Alberta This Week (Your Voice For Choice)
June 28 - July 4, 2025
Alberta This Week (Your Voice For Choice)
June 28 - July 4, 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
Upcoming Events: See our short three-page ABR Resistor for Updates about upcoming events.
Important event if you can make it:
The Premier’s Stampede Breakfast is Monday, July 7, 2025 from 7 am - 9 am
ABR Spotlight
With all that is happening in the world today, we want to share some inspiring videos that can uplift us as we face the issues in Alberta and the world.
The message - There is Hope and there is Action - let’s combine the two as we move forward. We are made to do hard things, and doing hard things together is easier.
Music
Videos of The Week
YouTube Finds
Marcum Hislop’s feedback on Separatist’s “Value of Freedom.” They finally found him, and this is his information on why it won’t work.
Alberta separatists don't deserve to be taken seriously
Mark Hislop’s interview with Paula Simon. Paula Simon’s perspective and knowledge give us hope that Alberta and Canada will survive this.
Alberta Separatism Under Fire: Senator Paula Simons’ Hard-Hitting Critique
The Death of Expertise: Ontario professor Tom Nichols explains how we got here and what we can do to start changing the narrative.
Tom Nichols: Why Do Authoritarians Hate Experts? | The Agenda
Look after your mental health. They said it couldn’t happen in the US… it is. More importantly for us, it is happening here. I listened to this young man pour his heart out, and it reminded me of how he mirrors my thoughts. I know I’m not alone, so please be sure to guard your mental health, or they win. We are here for the long haul, so check in with your people to make sure everyone is ok.
A TikToker's experience on what is happening in the US
UCP Travels
It’s Stampede - UCP Caucus Travels: Everyone is back in Alberta. The UCP has taken 35 trips and has been out of Alberta for 166 days since January 1, 2025. Alberta taxpayers have paid for it.
The UCP Caucus is down 2 members and is now at 46. There are 38 NDP MLAs and 2 Independents.
Peter Guthrie has been kicked out of the caucus.
Scott Sinclair has been sitting as an independent since the budget came out.
They are trying to revive the original Progressive Conservative Party.
The legislature will be sitting again on October 27, 2025 - That’s 114 days/75 working days from Saturday, July 5th.
Throw Back
The Alberta government set up numbered companies in the US to hide $ to save the Keystone pipeline. These accounts are protected, so Albertans have no idea what has happened with them. Is this continuing to happen with the budget increases to the Executive (Premier’s office)?
Alberta used a numbered company in a legal battle to save Keystone XL pipeline | The Narwhal
How Delaware Became the World's Biggest Offshore Haven for Illicit Wealth
Another Money thread to look at.
Smith issued an $11 billion loan guarantee for ATB
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
Build Community: Albertans need to work together to educate and build community.
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. We need to counter that with information and community. Be a part of the change. See our ABR Resistor Update
Knowledge: A couple of interesting links we found this week:
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.
Do you want to know why your property taxes have gone up so high? Check this out: Alberta Municipalities - Answers to why Provincial Taxes are going up.
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.
(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 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. (our page is still migrating to the new site) We are taking the month of July off and will be back in August with some new topics.
You can find some of our videos on our YouTube channel - abresistance.
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!
Health tracker
Measles Tracker - We have almost caught up to the US in the total number of reported cases. https://www.alberta.ca/measles
Saturday, 28
Alberta vs feds
Smith gives Carney until the fall to cancel anti-Alberta bills. Smith blames Ottawa for Alberta's immigration troubles.
EXCLUSIVE: Smith gives Carney until fall to scrap anti-Alberta bills
Education
The Alberta Government gets a failing grade on education funding.
Opinion: Smith government gets failing grade on education funding
Gender Affirming Care
The Premier pushes back on a court injunction against the law banning doctors from providing gender-affirming care to youth. (Please note she is always right, and even if she is wrong it doesn’t matter - She is right)
Mental health and addiction
Shoppers Drug Mart was embedded in Alberta's mental health system.
Sunday, 29
Education
Teacher shortages persisted this year and are looming as a problem for next year.
Monday, 30
Alberta Republican Party
An opinion piece on where the Alberta Republican Party sits in Alberta’s political landscape.
