Calgary Daily Digest — March 24, 2026

Hard truth about health care: A national survey of nearly 2,000 Black women, girls and gender-diverse people found almost half have delayed or avoided care over fears of racism and two‑thirds feel dismissed; researchers (Black Women’s Institute for Health, led by Kearie Daniel) report mental health as the top chronic diagnosis (15.8%) and 27.4% have contemplated self‑harm. This report, Voices Unheard, includes 70 recommendations — including declaring anti‑Black racism a public‑health emergency and creating a national Black health equity strategy — and the hope is that data will push for concrete action.

Sticky situation in Wetaskiwin: Mayor Joe Branco has been barred from city hall and attending council meetings virtually since mid‑January after councillors cited a private investigation; the city’s March 20 statement pointed to confidential personnel matters and refused details. Frustrated residents want answers, council pulled a motion to hire a third‑party contractor this week, and Coun. Karen Aberle apologized while saying she’ll clarify what can be shared.

Lethbridge EMS at a crossroads: Emergency Health Services‑Alberta says contracts expire September 2026 and has asked municipalities if they’ll continue integrated fire/EMS at EHS costing — Lethbridge must respond by April 30. Firefighters like Brent Nunweiler warn a for‑profit or cut‑rate provider could risk lives; Mayor Blaine Hyggen says the city is evaluating options and hopes to keep service levels.

High fuel, new travel choices: With gas above $1.70/L in many places, Calgary EV dealer GoElectric says leads are up 2–3x (Sean Smiley), and EVs cost about 10–20% as much to operate as gas cars; charging can cost $5–$8 versus $50–$100 to fill a tank. RV dealers also report rising interest as air travel costs climb, so some Albertans are rethinking how they vacation.

Search warrants at city leaders’ homes: RCMP executed warrants at former mayor Jyoti Gondek’s home (a cellphone was seized) and at current Coun. Andre Chabot’s home in a probe linked to a complaint referred in October 2025. Both are cooperating with police; the RCMP and Calgary Police say the investigation is ongoing and are not releasing details.

The golden (actually copper) cat kerfuffle: Opposition leader Naheed Nenshi slammed Premier Danielle Smith for accepting a large gift — a gold‑coloured cat statue seen in her office — sparking a social‑media meme. Smith’s chief of staff Rob Anderson says the statue was a 2023 gift from Saudi Arabia’s energy minister, is copper and worth “a few hundred dollars,” and dismissed the criticism as conspiracy talk.

Keystone XL talk resurfaces in Houston: Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson met U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum at CERAWeek to discuss a South Bow/Bridger proposal to revive part of the canceled Keystone XL; the project could raise Canadian crude exports to the U.S. by more than 12%. Hodgson said talks framed the pipeline as a way to bolster U.S. energy security, but he wouldn’t say if the U.S. will fast‑track approvals.

Calgary man charged in child‑sex investigation: Alberta ICE charged 23‑year‑old Malik Buccini‑Small with 10 sexual‑offence counts after three victims (ages 7–15) reported being lured via social media; he’s accused of using usernames like iggypup and wakanda4ever and was remanded. Investigators say there may be more victims and the accused is scheduled to appear in court on March 24; anyone with tips is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

ATCO backs Arctic road‑and‑port project with $10M: ATCO is taking a 40% stake and will invest about $10 million in West Kitikmeot Resources for the Grays Bay Road and Port Project in Nunavut, which includes a deepwater port, a 230‑km all‑season road and an ~1,800‑m airstrip. The project has been referred to the federal major projects office and could serve civilian and military uses while linking the Arctic Ocean to North America’s road network.

Arrest in deadly QEII drive‑by shooting: RCMP arrested 18‑year‑old Jimmy Gassner in Canoe Lake, Sask., and charged him with second‑degree murder over the March 14 highway shooting that killed 22‑year‑old Birinder Singh near Leduc. Police say witnesses indicate there may have been multiple suspects in a grey 2022 Ford F‑150; the investigation is ongoing and authorities are still searching for other occupants.

Justice minister resists premiers’ push on judge picks: Justice Minister Sean Fraser rejected a request from the premiers of Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan (letter dated Monday) to have provinces pre‑approve judicial candidates for appeal and superior courts. Fraser said Ottawa won’t make a “sea change” to the appointments process, while premiers including Doug Ford, Scott Moe and François Legault argue provinces should have more say; critics want a non‑partisan, merit‑based overhaul instead.