Above-average temperatures expected across Central Alberta this week

Spring has officially arrived in Central Alberta, with above-normal temperatures expected to continue throughout the week.

Certain areas could see some showers later this afternoon, as well as tomorrow. Winds are also anticipated to pick up this afternoon, gusting to about 50 km/h.

Stephen Berg, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said:

"Apart from the low-pressure system that starts up by the end of the day today, bringing potential rain to the Red Deer area, it looks pretty clear for the most part from Wednesday onward."

Blackfalds Stuff-a-Bus Food Drive collects over 1,700 lbs in donations

The community of Blackfalds collected 1,701 pounds of food during its Stuff-a-Bus Food Drive held on Saturday, April 5.

School buses were stationed at several locations around town, collecting food and cash donations to support the Beyond Food Community Hub, the Blackfalds Food Bank, and Blackfalds Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).

Bus drivers and students were also on hand to help collect donations.

In addition, $220 in cash and $20 in gift cards were also received.

Red Deer’s unemployment rate drops, but remains among highest in Canada

According to Statistics Canada, Red Deer's unemployment rate dropped in March, to 8.5 per cent, compared with 9.6 per cent the previous month.

While the unemployment rate declined, Red Deer remains among the top five Census Metropolitan Areas for the highest unemployment rates.

Alberta's unemployment rate rose from 6.7 per cent to 7.1 per cent from February to March.

Federal leaders enter week 3 of the election campaign

With just three weeks to go until election day, Canada's federal party leaders are back on the road today.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is expected to make an announcement in Toronto today following weekend campaign stops on the East Coast, where he announced plans to impose national rent control and to get every Canadian access to a family doctor in the next five years.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is wrapping up a campaign sweep on the West Coast today before flying to Edmonton for a rally.