Lacombe

Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu on Wednesday called on Canada Post and the union representing 55,000 postal workers to return to the bargaining table and hash out terms for binding arbitration, with the two sides still far apart on key issues.

In a social media statement Wednesday, the minister also asked the Crown corporation and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) to continue to work toward a deal outside of that process.

Safeguards have been written into the government's border bill to ensure civil rights and due process are upheld in proposed immigration regulations, Immigration Minister Lena Diab said Wednesday.

Critics and advocacy groups are calling the wide-ranging border security legislation a threat to civil liberties in the immigration and asylum system.

One proposed change in the legislation would prevent people from making asylum claims if they've been in Canada for more than a year.

The government's reply to the throne speech was adopted in the House of Commons Wednesday. 

It was adopted "on division," meaning no recorded vote was held. It does not need a vote in the Senate.

Leader of the Government in the House of Commons Steven MacKinnon said on social media that the adoption of the speech sets the stage for a "strong and focused agenda."

"We have a clear mandate to deliver on priorities for Canadians and build a strong Canada — and we're going to do just that," MacKinnon said. 

Marc Garneau, the first Canadian in space who went on to become a high-profile federal politician, has died at 76 years old.

MPs rose for a moment of silence in the House of Commons tonight at the request of government whip Mark Gerretsen.

Garneau was a pioneer in Canada's space program.

He later entered politics, serving as a Liberal member of Parliament for a Montreal-area riding between 2008 and 2023. 

He held many cabinet positions in Justin Trudeau's government, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Transport.

Coming off a championship season, the Sylvan Lake Wranglers of the Heritage Junior Hockey League (HJHL) will host their Legacy Night on June 12 to honour players, graduates, and community supporters.

Previously held as a private awards night for players and families, this year marks the first time the public and sponsors are invited to attend.

“It’s a bit more of a celebration and a way to thank sponsors that helped support the hockey club throughout the year and to acknowledge our players for a championship,” said Pat Garritty, general manager of the team.

The fourth annual Tipi Village returns to Ponoka during Stampede Week from June 26 to 29.

As part of National Indigenous History Month and in the spirit of reconciliation, the Town of Ponoka is proud to help facilitate the return of this meaningful cultural event.

The Tipi Village is hosted by the Louis Bull Tribe, with participation from members of the Ermineskin Cree Nation, Samson Cree Nation and Montana First Nation.

The Tipi Village will run daily from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring:

• A Grand Entry

Music in the Park is back starting tonight.

Every Wednesday throughout the summer months, Lacombe and area residents can enjoy Music in the Park, featuring free live entertainment from local and regional musicians and bands.   

Tonight is the music of Dean Ray.

You are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets to enjoy the entertainment.   

Alberta RCMP needs your help in tracking down Jennifer Lynn Adshead, who is wanted for various crimes.

Adshead was featured in this week's Wanted Wednesday profile.

She was last seen in Red Deer and is also known to frequent Lacombe, Ponoka, Rimbey and Olds.

If you see Adshead, do not approach.

Report any information to police or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Construction is expected to begin in the 2A parking lot between 49B Avenue and 49C Avenue in downtown Lacombe.

Work will be completed in phases to help maintain as much parking as possible throughout the construction period.

Businesses will remain open during all phases of work.

Scope of Work:

• Reconfiguration of the parking lot to allow through-traffic between 49B Avenue and 49C Avenue
• Stormwater infrastructure replacement
• Select sidewalk replacement
• Addition of nine new parking stalls

Estimated Schedule:

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will take "some time" on its response to increased U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum to the United States increased to 50 per cent on Wednesday after President Donald Trump followed through on his vow to double the duties.

On his way into the weekly Liberal caucus meeting in Ottawa today, Carney said Canada is in "intensive" discussions with the U.S. on trade.