Alberta Weekly News Breakdown: Drug epidemic, housing crisis, and chaos
Legal Battle Over Parental Consent: Canadian Provinces Grapple with School Name and Pronoun Changes for Youth
The legal challenge to Saskatchewan's new law requiring parental consent for children under 16 to change their names or pronouns at school is back in court. New Brunswick has a similar measure, and other provinces are considering it. UR Pride, an LGBT group, argues that the rule discriminates against youth unable to come out to their families. Saskatchewan and New Brunswick cite parental input for the changes and use the notwithstanding clause to prevent the court challenge. Parents across Canada express varying opinions on the matter, with some supporting consent requirements, while others emphasize the importance of communication and understanding in parent-child relationships.
Calgary's Innovative Solution: Converting Empty Offices into Homes Sparks National Interest Amidst Canada's Housing Crisis
Calgary, faced with a nearly 30% office vacancy rate in its downtown, implemented a unique incentive program in 2021 to convert underused office towers into residential housing. The program, offering $75 per square foot to building owners for such conversions, has gained significant traction, resulting in the approval of 13 projects in just two years. The success of this initiative is considered a potential model for addressing Canada's housing crisis, with the program aiming to remove six million square feet of empty offices from Calgary's downtown by 2031. The popularity of the program led to a temporary pause after reaching its $253-million funding threshold. As other Canadian cities grapple with downtown office space vacancies, experts suggest that office-to-residential conversions can be a valuable component in revitalizing downtown cores. However, challenges such as design issues and the need for government support make these projects financially viable. Despite the complications, advocates believe that the conversion approach is part of the solution to the housing crisis and can be applied in other cities with appropriate incentives.
After Prolonged Strike, Montreal Teachers Return to Class Amid Uncertainties and Hopes for Change
Montreal high school art teacher Marion Miller is excited about returning to class after a lengthy strike by her union. Public-sector unions, involving over 550,000 workers in education and health care, reached tentative deals with the provincial government. While some educators welcome the end of strikes, concerns linger about the impact on future working conditions and inequalities. The strike's duration varied among unions, affecting students differently. Kathleen Legault, representing principals, warns of worsening inequalities and uncertainties in January. Teachers' morale has suffered, with some considering leaving the profession. Students will require catch-up plans, with delayed exams and potential extra resources. Miller hopes the tentative deal includes measures benefiting students, especially those with special needs. Despite the challenges, educators plan to make the return enjoyable and supportive for students.
Toronto Police Serve Coffee to Protesters: Controversial Move Sparks Criticism and Concerns
In this incident, Toronto Police officers were seen delivering Tim Hortons coffee to pro-Hamas and pro-Palestinian protesters who had taken positions on the Avenue Rd. overpass at Hwy. 401. This action has raised concerns and criticism, especially from the Jewish community, as it contrasts with the police's past actions, such as arresting an anti-lockdown activist in 2021. The police explained that they were managing a dynamic situation, and their motivation was to help keep tensions low, not to show support for any cause or group. Some individuals find this approach unacceptable, believing that police should focus on maintaining order and not engage in supportive actions for specific protest groups.
Honda Eyes $18.4 Billion Investment in Canadian Electric Vehicle Plant: A Green Leap Forward
Honda is reportedly considering investing around $18.4 billion in an electric vehicle plant in Canada, as part of its efforts to catch up in the electric vehicle market. The plan includes the construction of both a vehicle and battery plant, with potential locations being explored, including one near the existing plant in Alliston, Ontario. The decision on the investment is expected by the end of the year. The Canadian government's push for electric vehicles, along with the country's abundance of renewable energy, is cited as reasons for Honda's consideration. The federal government had mandated that all passenger vehicle sales in Canada be electric by 2035. While Honda is already involved in electric vehicle production in Ohio, the company may independently pursue a battery plant in Canada. The Canadian Industry Minister sees the potential investment as a testament to Canada's growing reputation as a green supplier and a global leader in electric vehicles.
Tragic Toddler's Death Leads to Criminal Negligence Charges for Mother and Associates in Edmonton
Three individuals, including a mother, are facing criminal negligence charges in Edmonton after a baby died from accidentally consuming a mixture of carfentanil, fentanyl, and p-fluorofentanyl. The child, who was one month shy of his second birthday, died in September, and an investigation has led to charges against the toddler's 34-year-old mother, a 20-year-old family friend, and the 26-year-old common-law partner of the mother. The mother allowed the friend to take the child for a walk, but upon noticing the boy in medical distress, they spent several hours at home attempting to address the situation before seeking medical help. Despite their efforts, the child was later taken to a medical clinic where he was found unresponsive, leading to a call to 911. The autopsy revealed the accidental ingestion of the dangerous drug mixture. The friend was charged in December, while the mother and her partner turned themselves in later that month. The accused individuals are not named to protect the identity of the family's other children.
Alaska Airlines Emergency Landing: Jetliner Suffers Fuselage Damage Mid-Flight, Boeing 737-9 Max Fleet Grounded for Inspection
An Alaska Airlines jetliner experienced a blown-out window and fuselage damage shortly after takeoff above Oregon, causing an emergency landing. The incident, involving a Boeing 737-9 Max aircraft, led to the deployment of oxygen masks, but no serious injuries were reported among the 174 passengers and six crew members. The airline grounded its entire fleet of 65 Boeing 737-9 Max planes for inspection. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating. Videos from passengers show a significant hole in the plane's fuselage. The aircraft involved had been certified just two months prior. The incident has prompted immediate inspections of Max 9 planes by U.S. airlines or those flown in the United States by foreign carriers. The union representing flight attendants praised the crew for their actions, while the FAA had previously issued warnings about potential issues with the Max model.
Converting underused or vacant office towers in downtown Calgary into living spaces - although this appears to be a good idea on the surface, sounds alot like the 15 min. camps (oops, I mean city)agenda to me! Are they going to be rentals? Low income housing? Can see downtown Calgary turning into a slum if that's the case.
Cops didn’t deliver coffee in Ottawa at the convoy, they beat the crap out of them instead. I wonder why.....
Actually I don’t wonder why. They knew the Ottawa protestors wouldn’t retaliate so felt very free to brutalize them.