Alberta This Week (Your Voice For Choice)
September 6 - September12, 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 - Mainly, we collect the news from around the province, Canada, and the world that affects Alberta!
(If you have a picture you would like to share for our newsletter, please send it to abresistance2027@gmail.com with your name. It helps differentiate it from the other newsletters.
Adrian Raeside cartoon: What would Alberta separatism look like?
The Times Colonist - Is this accurate? Does it capture what we are facing?
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WE have heard there is some confusion about our purpose. We are here to help Albertans recall their MLAs if they are not acting in your best interests. Here is a slide show that outlines how recalls work. ABResistance.ca Recalls As part of our process, we started sharing information through our newsletters and research articles, as well as building community. Those are all ways to create the momentum to start the Recall Process in Constituencies.
Upcoming Events: See our short three-page ABR Resistor for Updates about upcoming events.
Links for Health Information:
Measles Tracker - We now have the highest number of Measles Cases in the world, and to think it was almost eradicated 50 years ago. https://www.alberta.ca/measles We are up to 1833 cases so far in Alberta. This is the highest per capita measles count in all of North America (possibly the world)
Pre-book Your COVID-19 and Flu shots here:
As of Monday, August 11, 2025 until September 30, 2025 Alberta residents can pre-order the COVID-19 shot by registering online at https://bookvaccine.alberta.ca/vaccine/s/preorder
Here is a link to Alberta’s respiratory virus dashboard - including RSV, Flu, and COVID-19 cases.
https://www.alberta.ca/stats/dashboard/respiratory-virus-dashboard.htm
COVID-19, RSV, and Flu wastewater testing
City of Calgary - COVID-19 is rising.
https://covid-tracker.chi-csm.ca/
City of Edmonton
https://covid-tracker.chi-csm.ca/
We will repost information on Athana’s case when there is an update.
ABR Spotlight - We have a link for the Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge elections. If you would like us to investigate school trustees running in other cities or rural areas, shoot us an email at abresistance2027@gmail.com, and we will look into them. (We are working on Independents running, that will be a task for next week)
UCP Travels
And... they are on the road again:
Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services, is gone from 2025-09-12 to 2025-09-19 to Sydney, Australia, learning about Women's Shelters. Trip 55 - 7 days.
Tany Yao, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Northern Development, is gone from 2025-09-15/2025-09-20 to Jackson, Wyoming, Promoting barrier-free trade in the western U.S. 5 days - Trip 56 for the UCP - 5 days
Shane Getson, Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Corridor Development, is gone from 2025-09-16/2025-09-21 to Anchorage, Alaska, Promoting Alberta energy in the U.S. trip 57 - 5 days
Three elected officials out of Alberta. This makes 57 trips and 260 days that UCP MLAs have been outside of Canada. Dani has been gone for 35 days. They sit for 13 out of 52 weeks in the legislature. 13 weeks x 4 days (because they have Fridays off) = 52 days they are working for you at the legislature! They are not governing for Albertans when you look at what they are cutting for citizens, and then have trips on our dime!
The legislature has been out since May 16, 2025. The last day of sitting was May 14, 2025, with a day to swear in new Ministers and to sign bills. It will be sitting again on October 27, 2025 - That’s 44 days/25 working days from September 12, 2025
The UCP Caucus is down 2 members and is now at 46. There are 38 NDP MLAs and 2 Independents.
Ex-UCP MLAs to join, rebrand Alberta Party instead of rebooting Progressive Conservatives from scratch | CBC News
Peter Guthrie and Scott Sinclair have had a meeting with Alberta Party members - It has a new name - The Alberta Conservative Party. They are just waiting for Elections Alberta to approve it!
UCP Defectors Expose Danielle Smith!
VIDEOS
We are all getting tired of all the shenanigans the Alberta government, currently the UCP, is up to and the issues they keep trying to distract us with. Here are some resources that can help put things in perspective. A video and an article…
Video - How to Defend Democracy — and Fight Autocracy | Leopoldo Lopez | TED
People have the Power
When democracy starts slipping, people always ask: What can I actually do? Not the vague, feel-good stuff—real, effective action that has worked before. History has answers, and they’re more practical than you might think.
