Edmonton Daily Digest — March 24, 2026

Nearly half of Black women in Canada say they avoid care: A national survey by the Black Women’s Institute for Health, Voices Unheard, polled nearly 2,000 Black women, girls and gender‑diverse people and found almost 50% have delayed or avoided health care because of fear of racial discrimination; two‑thirds report feeling dismissed and mental health was the top chronic diagnosis at 15.8%. The report (70 recommendations) calls for anti‑Black racism to be declared a public‑health emergency and for a national Black health‑equity strategy — in other words, data now points to clear steps to make health care safer and easier to use for families.

Wetaskiwin mayor barred from city hall, locals want answers: Mayor Joe Branco has been banned from city hall since mid‑January and has been attending meetings virtually after councillors cited a confidential personnel investigation; the city’s March 20 statement pointed to privacy laws and refused further details. Councillors briefly moved to hire a third‑party contractor to address threats and communication problems, but the motion was pulled — residents like Maggie Toles say months of silence have only fueled rumours.

Lethbridge firefighters worry about possible service changes: Emergency Health Services Alberta says ambulance contracts expire September 2026 and municipalities must decide by April 30 whether to continue integrated Fire/EMS at EHS cost or risk an RFP or EHS takeover. Brent Nunweiler, president of Lethbridge firefighters, warns a replacement could be a for‑profit, cut‑rate service affecting response and lives, while Mayor Blaine Hyggen says the city is actively weighing options.

High fuel prices push Albertans toward EVs, RVs and other options: With gas over $1.70/L in many places, dealers like Sean Smiley report 2–3× the usual leads for electric vehicles; charging a commercial EV station can cost $5–8 versus $50–$100 to fill a tank, and batteries often last 15–20 years. RV sales and rentals are also up as families rethink expensive air travel, meaning people may change how they commute or vacation to save money.

RCMP search homes of former Calgary mayor, current councillor: Police executed warrants at former mayor Jyoti Gondek’s home (a cellphone was seized) and at Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot’s residence amid a probe tied to a complaint referred by Calgary Police in October 2025. Both officials say they’re cooperating; Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and the city are aware but giving limited comment while the RCMP investigation continues.

The case of Alberta’s ‘golden’ cat turns into a political spat: NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi criticized Premier Danielle Smith over a gold‑coloured cat statue, but Smith’s chief of staff Rob Anderson says the sculpture is copper, worth “a few hundred dollars,” and was a gift from Saudi Arabia’s energy minister in 2023. The small item has become an internet meme and a symbol in a larger debate about gifts and judgment.

Canada raised Keystone XL revival with U.S. officials in Houston: Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson and Ambassador Mark Wiseman discussed a proposed South Bow/Bridger project with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum at CERAWeek; the pipeline could raise Canadian crude exports to the U.S. by more than 12%. Hodgson framed it as helping U.S. energy security while Canada also pushes a 300,000 bpd Trans Mountain expansion to reach other markets.

Calgary man charged in online child‑sex case: Alberta ICE charged 23‑year‑old Malik Buccini‑Small after three alleged victims (ages 7–15) came forward, saying he lured girls via social media using usernames like iggypup and wakanda4ever; he’s an assistant coach and faces 10 charges and was remanded, with a court date on March 24. Police ask anyone with information to contact local forces or Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑TIPS.

ATCO to invest $10M in Nunavut road‑and‑port project: ATCO will take a 40% stake in West Kitikmeot Resources and stage about $10 million into the Grays Bay Road and Port Project, which includes a deepwater port on the Northwest Passage, a 230‑km all‑season road and a ~1,800‑m airstrip. The project — now with the federal major projects office — could serve military and civilian uses and link Arctic deepwater by road to North America.

Arrest made in QEII drive‑by shooting that killed a young man: RCMP arrested 18‑year‑old Jimmy Gassner in Canoe Lake, Saskatchewan and charged him with second‑degree murder in the March 14 highway shooting that killed 22‑year‑old Birinder Singh; investigators say more than one suspect may have been involved. Motive is unclear, hate is being considered, and the investigation is ongoing as police work to locate other possible suspects.

Justice minister rejects premiers’ push for provincial pre‑approval of judges: Sean Fraser told reporters on March 24 he won’t make a “sea change” to let provinces pre‑approve appeal and superior court judges, despite a letter from Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan premiers asking for more provincial say. The premiers (including Doug Ford, Francois Legault, Danielle Smith and Scott Moe) argue provinces know local needs, while groups like Democracy Watch warn such a change risks greater partisanship.