Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Edmonton health system being restructured

• Upcoming Edmonton Oilers games

• Professional Bull Riders National Finals

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth.”

– Plato, Ancient Greek Philosopher

My Goal For The Week

I need to work on “thinking more long-term” instead of short-term, and I am going to start doing that this week.

One Idea For a Better Week

If you have work to do, or you have to study, or you have to do chores, try setting a 60 minute timer, putting all of your devices away, and then working on it until the timer is up. It is a great way to be more productive.

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!

Edmonton was the first North American city to adopt what kind of environmentally friendly waste management practice in 2010?

A) Curbside recycling program

B) Composting facility

C) Waste-to-biofuel facility

D) Solar-powered waste bins

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

Which Edmonton building was the first to be designated as a Municipal Historic Resource in 1979?

Answer: The Gibson Block

The Best Links of the Week

💼 Business

An industrious student with not one, but two startups was recognized at the ASTech Awards, celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship in Edmonton.

The city's commitment to increasing affordable housing was highlighted through new partnerships aimed at bolstering the community's growth.

A gamble of sorts is on the city's horizon as it considers using CRL funds to transform office spaces, a move that's stirring debate among residents and experts.

🏦 Finance

Edmonton's budget forecast casts a shadow with a $73.8 million deficit, a situation compounded by higher police salaries and a dip in transit revenue. Yet, the city shows resilience, planning to offset the deficit with higher recreation center attendance and vacant job savings, a silver lining in tough financial times.

🏒 Sports

The Oilers' roster sees a significant shuffle as goalie Jack Campbell heads to the Bakersfield Condors, and Calvin Pickard steps up to the Edmonton ice.

📰 News

The Alberta government embarks on a vast health system restructuring, committing to safeguard jobs in the process.

The city prepared for Remembrance Day, planning ceremonies across the Edmonton area to honor the memories and sacrifices of its service members.

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. New York Islanders (November 13) Experience the thrill of NHL hockey as the Oilers take on the Islanders at Rogers Place.

🏒 Edmonton Oilers vs. Seattle Kraken (November 15) Catch the on-ice action when the Oilers face off against the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Place.

🐂 Professional Bull Riders National Finals (November 17-18) Hold on tight for an exhilarating night of bull riding, showcasing the bravery and skill of top riders.

Family

🛍️ Artisan Lodge at West Edmonton Mall (November 16) Explore local crafts and unique gifts at the Artisan Lodge, a perfect outing for family fun and early holiday shopping.

🎇 All is Bright Festival (November 18) Light up the winter night at 124 Street with festive lights, warm drinks, and family-friendly activities.

Music & Concerts

🎤 Jonas Brothers at Rogers Place (November 14) The Jonas Brothers are bringing their pop-rock anthems to Rogers Place, promising an energetic show filled with their chart-topping hits.

Events

🎭 Hadestown at Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (November 14-19) Be whisked away to a world of mythic imagination with "Hadestown," a multi-Tony Award-winning musical that intertwines two mythic tales of love and dreams.

Image of the Week

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

This week, I typed in “Edmonton on Mars” 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

The Formation of the First Town Council (1892)

In 1892, Edmonton began shaping its destiny with the establishment of its first town council. This pivotal moment transitioned the community from a loosely organized settlement to a structured municipality, setting the stage for its future growth.

This inaugural council laid the foundations for local governance, sparking development by instituting roads, bylaws, and public services. Elected by the townspeople, the council members embodied the residents’ desire for order, progress, and a shared vision for their home.

Edmonton’s initiation of a town council represented more than a practical move for managing local affairs; it was a declaration of the community’s intent to forge its own path. As Edmonton continued to expand, the seeds of self-governance sown by this early council would blossom into the robust city management that defines the modern capital of Alberta.

Famous Edmontonians

Nellie McClung (1873–1951)

Nellie Letitia McClung, a name synonymous with the early 20th century Canadian suffrage movement, was a pioneering figure whose efforts were crucial in shaping the nation's legislative landscape for women's rights. Born on October 20, 1873, in Chatsworth, Ontario, she emerged as a formidable author, politician, and activist, remembered for her vibrant contribution to the feminist movement in Canada.

Early Years and Education 

McClung's formative years were a blend of adversity and early promise. Her family moved to Manitoba when she was seven, where she later graduated from the Manitoba Normal School at sixteen and embarked on a teaching career. It was during this time that she met Annie McClung, a kindred spirit in the suffrage movement, who would later become her mother-in-law​.

Literary Beginnings 

Financial hardship spurred McClung's foray into writing. Her debut novel, "Sowing Seeds in Danny," became a bestseller, earning her national acclaim and a platform to address issues close to her heart. Her subsequent works continued to resonate with audiences, combining literary flair with her burgeoning feminist ideology.

Activism and Public Service 

McClung's relocation to Winnipeg marked an escalation in her activism. She co-founded the Women's Political Equality League and, with an acerbic wit, participated in a 'Mock Parliament' that famously parodied the political establishment's stance on women's suffrage. This performance was pivotal in shifting public opinion and contributed to Manitoba granting women the right to vote in 1916.

The Fight for Suffrage 

In 1921, McClung's advocacy took a legislative turn when she was elected to the Alberta Legislature. Her term was marked by collaboration across party lines to advance women's issues. Notably, she was a part of the "Famous Five," a group of women who challenged the definition of "persons" under Canadian law, eventually leading to women being recognized as eligible for Senate appointments.

The Persons Case and Beyond 

The landmark Persons Case epitomized McClung's legacy, culminating in the historic decision that legally recognized women as "persons" in 1929. Her appointment to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's board in 1936 and her role as a delegate to the League of Nations in 1938 underscored her standing as a national figure.

Views and Controversies 

McClung's legacy is multifaceted. She was a proponent of maternal feminism, advocating for women's roles in public life. However, her endorsement of the eugenics movement in Alberta, which led to the sterilization of many individuals, is a stark reminder of the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of historical figures​.

Legacy and Recognition 

Despite the controversies, McClung's contribution to women's rights has been widely recognized. She was declared a Person of National Historic Significance, and her residences have been preserved as heritage sites. Her impact is also commemorated through stamps and the designation of the Persons Case as a National Historic Event.

Conclusion Nellie McClung's narrative is a testament to the power of voice and conviction in the face of societal constraints. Her efforts not only altered the legal definitions of her time but also paved the way for future generations of women in Canada and beyond.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneered the women's suffrage movement in Canada and played a key role in women obtaining the vote in Alberta and Manitoba.

• Elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, actively promoting women's rights.

• As part of the Famous Five, contributed to the Persons Case, leading to women being recognized as persons under Canadian law.

• First woman appointed to the board of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

• Named a Person of National Historic Significance and commemorated through various national honors and memorials.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen