Alberta Weekly News Breakdown: Danielle smith goes after AHS!
Politics
Executive Exodus: Alberta Health Services Faces Shake-Up Amidst Bold Health-Care Revamp
In Alberta, significant changes are occurring at Alberta Health Services (AHS) following the appointment of a new board of directors. Within eight days, six senior executives, including the recently appointed president and CEO Mauro Chies, are no longer in their roles. Sean Chilton has been named the new acting president and CEO. This move aligns with Premier Danielle Smith's broader restructuring of the province's health-care delivery system, creating four new service delivery organizations reporting directly to Health Minister Adriana LaGrange. Lyle Oberg, appointed to chair the AHS board, emphasized the need for new ideas and leadership during the 18-month transition.
The departing executives include the vice-presidents of quality and chief medical officer, corporate services and chief financial officer, the general counsel and corporate secretary, the chief strategy officer, and the chief program officer of capital management. The organization did not confirm if any of these leaders would remain in different capacities, and details about severance pay were not provided. The restructuring has raised concerns about the stability of health-care services in the province, with experts highlighting potential risks and challenges associated with the rapid changes. A new chief medical officer was not announced as part of the executive team appointments. The situation adds to the broader discussion about the ongoing transformation of Alberta's health-care system.
University of Alberta Sexual Assault Centre Director Fired Over Controversial Denial of Hamas Attacks on Israeli Women
The director of the University of Alberta Sexual Assault Centre, Samantha Pearson, lost her job after signing an open letter that denied accusations of rape and sexual violence against Israeli women by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 massacre. The letter, titled "Stand with Palestine: Call on Political Leaders to End Their Complicity in Genocide!" dismissed the reported incidents as "unverified accusations." In response to the improper use of the center's name, the university president announced Pearson's immediate departure and appointed a new interim director. The investigation into the reported sexual abuse on October 7 is challenged by the difficulty of gathering evidence due to the brutal nature of the attacks.
Weather
Warm November in Alberta: El Niño Brings Unusual Weather, Ski Resorts Await Chilly Turn
November in Edmonton and much of Alberta is experiencing unusual weather, with temperatures above average. The region may continue to see warmer and drier conditions this winter due to the forecasted El Niño by Environment and Climate Change Canada. El Niño, occurring every three to five years, involves warmer surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific, influencing global weather patterns. While temperatures are above average, they haven't reached record levels. The warm air is attributed to a southwesterly chinook flow in the upper atmosphere. Ski resorts, like Snow Valley in Edmonton, are awaiting colder temperatures to produce sufficient snow. Larger mountain resorts in Banff, such as Sunshine Village Ski Resort and Lake Louise, have already opened. The absence of significant cold air in the near future suggests ongoing warm conditions. The last three winters in Alberta were characterized by La Niña, indicating cooler weather with more snow. Despite the El Niño forecast, colder temperatures and snowfall are still possible.
Alberta's Weather Rollercoaster: Siberian Chill Set to Interrupt Warm Weekend Bliss
The Weather Network is predicting a change in weather for Alberta, as a cold air mass from Siberia is expected to bring a brief cooldown to The Prairies. While a warm weekend is anticipated in the short term, this warmth is forecasted to be short-lived.
Residents of Alberta have been enjoying a delightful spell of stunning weather over the past few days. However, according to the experts at The Weather Network (TWN), this pleasant weather is about to give way to a significant change. A blast of chilly air from Siberia is set to bring a temporary cooldown to The Prairies. Despite the upcoming cool spell, there's a silver lining for those who savor warmth, as a stellar and warm weekend is on the horizon.
It's important to note, though, that this period of warmth is expected to be fleeting. The Siberian air mass is poised to usher in a shift in weather patterns, signaling the end of the brief warm interlude. Residents are advised to prepare for the upcoming temperature drop and to make the most of the warm weekend before cooler conditions settle in. The unpredictability of weather patterns underscores the dynamic nature of climate, keeping both meteorologists and the public on their toes as they navigate the ever-changing atmospheric conditions in the region.
Sports
Bull Riding Showdown: Tyler Craig Takes Lead with Double Win at 2023 PBR Canada Finals in Edmonton
Tyler Craig dominated Round 1 and Round 2 at the 2023 Pro Bull Rider Canada National Finals in Edmonton, securing a three-point lead over Dakota Buttar. Craig's double win earned him 96 national points, moving him from 10th to 8th in the standings. Buttar gained 47 points, rising to the second spot, 57.66 points behind the leader, Cody Coverchuk. The reigning Canadian champion, Nick Tetz, earned only 15 points, dropping to tied 11th place. The Canadian champion receives a $100,000 bonus. Tetz trails Coverchuk by 64.5 points entering the final round. The pressure is high, but Tetz is focused on enjoying the individual season. Round 3 takes place at 7 p.m. at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
Oilers' Promising Start Fades: Defensive Lapse Costs Them Against Lightning
The Edmonton Oilers, leading 3-2 after two periods against the Tampa Bay Lightning, failed to secure a win, losing 6-4. The team had the option to play defensively or engage in a high-scoring battle, but neither strategy succeeded. Despite a strong start, the Oilers' defense faltered in the third period, allowing Tampa to score three goals and an empty-netter. The power play, going 0-for-5, missed opportunities to put the game away. Goalie Stuart Skinner let in five goals, with Tampa's top players outperforming Edmonton's. Despite four goals from the Oilers, including a poignant first NHL goal for James Hamblin dedicated to his late mother, the loss dampened the team's performance. Coach Kris Knobklauch expressed disappointment in the handling of the lead in the third period and called for improvements in both defensive play and power play contributions.
