- Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack criticized Edmonton Police Service Chief Warren Driechel's decision to visit Israel in February with an international delegation, along with the Edmonton Police Commission for approving it. Knack said the trip causes "real hurt" and damages trust with Edmonton's marginalized communities, particularly given the violence in Gaza, and that the commission should review its travel policies. Councillors Erin Rutherford and Ashley Salvador echoed Knack's concerns. Coun. Michael Elliott, a former police staff sergeant, defended the chief and accused critics of applying inconsistent standards, in an apparent reference to the mayor's recent trip to China. Knack said his trip focused on economic development and a sister-city relationship with Harbin.
- The federal government, alongside the City of Edmonton, Jasper Place Wellness Centre, and Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, announced $7.5 million in funding for the Parkdale2 project. The project, which will create 24 new affordable transitional homes, expands the Bridge Healing Care Model, providing wrap-around services for unhoused people discharged from hospitals to offer stability and reduce repeat hospital visits.
- Edmonton International Airport nearly reached pre-pandemic passenger levels in 2025, serving 8.14 million passengers, a 2.8% increase from 2024. Domestic travel, including new services to Kamloops, Hamilton and Prince George, drove much of the growth. Cross-border traffic declined, but the airport added new routes to Houston, Chicago and Salt Lake City, and non-stop flights to Reykjavik are set to return in June.
- Edmonton-born actor Nathaniel Arcand discussed his roles in the films Sinners and Train Dreams, as well as his thoughts on the Oscars in an interview with CTV News. Arcand, known for his diverse acting career, shared insights into his latest projects and the significance of his work within the film industry.
- The Writers' Guild of Alberta condemned the Alberta government's school library book bans, calling it an "attack on freedom of expression" and a "serious infringement" of charter rights. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides announced the policy last year in response to concerns about "explicit materials" in libraries. The ban affects more than 200 books, including graphic novel versions of classics such as Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale.
- Edmonton-Strathcona MP Heather McPherson, a federal NDP leadership candidate, campaigned in Edmonton on March 14, including a small gathering at the Alberta Avenue Community Centre. Despite the federal NDP caucus shrinking to six members after Nunavut MP Lori Idlout crossed the floor to the Liberals, McPherson remains optimistic about rebuilding the party. Online voting for the new NDP leader closes March 28. The winner will be announced the next day.
- The Edmonton Oilers acquired forward Josh Bloom from the Vancouver Canucks on March 13, sending forward Jayden Grubbe in exchange. Bloom, a 22-year-old left-winger, was drafted by the Canucks in 2021. He will report to the Edmonton Oilers ECHL affiliate, the Fort Wayne Komets.
Headlines: March 16, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim