In partnership with
Smart starts here.
You don't have to read everything — just the right thing. 1440's daily newsletter distills the day's biggest stories from 100+ sources into one quick, 5-minute read. It's the fastest way to stay sharp, sound informed, and actually understand what's happening in the world. Join 4.5 million readers who start their day the smart way.
Happy Thursday, Edmonton!
The UCP just handed itself control of Alberta's electoral map and critics are calling it by a very pointed American term. A Japanese energy giant just picked our region to help anchor the hydrogen economy. And while you were sleeping, Iran seized two ships in the Strait hours after a ceasefire was extended. Oh, and Air Canada's CEO is packing his bags. There is a lot to cover today. 💛
🗺️ Alberta Just Threw Out Its Electoral Map. Critics Are Calling It Textbook Gerrymandering.
The UCP has officially taken the process of redrawing Alberta's political riding boundaries away from an independent commission and handed it to a committee it controls.
The legislature voted Tuesday to scrap the Electoral Boundaries Commission's work and create a new five MLA committee to redo the entire map. Three seats go to the UCP, two to the NDP, before a new independent panel is appointed under their watch. Elections Alberta now has less than 18 months to prepare for the 2027 vote.
The independent commission had proposed adding seats in Edmonton and Calgary where NDP support is concentrated. The two UCP appointed commissioners put forward a competing map that experts say would dilute the urban vote by merging city and rural ridings together. The commission's majority called it unconstitutional.
NDP leader Naheed Nenshi called it "cheating" and a "full-on assault on our democracy." Premier Smith says her government had no role in drafting any maps and is simply following the commission chair's recommendation to add two seats and restore two rural ridings.
Redrawing the map before the 2027 election could reshape Alberta politics for a decade. Is this legitimate governance or something else? Tell us what you think. 👇
⚡ Japan's Kawasaki Just Chose Edmonton to Help Build a Hydrogen Future
A major Japanese energy company has signed a deal to build a full liquefied hydrogen supply chain right here in the Edmonton region.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries signed a memorandum of understanding at the Canadian Hydrogen Convention in Edmonton this week with Edmonton Global, Alberta's Industrial Heartland Association, and the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB. The goal is to create a supply chain for liquefied hydrogen flowing from Alberta to Japan.
Kawasaki's Kei Nomura said the deal signals that liquefied hydrogen is moving from demonstration phase to commercial reality. Edmonton Global called it one of the most significant hydrogen trade partnerships in the organization's history.
For Edmonton and surrounding areas, this is about positioning the region as a future energy exporter beyond oil and gas, at a time when global energy markets are actively looking for alternatives amid the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
Edmonton has always been an energy city. Is hydrogen the next chapter? Drop your thoughts below. 👇
🎭 Fake YouTube Channels Are Feeding Albertans Separation Propaganda. 40 Million Views and Counting.
A new report has found roughly 20 inauthentic YouTube channels pushing Alberta separation and US annexation content to tens of millions of viewers, and researchers say it looks like a coordinated influence operation.
The Canadian Digital Media Research Network flagged the channels as a "potential covert influence operation produced by unknown actors pursuing unclear objectives." The videos use AI generated deepfakes of Premier Smith and PM Carney with titles like "Alberta Just ANNOUNCED the Biggest Separation in Canadian History Is About to HAPPEN!" The network has racked up nearly 40 million views.
Researchers found the inauthentic channels contained about 60% more grievance framing than real Alberta separatist accounts and roughly 12 times more content favouring US annexation. YouTube said Tuesday it is reviewing the flagged channels and will remove content that violates its guidelines.
Alberta Prosperity Project CEO Mitch Sylvestre dismissed the findings as "overblown." National security experts have previously warned Alberta may not be ready for this kind of disinformation ahead of a possible fall referendum on separation.
Someone is working hard to shape how Albertans think about their future. Does this concern you, or do you think the threat is being overstated? 👇
✈️ Air Canada's CEO Is Out After Days of Public Calls for His Resignation
After a rough stretch that included suspended routes, soaring fuel costs, and mounting public frustration, Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau has announced he is stepping down.
Rousseau announced his retirement Monday after pressure grew over the airline's performance amid the Iran war fuel price surge. Air Canada recently suspended flights between Toronto and New York's JFK airport due to doubled jet fuel costs tied to the Strait of Hormuz disruption. He had been in the role since 2021.
The airline has faced criticism over route cuts, rising fares, and its response to the energy cost spike that has hammered carriers globally since the conflict began in late February. MLSE president Keith Pelley's earlier comment that the airline had been caught off guard drew further scrutiny.