Substack - the 30 most Effective Ways to Resist Lessons from the past.
Education - Parental Rights
SOS - Who is driving Alberta’s Education Agenda - A great presentation re: who is driving the bus here…
Parental Rights - Parkland Institute Report Launch Webinar
Throwbacks
Who is Demetrios Nicolaides? Here are some answers.
Nicolaides - Advanced Education Minister
On Monday, I put in some Teacher salary grids across the Province as well as Manitoba’s salary grid to compare compensation.
If you want to get involved - Resistors, here you go:
This is one way you can help us spread the message as we prepare for recalls. We can’t do it without you. We Are The Resistance!
A call to action for Creative and Engaged AB Resistance Volunteers.
Our marketing strategy volunteer, Ashley, has created a detailed marketing volunteer information presentation for Alberta Resistance (ABR), a group of engaged Albertans aiming to drive positive change in the province. The presentation outlines the organization's mission, which includes promoting decency in politics, fostering caring communities, and encouraging optimism. There's an emphasis on the importance of nonpartisan communication and the strategic use of social media to counter misinformation and engage various levels of voters. AB Resistance plans to leverage the recall legislation to empower Albertans and create a more inclusive and transparent political environment. ABR needs volunteers, like you, to contribute content across different media formats and highlight the phased approach to building momentum for recall campaigns. The ultimate goal is to transform uninformed citizens into active participants in democracy, celebrating the efforts of committed volunteers who are building a better Alberta.
Reach out via message here or with AB Resistance to see the whole presentation and to get involved!
ABR Marketing Strategy Video Highlights.
Here are intake forms if you have content you wish to provide us today!
A Message from ABR (Alberta Resistance)
Recalls: We are moving closer to a Recall for Change in Calgary Bow and Calgary North West. We would love to hear from you if you are interested in standing up a Recall in your riding. Contact us at: abresistance2027@gmail.com. We have townhalls coming up at:
Lethbridge on Sept. 15th
Calgary on Sept. 23rd - check out the Resistor for details
Build Community: Albertans need to work together to educate and build community. Finding your people is important. We are starting to host Zoom meetings and setting up to connect people in communities across Alberta.
Town halls will be starting up; watch for one in your area. The Separatists and the Far right, like TBA (Take Back Alberta), are well-organized and have lots of money. (The Breakdown on X is sharing an audio with Dennis Modry’s voice from the APP saying that the US will give the separatists a $500 million loan to separate from Canada - we are not going to become the 51st state right away https://x.com/TheBreakdownAB/status/1948532405431861349. We need to counter that with information and community. Be a part of the change. See our ABR Resistor Update
There are several opportunities to attend rallies and protests this week.
Join our Facebook page or a group in your area that shares events, information, and ideas on how to spread the word.
If you want to be part of the group Forever Canada, the link to sign up for information or to collect signatures is here:
https://www.forever-canadian.ca/
Petitions are out, Canvassers are out. They are looking for your signatures. Check out our Facebook page for locations and times. If you are going to be out in a public place collecting signatures, let us know so we can post it. If you can, join in this activity and promote Forever Canadian. Forever Canadian
Go to the page “Where to sign the petition” to find the information. Canadian info has been posted on this page. Go here for updates.
Knowledge:
Talk to your friends and share what you know. Watching the Socials, we see more outrage and anger about what is happening to Health Care, Education, Social Services, and the Environment in this province. These areas affect everyone! It’s time to speak up.
Keeping this one here: The Province has launched another - you guessed it - PANEL Alberta Next Panel. They have scheduled a series of town halls, and you can sign up for them 2 weeks before the event. There is also a survey attached that has you watch a video and then answer 2 - 4 questions. None of the answers allow for any negative feedback, but if you answer the questions, there is an opportunity for you to put in your opinions.
The NDP has its Better Together Campaign going as well. You can check it out here: Better Together: Alberta NDP Caucus
(They only win if we give up!)
Wins this week -
We are working with other groups to show up at peaceful demonstrations around the province. For details, see our ABR Resistor Update.
AB Resistance is a small group of volunteers that pays for expenses solely through donations. Hosting town halls, printing, paying for websites, and social media software all cost money. 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. The question is “What province do we live in? = Alberta, even if you don’t live here. It makes it easier for our CFO to accept your money. Thanks to everyone who has already donated. You can now sign up for our Substack. We will be publishing extra articles that uncover what the government is doing. By joining, you help us to fund townhalls, print materials, and get the word out to the public.
ABResistance has a “Speaker Series” - check it out on our webpage SPEAKER SERIES - AB Resistance. We will be back to this soon, we are just setting up some times to meet with Community Change Makers. We are also posting the videos on Substack, and you can access them here on YouTube: @abresistance.ca (some nice ab work out videos may show up as well). Some upcoming guests are Dr. Carla Peck on education, and Thomas Lukazuk, former MLA and Deputy Premier, on the Canadian Forever campaign.
We have a merch store! Check out our t-shirts and hoodies.
AB Resistance Merch @ odd-i-tees
At the end of the Newsletter are some links to other news organizations. There are also links to Municipal Websites and information for you to check out.
It’s been a week! Let’s get started!
Saturday, 6
Education
The Alberta school year begins with a possible teacher strike and new government expectations.
Vaccines
LaGrange on why Alberta is restricting vaccines and making Albertans pre-order them. They are already experiencing higher-than-normal cases in California.
Adriana LaGrange: Why Alberta is taking a smarter approach to COVID-19 vaccinations
What do the experts say?
Alberta's COVID-19 vaccination strategy faces criticism for anti-science stance
An anti-vaxer changes their mind about vaccines.
Employment
Alberta lost over 30,000 jobs this summer, and they were all men and in the private sector.
Gerrymandering in Alberta
Alberta is looking to increase the number of rural ridings (most rural Albertans support Conservative values). A slide show re: Conservative Values - Are they yours?: Conservative Values
Oil Tailings Ponds
Alberta’s Oilsands Tailings Ponds Action Plan.
Strong and Free Conference
Smith to give a Keynote at the Canada Strong and Free Network Conference in Calgary before jetting off to Denver, Colorado.
Sunday, 7
AUPE
AUPE members rally to deliver a message to the Alberta government.
Education
On her weekly radio show, Danielle Smith addresses controversial issues, including education.
These are dated Sept 5th - they didn’t show up until the 7th. I checked several times.
President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Nate Horner issued the following statement about contract negotiations with the TEBA and the ATA:
Energy
Premier Danielle Smith will visit Colorado to advance Alberta as an energy partner, promote collaboration, and reinforce Alberta’s role in North American energy security. The Premier will host a business roundtable with U.S. industry representatives in energy, manufacturing, technology, financial services, and more, to strengthen cross-border partnerships. During the mission, the Premier will also meet with agriculture and energy industry representatives and will deliver a keynote address to the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) Fall Board Meeting.
The event is by invitation only. Here is the link to the schedule.
Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Day
Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk issued the following statement on Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Day:
Monday, 8
Book Ban Revised
The postponed release of the updated book ban in Alberta is to be released today.
Books with visual depictions of sexual acts must be removed from schools: Alberta
Braid: Alberta revises school library book ban amid 'misunderstanding' | Calgary Herald
Classic literary books will remain on shelves, while materials with visual depictions of sexual acts will be removed from schools.
Alberta is urging teachers back to the bargaining table to talk about the same offer teachers have rejected.
What you need to know about a potential teacher’s strike.
Manitoba's teacher grid - It is quite different from Alberta’s
EPSB Salary Grid
CBE Salary Grid
A rural District’s Salary Grid - Pembina Hills
Fort McMurray’s Salary Grid - Fort McMurray gets Northern Allowance
These salary grids are embedded in their collective agreements; CBE has a standalone document. You can Google ***** Collective Agreements 2024 to find out more information.
* Just for your reading pleasure, here is what other members of the education teams are getting paid (Educational Assistants, Administrative Assistants, Custodial Staff, etc.) Why CUPE went on strike for 3 months.
