Alberta invests nearly $7 million to combat wildfires

Alberta’s government is investing nearly $7 million to create six new Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) teams to protect communities at risk from wildfires.  

In response to increased wildfire activity in recent years, Alberta’s government is acting to better safeguard communities and strengthen the way emergencies are responded to. This includes record investments in equipment and personnel, as well as targeted strategies to enhance local firefighting capacity, readiness and resilience. 

U.S. door may open for canola

Crop would be eligible for biofuel tax credit under recent budget proposals in Congress

U.S. President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” could contain some beautiful news for Canada’s canola growers.

The U.S. House of Representatives’ ways and means committee has released its draft proposals for the U.S. budget reconciliation bill.

The proposals include provisions to amend the controversial 45Z clean fuel production tax credit so that canola oil-based biodiesel and renewable diesel would be eligible for the credit.

Producer groups come together to help fund ag research facilities at U of S

Construction is underway at the University of Saskatchewan that will see critical facility improvements within the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

Two new facilities are being built - the Harrington Plant Growth Facility and the Soil Science Field Facility - while a portion of the Crop Science Field Lab is being renovated to provide additional workspace for the Crop Development Centre. 

Shelagh Hagemann appointed new Director of Indigenous Education and Reconciliation for Wolf Creek Public Schools

The Education Services Team with Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shelagh Hagemann as the new Director of Indigenous Education and Reconciliation, beginning in August 2025.  

Over $35,000 raised for RMHC by Lacombe and Red Deer communities

The Red Deer and Lacombe communities and their local McDonald’s restaurants raised a total of $36K for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and other local children’s charities during McHappy Day. 

They collected items for the Red Deer Food Bank during last year’s holiday season, raising over $6,400 for those in need. They also work with local junior kids’ hockey teams to supply equipment, food and smiles.   

LPAC's "Showcase" celebrates year of community creativity

The Lacombe Performing Arts Centre (LPAC) is hosting an opening reception tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. for "Showcase", an exhibit highlighting work created during the centre’s workshops throughout the year.

Alison Clayton, the community programmer for LPAC, said the event is a celebration of the centre’s visual arts and literary programming.

“Showcase is celebrating everything that's been happening on our visual arts and literary side of things from the past season,” said Clayton. “We've invited all class participants to include something.”

KCWS annual traditional powwow in Maskwacis

The Kasohkowew Child Wellness Society (KCWS) is hosting its annual traditional powwow today from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Four Nations Arena in Maskwacis.

Dancers and drummers will be in attendance, along with vendors selling crafts.

Kasohkowew, which means “the voice for children of the Maskwacis Territory,” is a Delegated First Nation Agency (DFNA) that delivers child intervention services to children and families living on Samson Cree Nation.

The agency ensures that children maintain connections to their community, family and cultural heritage.

Western premiers agree to develop new economic corridors, call for federal support

Canada's western premiers say they've agreed to identify, plan and develop new economic corridors to connect provincial resources to international markets.

A joint statement issued Thursday says doing so would boost Canada's market access in Asia and Europe while the country fights a trade war with the United States and China.

Canada Post union calls for halt to overtime as deadline passes with no agreement

The union representing about 55,000 Canada Post employees has called for a countrywide halt to overtime work, saying its negotiators will continue to review the latest contract offers from the mail carrier.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said late Thursday that members were being told to refuse any work beyond eight hours in a day and 40 hours in a week.