A search for his replacement is now underway. Analysts say the incoming CEO will face immediate pressure to stabilize routes and manage costs as the Iran situation remains unresolved and fuel prices stay elevated.
Have soaring airfares or cancelled routes affected your travel plans this spring? Tell us what you are dealing with. 👇
🚢 Iran Seized Two Ships in the Strait Hours After Trump Extended the Ceasefire. Oil Is Brushing $100.
The ceasefire extension was barely hours old when Iran's Revolutionary Guard moved into the Strait of Hormuz and seized two container ships.
Iran's navy attacked three commercial vessels and seized two of them Wednesday, just hours after Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely. Iran called the ongoing US naval blockade of its ports "an act of war" and a ceasefire violation. The White House responded that the seized ships were not American or Israeli and therefore not a violation.
Peace talks are now in serious doubt. JD Vance's planned trip to Pakistan for a second round of negotiations was called off after Iranian officials said they would not attend. Brent crude briefly touched $100 a barrel following the news. The US naval blockade has now turned back 31 ships from Iranian ports.
For Alberta and Canada, this matters directly. Higher oil prices support provincial revenue but also push up fuel costs, grocery prices, and airfares. Military planners from more than 30 countries are meeting in the UK to plan a multinational mission to protect shipping through the Strait.
Day 54 of the war and the ceasefire already has holes in it. How much longer do you think this goes on? 👇
Edmonton local Weather
Day⬇ 8° lower than historical avg, Night⬇3° lower than historical avg.
🌤️ Edmonton Weather - Thursday April 23
Thursday brings a cool high of around 3°C with some cloud and a slight chance of snow flurries through the afternoon. Keep a warm layer handy and maybe hold off on putting the winter coat away just yet. Classic Edmonton spring keeping us on our toes.
Feature My Business
Do you have a business you’d like us to show case or shine a spotlight on? Tell us about it by submitting a request here ➡ Feature My Business
📅 Events Happening This Week in Edmonton
Thursday, April 23
🍽️ Hot Chefs Cool bEATS 2026 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 23 · ⏰ 6 PM · 📍 Royal Glenora Club
A chef-driven culinary fundraiser with food, entertainment, and one of Edmonton’s tastiest evenings out.🎭 Shumka: Back to Our Roots 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 23–24 · ⏰ Evening show · 📍 Edmonton area venue
A dance production celebrating Ukrainian movement, culture, and artistry.🎭 Casey and Diana 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 23 · ⏰ 7:30 PM · 📍 Citadel Theatre - Maclab Theatre
Another chance to catch the acclaimed play before its run continues.🏙️ Sustainable Fashion Week (Earth Day programming) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 23 · ⏰ Various times · 📍 Edmonton
Earth Day programming centered on sustainable fashion, community learning, and creative reuse.Friday, April 24
🎭 Shumka: Back to Our Roots 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 24 · ⏰ Evening · 📍 Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
A dance production celebrating Ukrainian movement, culture, and artistry🍫 ChocoFest 2026 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 24–25 · ⏰ All day · 📍 Millennium Place, Sherwood Park
Alberta’s premier chocolate tasting festival returns with artisanal confections and sweet experiences.🎤 Passion to Purpose LIVE 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 24–26 · ⏰ Various times · 📍 Edmonton
A hybrid event focused on clarity, confidence, and personal breakthrough across business and life.🎶 Lorna Shore 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 24 · ⏰ 7 PM · 📍 Edmonton Convention Centre
Metal show featuring Lorna Shore, Paleface Swiss, and Signs of the Swarm.Saturday, April 25
🎭 Shumka: Back to Our Roots 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 25 · ⏰ Evening · 📍 Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Second night of the Ukrainian dance production.🍫 ChocoFest 2026 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 25 · ⏰ All day · 📍 Millennium Place, Sherwood Park
Last day to sample chocolate creations from makers and chocolatiers.🌾 Tofield Snow Goose Festival 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 25–26 · ⏰ Various times · 📍 Tofield
Spring migration festival celebrating the arrival of snow geese in the Beaverhill area.🔮 Awaken Events Psychic Fair & Celestial Market 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 25 · ⏰ 10 AM–5 PM · 📍 Smoky Lake Agricultural Arena
Tarot, oracle readings, intuitive sessions, workshops, and mystical handcrafted goods
📸 Spotted in Edmonton
Spring in Edmonton is doing that thing it does where one day it looks like shorts weather and the next it is flurrying sideways. We love it anyway.
We want to see YOUR Edmonton this week. Whether it is a stunning sunset over the river valley, a funny sign, a neighbourhood moment, a wild weather situation, or something that just made you stop and smile, we want it in the comments.
Drop your photo or describe what you spotted and where. The best ones get featured in a future issue. 📸👇