Welcome to The Calgary Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Calgary Flames home games

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of William Aberhart

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way."

—Martin Luther King, Jr.

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!

What is the name of the famous pedestrian bridge in Calgary that connects the downtown with the community of Sunnyside?

A) Peace Bridge

B) Langevin Bridge

C) St. Patrick's Island Bridge

D) Kensington Bridge

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

Stephen Avenue in Calgary is known for A) Its historic architecture and shopping district.

News

💼Business

Toronto man owes car rental company $18K after hailstorm.(link)

Man dead after incident at workplace in northeast Calgary.(link)

🏒Sports

Three takeaways as Flames score four goals in Nashville.(link)

Calgary's Wilm takes bronze in 100-metre backstroke at short-course worlds.(link)

🏦Finance

Canadian Western Bank says legal claim is the reason it delayed earnings release.(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

🏒Calgary Flames vs. Ottawa Senators
Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary,
Thursday December 19 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏒Calgary Wranglers vs. Henderson Silver Knights
Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary,
Friday December 20 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏒Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary,
Saturday December 21 | 2:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎶CHIXMAS - Featuring Chixdiggit w/ Ramblin' Ambassadors, Old Wives and Turnarounds
Modern Love 613 11 Ave SW Calgary,
Saturday December 21 | 5:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🍪Kids Holiday Cookie Decorating
Palak StudioInk - Art Class | Face Painting12318 Barlow Trail Northeast #235 Calgary,
Saturday, December 21 | 1 - 2:30pm 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 “Calgary with gravity-defying structures.” and this is what I got.

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

Calgary Historical Events

The establishment of SAIT Polytechnic in 1916.

The establishment of SAIT Polytechnic in 1916 marked a significant milestone in the educational landscape of Calgary, Alberta. Originally known as the ""Southern Alberta Institute of Technology,"" SAIT was founded with the purpose of providing practical, hands-on education to meet the evolving needs of industry and technology in the region. Over the past century, SAIT has played a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of Calgary and beyond, producing skilled professionals in various fields, from engineering and technology to business and health sciences.

SAIT's commitment to innovation and excellence has made it a cornerstone of Calgary's educational community. The institution has continuously adapted to the changing demands of the job market, offering cutting-edge programs and facilities that prepare students for successful careers. Today, SAIT is renowned for its industry partnerships, state-of-the-art labs, and a diverse student body, reflecting the city's dynamic and growing economy. The establishment of SAIT Polytechnic in 1916 laid the foundation for a century of educational excellence and continues to be a vital contributor to Calgary's prosperity and development.

Famous Calgarians

William Aberhart (1878-1943) - Premier of Alberta and founder of the Social Credit Party.

Early Life and Education of William Aberhart (1878-1895)

William Aberhart was born on December 30, 1878, in Ontario, Canada. Growing up in a farming family, he developed a strong work ethic from an early age. Aberhart pursued his education with great diligence, showing an early inclination towards teaching and religious studies, which later played a significant role in his political and social views.

Beginning of Teaching Career (1896-1901)

After completing his education, Aberhart embarked on a teaching career. He started teaching in rural schools in Ontario, demonstrating a natural aptitude for educating and engaging with his students. This period was crucial in shaping his communication skills, which he later utilized effectively in both his political career and religious endeavors.

Relocation to Alberta and Educational Advancements (1902-1910)

In 1910, seeking better opportunities, Aberhart moved to Calgary, Alberta. This move marked a significant turn in his life, leading him to significant involvement in the city's educational sector. In Calgary, he continued to advance his career in education, eventually becoming a principal, and started to develop his unique educational philosophies.

Deepening Religious Involvement (1911-1924)

During this period, Aberhart deepened his involvement in religious activities. His strong Christian beliefs started to intertwine with his professional life, influencing his perspectives and future policies. He became increasingly involved in the local church community in Calgary, laying the foundation for his later radio broadcasts.

Rise in Public Speaking and Broadcasting (1925-1934)

Aberhart's engaging public speaking skills led him to a new avenue – radio broadcasting. He began hosting a popular religious program, which rapidly gained a large audience in Alberta. This platform significantly boosted his public profile and allowed him to convey his socio-political and religious views to a broader audience.

Formation of the Social Credit Party (1935)

Responding to the economic hardships of the Great Depression, Aberhart founded the Social Credit Party in 1935. The party proposed innovative economic theories aimed at addressing the financial distress of the era. This move marked Aberhart's official entry into provincial politics, highlighting his commitment to social and economic reform.

Premiership and Implementing Social Credit Policies (1935-1940)

William Aberhart became the Premier of Alberta in 1935. His government attempted to implement the Social Credit policies, which faced both enthusiasm and resistance. This period was marked by significant legislative efforts, though many were challenged by the federal government and judicial system.

Challenges and Controversies (1941-1943)

Aberhart's tenure as Premier was not without challenges and controversies. He faced opposition from various sectors, including the federal government and the media. His administration was marked by attempts to control the press, which drew criticism and legal battles.

Later Years and Legacy (1943)

In his later years, Aberhart's health began to decline. He passed away on May 23, 1943, while still in office. His death marked the end of an era in Alberta politics, but his legacy continued to influence the province's political landscape.

Key Achievements of William Aberhart:

• Founded the Social Credit Party, introducing new economic theories during the Great Depression.

• Became the Premier of Alberta and attempted to implement Social Credit policies to address economic challenges.

• Pioneered the use of radio broadcasting for religious and political communication, significantly influencing public opinion in Alberta.

• Advanced educational practices and policies during his tenure as a school principal and educator in Calgary.

William Aberhart was a pioneering figure in Alberta's history, known for his roles as an educator, religious broadcaster, and politician. His most notable contribution was founding the Social Credit Party and serving as Premier of Alberta, where he attempted to implement innovative economic policies during challenging times. Aberhart's legacy remains a subject of study and debate, reflecting his complex impact on Alberta's social, political, and economic landscape.

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

-Yannick Lyons

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