Okotoks

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.

The Town of Okotoks recognized three local youth during the May 26 Regular Council Meeting.  

During the meeting, the youths received the “Awesome Kids” delegation.  

Lucie Killam was recognized for her involvement in school sports and productions, her volunteerism, academic excellence, contributing to a positive school spirit, and her unconditional kindness and inclusive spirit.   

There is a Homeschool Market underway at the Okotoks Lions Campground this afternoon.

According to the Organizer, Sarah Arsenault, this is put on by a homeschooling group called Wild and Free, which is not based on a curriculum or a specific type of schooling.

"We just had a handicraft market just to highlight some of the kids' talents and interests, and this is our fourth year doing it," Arsenault explained. "Every year it's grown, and this is just different homeschoolers from the Foothills area, pretty much."

This week's RCMP Wanted Wednesday campaign has two individuals with ties to Southern Alberta.

Cody Allen Lee Fehr is wanted for various crimes by the RCMP, and his known areas of activity include Taber, Coaldale, Lethbridge County, Lomond, Brooks, and Bow Island.

A crew of volunteer firefighters from the MD of Willow Creek travelled north to provide wildfire mitigation and mutual aid support in Yellowhead County.  

The team of four firefighters travelled to Edson at the end of May.  

“Their willingness to step up in a time of need reflects the strength of our community,” the MD of Willow Creek posted on social media.  

Alberta Fish and Wildlife were recently patrolling a section of the river near Longview, which led to three men being arrested and charged.

The Highwood River is closed to sportfishing from Nov. 1 to June 15, and has a bait ban to help protect bull trout and other sensitive species.

While Fish and Wildlife were patrolling the river, they observed three adult men and one youth fishing in a closed area.

They were also using "set" lines, which are typically associated with bait fishing.

Movie lovers rejoice; the Okotoks Film Festival is kicking off its 9th year tonight.

The festival runs until Sunday, May 8, and according to Festival Director Katie Fournell, there will be plenty of films to watch.

"We have five days this year, and over the five days we are doing 20 different events," Fournell explains. "We're showing 92 different films in the five days."

They have short film packages, feature films, Canadian films, international films, horror films, family films, and films for animal lovers.