Alberta Minute: Jasper Homecoming, Recycling Expansion, and Two Upcoming Events

Alberta Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Alberta politics.

This Week In Alberta:

• Alberta is expanding its recycling program to include household electronics and appliances, with plans to eventually recycle solar panels, electric vehicle batteries, and wind turbine parts. Starting in April 2025, the first phase will add items like power tools, small appliances, and cell phones to the list of recyclables. The Province will also begin consulting on setting up a renewable energy recycling program to address the future disposal needs of solar panels and wind turbines.
  
  
• New data from Statistics Canada shows that Albertans have a lower percentage of electric vehicle (EV) ownership compared to the national average, with only about 3% of households having an EV or hybrid. The national average is 5%. Most Alberta households still use gas or diesel vehicles, although the number of registered EVs is rising, with a 58% increase in sales over the past four years.
  
  
• We’re hosting two events in August, along with our friends at Project Confederation and local municipal Common Sense groups. This week, on Friday, August 23rd, we’re hosting a Whoop-Up Days BBQ in Lethbridge. We'll meet at the Henderson Horseshoe Picnic Site from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  Next week, on Tuesday, August 27th, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm, we’ll be doing the same thing in Edmonton, at Capilano Park’s Picnic Site 1. To keep the events free and as accessible as possible, it will be BYOHB (Bring Your Own Hot-Dogs and Burgers). We will be providing some snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, so if you'd like to make a voluntary donation to help us cover costs, $10 is a suggested donation. You can RSVP for Lethbridge here and Edmonton here.

Last Week In Alberta:

• Premier Danielle Smith said she is concerned about potential job actions at Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), which could severely disrupt the economy. Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon declined CN's request for binding arbitration and expects negotiations to continue with the help of federal mediators. Both rail companies have threatened to lock out employees starting August 22nd if no agreement is reached on issues like wages and scheduling. Smith warned that a shutdown of both rail lines would significantly impact production and transport across the country and is urging the federal government to be prepared to take action if needed.
  
  
• Jasper residents began returning to their homes in the aftermath of the wildfire that destroyed about a third of the townsite in late July. To manage the re-entry, residents were required to show a Parks Canada-issued parking pass and were given a guide for returning. While tourists are still banned from visiting, residents have started receiving financial aid, including a second one-time payment from the Red Cross and provincial support. Jasper’s Mayor reported a smooth re-entry process, though there are ongoing efforts to address temporary housing and accommodations for those affected.
  
  
• Premier Danielle Smith inaugurated the province's third recovery community in Gunn, northwest of Edmonton. The 75-bed facility is aimed at helping men struggling with addiction. This center is part of a broader initiative to address Alberta's addiction crisis, with a total of 11 planned recovery communities. The new facility, renovated at a cost of $21 million, provides free long-term residential support for those in need.

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