Diversity Online Nov 27, 2020

Diversity Community Newscast for November 27, 2020 Hosted by Rayyah Sempala and Harriet Tinka.

Here are your headlines…

After 2 terms as Mayor of Edmonton, Don Iveson says no more…

Alberta spared a lockdown but new measures in place as the number of COVID-19 cases skyrockets…

AC Awards will be handed to 16 Albertans in private a family setting this week and next week….

Now the news in detail with Rayyah Sempala….

Diversity TV Community Newscast Host Harriette Tinka (left) interviews Jeanne Lehman (right), 1 of 3 Community Leaders of the Year 2020 celebrated for her incredible work in Black Women empowerment in Alberta, through the nonprofit she founded just over a year ago – BCW in Action.

1. The handout of AC Awards 2020 the COVID way…. Ali Samura, 1 of 3 AC Awards 2020 Entrepreneur of the Year recipient works 7 days a week but for once took a day off to receive the beautifully designed glass African map with his name engraved on it. 2020 saw a historic 50 AC Awards nominations with 16 recipients; 5 in Edmonton this week, 7 in Calgary this weekend, and 4 in Red Deer next week. There are certainly more people doing fabulous things than we can and should hand awards to. Those who do not receive an award this year, we encourage you to keep doing what you’re doing as we look forward to 2021 for yet another edition of AC Awards. The AC Awards organizing committee extends a big thanks to all your support, especially its hosts and ambassadors across Alberta who made it all happen. Ladies and Gentlemen, for a full list of all AC Award 2020 Nominees, please go to www.diversitymag.ca/ac-award-2020/

2. Albertans Spared A Full Lockdown BUT however, still recorded 1,115 new COVID-19 cases with 16 on November 25. As a consequence of the rising cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, the government announced a State of Public Emergency for the next 3 weeks, placing a ban on social gatherings, outdoor gathering limited to a maximum of 10. Church gatherings are limited to a third of normal capacity with mandatory masking. Funeral and wedding limited to 10 people. Banquet halls, community centres closed. Retail limited to 25% capacity. Hotels, personal services, barber shops, and beauty shops are limited to appointments only. Workers who can work at home should do so. Grade 7-12 students move to home schooling from November 30. January 11, 2021 next school opening after 1 more week of Winter Break. Mask is mandatory for all indoor workplaces in Edmonton and Calgary and surrounding communities. Fines go up to $1,000 For more information, please go to www.alberta.ca/COVID19

3. In Calgary News….

The City of Calgary is proposing an overall tax rate decrease of 1.66% for 2021 as part of its annual adjustments process. The adjustments are designed to support Calgary’s economic recovery and COVID-19 response. The typical single residential home will see their taxes stay the same in 2021. For all residential properties, including condos, the average decrease will be -0.67%. The average non-residential (business) property will see a decrease of -0.55%.

4. In Edmonton News….

The race for Mayor of Edmonton begins as Mayor Don Iveson announced that he will not seek re-election. Mayor Iveson has been instrumental in putting social programs in place, such End Poverty and homelessness in Edmonton. What will you remember Mayor Iveson for, and who will you recommend to run for Mayor of Edmonton on October 18, 2021…Councilor Andrew Knack, former MP Amarjeet Sohi, Councilor Mike Nickel…?

Political Consultant, Najib Jutt shares his views on the way forward for the City of Edmonton without Mayor Don Iveson.

In Diversity TV International News…

5. Scotland on Tuesday made sanitary products free to all women, becoming the first nation in the world to take such a step against “period poverty”. The measure makes tampons and sanitary pads available at designated public places such as community centres, youth clubs and pharmacies. In 2018, Scotland became the first country to provide free sanitary products in schools, colleges and universities. Some 10 percent of girls in the UK have been unable to afford sanitary products, according to a survey by the children’s charity Plan International in 2017. What is the percentage in Canada?

Dress of the Week – 2 piece outfit of long mermaid fishtail

6. Dress of the Week Need classic and elegant outfit for your next event, this 2 piece outfit of long mermaid fishtail with marching prop top fully beaded with rhinestones will be perfect for that occasions. Available from L to 2XL in different colors. Visit www.belleandposh.com for more information.

Charity Druwaa, Owner of Kasoa Tropical Food Market

7. Our Diversity profile for this week is the inspiring story of Charity Druwaa, who lifted from the a care provider in a group home in Edmonton to building Kasoa Tropical Food Market with two locations in Edmonton and a beauty shop too. We managed to get the camera-shy Charity to tell us how it all started.

Coronavirus Project Cool times:

8. “…some people said I shouldn’t do it due to the pandemic but I said if I don’t, how will I know if it works or not…,” Aden Abdi.

In a period where, businesses are shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, three Edmonton men, COVID-19 Tigers, we call them have started new restaurants in downtown Edmonton, Aden Abdi, Owner of Zaytun Restaurant and Cafe and Mohamed Abdulquarim Ismail, Owner of Village East African Restaurant. Hear from two of the tigers in their own words.

9. Another entrepreneur in downtown Edmonton, Hassan Jama, owner of Zuhu Restaurant, shares with Diversity TV how he overcomes the challenges faced by COVID-19.

Thank you for watching Diversity TV Community Newscast, from Rayyah Sempala, and Harriet Tinka, see you next week.