Alberta Weekly News Breakdown: Bitter cold, Housing crisis, and Alberta power grid problems.
Bitter Cold Grips Alberta: Extreme Temperatures, Grid Alerts, and Frostbite Warnings
Extreme cold weather with temperatures ranging from -35°C to -45°C has prompted extreme cold warnings for the entire province of Alberta. The current temperature in Edmonton is -37.3°C with a wind chill of -44. The wind chill values are expected to range between -45°C and -55°C. The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) issued a grid alert warning of possible rotating outages, which ended just before 9 p.m. on Saturday. The alert urged people to conserve energy during peak demand hours. Tips to conserve energy include turning off unnecessary lights and appliances, minimizing the use of space heaters, and delaying the use of major power-consuming appliances. The extreme weather response has been activated in the city to assist vulnerable individuals during the cold snap. The forecast indicates a gradual moderation in temperatures by Monday, especially in southern Alberta, with warmer conditions spreading across the province by Tuesday afternoon. However, tonight's conditions are expected to remain extremely cold, with frostbite warnings. The long-term forecast shows temperatures rising to -3°C by next weekend.
Netanyahu Vows Unyielding Pursuit of Victory as Israel's Gaza War Hits 100 Days
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel will continue its war against Hamas until victory, dismissing any interference, including from the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The court had conducted hearings on South Africa's allegations of Israeli genocide against Palestinians, which Israel rejected as libelous. Netanyahu asserted that no external entity, including the court or what he referred to as the "axis of evil," would stop Israel. The war, approaching its 100th day, has faced international pressure, with over 23,000 Palestinians killed. Israel justifies its actions, arguing that ending the war would mean victory for Hamas, which seeks Israel's destruction. The conflict has triggered broader tensions, involving Iran-backed groups in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria. Netanyahu indicated that Israel would ignore any court orders to halt the fighting, potentially deepening its isolation. The ongoing war has displaced over 85% of Gaza's population, destroyed infrastructure, and led to severe humanitarian crises, with limited success in international efforts to alleviate Palestinian suffering.
Canada Considers Cap on International Students to Address Housing Crunch
Immigration Minister Marc Miller is considering placing a cap on the number of international students in Canada due to concerns about the overwhelming volume, citing a need to address housing shortages and financial considerations for academic institutions. The federal government, facing criticism for ambitious immigration targets, was warned two years ago about the impact on housing affordability. Miller plans to discuss the issue with provincial governments and assess the need for a cap, emphasizing it won't be a one-size-fits-all solution. The move comes amid a surge in temporary residents, with over 300,000 arriving in Canada in the third quarter of the previous year. Miller acknowledges the need for a balanced approach considering workforce demographics and financial capabilities.
Edmonton Mayor Proposes Emergency Declaration on Housing Crisis Amid Controversial Encampment Removals
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi is seeking to declare a citywide housing and homelessness emergency following the removal of people from encampments. The move comes amid tensions and protests over the city's actions, including arrests during recent sweeps. Sohi expressed concern that recent actions may not align with the city's commitment to reconciliation. He believes the system is at a breaking point, with an influx of people experiencing homelessness exceeding social system capacity. The Coalition for Justice and Human Rights is suing the city over its response to encampments. If the emergency declaration is approved, Sohi plans to hold an emergency meeting with provincial and federal officials. The province insists it has enough shelter capacity, while critics emphasize the need for collaborative solutions beyond emergency declarations.
Alberta Faces Power Crisis: Cold Snap and High Demand Trigger Alert for Rotating Outages
The agency overseeing Alberta's power grid issued an alert due to extreme cold temperatures, high demand, and restricted imports, warning of potential rotating outages. Utilities Minister Nathan Neudorf urged power conservation as neighboring provinces' extreme weather impacted electricity sharing. The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) projected a 100- to 200-megawatt shortfall, prompting concerns about rolling blackouts. Load reduction efforts were successful, and Premier Danielle Smith praised Albertans for their cooperation. The AESO's emergency grid management plan aimed to prevent brownouts, with critical facilities exempted from outages. The province faced challenges with gas plant outages, limited renewables, and reduced imports. The alert was rescinded after power demand decreased, but concerns about system resilience were raised.
Opposition Urges Alberta to Dispose of Risky Turkish Children's Medicine Amid Feeding Tube Concerns
The Opposition in Alberta is urging the government to dispose of the remaining bottles of imported Turkish children's fever medicine due to concerns outlined in a recent report. The medicine, known as Parol, reportedly clogs hospital feeding tubes, posing a risk to newborns. NDP health critic Luanne Metz suggests consulting health specialists to determine if the medicine can be safely used elsewhere. The imported acetaminophen was part of a deal to address a domestic shortage but faced delays and criticism, including concerns about dosage concentration. Alberta Health Services confirms the medicine was banned in neonatal intensive care units and used for only two months before reverting to regular medicines. The clock is ticking on the remaining supply, set to expire in November 2025. Health Minister Adriana LaGrange defends the purchase, emphasizing the province's intent to address a shortage.
Canadian Business Outlook: Housing, Inflation, and Minister's Solutions Take Center Stage This Week
In the upcoming Canadian business week, attention will be on crucial aspects of the economy. Reports from the Canadian Real Estate Association and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. will unveil insights into the 2023 housing market's conclusion. The Bank of Canada will release business outlook and consumer expectation surveys ahead of its January 24 interest rate decision. Additionally, Statistics Canada will reveal December's inflation figures, while Federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser addresses housing solutions in a Wednesday speech in Toronto. Economic data for November, including manufacturing, wholesale trade, and retail figures, will provide a comprehensive overview of the economic landscape.
www.bitchute.com/video/MT91qvAz0G7C/
Oh I'm sure they're going to come up with a solution for the housing crisis- isn't always their modis operandi, create the problem then offer the solution! And rolling blackouts at record breaking cold temps!! Come on, why do I feel this is a veiled threat of another looming climate crisis. Why did the AESO schedule maintenance on a gas plant in the middle of winter? And another one down to due to weather conditions??