Alberta invokes notwithstanding clause for transgender-related laws

Advertise | Sign Up

Good morning !

With Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Remembrance Day behind us, many Calgarians are starting to turn their thoughts toward the holiday season.

We’re kicking off the festive season with a roundup of activities happening across the city and are compiling a bigger list of holiday events. If you know of any fun markets, shows, or winter experiences to include, send them our way at [email protected]—we’d love to feature them!

👀 In today's edition:

• Pack of dogs roams SW Calgary

• Calgary backs backyard suite incentives

• Former teacher guilty in historic sexual assault case

Get your story told! Promote your business, event, or restaurant in front of 30,000+ engaged locals! Contact our team today.

WORTH KNOWING

☀️ Today: High 5C, Low 1C. See the 7-day forecast.

🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.

⚠️ Here’s the current smoke forecast / check Calgary wildfire and fire restrictions and the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard.

QUICK POLL

Alberta invokes notwithstanding clause for transgender-related laws

The Alberta government has invoked the Canadian Charter’s notwithstanding clause to protect three controversial laws affecting transgender and gender-diverse youth from legal challenges. The move, announced by Premier Danielle Smith, applies to legislation on healthcare, education, and sports, including restrictions on gender-affirming treatments for minors, parental consent requirements for school pronoun changes, and participation in female-only athletic competitions. Smith said the step was necessary to ensure children’s health and well-being while maintaining parental involvement in major decisions.

Critics argue the use of the clause undermines the rights of transgender youth and bypasses the courts. Legal challenges have already been launched against the health and education laws, and advocacy groups have vowed to continue fighting them, arguing that the government is targeting a vulnerable population. A Court of King’s Bench justice previously granted an injunction against the ban on gender-affirming care for minors, noting potential serious psychological harm and limitations on youth autonomy. The Canadian Medical Association has also criticized the move, warning that political interference could set a precedent affecting other health issues.

Supporters, including Smith and Justice Minister Mickey Amery, maintain that the laws reflect the will of most Albertans and that delays from court proceedings could put children at risk. The government applied the notwithstanding clause in late October to end a province-wide teachers’ strike, imposing a back-to-work order after weeks of disruption, a move that also drew widespread debate over government overreach and the balance between courts and elected officials.

Need to know

🐕 Residents of Vermilion Hill and Alpine Park in southwest Calgary are raising safety concerns after a pack of dogs was seen roaming the neighbourhoods and chasing people, with many pointing to gaps in fencing along the Tsuut’ina Nation border as a contributing factor.

🏡 The City of Calgary is seeking to double or triple the number of backyard suites by launching a feedback portal and using $10 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund to develop incentives for homeowners to build secondary suites.

🏳️ Calgary city council narrowly rejected a motion to end the practice of raising international flags at City Hall, meaning flags, including the recently raised Palestinian flag, will continue to fly under existing policy.

⚕️ Alberta is considering legislation to allow doctors to work in both public and private health systems simultaneously, prompting warnings from the Canadian Medical Association and opposition parties that the move could create a two-tiered system and reduce access to care.

💔 A pedestrian in northeast Calgary was struck by a CP Rail train early Tuesday morning in an incident later described as mental health related, with police and CP Rail investigating.

🚨 Former Calgary teacher Mario Joseph Denis Arsenault, 59, has been convicted of sexually assaulting a Grade 9 student more than two decades ago, with sentencing scheduled for the new year.

⚽ Alberta Soccer Association president JR Figueiredo has been removed from the board and suspended for five years after an investigation found he engaged in workplace harassment and inappropriate conduct, with reinstatement contingent on evidence of behavioural change.

💻 Ready to find your ideal workspace? For businesses of all sizes—from startups to enterprises—discover the coworking space that fits your needs. Connect with a WeWork professional today.*

🌿 New from Mateína: A zero sugar, organic yerba mate that delivers clean, balanced energy — no crash, no weird ingredients. Just plant-powered fuel that works.*

*Sponsored Listing

SPONSORED BY CANPREV NATURAL HEALTH

Immune Support From The Ground Up

Medicinal mushrooms like lion's mane and reishi are being hailed as the next big thing, and today's science is backing them up. CanPrev's Multi-Mushroom Full Spectrum features 7 organic medicinal mushrooms to support immune health with antioxidant defence, helping your body protect and restore itself. Just the way nature intended.

Find Multi-Mushroom Full Spectrum at your local health food store today.

Cirque Nuit debuts Beyond the Big Top Cabaret

Calgary’s Cirque Nuit Arts Foundation is hosting its first fundraiser, Beyond the Big Top Cabaret, November 20–21 at the Flanagan Theatre, The GRAND. The immersive show blends circus, theatre, burlesque, drag and live music, turning the theatre into a prohibition-era speakeasy full of vintage glamour and daring performances. The event highlights Calgary’s circus arts community while raising funds for artist development and future productions.

Returning home from international tours with Cirque du Soleil, Calgary artist Justin Dale will perform and mentor emerging talent, showcasing how local support can launch global careers. Board member Megan Szanik says the cabaret “celebrates Calgary’s boldest artists while supporting the next generation of circus talent.”

In just three of its 12 years, Cirque Nuit has paid over $700,000 to artists and theatre staff, cementing its role as a Western Canadian arts engine. Beyond the Big Top Cabaret promises an unforgettable evening of multidisciplinary performance, and tickets are available online.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Alforno Bakery & Café: As part of the Teatro Group, this Eau Claire-based café has been a downtown fixture since 1993, serving up house-made Italian pastries and breads alongside a full menu of brunch, lunch and dinner, plus sustainably sourced espresso and a curated selection of artisan wine, beer and spirits.

🍴 Diner Deluxe: With two Calgary locations and a Kelowna outpost, this comfort-food favourite serves made-from-scratch breakfast, brunch and lunch using local, sustainable ingredients, welcoming guests with a cozy, home-away-from-home vibe and menus that can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Christmas in Kensington: Enjoy free festive fun every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 as Kensington transforms into a holiday hub with Santa photos, live music, hot chocolate, a petting zoo, and plenty of cheerful activities for all ages.

🎟️ 39th Annual Lions Festival of Lights: Head to Confederation Park Golf Course starting Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. to experience Calgary’s iconic holiday light display, a long-running community tradition that brightens winter nights with dazzling installations crafted and installed by dedicated volunteers.

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

That’s it!

Thanks for reading today. If you found something interesting, please forward this email to another Calgarian and tell them to sign up!

And before you go, we’d love to know…

We’ll see you back here on Tuesdays and Thursdays, same time, same place!