Alberta introduces legislation blocking AIMCo lawsuits

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Last week, we asked what you thought about Alberta's government using the notwithstanding clause on laws affecting transgender youth. Just over half of you said it was absolutely wrong, calling it a threat to rights and due process. Several readers expressed concern about the clause's use, with some arguing politicians shouldn't interfere in medical decisions between families and doctors. This week, the government is back in the news with legislation that would block public sector pension plans from suing AIMCo over more than a billion dollars in losses. We're also looking at holiday festivities kicking off at Calgary shopping centres and what's happening across the city.

👀 In today's edition:

• Holiday festivities kick off at Calgary shopping centres

• UCP MLAs face first-ever recall petitions

• Calgary's housing funding paused over rezoning uncertainty

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Alberta introduces legislation blocking AIMCo lawsuits

Alberta introduced new legislation on Tuesday that would prevent public sector pension plans from suing the Alberta Investment Management Corp. over losses from a trading strategy that failed in 2020.

Three public sector pension plans have been seeking to recover roughly $1.3 billion through arbitration after AIMCo lost $2.1 billion on a volatility trading approach, CBC News reported. A 2023 court decision determined that both AIMCo and the provincial government would be responsible for covering the losses if the pension plans prevailed. Finance Minister Nate Horner said the legislation shields taxpayers because AIMCo lacks reserves to pay potential claims.

NDP finance critic Court Ellingson questioned who would ultimately cover the pension losses if not AIMCo, suggesting workers might face higher premiums to ensure retirement benefits remain intact.

The Canadian Press reported the bill would also safeguard companies from legal action when they make honest disclosures about climate-related matters, with the Alberta Securities Commission evaluating each case.

The Financial Statutes Amendment Act includes several other changes:

• A new Alberta Disability Assistance Program allowing people with disabilities to earn the country's highest employment income while maintaining benefits

• Enhanced powers for the Alberta Securities Commission to address misleading financial information circulating online

• Penalties for purchasing, storing or selling illegal tobacco

• Modernized guardianship and trusteeship laws

• A levy on large data centres

• Increased funding limits for the Alberta Heroes' Fund supporting first responders

Need to know

🏘️ Calgary's $129 million in federal housing funding has been paused until the city clarifies its citywide rezoning bylaw's future, with $64 million at risk by March 31.

❄️ Calgary's first major snowfall caused airport delays, left 50 transit buses stuck, and resulted in 389 collisions as accumulations reached 10 to 15 centimetres on Monday.

📋 Fourteen Alberta UCP MLAs face recall petitions in the first use of the province's Recall Act, with concerns ranging from unresponsiveness to supporting the notwithstanding clause during the teachers' strike.

🚗 Three people were hospitalized, one with life-threatening injuries, after a semi-truck hit a car that turned across northbound lanes at 52 Street and 61 Avenue SE on Tuesday morning.

🛰️ University of Calgary researchers developed a 22-sensor network monitoring space weather over the Arctic, helping protect GPS systems and detect security threats in the North.

💻 Alberta introduced legislation letting data centres generate their own power while imposing a two per cent levy on computer equipment in large facilities starting late 2026.

🍟 Leopold's Tavern opened its fifth Calgary location in Seton, bringing the pub chain's craft beers and signature poutine dishes to the southeast at 4141 Market Street SE.

🧑‍🍳 Easy & Healthy Mediterranean Cooking (Fresh & Flavourful) Dec 10 – Discover great flavours and improve nutrition with tips for heart health, brain health or general well-being. (Free online class led by AHS Registered Dietitians)*

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Holiday celebrations move indoors at Calgary shopping centres

Two Calgary shopping centres are rolling out their holiday programming this week, offering Santa visits, festive entertainment and charitable initiatives through December 24. The CORE Shopping Centre kicks off its season on Tuesday, while Southcentre Mall continues its lineup that launched earlier this month.

The CORE's holiday activities include:

• December 6 to 21: Free Santa photos on Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 3 p.m.

• Throughout December: Live entertainment daily from noon to 1 p.m., featuring Calgary Fiddlers, Chinook Country Line Dancers and the Glenmore Temple Band of the Salvation Army

• Select dates: Stilt-walking nutcrackers roaming the centre

• December 1-5: Golden Acre Home & Garden Centre pop-up on Level 2

• December 3: Calgary Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss fundraiser

• December 17: Calgary Wranglers and Roughnecks appearances

Southcentre Mall's offerings include:

• Through December 24: Santa's Enchanted Forest with advance booking or same-day registration options

• Through December 24: Cookie Kitchen raising funds for Made by Momma through decorated cookie donations

• By appointment: Peace of Mind Santa visits for families with unique needs

• By appointment: After-hours Paws with Claus for pets, with donations supporting Calgary Humane Society

Both shopping centres run their holiday programming through December 24, with The CORE offering free heated underground parking on evenings and weekends.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 IBU Restaurant and Bar: Father-and-son chefs Jeff and Joel serve contemporary chef-driven cuisine with Asian influences at this South Calgary neighbourhood spot, featuring a dog-friendly patio, open kitchen, weekend brunch, and a chef's table tasting experience.

🍴 Yellow Door Bistro: This all-day bistro serves breakfast starting at 6:30 a.m. weekdays, weekend brunch buffets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., plus lunch, happy hour and dinner daily with a menu that spans morning to evening.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Stage West Christmas Show – Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!: Stage West's holiday dinner theatre runs from November 22 to December 24 with festive buffets and a Christmas show, offering breakfast, lunch and evening performances with menu options from hash browns to roasted beef.

🎟️ Little Red Riding Hood: Calgary Opera's McPhee Artists bring this one-hour family opera to life November 28 to December 7, with multiple showtimes including a sensory-friendly performance on December 6, and 50% off tickets for ages 18 and under.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

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