Lacombe

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says the economy is becoming the primary focus of Canada's relationships in the Indo-Pacific — a shift that appears linked to Canada's recent moves to overcome its security dispute with India.

Anand was in Japan and Malaysia this week for her first trip to the region since taking over as foreign minister in May. Her message coming out of that trip was that Canada's foreign policy is shifting — though not abandoning — the priorities set by the previous Liberal government of former prime minister Justin Trudeau.

The Lacombe Police Service is now offering online Police Information and Vulnerable Sector Checks.

The Lacombe Police Service is pleased to announce that citizens can now apply for Police Information Checks and Vulnerable Sector Checks online through the Forest Green system.

This new service provides a convenient, secure and efficient way for Lacombe residents to complete the application process from the comfort of their own home.

Whether required for employment, volunteer work or other purposes, applicants will now experience a more streamlined process.

Alberta is rolling out new regulations this fall banning transgender athletes from playing women’s sports, but the province will still welcome out-of-province transgender competitors.

Tourism and Sport Minister Andrew Boitchenko said the discrepancy is out of his hands.

“We don't have authority to regulate athletes from different jurisdictions,” he said in an interview.

In a followup statement, ministry spokeswoman Vanessa Gomez added it's due to outside sporting organizations being bound by out-of-province or international guidelines.

A road closure will begin Monday on 59th Street at 59th Avenue as part of ongoing construction at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre.

The closure, expected to last two to three weeks, is required for crews to connect underground water utilities related to the expansion and upgrade of the hospital’s surgical department.

The $15.3-million project, funded by the Alberta government, also includes construction of an addition on the hospital’s northwest corner to house a relocated and modernized medical device reprocessing department.

The Department of National Defence is looking at the possibility of complementing its incoming F-35 fleet with uncrewed combat aircraft.

Unclassified documents obtained by The Canadian Press show the department is researching various options for acquiring the emerging technology.

The documents suggest that purchasing a fleet of aerial combat drones that could fly alongside fighter jets could cost as much as $16 billion and would require hundreds of staff.

Alberta RCMP are reminding residents to take precautions against theft of and from vehicles during summer activities like camping, hiking, and day trips.

The following tips can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft:

• Lock your vehicle – Always lock your vehicle, even while relaxing at your campsite or walking by the water. Thieves often act in moments of inattention.

Book lovers of all ages are invited to a brand-new literary event at the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library today (July 12).

The first-ever Book Expo will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering an exciting day of author readings, book sales, and interactive opportunities with professionals from across the literary world.

The idea for the event was sparked by Programmer and host Maddie Anderson, inspired by a bit of nostalgia.

The County of Stettler is reminding residents to keep an eye on their spruce trees this season.

Three significant pests and diseases are actively affecting trees in the region: Cytospora Canker, Rhizosphaera Needlecast, and Spruce Beetle. Early detection and proper management can help protect shelterbelts, yard trees, and recreational green spaces.

Cytospora Canker (Cytospora kunzei) What it is:

A fungal disease affecting mainly Colorado blue spruce, Norway spruce, and native white and Engelmann spruce.

Prime Minister Mark Carney's chief of staff and the country's top public servant will be responsible for maintaining an ethics screen preventing him from making decisions that benefit his former employer, says a disclosure issued by the office of the ethics commissioner on Friday.

A new poll by Leger has found that Quebec residents are the happiest in Canada.

The web survey of nearly 40,000 Canadians found that Quebecers rated their happiness at an average of 72.4 out of 100, which is well above the national average.

New Brunswick followed Quebec with an average of 70.2, while Manitoba and Prince Edward Island finished at the bottom of the list. 

Mississauga, Ont. had the highest happiness rating of the 10 largest cities, while Toronto was lowest. 

Montreal finished second in the category.