FortSask

The issue is Mexico's decision to ban the use of biotechnology corn in tortillas and dough.

The Mexican president has said the intention is to gradually substitute the use of biotechnology corn in all products for human consumption and animal feed, and the rejection of applications for authorizations covering the importation and sale of certain biotechnology products.

The United States has requested dispute settlement consultations with Mexico under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Wildfires are burning dangerously close to a central Albertan town in what federal officials say is an "unprecedented" fire season across Canada. Here's a look at developments Sunday:

Central Alberta wildfires continue to grow

An official in Yellowhead County west of Edmonton says wildfires threatening the area continued to grow overnight but got no closer to evacuated communities.

That includes the town of Edson, Alta., where about 8,400 people were ordered to leave late Friday.

Strathcona County Emergency Services (SCES) has given an update on the fire that hit a rural area of the county earlier this week.

The fire began on Wednesday (June 7) evening near Township Road 522 and Range Road 221.

"This was a fire that was in the center of a person's yard," said Devin Capcara, the deputy chief of operations with SCES. "The gentlemen who owned the place had a lot of vehicles, tanks, tires, and a lot of a lot in his yard."

Two local MLAs retained their position in Danielle Smith's provincial cabinet. 

The premier announced her cabinet roster on Friday (June 9) morning which included both Strathcona-Sherwood Park MLA Nate Glubish and Morinville-St. Albert MLA Dale Nally. 

Glubish will continue to serve as the Minister of Technology and Innovation, a role he has been in since October while Nally retains his position as the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.

This week Ottawa announced that the Philippines will be the official location for the new Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office.

The office to be located in Manilla is a joint venture between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Canadian Cattle Association President Nathan Phinney says cattle producers are encouraged to see the progress in establishing the new office and look forward to seeing it enhance market access opportunities in the region.

Earlier this week local residents were amazed to see an unusual sight... a woman walking alongside a donkey.

The donkey's name is Irene, and her owner Erin Dahl brings her around as a Pet Therapy Advocate with Fort Saskatchewan Victim Services.

"With my job, I support kids in court," said Dahl. "I'll take her to their house after for therapy support. Lots of seniors' and little kid stuff."

Dahl chose a donkey as a therapy animal because she had always wanted one.

104 Street in Fort Saskatchewan will be closed for quite a while. 

Construction crews began work on the road on Monday (June 5) to replace water, sewer, and road infrastructure. 

"It's part of our neighbourhood rehabilitation program," said Leo Girard, the manager of engineering with the city. "We are currently in there starting construction removing the existing asphalt and then we are going to dig down to get at the water, sewer, and storm lines and replace those." 

The affected area includes 104 Street from 99 Avenue to 100 Avenue. 

A special air quality has been issued for the region. 

The cause for this is an influx of wildfire smoke passing through the area. 

According to the Fort Air Partnership, the air quality in the region is expected to hit seven today, which indicates high risk. 

People who suffer from respiratory illnesses or conditions are encouraged to limit their time outside. It is also recommended that people try to avoid working outdoors for long periods of time. 

There will no longer be a midway at Morinville's Festival Days next week. 

The town announced on Thursday (June 8) afternoon that they made the difficult decision to cancel the midway, which was being provided by Wild Rose Shows. 

"Wild Rose Shows is currently working with Alberta Elevating Devices and Amusement Ride Safety Association (AEDARSA) to recertify their equipment and operations processes due to recent incidents that took place at another community festival," the town said in a release. 

Canada has partnered with a non-profit to seek out LGBTQ people fleeing violence all over the world and refer them to Canada as government-assisted refugees. 

Rainbow Railroad is based in North America and aims to help people facing persecution from systemic, state-enabled homophobia and transphobia all over the world.

Until now, the agency has done that by offering emergency relocation, crisis response and cash assistance to people in danger.