Alberta introduces motion to resist federal firearms buyback program

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The Alberta government is pushing back hard against Ottawa's firearms buyback program, introducing a motion that would instruct provincial entities to refuse participation in the federal initiative. From political battles to budget decisions and holiday programming, here's what's happening around Calgary this week.

👀 In today's edition:

• Library kicks off the holidays with wish lists and cozy reads

• Alberta pushes back on federal firearms program

• Transit fares rising as council shapes the city's budget

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Alberta introduces motion to resist federal firearms buyback program

The Alberta government introduced a motion under the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act on December 2 that would instruct provincial entities, including law enforcement agencies, to refuse participation in Ottawa's firearms compensation program.

The motion asserts that firearms ownership falls under provincial jurisdiction and violates property rights protected under the Alberta Bill of Rights, according to the order paper released Tuesday.

Justice Minister Mickey Amery said the federal ban fails to improve public safety and instead punishes law-abiding gun owners

Premier Danielle Smith announced the plan at the United Conservative Party's annual general meeting over the weekend, where she told delegates that if criminals don't want to get shot, they shouldn't break into someone's house, according to CBC News.

Ottawa prohibited over 2,500 firearm models starting in May 2020 and created a compensation program for owners to turn in their weapons. Owners have until October 30, 2026 to dispose of or deactivate banned firearms or face charges for illegal possession.

Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said provinces preventing citizens from accessing compensation are "really hurting their own people," Snowdon and Pasiuk reported.

Constitutional law expert Gerard Kennedy told CBC News that Alberta can decline to facilitate federal enforcement but cannot overturn the law, and cautioned that prosecutors handling property defence cases should maintain their independence despite government directives.

Criminal Trial Lawyers' Association member Shawn King warned that government messaging around property defence could create dangerous confusion, as the Criminal Code requires defensive force to be reasonable and proportionate.

Need to know

💉 An 80-year-old diabetic Calgary senior receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit was mistakenly billed $100 for her COVID-19 vaccine despite qualifying for a free shot, prompting calls for the province to clarify eligibility and improve the appeals process.

🌾 Calgary launched AgSphere, a new agri-food innovation hub backed by $2.75 million from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, aiming to help 75 companies and train 450 workers over five years while addressing a projected shortage of 100,000 industry workers by 2030.

🪪 Alberta's privacy commissioner warned that adding health-care numbers to driver's licences increases fraud risk since the motor vehicle registrar isn't subject to privacy laws, though the government plans to proceed with the changes in late 2026.

🔥 Firefighters saved Calgary's Pain Block on Stephen Avenue—the only wooden building downtown to survive the city's great fire of 1886—after responding to flames in the back alley of the two-storey souvenir shop Tuesday morning.

🏒 Carter Hart, acquitted in July of sexual assault charges stemming from a 2018 incident, made his NHL return Tuesday night as the Vegas Golden Knights' starting goaltender against the Chicago Blackhawks after his league suspension ended.

💰 Calgary city council boosted transit and recreation funding while cutting climate spending during budget deliberations, raising transit fares by 20 cents for adult single tickets and approving over $90 million in reserves for recreation projects.

🚌 Calgary Transit fares will rise in 2026 with adult single-use tickets increasing from $3.80 to $4, part of council's budget adjustments to ease property tax burden, though riders question whether service improvements will justify the added cost.

Calgary Public Library launches holiday campaign with 2025 Books of the Year

Calgary Public Library is kicking off the holiday season with Wish Together, Grow Together, a campaign celebrating community connection through winter programming, wish lists, and the joy of reading.

Launched on Monday in partnership with Calgary Public Library Foundation, the campaign includes the 2025 Books of the Year—nine titles spanning adult, young adult, and children's categories that celebrate Canadian storytelling, from historical fiction set in Alberta to ghost tales and outdoor adventures.

The Library is also rolling out festive programming throughout December, starting with Mayor's Holiday Storytime at Central Library on December 6 at 11 AM. Other events include movie nights with hot chocolate, a gift wrap pop-up, and Rozsa Arts music performances.

For those looking to support the Library, donations to the Foundation's Wish List will be matched dollar-for-dollar until December 31, doubling the impact for everything from board books to robotics kits. Since April, Calgarians have already raised more than $380,000 through The Fifth Book Campaign.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Namo Cafe Bistro: This fusion bistro with three Calgary locations (Edmonton Trail, Beltline, and Southside) blends global flavours into creative dishes, now serving dinner at the South location, plus offering catering services and private event space for corporate gatherings, birthday parties, and intimate celebrations.

🍴 Café Théâtre: This French restaurant creates a warm atmosphere where comforting cuisine meets live entertainment, offering generous plates designed for sharing alongside theatrical performances, with shows bringing laughter and emotion to each memorable evening open Thursday through Sunday.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Season of Light: The Calgary Multicultural Choir presents its annual holiday concert on December 6 at 2 PM at River Park Church (3818 14a St SW), featuring artistic director Amanda Massey, pianist Greg Massey, and flautist Deanna McGregor, with tickets at $15 for adults and seniors and free admission for students and children.

🎟️ Enchanted Festival: Spruce Meadows transforms into a magical evening stroll from 5-9 PM on December 5-7, 12-14, and 19-24, featuring sparkling lights, firepits, glistening horses, an indoor 36,000 sq. ft. Equi-Plex with festive displays and a Christmas maze, plus food vendors and holiday movies, with tickets at $20 for adults and $12 for kids and seniors (groups of four or more save 30 per cent), and proceeds supporting Calgary & Area Food Banks and Parachutes for Pets.

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

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