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Wile said her organization is looking to advocate for Canada’s energy sector by taking advantage of the media attention Thunberg has garnered during her travels. Wile said the organization is planning to leave Red Deer shortly after 7 a.m.

“We’re taking it as an opportunity. Hey, there’s gonna be cameras, there’s gonna be people there, let’s show how proud we are,” said Wile. “There’s a big number of people who are proud of what we are doing in Canada, we should be proud.”

Edmonton’s climate strikes are inspired in part by Thunberg, whose weekly strikes in Sweden sparked a global movement for climate action and the hashtag #FridaysForFuture. Climate Justice Edmonton announced Wednesday that Thunberg will join Edmonton youth and other activists in a “climate strike” at the Alberta legislature. The rally will begin at Beaver Hills House Park, 10440 Jasper Ave., at 11 a.m. and end at the Alberta legislature.

Premier Jason Kenney said he has not received any communication from Thunberg or a request for a meeting, but he’d be “happy to share” the information on Alberta’s energy sector with “anyone who inquires.”

Opposition Leader Rachel Notley said they will be looking at whether or not the NDP will have the opportunity to meet with Thunberg on Friday.

The Edmonton Police Service issued a statement that said it would plan for the event like any other major city event, and the presence of Thunberg does not change police priorities.

“We would like to reassure the citizens of the Edmonton that the EPS is working to ensure sufficient resources are in place to manage the demonstrations,” said Insp. Jonathan Coughlan with the EPS field response branch in the statement.

Traffic congestion in the downtown core is expected to be significant during the rally and protest. The EPS suggests that citizens be mindful of this and make plans to take other routes.

— with files from Anna Junker

dshort@postmedia.com

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