The Night the Alberta Separatists Lost
Education
Education Minister Nicolaides announces a new review panel to combat classroom violence. Apparently, listening to teachers, educational assistants, and admin is not valid feedback… Really?
Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team | Alberta.ca
Federal Relations
Alberta and Ontario are calling for an end to punitive federal policies that hurt competitiveness, weaken economies, and don’t benefit the environment.
Provinces seek changes to federal policy failures
Indigenous Tourism
Alberta’s government is investing $6 million to support Indigenous-led tourism through Travel Alberta’s renewed agreement with Indigenous Tourism Alberta.
Investing in Indigenous tourism
Justice
Adding a new justice of the peace to the Alberta Court of Justice will increase court capacity and improve access to the justice system. Reminder, this new appointment comes from the Amery Law firm in Calgary - Mickey Amery worked in that law firm before being elected and made Alberta’s Justice Minister. (see the BreakdownAB thread on X)
Judicial appointment advances access to justice
Money Laundering
RCMP lay 29 charges in alleged money laundering scheme.
RCMP lay 29 charges in alleged $40M money laundering scheme tied to Calgary business | CBC News
Referendum Rules
Referendum rules set to change on Friday, July 4, 2025.
UCP fortunes
David Climengha’s take on how Danielle Smith and the UCP are faring in Alberta - hint, they are doing fine.
How are the UCP and Danielle Smith faring in Alberta?
Taxes
Starting July 1, hard-working Albertans will keep more money in their pockets thanks to the new tax cut, saving families up to $1,500 per year. It works out to $4.11 per day. If you are single $2.05, might buy you a small coffee at Tim's or McDonald's.
Growing paycheques for Alberta families
Vaccines
How does Alberta's new COVID-19 plan compare to other provinces? They are limiting vaccinations to Health Units and charging Albertans $110/vaccine.
How does Alberta's new COVID-19 vaccine policy compare to other provinces? We asked | CBC News
Tuesday, 1
Canada's flag
Canadians reclaim the flag from the Freedom Convoyers amid Trump threats.
Canadians reclaim Maple Leaf flag amid trump threats.
Edmonton
Edmonton city councillor's infill moratorium fails.
Food
Nutrition warning labels are appearing already.
Nutrition warning labels are hitting shelves near you — earlier than expected | CBC News
Premier’s Canada Message
Premier Danielle Smith has issued the following statement on Canada Day:
Canada Day: Premier Smith | Première ministre Danielle Smith : fête du Canada
Wednesday, 2
Alberta Police
Sat Parhar has been appointed as the first chief of the Independent Agency Police Service, marking the next step toward a new municipal policing option. Despite this summer’s town halls looking for feedback on the Alberta Police Force, Smith moves forward with her plans anyway.
Calgary Investment
Calgary will see the construction of Calgary's next two tallest towers with a $1.2 billion dollar investment
Cannabis and Liquor Rules (We didn’t have this on our Bingo Card)
Alberta’s government is supporting liquor producers by enabling them to own, operate, and sell their own products on large-format bikes or “party bikes” (Think Tavern tours) so they can sell their products while people are riding around they can drink alcohol. In addition to the changes to party bikes, Alberta is making it easier for liquor retailers to set up shop in underused commercial space. Businesses that own or lease large buildings can now carve out a separate liquor store within their space, so long as it has its own entrance and full floor-to-ceiling walls separating it from other retail operations.
Alberta uncorks new rules for liquor and cannabis
Climate Change
Early departures: Climate change and how it is changing bird migration, they are leaving earlier.
Early departures: Climate change blamed as tiny Alberta bird alters its migration south | CBC News
Downtown Event Park
Downtown Event Park funding approved by the city council
Keith Gerein: Knack stumbles as council moves forward with Edmonton Oilers event park deal
Katz Group, homeless agency, reaches 'positive resolution' after legal battle
Orders in Council
Orders Approved – July 2, 2025. Changed the Police Act to allow the Independent Agency Police Service.
Progressive Conservatives
Guthrie and Sinclair want to revive the PC brand.
Thursday, 3
Alberta Prosperity Project
Alberta Prosperity Project releases its draft fiscal plan. (Rath is wearing a suit)
Calgary bike lanes
Once again, the Alberta government is trying to interfere in municipal business. Irony is not dead.
