Alberta This Week (Your Voice For Choice
June 6 - 13, 2025
Our Website has been down, and it is taking us some time to migrate all our data over to our new site. This gave us an opportunity to start a Substack!!! We apologize for the close publishing these newsletters, but feel it has worthwhile information and links for you to check out. We will publish June 14 - 20 next Monday, June 30, and June 21 - 27 next Wednesday, July 2, 2025 (We know this is old news - but we think it is important for Albertans to be aware of what is happening in our province. We started collecting headlines and were amazed at how much happens in a day and a week in this province, which just passed us by. We feel you should have a choice as to whether you want to catch up on this or pass it by. We believe it is important to inform the public about what is happening here in Alberta.)
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 18
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.
Update June 13: Athana has asked for the courts to settle her wrongful dismissal suit quickly. The Breakdown is releasing some of the emails that outline the amount of money that the UCP paid in the procurement scandal, over $1 billion to MH Care and the Private Surgery Groups. It all points to Jitendre Prasad as the procurement officer for AHS.
The UCP knew what was going on, and they tried to cover it up! $1 billion that could have gone to improving health care. This does not include the 10 private nursing agencies that are getting paid premium dollars to supply nurses to Alberta Health when there are trained nurses in Alberta looking for work and can’t get hired with Alberta Health.
ABR Spotlight
This week, as our website is down, we are archiving this issue, so we will start again when we go live.
UCP Caucus Travels: Everyone is back in Alberta - the G7 is in Kananaskis this weekend.
The UCP has taken 35 trips and has been out of Alberta for 166 days since January 1, 2025, which Alberta taxpayers have paid for.
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
Is This What Freedom Looks Like?
Throw Back - Important read!!!!
******The other Jason: Nixon’s rocky ascent to power | The Sprawl
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.
Townhalls 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.
Knowledge: 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.
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 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! (There are a lot of government announcements on their Alberta News Webpage - possibly to take the pressure off of Coal and the Health Procurement scandal)
Saturday, 7
AISH
Alberta is giving AISH recipients until June 20th to apply for the federal top-up or face having their June checks cancelled. If they don't apply
Alberta AISH recipients are being told to apply for the Federal $200 top-up or face losing funding.
Liquor
US liquor to show back up on Alberta shelves.
Minimum Wage
Alberta only province that has not raised the minimum wage.
Alberta remains the only province not to raise the minimum wage this decade | Business & Tech
Sunday, 8
Cancer Support
Firefighters climb Calgary’s tallest tower to support cancer care.
Hundreds of firefighters climb Calgary's tallest tower to support cancer care
Monday, 9
Alberta Government Procurement Scandal (Corrupt Care)
AHS lawsuit: Alberta lawyers allowed to question Mentzelopoulos on forwarded emails
AHS lawsuit: Alberta lawyers allowed to question Mentzelopoulos on forwarded emails
Energy
Alberta will highlight its global leadership in energy security and innovation at the 2025 Global Energy Show, attracting leaders from around the world.
The answer to global energy security
Infrastructure
The Minister of Infrastructure invites nominations to celebrate innovation and excellence in delivering public infrastructure across Alberta. (Does anyone else get the feeling that they are trying to distract us from what is really going on?)
Nominations open: recognizing infrastructure excellence
Sports and Tourism
Alberta’s government honoured the best athletes, teams, coaches, and volunteers in the province at the 2024 Alberta Sport Recognition Awards.
Game Changers: Alberta’s 2024 Sport Stars
Tuesday, 10
AHS CEO Firing
Former CEO asks for quick ruling in wrongful dismissal suit.
Former AHS CEO asks for a quick ruling in wrongful dismissal case.
Education
Schools are converting libraries, music rooms, etc, into classroom space.
Alberta elementary school ditches library and other rooms because of ‘significant growth’
Teachers vote 95% to strike.
Alberta teachers vote 95 per cent in favour of strike action
Drilling
Alberta is investing more than $20 million to help Alberta’s drilling experts develop new technologies to responsibly power the world.
Order of Excellence
Nine remarkable Albertans will be invested into the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2025. (All supporters of Danielle Smith and the UCP)
Nine Albertans to receive Alberta’s highest honour
Pipeline
BC Eby says he is not standing in the way of the pipeline. There's no interest in building it.
Senior Drug Coverage
To offset the rising cost of government drug coverage, the maximum prescription drug co-payment for Albertans with Coverage for Seniors and Non-Group Coverage will increase for the first time since 1994. So far, they have delisted some eye exams, increased medication costs, and are charging for COVID vaccinations…
Balancing drug coverage for the long-term
The Alberta Government is raising the cost of co-pays for seniors.
US Liquor
Saskatchewan is joining Alberta in putting US liquor back on the shelves.
Saskatchewan to join Alberta in buying American booze, months after tariff war pause | Globalnews.ca
Wednesday, 11
Coal
The Premier and several MLAs face an angry crowd in townhall in Fort MacLeod over the province’s coal policy. She says it will cost the province up to $14 billion to get out of contracts with Australian coal companies. Our fresh water is priceless. It’s time to let Smith know that Albertans don’t want coal in the Rockies.
