EDMONTON, Alta. — A recent survey by the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) warns family medicine is on the brink of collapse. Dr. Paul Parks, AMA president, described the results of the survey in a press briefing on January 25 as “catastrophic” and felt the system was “crumbling around us as…
Dry Winters in Edmonton Could Cause Wildfire Concerns in River Valley
EDMONTON, Alta. — After a winter with hardly any snow, and the risk of a significant drought, Edmonton is still waiting for a fire plan to be approved for the city after a recent shooting paused discussions on the matter. A drought is not the only issue, however, that could…
The Federal Cap on Temporary Visas: International Students Urge Ottawa to ‘Focus on the Real Issues’
EDMONTON, Alta. — Ottawa has launched a two-year cap on international student visas, and now post-secondary schools, and international students already in the country, are trying to figure out what it all means. Immigration Minister Marc Miller held a news conference on Jan. 22 announcing that student visas will be…
Curling’s Next Generation on Display at Alberta Scotties
Since its creation five years ago, Curling Alberta has been searching for ways to raise youth participation in their sport. At the Alberta Scotties last weekend, where eight teams competed for the chance to represent the province at the Canadian women’s championships, they might just have seen the first fruits of their labour.
Explainer: Edmonton’s Encampment Response to the Homelessness Crisis
EDMONTON, Alta — It’s an issue that has been top of mind for many Edmontonians: encampments and the homelessness crisis. Between December 2023 and January 2024, the city carried out one of its largest encampment sweeps; dismantling eight encampments and removing or displacing at least 84 occupants. This, according…
The Imaginary Friend Replacement: Exploring the Dangers of Forming Parasocial Relationships with AI Chatbots
EDMONTON, Alta. — A popular new app, Character AI, has led to multiple online complaints that users could develop an attachment — or even a relationship — with a fictional character. AI is constantly evolving at a fast pace that is difficult to keep up with. Intended to make the…
Climate Change, Cold Weather, and a Lack of Snow are Forcing Edmonton Ski Shops to Adapt
Between seeing the Edmonton-area ski hills running at half capacity, the disorienting experience of driving through a completely brown Jasper National Park, and the truly dismal conditions in Whistler, it would be reasonable to come out of the holidays feeling pretty worried about the effects of climate change on the ski industry.
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival, the First Festival of 2024
EDMONTON, Alta. — Although nationally nicknamed the “City of Champions,” Edmonton also has another appealing moniker: Festival City. Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival, hosted by Arts on the Ave Edmonton Society, kicks off in January each new year, regardless of the temperature. This year marks the 17th annual winter…
Edmonton’s Food Bank: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
EDMONTON, Alta. — One of the most exciting parts of the holiday season is gathering for a big meal. Yet, as the festivities come to a close and the dishes are washed and dried, one Edmonton charity continues to think about putting food on the table, all year round. “When…
Edmonton Weather: Deep Freeze Sets In, Residents Warned to Stay Inside
EDMONTON, Alta. — A blast of extreme winter weather has hit Edmonton, prompting urgent warnings to stay inside–and it’s not over yet. As temperatures continue to drop in Alberta, Environment Canada extended its extreme cold warning for the city and surrounding areas on Friday, warning people that everyone is at…