:
Brain Injury Awareness Month: Minister Nixon
Government Report re: Selenium
The Alberta Government doesn’t want you to know this, but we do. It was released by those who keep warning us of the effects of selenium from coal mining.
Old Coal Mines Near Crowsnest Pass Are Still Killing Fish | The Tyee
Health Care
Alberta’s government is prioritizing emergency services, cancer care, and organ and tissue donation and transplantation in the province’s refocused healthcare system.
Strengthening specialized health care in Alberta
Measles cases rise to 710
Measles update: 710 cases diagnosed in Alberta to date.
Seniors’ Week
Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services Jason Nixon issued the following statement to kick off Seniors’ Week 2025:
Seniors’ Week 2025: Minister Nixon
Separation
The dangers of the Christian movement on Canadian self-rule.
The Christian Movements That Want to End Canadian Self-Rule | The Tyee
Wild Fires
Oilsands companies evacuate workers, reduce production due to northern Alberta wildfires
Wildfires affect Alberta Oilsands production
Tuesday, 3
Oil and Gas
Alberta is the answer to America's needs for oil and gas.
Alberta is the answer to American energy dominance - Washington Times
Action4Canada
This group has Education Minister Nicolaides' ear regarding banning books.
Two groups influenced Nicolaides in banning books in school libraries.
Economy
Alberta needs to diversify its economy to continue to grow.
Letters, June 3: Alberta needs to diversify its economy | Edmonton Sun
European Bond tour
The slideshow linkHorner presented on his tour.
Alberta Finance - Slide show for foreign investors in Alberta
Family Violence
Alberta’s government is taking action against family violence by investing $6 million in grants for community-based supports and services.
Building safer futures free from family violence
Flood and Water Management
Groundbreaking is underway for a new stormwater management facility that will reduce the risk of overland flooding in the Coaldale region.
Keeping Coaldale and Lethbridge County safe from floods
Health Care
Wait times are not improving in Alberta Emergency Rooms
Alberta shows a lack of improvement when it comes to emergency room wait times: report
Life Leases
Alberta developer faces Consumer Protection Act charges over return of life lease fees
Senior Life Leases developer is facing consumer protection charges over failure to return money.
Municipal Elections
Danielle Smith's meddling in municipal politics is more detrimental than predicted.
Keith Gerein: UCP meddling in municipal issues a hallmark at the midterm point
Politics
Why Alberta politics may be getting more polarized — and why that matters
'It's hard to have a functioning democracy when you see your opponents ... as being evil,' says poli sci prof
Why Alberta politics is getting more polarized
Seclusion Rooms
Advocates demanding an end to the use of seclusion rooms say they're pleased the Edmonton public school division has decommissioned more than 60.
Edmonton Public Schools and parents have been working on decommissioning seclusion rooms.
Stampede
Alberta to allow liquor sales as early as 6:30 am during Stampede
Alberta to allow liquor sales as early as 6:30 a.m. during this year's Calgary Stampede | CBC News
Wild Fires
28 blazes are out of control in Alberta.
Update 1: Alberta wildfire update | EverythingGP
Wednesday, 4
Education
Alberta Teachers prepare for strike vote. It's about protecting public education.
Opinion: Teacher strike vote wasn’t about getting more — it was to protect what’s left
Teachers are leaving the profession.
Research shows why teachers are leaving their jobs – The Echo
Justice
Alberta’s government is appointing two new judges in Edmonton and Calgary.
Strengthening Alberta’s courts
Oil and Gas
The 2023 Oil Sands Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity Analysis shows Alberta’s oil sands have reduced emissions per barrel by 26 percent, a four percent improvement over the 2022 reporting period.
Report shows Alberta producing more oil and fewer emissions
Sheriffs
The Alberta Sheriffs have shut down a problem property in Fort Saskatchewan, where
Complaints of drug and criminal activity disrupted a residential neighbourhood.
Sheriffs close drug house in Fort Saskatchewan
Sport Regulations
The supporting regulation for the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act has been introduced.
Sport regulation balances fairness and safety
UCP Travels again
MLAs van Dijken and Pitt will travel to the U.S. in June to build on progress made with lawmakers to protect and deepen the ties that bond our economies.
Thursday, 5
Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation
Minister of Indigenous Relations Rajan Sawhney issued the following statement on including technology and health care in the AIOC mandate:
AIOC mandate expansion: Minister Sawhney
By Elections
There will be no debates in the 3 by-elections called.
