Daybreak Alberta

Over the course of October and into November, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen in Alberta and most of Canada. However, there is good news on the results from the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials as they look promising. While the data still needs to be analyzed fully before any candidates are approved by Health Canada, we might be seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. To get the latest on the race for a vaccine, and what people should look for to trust the treatment, Russell spoke with Jason Tetro, Edmonton-based microbiologist and author of "The Germ Files."

Four years ago, Edmonton author, Mark Lisac, published his first book "Where the Bodies Lie," about a political scandal involving an aging cabinet minister who struck and killed a member of his local constituency with his vehicle. Mark has just published his latest book called "Image Decay" and it returns to the pugnacious world of backroom politics. Set again in an “unnamed capital city east of the Rockies,” this book is about a cantankerous ex-government photographer seeking ownership of his prints but the the powers that be are determined to prevent the release of certain sensitive photos. Mark Lisac was a reporter for The Canadian Press, and was the the provincial affairs columnist at the Edmonton Journal in the 80s and 90s and he is having a book launch Monday, November 9 from 6-8pm, with tickets available through Eventbrite. Mark Lisac joined Russell for a chat from his home in Edmonton.

Alberta's Energy War Room isn't going to like an article which appeared in Thursday's New York Times from photo journalist, Alec Jacobson. He recently travelled to Alberta for an assignment to investigate and photograph the province's orphan wells, inactive oil and gas sites, many of which are polluting farmers' lands. The federal government is spending nearly 2 billion dollars to clean some up, but there are many thousands more continuing to spew toxins. Alec Jacobson joined Russell to explain more.

The Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival is back for 2020 and as some may know, the festival celebrates mountain literature, film, and photography. It usually brings together filmmakers, writers, publishers, editors, photographers, athletes, adventurers, and - of course - readers, but of course, this year has been different. The events and discussions are all happening online until 11:59pm on Sunday, November 8 and people can logon from anywhere at banffcentre.ca to watch all the events from home. To find out a bit more about the festival, author and books reviewer, Angie Abdou joined Russell via FaceTime.

There's no doubt that 2020 has been very tough for the tourism industry, locally, nationally, and all over the world. However, for those who work tourism, and plan for the industry, hope still flows for a better year in 2021. The Indigenous Tourism Association had previously held tourism summits for operators who provide experiences for travellers seeking a closer level of knowledge of Alberta's First Nations. In 2020, Indigenous Tourism Alberta is making this upcoming summit a virtual one for operators unable to attend the in-person events. It's is running on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 3 & 4. The summit hopes to create learning and networking opportunities for businesses to help grow this part of the Alberta economy. Joining Russell for a preview, the Executive Director of Indigenous Tourism Alberta, Shae Bird, as well as Juanita Marois, Executive Director for Metis Crossing.

She is currently the Calgary's Public Library's Writer-In-Residence, however, in between helping aspiring writers, Lori Hahnel also gets to celebrate the release of her latest book, a collection of short stories called, "Vermin." The art and music of her life inspired some of the stories in the new book and Russell decided to find out more about them from the author herself.

CBC's chief Political correspondent, Rosemary Barton, is coming to Sunday mornings starting November 1. "Rosemary Barton Live" is part of CBC News’ expanded political coverage rolling out this fall and the new show will be a mix of breaking political news, conversations with newsmakers, as well as Canadians across the country. Rosemary previewed the show with Russell.

If there is one image that dominates at Halloween, it is the Witch. Whether it's a willowy and sleek figure, or a craggly, tortured form, just about everyone has an idea connected to the idea of witchcraft. But for some Albertans, being a witch is a much different thing as it encompasses their identity. CBC's Colleen Underwood sat down with Russell to discuss some witches she recently visited.

A new documentary airs starting October 30 on CBC and it's about how our belongings can alter our life and the decisions we make. It's called "Attachments of Life" and in it, you'll meet Howard, who collects Rolls Royces, Peggy who's a hoarder, Lesa who lost everything in a house fire and flood, as well as Marni & Kevin, who sold off everything to live in a tiny house. Edmonton film-maker, Brandy Yanchyk, found these 4 Alberta stories and collected them into this new film that debuts on the CBC Gem. The director spoke with Russell from her home.

Even for a wealthy country like Canada, the hows and whys of people living on the streets can seem frustrating and baffling. It's issues of poverty, economic hardship, and mental health. But to a child, what does the image of a homeless person mean? In a new picture book for kids, Elizabeth Withey used her own experience of explaining to her 5-year-old why her brother, his uncle, was living rough. "The One With The Scraggly Beard" has just been published, and the CBC journalist and author spoke with Russell Bowers about the ideas in the book.