Guns
Danielle Smith says that Alberta will not enforce the federal gun legislation. In fact, municipalities that want to do this need to apply to the Justice Department for a permit, and the Justice Minister, according to her, will not issue any.
Immigration
Men's Nationalist Rally in Ontario. Is this sentiment in Alberta? Niagara rally by masked members.
Jobs, Economy ……
Funding from Alberta’s government will solidify Calgary as a global aviation hub, create jobs, attract investment, and boost the economy.
Oil and gas
Every well you have is a liability because you have to plug it in the future. In Alberta, they have created an Orphan Well Association rather than bonds.
Tuesday, 9
Assisted Living and Social Services
Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services Jason Nixon issued the following statement on International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day 2025:
Auto Insurance
Danielle Smith warns Auto Insurers that Public Auto Insurance could be back on the table.
Dental Care
Alberta to opt out of federal dental plan by 2026 - they want the money to go into their dental plan. I wonder where that will go????
Education
The Right in Alberta attempt to take over public education.
Family and Children Services (domestic abuse)
Alberta’s government is keeping its promise to increase funding for women’s shelters by $10 million over four years.
Federal Relations
Premier Danielle Smith to meet Prime Minister Carney while he is at the Cabinet retreat in Edmonton.
Jobs, Economy ….
Alberta’s government is providing more than $5 million to boost growth and develop talent in Alberta’s fastest-growing industries.
Oil and Gas
Ontario is facing the same problem with old, non-performing oil and gas wells.
Energy Minister’s Chief of Staff runs a political Third Party with an Oil and Gas Lobbyist.
Alberta Resource Advocacy Foundation (ARAF) Vitor Marciano and Travis Olson
Phone # on EA site.
Political TPAs - Elections Alberta
Pipelines
Carney and Smith want a new pipeline West - no one is stepping up to build it.
Pronouns
Alberta government promises to follow through on the school pronoun law.
Secondary education
Alberta’s government is helping build the province’s future workforce through funding to support post-secondary students.
Treaties
Alberta is Treaty land.
Wednesday, 10
Education
President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Nate Horner issued the following statement about the ongoing negotiations with TEBA and the ATA:
Federal Major projects
Carney recommends 5 'nation-building’ projects to kick-start Canada’s economic growth.
Guns
Smith promises to defend gun ownership.
Health Care
President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Nate Horner issued the following statement about negotiations between AHS and HSAA:
Jobs, Economy …. (2 more areas)
With leading aviation and aerospace partners, Alberta’s government is supporting the establishment of a first-of-its-kind aviation and aerospace training facility at YYC.
Legislature back in Session
The legislature will reconvene on Oct. 23, continuing its mandate to stand up for Alberta and keep its position as the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
Oil and Gas
Ottawa is discussing the future of the emissions cap with Alberta Oil Companies
Orders Approved – September 10, 2025
Some appointments to different boards this week.
Suicide Prevention Day
Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Rick Wilson and Minister of Children and Family Services Searle Turton issued the following statement on World Suicide Prevention Day:
Thursday, 11
ADAP
Advocates warn that the new benefit program will deepen poverty for disabled Albertans.
Businesses
Alberta businesses outline what they want ahead of municipal elections
Coutts Blockade
Alberta men convicted in Coutts want their convictions appealed
Family and Child Services: Domestic Violence
Minister Searle Turton will join global leaders in Sydney, Australia, for the largest conference on women’s shelters and ending gender-based violence.
Curious about the government’s push for Collegiate schools? Here’s a look inside one of the 16 new programs in Alberta.
Federal Relations
Alberta Premier praises nation-building projects presented by the Carney Government.
Alberta premier praises national-interest projects — even if a pipeline isn't on the list | CBC News
Alberta’s Danielle Smith praises first batch of Carney’s nation-building projects | Globalnews.ca
Health Care
Albertans will soon access their health records under a new name as MyAHS Connect is rebranded to MyChart, creating a seamless online health experience.
Jobs, Economy …. (and 2 other areas added)
A new youth hiring incentive is launching to help young Albertans get experience, build confidence, and gain skills to launch rewarding careers.
Alberta announces an $8M initiative for youth employment.
Oil and Gas
Ottawa and Alberta are in talks about an emissions cap.