No debates in the 3 Alberta by-elections
Eid Al-Adha
Associate Minister of Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen issued the following statement on Eid al-Adha:
Eid al-Adha: Associate Minister Yaseen
Environment
Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz issued the following statement on the Competition Bureau’s final guidelines on environmental claims:
Wrong signal, wrong time: Minister Schulz
Oil and Gas
Alberta has Carney over a pipeline.
Alberta has Carney bent over a Pipeline.
Alberta’s government is cutting red tape to help service rig operators spend more time working in the field, not waiting at inspection sites.
Removing barriers for Alberta’s Oil Rigs
Friday, 6
Alberta Prosperity Project
They are touring Alberta promoting the separatist agenda.
Alberta Prosperity Project: What comes after separation? - St. Albert News
Banff G7 Summit Planning
'Need to evacuate the summit site': Wildfire possibility part of G7 summit planning.
G7 summit, Kananaskis wildfire evacuation plans are in place if needed - Rocky Mountain News
Coal Mines
Coal mines on the eastern slopes could push fisheries beyond recovery.
Health
Measles exposure in High Level
Justice Department Federal
Canada’s justice department is cutting up to 264 jobs.
Justice Department cutting up to 264 jobs as it faces ‘budgetary pressures’
Media - Time to shine
Alberta’s government is helping bring together film and television leaders, creators, and investors from around the world at the Banff World Media Festival.
Alberta is ready for its close-up! | L'Alberta est prête pour son gros plan!
Police
Incorrect vehicle registration near Aldersyde leads to a drug bust
Incorrect vehicle registration near Aldersyde leads to drug bust - HighRiverOnline.com
Wild Fires
Wildfire live updates: B.C. fire crosses into Alberta | Fire ban issued for much of Alberta | How to get evacuation payments
Wildfire live updates: B.C. fire crosses into Alberta
The Smoke From Canada’s Wildfires May Be Even More Toxic Than Usual
The Smoke From Canada’s Wildfires May Be Even More Toxic Than Usual
Wild Life
Alberta conservationists, sheep outfitter call for stiffer poaching penalties after 4 men fined $26K
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Have a great week, everyone, and remember - “We Are Stronger Together!”
Remember to check in with each other, get enough sleep, and keep putting pressure on the UCP. We need 4 more MLAs to sit as Independents, and Smith no longer has a majority. We also need 3 by-elections called. Keep the pressure on!
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Alberta News - Keeping Albertans Informed
Our latest find: Alberta Native News
Alberta Views puts out a weekly synopsis of happenings in Alberta: This week’s version.
June 2 - June 5: How likely is Alberta to leave Canada? Alberta Views
The Tyee puts out a weekly round-up of happenings in Alberta - Check it out.
A round-up of this week’s Tyee Alberta stories. They are a non-profit; if you can afford to donate to this amazing news source,
Catherine Griwkowsky publishes AB Today is Alberta’s leading political newsletter and routinely breaks news. You can read some of our biggest scoops below, but to get all of our daily coverage, you have to subscribe. View a sample newsletter here. She shared pictures of the papers that Peter Guthrie tabled in the legislature re: Corrupt Care.
Alberta Municipalities News
News from the Municipalities - has an update on bills being passed.
Alberta Conservative News
Municipal and School Board Elections - October
Election News - If you are wondering who is running, what party they represent, as we move into a new political space in Municipal Politics
Calgary - Sprawl - Calgary Candidate Tracker for Municipal Elections
Edmonton - Troy Pavlek - Who’s running in Edmonton’s Municipal Election?
List of all candidates running in the Edmonton Municipal and School Board elections. Running as a Candidate in the 2025 Edmonton Election
We will be breaking this down in future issues as the nomination processes get completed.
Alberta Government Links
Here is a link to the assembly website, which has a calendar of upcoming events at the Legislature and a list of all the bills this government has passed and bills in progress. Please note that all the UCP members have voted to support these bills.
Legislative Assembly of Alberta Assembly Dashboard - Has links to each day’s events at the Legislature. The legislative sitting is done from May 15 until October 27, 2025, so 165 days off from the Legislature, and they complain about Educators and other public employees.
The Government is making its news announcements user-friendly. Here is the non-government branded version.
Here is the government version.
What can you do to make some “Good Trouble” this week? Check out:
Calgary and Area
Edmonton and Area
If you have events coming up in your area or have a group you would like to promote, email us at info@abresistance.ca
Public education in Alberta faces several significant challenges. These issues reflect systemic problems impacting students, teachers, and the overall quality of education.
ATA Report on Issues at Schools.
As I have more than a passing knowledge of communications, I would strongly urge this group to provide timely, up-to-date materials for their reading public. Sending out stale news updates that are redolent with events that have long since passed and in any event, are far too long, does little to advance the worthy cause and issues they are attempting to address.