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Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Edmonton Oilers home game

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Nellie McClung

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Many of us go down a sad path when we let our egos make us suffer.”

—Mo Gawdat

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Edmonton Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In Edmonton, what is Hawrelak Park known for hosting annually?

A) The Edmonton Folk Music Festival

B) The Silver Skate Festival

C) The Heritage Festival

D) The Edmonton International Fringe Festival

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

What historic Edmonton street was originally the main thoroughfare for fur trading? Answer: A) Jasper Avenue

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

United Airlines to resume Canada route from Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).(link)

📚Business Resources

Prevent account bans and shadow bans from sites like TikTok and Facebook, instantly. (link)

🏦Finance

Edmonton business leaders call on city council for prudent budgeting.(link)

Edmonton Chamber urges council to focus 2025 budget on core services, but spend more Downtown.(link)

🏒Sports

Oilers Important Defender Having Huge Year.(link)

Edmonton Oilers turn to Plans B, C and D to address injuries, underperformance on the wings.(link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 Edmonton Oilers vs. St. Louis Blues
Rogers Place Edmonton,
Saturday December 07 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🏒 Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Regina Pats
Rogers Place Edmonton,
Sunday December 08 | 4:00 PM | (more info)

Concerts

🎸 Arts Major, Selfish Bodies, Cupids Heart
The Buckingham 10439 82 Avenue NW Edmonton,
Saturday December 7 | 5:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Rich The Kid - Life's a Gamble Tour
Union Hall 6240 99 St NW Edmonton,
Saturday December 7 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨 Kid’s Ceramic Christmas Workshop
Highlands YOGA ROOM 6513 112 Avenue Northwest Edmonton,
Saturday, December 7 | 10am - 1pm MST | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Edmontonscape with a fusion of different historical eras.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Edmonton History

1942: Construction of the Alaska Highway begins near Edmonton.

In 1942, amidst the backdrop of World War II, a monumental engineering project commenced that would significantly impact Edmonton and the broader region: the construction of the Alaska Highway. Originating near Edmonton, the project was part of a strategic military initiative by the United States and Canada to establish a land route to Alaska, deemed essential for defense against potential Japanese invasion. This endeavor was not only a remarkable feat of engineering and logistics but also a testament to the allied cooperation during a time of global conflict. Edmonton's proximity to the start of the highway positioned it as a critical junction for personnel, materials, and equipment, highlighting its strategic importance and bolstering its economy.

The construction of the Alaska Highway brought a surge of activity and development to Edmonton. The city served as a launching point for thousands of soldiers, engineers, and construction workers headed north to work on the highway. This influx of people and resources led to significant growth in local businesses and services, transforming Edmonton into a bustling hub of wartime activity. The project also facilitated improvements in infrastructure and transportation networks in the region, enhancing connectivity and access to remote areas. The highway's construction was an arduous task, challenged by harsh weather, rugged terrain, and the urgency imposed by the war, yet it was completed in an astonishingly short time frame, showcasing human determination and ingenuity.

The legacy of the Alaska Highway's construction near Edmonton extends beyond its historical and military significance. It opened up northern regions to development and settlement, promoting economic growth and fostering closer ties between Canada and the United States. For Edmonton, the highway project was a catalyst for change, enhancing its role as a key transportation and logistics center in western Canada. Over the years, the highway has evolved into an important commercial corridor and a renowned tourist route, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and historical importance. The commencement of its construction near Edmonton in 1942 remains a pivotal event in the city's history, symbolizing resilience, innovation, and the enduring spirit of collaboration.

Famous Edmontonians

Nellie McClung (1873–1951): Famous suffragette and member of "The Famous Five."

Nellie McClung: Early Life and Education (1873–1890)

Born in Chatsworth, Ontario, in 1873, Nellie McClung was raised in a family that valued education and independent thinking. Despite limited formal education opportunities, McClung was an avid reader, which laid the foundation for her lifelong advocacy for women's rights and social reform. Her family's move to Manitoba in her teenage years brought her into a community that would play a significant role in her development as a leader in the suffrage movement.

Teaching and Early Writing (1890–1908)

McClung began her career as a teacher in Manitoba, where she developed a passion for public speaking and social activism. During this time, she married Robert McClung, and together they started a family. Nellie's experiences in the classroom and her observations of the societal limitations placed on women and girls inspired her first writings and speeches on gender equality.

Rise to Prominence as a Suffragette (1908–1914)

McClung's involvement in the women's suffrage movement gained momentum with her move to Winnipeg in 1911. Her eloquence, humor, and persuasive writing made her a prominent figure in the campaign for women's voting rights in Canada. McClung's novel, ""Sowing Seeds in Danny,"" became a bestseller, providing her with a platform to address issues of social justice and women's rights.

The Political Arena and Women's Suffrage Victory (1914–1920)

In 1914, McClung staged a mock parliament in Winnipeg, where women debated whether men should have the vote, effectively using satire to highlight the absurdity of the arguments against women's suffrage. This event was a pivotal moment in the movement, contributing to the public support for gender equality. Her efforts, along with those of her peers, led to Manitoba becoming the first Canadian province to grant women the right to vote in 1916.

The Famous Five and the Persons Case (1921–1930)

McClung moved to Edmonton, Alberta, and continued her advocacy work. She became part of ""The Famous Five,"" alongside Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, and Irene Parlby. Together, they launched the Persons Case, challenging the Canadian Supreme Court's ruling that women were not ""persons"" under the law. In 1929, the British Privy Council overturned this decision, marking a landmark victory for women's rights in Canada.

Connection to Edmonton (1921–1933)

In Edmonton, McClung's influence extended beyond her activism. She was involved in the local community, contributing to the city's cultural and social landscape. Her time in Edmonton was marked by significant achievements, including her role in the Persons Case and her election to the Alberta Legislature in 1921, where she served until 1926, advocating for social welfare, education, and public health reforms.

Later Life and Continued Activism (1933–1945)

After moving to Victoria, British Columbia, McClung continued to write and speak on issues of democracy, gender equality, and peace. She remained an active member of the Canadian Authors Association and contributed to the war effort during World War II. McClung's later years were characterized by her unwavering commitment to social justice and her belief in the power of education to effect change.

Legacy and Recognition (1945–1951)

Nellie McClung's contributions to Canadian society were widely recognized in her later years. She was celebrated as a trailblazer for women's rights and a key figure in the early 20th-century social reform movements in Canada. Her legacy includes not only her political achievements but also her extensive body of written work, which continues to inspire feminists and social activists.

Key Achievements

• Instrumental in the Canadian women's suffrage movement, contributing to Manitoba becoming the first province to grant women the vote.

• A member of ""The Famous Five,"" who won the Persons Case, recognizing women as ""persons"" under Canadian law.

• Served as a member of the Alberta Legislature, where she advocated for progressive social policies.

• Author of numerous novels and works of nonfiction that explored issues of gender equality and social justice.

Nellie McClung's life was marked by her tireless advocacy for women's rights and social reform in Canada. Her role in the suffrage movement and the landmark Persons Case established her as a leading figure in the fight for gender equality. McClung's connection to Edmonton and her broader contributions to Canadian society reflect her deep commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world. Her legacy as a suffragette, legislator, and author continues to inspire and influence the pursuit of social justice and gender equality today.

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-Yannick Lyons

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