Update: Olds RCMP tracking suspect: Advise of heavy police presence

RCMP say they have been unable to locate a suspect after officers responded to a report of a man attempting to light a fire on a rural road, but do not believe there is any immediate risk to the public.

Upon arrival, officers located a stolen vehicle and attempted to track the suspect on foot.

RCMP say they conducted an extensive search of the area utilizing police dog, helicopter, and drone resources. The suspect was not located.

Updated - Canola Council of Canada cuts agronomy team

The move is part of the Canola Council of Canada's new strategic framework, 'Canola Forward: A Strategic Framework for 2025-2030.'

The news came in a press release announcing the new framework. Chris Davison, president & CEO, says the framework is focused on priorities identified by the Canadian canola industry and is aligned to help the industry seize emerging opportunities while navigating changing industry and trade dynamics.

Alberta audit suggests patients paying clinic membership fees get more thorough care

An audit of Alberta medical clinics charging membership fees found no significant cases of patients paying out of pocket for covered medical treatment but paying members are likely getting more thorough care.

The province launched the audit in 2023 in response to concerns over a Calgary medical clinic switching to a membership model and planning to charge annual fees of about $5,000 for families and $2,000 for an adult.

Airdrie drivers headed to Calgary — here’s where photo radar will be in August

Calgary Police say photo radar enforcement will focus on several neighbourhoods this month, as well as construction zones where workers are present.

For the month of August, photo radar will be focusing on the communities of Acadia, Applewood Park, Bowness, Citadel, East Village, Fairview, Huntington Hills, Kingsland, Palliser, Pineridge, Renfrew, Strathcona, Temple, and West Hillhurst.

The Calgary Police Service says it will also deploy radar in active construction zones.

There are also 52 Intersection Safety Camera (ISC) locations throughout the city. 

Some Airdrie families to receive August child benefit payments ahead of school start

Some Airdrie parents may see a timely financial lift this month as federal and provincial child benefit payments are set to arrive just ahead of back-to-school season.

The next Canada child benefit (CCB) payment will be issued on August 20, according to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This monthly benefit is available to eligible families who live with a child under 18, are primarily responsible for their care, and meet Canadian residency and immigration status requirements.

Pedal power: Airdrie MS Bike ride tops $663K despite stormy start

 

Cyclists raised more than $663,000 during this year’s MS Bike ride between Airdrie and Olds, despite the first day of the event being cancelled due to poor weather.

The two-day ride was held June 21–22 and was scheduled to begin and end at TransCanada Turbines in Airdrie, with a 7 a.m. start time. Organizers called off the June 21 leg due to unsafe weather, but the event resumed the next day.

Participants raised $663,175, closing in on a $700,000 fundraising goal. A total of 453 riders and 59 teams took part, according to MS Canada’s event website.

Union vote on Canada Post contract offer set to wrap up Friday afternoon

Unionized workers at Canada Post are entering their final day to vote on the Crown corporation's latest contract offer.

Voting is set to wrap up today at 5 p.m., with results expected to be shared shortly after.

The offer includes wage hikes of about 13 per cent over four years but also adds part-time workers that Canada Post has said are necessary to keep the postal service afloat.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has urged the roughly 55,000 postal service workers it represents to reject the proposal.

Trump hits Canada with 35 per cent tariffs

Canada was hit with 35 per cent tariffs on Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump followed through on his threat to increase the duties if Ottawa didn't make a trade deal.

The White House has said the tariffs would not affect goods compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade, commonly known as CUSMA.

Prime Minister Mark Carney had tempered expectations of an agreement by Friday, saying Ottawa will only agree to a deal "if there's one on the table that is in the best interests of Canadians."