Canada is actually quite big
With all due respect look for a non-stop flight, or a connecting flight via Calgary or Vancouver. Flights from Halifax could be as long, if not longer than the trans-atlantic journey (6 hours or more if you have to transit YUL or YYZ). Toronto is at least 4 hours away, more if the jet-stream is blowing.
In any case Edmonton International is quite a distance from city centre (the down-town airport no longer serves commercial flights (or flights with more that 20 seats)) which will add to the journey.
Pay a little extra for a non-stop. Transit via Calgary or Vancouver, if you must but avoid travel via E. Canada or the US (unless your friend has a fetish for rubber gloves).