Crime
Alberta Court Strikes Down UCP's Scrap Metal Law, Deems it Unconstitutional
The Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers Identification Act, implemented by the UCP (United Conservative Party) government in Alberta, has been deemed unconstitutional by the provincial court. The decision was delivered on November 8 by Justice Heather Lamoureaux of the Alberta Court of Justice. The act, which is four years old, mandated scrap metal purchasers to record detailed information about sellers for police use. However, the court ruled that the legislation intrudes on federal jurisdiction, as it deals solely with criminal law, falling under the federal domain. The act aimed to combat scrap metal theft by requiring dealers to record information such as the sellers' vehicle details, license plate, address, and photo ID. The ruling came in response to charges against a Calgary scrap dealer, Amrullah Khairullah, who faced 12 counts of failing to provide seller information within 24 hours of purchasing restricted metal in 2021. The decision raises concerns about the federal-provincial balance of powers and the regulation of criminal law in this context.
Calgary Cold Case Breakthrough: 1994 Double Homicide Suspect Arrested After Decades, Thanks to Forensic Tech Advances
Stuart Douglass MacGregor, a 54-year-old man from Calgary, has been arrested and faces two counts of first-degree murder for the 1994 shooting deaths of Barry Christian Buchart and Trevor Thomas Deakens. The victims were shot at a residence linked to marijuana sales. Advancements in forensic technology played a crucial role in reopening the cold case. Leonard Brian Cochrane was previously charged in 2019 in connection with the same homicides, and both cases highlight the commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice despite the passage of time. MacGregor is scheduled to appear in court on November 21, and Cochrane is awaiting a decision in his trial later this month.
Business
Calgary's Bold Move: Transforming Empty Offices into Homes Leads City's Economic Revival
Calgary, a city heavily dependent on the oil and gas industry, faced economic challenges in the mid-2010s due to a significant drop in oil prices. By 2018, the downtown office vacancy rate had reached 20%, and the situation worsened during the pandemic, with vacancy rising to over 38%. In response, Calgary became a pioneer in converting empty office buildings into housing, with over a dozen projects underway.
In 2020, the city enlisted global architecture and design firm Gensler to find solutions. Gensler developed an algorithm to quickly assess whether a building was suitable for conversion to housing based on factors like floor plate size, ceiling height, and neighborhood context. The algorithm identified more than a dozen realistic conversion candidates among the city's approximately 40 buildings.
In 2021, the city council approved the Downtown Calgary Development Incentive Program, allocating $45 million (Canadian) to fund the conversion projects. This program offers up to $75 per square foot for conversion costs, covering around 30% of development expenses. An additional $55 million was allocated for streetscape improvements and other public realm amenities.
Calgary's approach demonstrates a proactive and innovative response to economic challenges, leveraging data analysis and strategic incentives to revitalize the downtown area and address the surplus of empty office space.
Edmonton Cash Register Co. Ltd. Relocates Amid Financial Strain and Soaring Crime Rates Post-Pandemic
Thim Choy, owner of Edmonton Cash Register Co. Ltd., has sold the business's original building and relocated to a smaller rental property due to financial constraints and a high crime rate in the previous location following the COVID-19 pandemic. The new address is 7252 101 Ave. Choy mentioned that starting a business has become more expensive over the years, with increases in taxes and operational costs. He highlighted challenges in finding employees post-pandemic, attributing it to government financial support during that time. Additionally, he expressed concerns about the rising crime rate in the inner city, referencing a past incident and difficulties in restoring a damaged building he owned.
Go! Go! Danielle Smith - tear down the corruption within AHS!! Too many pigs at the trough there, would like to see more of the top tier dismantled. Was hoping to see AHS come back to regional health boards, will wait and see what further changes are coming. There is always some pain when major changes happen.
On the most recent UCP survey which was the topic of the proposed Alberta Pension Plan they provided a text box to address them on any issue so I did. Alberta Health was my topic and who the government should be listening too such as Dr William Makis, Dr Roger Hodkinson, David Redman, David Dickson. All of these people have been demanding time to talk to the provincial government about all the issues surrounding covid and they were rejected by Kenney and the health department bureaucracy. I think I was more than blunt, tried to sound the alarm bell, and warned them to not go back to sleep thinking the worst is over when it is not.