Alberta premier faces raucous, angry town hall on province's coal policy - The Albertan News
Education
This reporter is looking for people to interview about their schooling experiences in Alberta in the past few years.
Energy
Premier Danielle Smith issued the following statement in response to the new Ipsos poll’s findings:
Canada top energy supplier for the G7: Premier Smith
Healthcare
Parkland Institute report shows that women are being left behind in the health care system.
Are women being left behind by the Alberta health care system? - St. Albert News
Airdrie Health Center was helped behind the scenes by the mayor. Money to the Public health center was diverted to a private center.
Pipeline
Danielle Smith still wants pipelines built.
Renewable Energy
Alberta Government Renewable energy sabotage - time for the federal government to intervene.
Alberta's Renewable Energy Sabotage: Time For Federal Intervention - CleanTechnica
Thursday, 12
FOIP
Alberta’s Access to Information Act makes government information more accessible to the public through clearer rules, better oversight, and proactive disclosure. (To be clear, this is not the case; many times, people are receiving their FOIP requests with entire pages blacked out. The government is trying to gaslight Albertans.
Increasing transparency and access to information
Alberta’s Protection of Privacy Act is introducing new rules to better protect the privacy of Albertans.
Increasing privacy and protection for Albertans
Here is what the Information Commissioner’s Report says, May 2025
Health Care
UCP stats show Alberta's wait time for uncomplicated surgeries shows some improvement.
Report shows Canadians are waiting longer for surgery, but Alberta is seeing some improvement
Oil Sands (*A reminder, no tailings ponds have been reclaimed yet in the oil sands)
Alberta is exploring the possibility of injecting tailings water deep underground.
Alberta to explore injecting oilsands tailings underground | Globalnews.ca
Alberta’s government has received the first recommendations to help speed up oil sands mine water management and tailings pond reclamation.
Using science and technology to reduce tailings ponds
Pipeline
Smith wants a company to build a pipeline to the coast.
Pipeline Dream- Alberta Premier makes pitch at global energy show.
Police Shooting Update
On June 6, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was directed to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the Manchester industrial area of southeast Calgary.
Updated*: Officer-involved shooting causing injury in Calgary
Separation
Western Standard columnist on Alberta carrying out its threats.
ALBERS: Time to shake the tree, stir things up a bit
Friday, 13
Child Care
Baby Steps Early Learning Center has been ordered to cease operations due to ongoing non-compliance with Alberta’s child-care legislation.
Child care program closed due to non-compliance
Coal
A report on the Coal Town Hall in Fort MacLeod (PS the Premier’s office can’t even spell MacLeod correctly - “McLeod”.
The Stink of BS at Premier Smith’s Coal Town Hall | The Tyee
Covid vaccinations
Alberta will be charging for COVID-19 vaccines in the fall. Expect to pay $110 unless you are a senior.
Alberta to start charging for COVID-19 vaccines in the fall
Alberta’s government is transitioning its COVID-19 immunization program to a targeted program that prioritizes higher-risk Albertans first and reduces waste.
A new approach to COVID-19 immunizations
Economy
The India Advisory Committee will support Alberta’s efforts to grow trade and investment ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies: India. Looks like we’re moving into India now too.
Making more economic inroads in India
Elder Abuse
Alberta’s government is raising awareness about elder abuse and enhancing safety for seniors across the province. (Irony is not dead in Alberta - Jason Nixon is the MInister responsible for Seniors and Social Services - see the SPRAWL article in the beginning part of this newsletter)
Elder abuse: Know the signs, reduce the risk
Health Care
Airdrie Primary Care Center: what you need to know about the back story.
Airdrie mayor pushes back on report alleging role in health proposal - DiscoverAirdrie.com
Accountability in health care
Opinion: Premier, government lacks credibility, accountability on health care
Measles
Alberta is now up to 879 cases in the province. 22 Active cases. 4 people in the ICU.
Oil and Gas
Minister Devin Dreeshen issued the following statement on strengthening supply chains between Alberta and the Port of Prince Rupert.
Port of Prince Rupert corridor update
Pipeline
More info about Smith pitching a BC pipeline project.
Danielle Smith pitches B.C. on pipeline project, saying it benefits ‘all Canadians’ | Globalnews.ca
Wild Fires
Rain will help firefighting in parts of Alberta, but dry northern areas remain at risk. Crews from the U.S. and Australia have arrived to assist.
Update 4: Alberta wildfire update (June 13, 3:30 p.m.)
Wild Life
The new wildlife overpass on the Trans-Canada Highway, near Lac Des Arcs, will be named in honour of former Alberta premier Peter Lougheed.
Wildlife overpass dedicated to a prominent Albertan
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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.
Alberta Views June 9-13 Alberta could end up with more measles cases than the entire US
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.
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