These are the stories that dominated Edmontonians’ interest this week. Separatists submit petition A group advocating for Alberta’s separation from Canada says it submitted 300,000 signatures to Elections Alberta, which still needs to verify the number. The matter could be included in the October referendum, pending a court challenge by a group of First Nations who say separation would violate treaty rights. Voter information shared Canada’s prime minister says the apparent illegal sharing of the list of Alberta’s voters is deeply concerning. Meanwhile, the United Conservative Party faces accusations that two of its members attended a meeting organized by the Centurion Project, the separatist group at the centre of the alleged data breach. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says a staffer attended for research purposes and had no way of knowing the information had been obtained illegally, and criticized the Alberta NDP for not acting on a tip about the group weeks earlier. Catalytic converter thief sentenced A serial catalytic converter thief was handed more than four years in prison this week. Hundreds of catalytic converters were found at Tekie Awte’s scrap metal recycling business, as well as drugs and cash. First wildfire alerts of season issued Some of the season’s first wildfire alerts were issued for Leduc and Parkland Counties over the weekend. Alberta has hired an additional 550 wildland firefighters this year, which marks the 10th anniversary of the “The Beast” that destroyed parts of Fort McMurray. Infill drama continues in court, neighbourhood Some Glenora residents say the demolition of a house was illegal because they’re actively appealing the development of an infill on the lot, an eight-unit building they don’t feel suits the area.
