Lacombe

A splash of colour is coming to downtown Red Deer on Saturday, August 30 from 12–4 p.m.

Altruistic Current, in partnership with Downtown Red Deer, the Red Deer Arts Council, and the City of Red Deer’s Community Public Art Grant program, will host a free, all-ages Community Paint Day at the former Buffalo Hotel lot, 5031 50th Street.

Community members are invited to help fill in the background of a large, pre-designed mural created by local artist Emma Guido.

Canada Post and the union representing postal workers are set to return to the bargaining table today.

Plans to rekindle talks late last week were delayed due to a lack of federal government mediators.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers claimed labour unrest at Air Canada was pulling attention from the postal service's dispute, which has stretched on for more than a year and a half.

Air Canada flights within North America are expected to ramp up this morning as the airline continues its operational restart following a three-day flight attendants' strike.

The company resumed flights Tuesday afternoon after a complete halt to Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge routes that began early Saturday morning.

It said it was focusing on outbound international flights to start.

In a partial policy reversal, Alberta's government said Tuesday it will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccinations for health-care workers.

Maddison McKee, spokesperson to Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange, said in an email that COVID-19 vaccine coverage will be extended to all health-care workers this fall under the first phase of the province's vaccination rollout.

"Immunization will remain voluntary," said McKee.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government is again shifting its expense disclosure policy after critics from across the political spectrum accused her of dodging responsibility.

In early August, the province quietly published new rules axing a requirement for Smith, her ministers, senior staff and deputy ministers to publicly post receipts for expenses over $100. 

Marisa Breeze, press secretary to Finance Minister Nate Horner, said in a Tuesday email that cabinet has directed Horner to see that the previous expense posting policy is reinstated -- but with a tweak.

Farm Credit Canada is extending its trade disruption support program for canola producers impacted by the ongoing trade disruptions.

Last week, China implemented a 75.8 per cent tariff on Canadian canola seed imports.

FCC's President and CEO Justine Hendricks says the agriculture and food industry is resilient, but global trade uncertainty can create real pressure on cash flow and operations.

A GoFundMe has raised more than $30,000 for the family of Shelley Thornton, who died in a recent collision.

The fundraiser was created by John Ferguson, manager of Red Deer’s municipal police services, on behalf of Thornton’s co-workers at the RCMP detachment. Thornton worked daily with Ferguson in her role as an administrative assistant.

“Shelly is just a wonderful person, very caring. She was an important part of our team here and she will be greatly missed,” Ferguson said.

CN Rail submitted its 2025-26 Grain Plan to Transport Canada at the end of July.

CN's Assistant Vice-President of Grain, David Przednowek, says the grain plan is based on what CN knows from customers and other stakeholders about the volume of grain and processed grain products that it expects to move over the course of the 2025-26 crop year.

The City of Red Deer is inviting residents to apply to serve on a council committee or the Central Alberta Regional Assessment Review Board (RARB).

“Serving on a committee or board is a powerful way to share your voice, build leadership skills, and help shape decisions that impact daily life in our city and region,” said Catherine Jackson, deputy clerk. 

“We encourage anyone with the time, expertise, or passion for public service to consider applying.” 

The RCMP Major Crimes Unit reports Ashton Deschamps was located and taken into custody in North Battleford, Saskatchewan.

Police say he will appear in court there before being escorted back to Alberta.

An update will be provided once court proceedings are scheduled in Alberta.

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