Friday, 12
AI
Alberta wants to become an AI data centre hub, but not all rural counties want to be a part of the big plan.
Auto Insurance
Alberta Auto insurance companies want to make Albertans pay.
Education
Alberta spent less per student on public schools than any other province in 2022/23, according to a Fraser Institute study released Aug. 28, 2025 and continues to spend the least on public education while spending the most for private education in all of Canada.
Environment
The National Observer on Cochrane’s vote to remain a part of Canada’s National Net Zero initiative.
Equality
Citizens Walkabout highlights equality, inclusion, and disability rights in southern Alberta.
Farming
Alberta Grains and Fertilizer Canada has officially launched Make Your Acres Count! – a new campaign encouraging Alberta farmers to get their acres recognized under the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework.
Free Trade
MLA Tany Yao will promote Alberta’s economic priorities in Jackson, Wyoming, from September 16 to 19 at the annual Council of State Governments (CSG) West meeting.
Gaming
Can Alberta learn from Ontario’s online gaming success?
Insurance
BrokerLink acquires more brokerages in Ontario, Alberta amid national growth push.
With the latest deals, the company moves closer to its $5 billion target. There is money to be made in Alberta, why is Smith backing off the no-fault insurance model?
Jobs, Economy, ….
Corus - Globals’ parent company is laying off 45 workers in BC and Alberta.
Sobeys strike vote at Alberta distribution center will affect Albertans
Health Care
An Alberta children’s hospital ranked best in the world. Other hospitals in the top 100 despite the government’s taking apart the system that put it there.
Immigration
So despite her townhalls, Smith is Alberta Holds Seven Targeted Immigration Draws, Issuing 1,376 Invitations
Oil and Gas
MLA Shane Getson will travel to Anchorage, Alaska to engage with state legislators and promote Alberta energy to member states at the Energy Council’s annual meeting.
Polls
Cross-Canada Outlook – Provincial Issues, Politics, and Performance: Alberta
Separation
Bloc Quebecois leader says he will recognized Alberta independence as premier. What’s in it for them?
Time for the Smith government to end political posturing to Alberta separatists.
Water
An article and a video. Mallory Chipman releases “Old Man River” video in support of Alberta water preservation.
Wild Fires
Warm weather is keeping wildfire risk active, and Albertans are urged to stay alert and use extra caution during outdoor activities.
Working poor
The working poor can’t afford to find safe accommodation and food to meet their needs. These are people making minimum wage or slightly above that can’t afford the cost of living.
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Conservative Events coming up….
If you are wondering what the Conservatives/Separatists are up to? Here is what’s coming up….
We Unify Conference (aka Reclaiming Conference - I wonder what name it will be known as?) Sept. 19 - 22, Calgary $300 tickets.
They have dynamic speakers like Mitch Sylvestre and Dennis Modry - you can catch them for free at their province-wide town halls. Michelle Ferreri will be one of their guest speakers. (I don’t think the title really reflects what they are doing in Alberta)
Alberta Prosperity Conference - We Unify
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Alberta News - Keeping Albertans Informed
Alberta Views puts out a weekly synopsis of happenings in Alberta: This week’s version. (The Week in Alberta archives)
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,
Alberta Municipalities News
News from the Municipalities - has an update on bills being passed.
Alberta Conservative News
Municipal and School Board Elections - October 20, 2025
Election News - If you are wondering who is running, and 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 have been breaking this down as the nomination processes get completed.
Alberta Government Links
Here is a link to the assembly website, with a calendar of upcoming events at the Legislature and a list of all the bills this government has passed, as well as 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 session is from May 15 until October 27, 2025.
The Government is making its news announcements user-friendly. Here is the non-government branded version.
Here is the government version.
Hansard - The Alberta Government Hansard Transcription
Here is the sunshine list document for Alberta.
Legislative Assembly Office Compensation Disclosure
If you have events coming up in your area or have a group you would like to promote, email us at abresistance2027@gmail.com
Civic Elections –
Here is the link for Lethbridge’s candidates - https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/elxtn25/
Andddd That’s All Folks for this Week.