Bell: Danielle Smith government takes on Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek over bike lanes
Coal
Alberta is settling this case without going to court. We have questions. Why are they so fast to settle? Is there another plan for the coal? Are they going to set up another corporation? Don’t count this as a win yet, we think there is something in the wind.
Alberta settles with two companies in $16-billion coal case - The Globe and Mail
Economic Growth
Alberta’s government is providing Indigenous and small communities with an additional $3 million in grants to maximize opportunities in rural areas.
Supporting economic growth in rural communities
Education
Behavioral issues are rising, but students aren’t to blame, EAs say.
Alberta’s Education Assistants Are Losing the Classroom Battle | The Tyee
Politics
Guthrie and Sinclair want to bring back the Original Progressive Conservative party. An opinion article.
Womenofabpoli Substack's opinion on "Welcoming Back Alberta PCs.
Manufacturing
Alberta’s government is providing more than $4 million to help small and medium-sized businesses boost their productivity and thrive across the province.
Helping Manufacturers Thrive in Alberta
Friday, 4
AMA Update 2025
State of Health Care in Alberta - AMA Report 2025
Canadians in ICE detention
Canadians in ICE detention centers. 55 Canadians identified as being in ICE detention centers in the United States.
Carbon Capture
Canada invests in Carbon capture and storage in Alberta (We are still hearing the rhetoric that Canada doesn’t support Alberta - really? This proves otherwise)
Coal mine
Siksika First Nation seeking a court ruling on ending Alberta coal moratorium.
Conservative Names
A party by any other name… Smith responds to Guthrie and Sinclair resurrecting the Progressive Conservative Party.
Why a Revived Progressive Conservative Party Is a Nightmare for Smith | The Tyee
Edmonton
Edmonton public hearing to resume discussion on infills, warning that there is swearing involved.
Edmonton public hearing to resume next week, after heated city council exchange | CBC News
Parking
Edmonton has lifted the 2-hour limits on weekends and evenings.
Edmonton removes 2-hour parking limit on evenings and weekends – CTVNews
Federal by-elections
Poilievre has to contend with Alberta separatists as he vies for a Commons seat. Conservative leader 'pandering' to Ontario and Quebec, and 'we're sick of it': separatist
Poilievre has to contend with Alberta separatists as he vies for a Commons seat | CBC News
Health Care
Albertans are leaving ERs without treatment
Nearly one in five patients leave Alberta ERs without treatment: AMA report
Lightning
Rare ball lightning caught on camera in Alberta.
CTV National News: Buzz over video of a rare phenomenon taken by Alberta couple
Measles
Keep babies and high-risk Albertans away from large gatherings.
Keep babies, high-risk Albertans away from Stampede due to measles, doctors caution | CBC News
Meat Processing
Alberta’s government continues to attract investment and grow the provincial economy.
In 2020, the Alberta Government eased rules on meat sales for small producers.
In 2025, Alberta producers are concerned about tariff impacts.
Canada's internal trade bill could affect meat processing and sales.
Meat producers warn internal trade bill could cause blowback with trade partners - StrathmoreNow.com
Water
Alberta and Ontario Environment Ministers call for a repeal of policies regarding clean drinking water for First Nations in Canada.
Alberta and Ontario call for repeal of Trudeau-era climate policies in letter
Safe water is a human right | The Kingston Whig-Standard
Oil and Gas
Suncor was fined after protected bank swallows' ground nests were covered over. Only $5,000. This is a fee, not a penalty.
Suncor fined after protected bird nests were buried at Alberta oilsands mine | CBC News
Separation
Poilievre's View on Alberta Separation
Poilievre says ‘We need to unite this country,’ but Albertans ‘have a right to be frustrated’
Smith
Continuing to fan the flames in the fight with Ottawa (We would say this is definitely an opinion column - but it is set up to fan the flames of separation.)
A Fiery Danielle Smith on fighting when Alberta is punched in the face.
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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,
Catherine Griwkowsky publishes AB Today. It is one of Alberta’s leading political newsletters 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 regarding: 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 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 will send our updates on candidates in separate Substacks.
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 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.
If you have events coming up in your area or have a group you would like to promote, email us at abresistance2027@gmail.com