Edmonton Daily Brief

Edmonton Pride organizers disclose bomb threat behind security

Edmonton Pride organizers say a bomb threat contributed to the decision to have police at Saturday’s march. The Edmonton Police Service determined the threat was not credible, according to deputy chief Nicole Chapdelaine. Organizers said the parade came close to being cancelled because of the threat but ultimately proceeded because they could not let a phone call erase queer joy. The Edmonton Pride Fest Association plans mediation discussions this fall with BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ communities.

Earlier Pride parade attracts thousands to downtown Edmonton amid some groups’ boycotts 23 Aug

• CTV News Edmonton

Alberta law scholar calls for civil deepfake-image reforms

Recent Alberta cases involving deepfake intimate images have led to charges against a Calgary teen and two Edmonton boys. The federal Criminal Code now captures deepfake non-consensual intimate images as a criminal offence. The author says Alberta’s civil legislation does not yet cover deepfake intimate images or some nearly nude images. The first part of the analysis calls for Alberta’s Legislature to expand its definition of intimate image.

• ABLawg (University of Calgary Faculty of Law)

Edmonton Expo blames flight limits for four celebrity cancellations

Edmonton Expo organizers say limited direct flights between Edmonton and Los Angeles contributed to four celebrity cancellations. Edmonton International Airport says there are six direct flights to Los Angeles and that WestJet offers non-stop flights around the expo. Fan Expo HQ says it is discussing the issue with the airport and city partners.

• CTV News Edmonton

Edmontonians’ Shop Canadian app sees traffic rise 143 per cent

The app’s database lets consumers scan most barcodes to check whether products are made locally or nationally. The creators say the app received 30,000 product-information requests since last week.

• CTV News Edmonton

Trump tariffs could raise prices for phones, games and AI gear

Experts say the Canada-U.S. trade war could increase costs for cellphones, gaming consoles and artificial-intelligence infrastructure. More than $4 billion US worth of Canadian electronics exports would be subject to new U.S. tariffs. Industry representatives say tariffs will also raise the cost of homes, schools and buildings because of higher electrical-equipment prices. A University of Toronto associate professor wondered whether higher prices could ultimately slow AI adoption and deployment.

• CBC Edmonton

Alberta extends AgriStability deadline for farmers facing wet conditions

The interim payment rate has also increased from 50 per cent to 75 per cent of the estimated final payment. The program provides support when a producer’s income margin falls below 70 per cent of the historical average.

Eligible producers must enrol and pay the required upfront fee by Oct. 1.

• Alberta.ca Newsroom

Alberta adds $9M for rural primary-care teams and clinics

Alberta is investing an additional $9 million in rural primary care, including nearly $8 million for clinic recruitment. The latest grant intake provided $3.4 million to 23 clinics for 53 full-time health-care positions. A further $1 million will support seven municipalities through the Municipality Supported Clinics Grant program. The funding supports staff, equipment, training and technology, and has helped some clinics expand hours and appointment capacity.

Earlier Alberta opens $3-million community development grant program 24 Aug

• CFWE North (AMMSA)
• Alberta.ca Newsroom

Jason Kenney urges Alberta to keep oil option in tariff fight

Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney says Canada should keep oil and gas exports available as a response to U.S. tariffs. Kenney said export taxes on fuel and potash could affect U.S. voters if the administration escalates its threats. Premier Danielle Smith has said Alberta’s oil and gas will not be part of the trade fight because cutting energy exports would hurt Canadians. Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi said Smith’s public position strengthened the U.S. bargaining position.

Earlier Kenney urges Alberta to consider energy export tax in trade war 25 Aug

• CityNews Edmonton
• Global News Edmonton
• CBC Edmonton