This is Edmonton

Young Albertans who grow up in the child welfare system age out at 18. Should they die anytime up to the age of 22, the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate will conduct a review of the death. Now, the Alberta government is proposing legislation that would see death investigations conducted only on a discretionary basis for former child welfare clients between the ages of 18 and 20, and none for those who die older than 20. This week on the podcast we hear a conversation with three young Edmontonians who grew up in care and aged out. They share their experience and reactions to this proposed legislation.

A federal election could be called at any moment, and it’s almost certain that our next elected prime minister will be from Alberta. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is from Calgary, and Liberal Leader Mark Carney was raised in Edmonton. This is Edmonton host Clare Bonnyman discusses the implications for Alberta with CBC writer Jason Markusoff, producer and co-host of the House Party podcast.

Francis the Pig became part of Alberta’s history more than three decades ago when the rebellious swine escaped from a slaughterhouse. The ham on the lam inspired a generation with his freedom loving spirit. He was immortalized in bronze but recently the statue seemingly went missing. Hear more about Francis’ legacy and the Edmonton sculptor who helped keep Francis’ story alive on this week’s episode.

Companies and institutions are moving away from equity, diversity and inclusion policies, including here in Edmonton. Many felt compelled to make a commitment after the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests. Now many are choosing to back away. We’ll look at what’s behind the changing attitudes toward the policies. 

Looming U.S. tariffs have many Edmontonians taking a closer look at where the products they purchase are coming from. We take a look at this change in behaviour and what Trump tariffs could mean for the local economy. Listen in to our chat with Heather Thomson, who's with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

Edmonton’s public spaces bylaw sets out what’s allowed and what’s not allowed on our city streets. This week on This is Edmonton we’ll look at some of the proposed changes meant to protect public safety and businesses. We’ll also hear from those who say the changes target the city’s most vulnerable.

Redeveloping neighbourhoods with increased density and affordable housing is a contentious topic here in Edmonton. Everyone has their opinion of what the city needs and what they want and don’t want to see in their communities. From skinny houses to new condos to affordable living —we’ll wade into the debate.

Many people’s relationship to alcohol is changing. Some people are choosing to drink less or do away with it altogether. There’s never been more options for people with the rising popularity of mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. But what does our changing relationship with alcohol mean for our social lives?

Neutrality groups are popping up all over Canada.

The organizations petition councils to get rid of certain crosswalks and flags –and they are changing laws in some Alberta communities

Clare Bonnyman speaks with CBC reporter Liam Harrap about the rise of these groups and the reasons behind their concerns. 

Edmonton homeowners received their property tax assessments in the mail. The city has seen a lot of change over the last few years with so many new faces calling the city home. So, what does it mean for homeowners, those looking to get into the market and affordability? 

On the latest episode of This is Edmonton host Clare Bonnyman hears from a resident in Central McDougall about what a huge property value increase could mean for the community. She sits down with Tahirih Foroozan, who reached out to a realtor to talk about all the changes the city has seen over the last few years, and what that means for homeowners, those looking to enter the market and affordability.