This is Edmonton

Edmontonians are voicing their anger, heartbreak and frustration over a video posted on social media last weekend. It shows uniformed police officers ordering homeless people out of the Central LRT station in -21 C weather. An Indigenous-led outreach initiative called Bear Clan Patrol was there, providing people with clothing and food. Officers are heard telling them to leave because they’re eating and not wearing masks, saying “this isn’t a restaurant,” without supporting them to find somewhere warm to go. Councillor Aaron Paquette talks about what needs to be done to better support citizens experiencing homelessness in Edmonton. CBC investigative reporter Jennie Russell looks at why Alberta’s whistleblower legislation needs to change. Local hip-hop artist Arlo Maverick discusses his new single that aims to further the conversation around policing in Black communities. Plus, hear how a community initiative has provided thousands of people with free meals.

This year has already been a big one for Edmonton musician D’orjay The Singing Shaman. She’s receiving a lot of attention for her debut album, New Kind of Outlaw. Her songwriting doesn’t shy away from getting vulnerable and exploring her lived experiences. At the same time, there are important discussions taking place about racism in country music after a video surfaced of chart-topper Morgan Wallen using a racial slur. Tara and D’orjay had plenty to talk about that we couldn’t fit into The Loop this week, so this bonus episode provides their full conversation on her debut success, as well as racism and gender issues in the music genre.

As COVID restrictions ease in the province, some are happy to be back at work, returning to restaurants, and scheduling sports practices again. A handful of Albertans also threw caution to the wind — a video surfaced this week of a group flouting dining rules at a local restaurant. On the other side of it, many managers and organizers are wading through another set of new restrictions, while others have come to the realization that reopening is no longer a feasible option. In this episode, Jay Ouellette with Edmonton Youth Basketball talks about how sports organizations are working through last-minute changes, and Lisa Caputo discusses why it was time to close the doors at Cibo Bistro permanently. CBC reporter Min Dhariwal takes a look at how the farmers’ protest in India is resonating with people in Edmonton. Plus, a conversation with local musician D’orjay The Singing Shaman about her debut album’s success, as well as racism in country music. And we think we’ve figured out the best new name for Edmonton’s CFL team.

As Albertans prepare for an easing of COVID restrictions next week, some business owners are ready to get back at it and some people look forward to working out at the gym again or dining at a pub. However, others think it’s too much too soon as news continues about the presence of variant strains in the province. It brings up questions about whether we know how and where COVID cases are spreading, so CBC reporter and associate producer Stephen Cook takes a look at where we’re at with contact tracing in Alberta. Rowan Ley with the University of Alberta Students’ Union explains how a colony of penguin snow sculptures got the conversation started about cuts to post-secondary education. CBC reporter Josee St-Onge explores the fascinating story of what an antique shop owner discovered when he purchased an estate belonging to the late Madame Rac, a beloved Edmonton piano teacher. Plus, a new local radio station brings Indigenous music and language to Edmonton airwaves.

This week marked one year since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Canada. Numbers are coming down in Alberta, but there are still over 8,000 active cases in the province and many restrictions remain in place. The pandemic has affected lives in many ways, some for better and some for worse. This week, CBC reporter Janet French looks at how the pandemic is interfering with stages of care for heart patients, while reporter Travis McEwan explores how bridge housing in Edmonton provides a safe place to stay and support to people struggling with homelessness. Local fashion blogger Marielle Elizabeth just had an article featured on Vogue’s website. She joins Tara to discuss welcome changes in the style and sustainability of plus-size fashion. Plus, a new bakery business delivers bread and biscuits by bicycle.

It’s official: Joe Biden is the 46th President of the United States of America. Many have wondered for months what changes this might have on the Canada-U.S. relationship. Then President Biden made a highly anticipated move on his first day in office by revoking a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline expansion. Meanwhile, in Alberta last summer, Premier Jason Kenney rescinded the province’s 44-year-old Coal Development Policy. Now both circumstances are raising questions and concerns about Alberta’s economic, environmental and energy future. CBC Western Business unit producer Tony Seskus looks at what’s next for Keystone XL, while reporter Robson Fletcher examines what the coal policy changes mean and the renewed public response. University of Alberta associate professor Bukola Salami discusses how some Black organizations were denied federal funding because they were deemed not Black enough. Plus, a paddle on the river leads to a rare discovery.

COVID case numbers are starting to drop slightly, but Alberta’s top doctor says our healthcare system is still under significant pressure. We’re 10 months into this pandemic and many people are now focusing on a popular topic for 2021: vaccines. CBC reporter Paige Parsons looks at the vaccine rollout and supply chain for Alberta, while health reporter Jennifer Lee examines how variant strains of the coronavirus are impacting the province. Plus, CBC reporter Sarah Rieger explains how a formal complaint has led to an RCMP investigation into the COVID outbreak at a meat-packing plant in High River. Feel like picking up a new winter hobby? CBC web writer Wallis Snowdon talks about giving winter camping a shot, and there’s now an ice wall to climb in Edmonton’s river valley.

The government’s message to Albertans was to stay home over the holidays, but a growing list of UCP MLAs and staff members spent Christmas vacationing outside the country. The news dominated headlines and social media this week. Premier Jason Kenney released a statement saying the “individuals demonstrated extremely poor judgment.” Grande Prairie MLA Tracy Allard has resigned as minister of municipal affairs, the premier’s chief of staff was reportedly asked to resign, and five other UCP MLAs have been demoted. Even still, Albertans are angry. This week on The Loop, CBC web journalist Drew Anderson looks at the staying power of this political scandal, and reporter Josee St-Onge examines whether this impacts how Albertans will follow COVID restrictions. We’ll also hear from a physiotherapist that says working from home might mean you’re moving less and experiencing more aches and pains. Plus, it has been one year since Flight PS752 was shot down in Tehran by the Iranian government and the husband of one of the victims is still waiting for answers.

It has been a year that none of us will soon forget. Everything changed in March when life took an unprecedented turn to cohorts, constantly washing our hands, wearing masks, physically distancing, and pivoting. However, instead of taking a look back, The Loop is looking ahead to what the new year will bring. CBC provincial affairs reporters Michelle Bellefontaine and Janet French weigh-in with what they’re watching for in politics in 2021. Local business owner Kris Harvey discusses how the hospitality industry finds a path forward and why many in the bar and restaurant business have come together to form the Edmonton Independent Hospitality Community coalition. The new producer for Nextfest shares how the emerging arts festival will continue during COVID. Plus, a chat about what happens next for the live music industry with Steve Derpack, a longtime concert promoter and current artistic director for Festival Place, in Sherwood Park.

The first few COVID-19 vaccinations were administered this week to health-care workers in the province. Many are calling it a welcomed sign of hope, even as active case numbers continue to rise and restrictions remain in place through the holidays. This week, the Edmonton zone reached more than 10,000 active cases at one point. That had The Loop producer Clare Bonnyman thinking about whether she would be prepared if she got the virus. She fills us in on what the experts say you should do to be ready. CBC reporter Madeleine Cummings reached out to a number of single parents in Edmonton to see how they’re facing challenges and coping during the pandemic. Plus, CBC producer Julia Lipscombe shares her love for those so-bad-they’re-good holiday movies, and we’ll hear from a Stony Plain resident who decided simple Christmas decorations weren’t enough.