EDMONTON - The ongoing provincewide teachers strike in Alberta is affecting local businesses, according to Doug Griffiths, head of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. Griffiths stated that while the chamber remains neutral in the labor dispute, it hopes for a swift resolution.

The strike has now reached its ninth day, leaving approximately 740,000 students out of school across 2,500 institutions. Griffiths noted that businesses are facing challenges as employees are forced to stay home to care for their children. This situation has led to a decrease in foot traffic, further impacting local commerce.

The provincial government has indicated it may consider legislation to compel teachers to return to work during the last week of October when the legislature reconvenes. Griffiths emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Businesses have lost employees staying home to take care of their kids and are hurt by a loss in foot traffic with fewer people going to work."

In other news, the federal government is preparing to announce new measures aimed at enhancing border security. Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit a border crossing facility in the Niagara region, followed by a news conference with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. The Liberal government recently divided its border security bill to expedite the passage of certain provisions while allowing more time for scrutiny of others. The proposed legislation includes expanding the coast guard's role, tightening immigration and refugee processes, improving information sharing on sex offenders, and implementing stricter controls on chemicals used in illicit drug production.

Additionally, Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel is meeting with provincial and territorial counterparts in Calgary to discuss health funding. Provinces are seeking assurances from the federal government for increased healthcare support in the upcoming budget. Alberta's Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services, Adriana LaGrange, highlighted the growing demands on healthcare systems and the need for federal assistance.

A two-day meeting of justice ministers from federal, provincial, and territorial levels is concluding today in Kananaskis, Alberta. Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser described the gathering as an opportunity for all regions to engage in discussions about justice and public safety. The meeting also addressed three upcoming justice bills, with another bill targeting various crimes, including intimate partner violence and online exploitation of children, expected later this fall.

In a separate development, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) reported that it has exceeded its target for answering calls from Canadians ahead of schedule. Following a directive from Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne to improve call center performance, the CRA aimed to respond to at least 70% of calls by mid-October. Assistant CRA Commissioner Melanie Serjak confirmed that the agency answered 77% of incoming calls between September 29 and October 3.

In sports, Max Scherzer delivered a standout performance in his first playoff start, helping the Toronto Blue Jays tie the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners. The 41-year-old pitcher led the Blue Jays to an 8-2 victory in Game 4, turning the best-of-seven series into a best-of-three. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Andres Gimenez contributed with home runs, as the Blue Jays took a commanding lead early in the game, outhitting the Mariners 11-5.