Calgary nets another 'Canada's first'

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Good morning !

Separatism remains a hot topic in Alberta news, and if you were amongst the 34% of readers who said they’d had enough of politics for now, we’ve got bad news. The conversation continues below.

Passionate readers wrote in to share their frustration and worries about the possibility of separating, while one astutely noted that no matter your perspective, it’s important to understand why so many Albertans are upset.

Now, on to the newsletter.

👀 In today's edition:

• Giving girls in soccer tangible role models

• A 10-year strategy to tackle gender-based violence

• Public services workers vote for strike action

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WORTH KNOWING

🌧️ Today: High 10C, Low C1. 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

New Canadian centre links wildlife survival to human wellbeing

The Wilder Institute, alongside the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC), has launched Canada’s first centre dedicated to species survival.

Based at the Wilder Institute, the new centre—called the IUCN SSC Centre for Species Survival Human Dimensions—will be dedicated specifically to human health, sustainable use and livelihoods, with a focus on human dimensions of wildlife conservation.

“Effective species conservation doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when people are part of the solution,” said Dr. Gráinne McCabe, chief conservation officer, Wilder Institute.

The centre aims to address often-overlooked human factors such as health, livelihoods, and the sustainable use of wild species. It will serve as a global resource hub, promoting inclusive, cross-sector conservation strategies that connect community well-being with species survival.

Keep reading.

Need to know

⍰ The Alberta Prosperity Project, a separatist group, put forward a proposed referendum question. The question reads, “Do you agree that the province shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province of Canada?”

💭 Related, the Government of Alberta has suggested changes to the rules for citizen initiatives and recalls which will make referendums easier. CBC has broken down the changes and their impacts.

⚽️ Lydia Bedford, manager of Calgary Wild FC, shared her excitement about helping grow women’s football in Calgary. Bedford is leading the city’s first professional women’s soccer team.

📣 Two Calgary councillors are calling attention to the need to prioritize infrastructure investment projects.

💡 The Government of Alberta released its 10-year strategy to combat gender-based violence.

🪧 The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees voted to strike; the passing of the vote means that workers can choose to strike with 72 hours notice.

👂 The City of Calgary shared more information on what tariffs from the U.S. mean for the city’s projects.

📣 Premier Danielle Smith expressed strong concerns about Canada’s environment minister.

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Campaign highlights need to tackle food insecurity

A Calgary campaign aimed at shining a spotlight on the growing issue of food insecurity affecting thousands of children in Calgary kicked off this month. For the third consecutive year, the Core Shopping Centre and non-profit Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids (BB4CK) have teamed up to raise awareness about food security in the city.

Centred around the theme “Learn the Facts. Take Action. A Caring Community in Action,” this year’s initiative features an interactive display at the Core Shopping Centre and a community donation drive intended to spark conversations, dispel common myths, and amplify the voices of local families navigating food insecurity.

Shoppers are encouraged to donate kid-friendly snack items at the designated collection area on the second level of the CORE Shopping Centre. Donations will support BB4CK’s school lunch and summer programs.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Calgary Heritage Roasting Company: Set in the C.C. Snowdon building, a historic brick building originally constructed to be an oil refinery, the Calgary Heritage Roasting Company serves as a cafe, coffee roaster (you can see it live), and event space. Grab a bag of their organic coffee before you set down on the patio for a hot coffee or cold beer.

🍴 Queens Breakfast: Located in Calgary’s Greenview neighbourhood, this eatery offers an elevated take on classic brunch fare with options like the Happiness Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and Bison Sausage Bowl. Open every day from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Queens promises “accessible luxury serving active lifestyles.”

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

Things to do

🎟️ The Farmers & Makers Market: Spring is in the air and outdoor activities are all the rage. This weekly farmers market kicks off on May 24 and runs until October 4. Located on the grounds of cSpace Marda Loop's Art Park, you’ll find over 50 local farmers, growers, bakers and makers, accompanied by Alberta-made products and live performances.

🎟️ Calgary Black Film Festival: Now in its fifth year, this film festival aims to support the growth of independent filmmaking and spotlight stories that reflect the lived experiences of Black communities worldwide. The festival runs from May 23-27.

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

That’s it!

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