'It's a victory for inclusion': New York cafe employs people with Down Syndrome and Autism

A new cafe opened up in New York last month that is spreading joy while employing people with Down Syndrome and Autism. 

Café Joyeux started in Paris, France in 2017 to help employ some of the most underemployed population. As of March of this year, the second Café Joyeux opened up in Manhattan. 

The café is a little different than a regular business as its number one priority isn't profit but rather inclusion. The non-profit employs people who have Down Syndrome or Autism. 

Verse of the day: April 12

Romans 3:23-24

"... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Pulse sector pleased to see India extend its tariff-free deadline


India is once again extending the exemption on its import tariffs on yellow peas.

India initially imposed a 50 per cent duty on peas in November of 2017, followed by other restrictions limiting import volumes in 2018.

That move virtually shut Canada out of the market at that time, up until that point India had been Canada's number one market for peas.
 
On December 8, 2023, India announced it would temporarily lift the import tariffs from December 8, 2023  to March 31st, 2024 allowing unrestricted imports.

City of Grande Prairie issues fire restriction notice

The City of Grande Prairie has implemented an immediate fire restriction that will remain in effect until further notice.  This measure is being taken due to current dry weather conditions increasing the risk of fire spread and supports the City’s ongoing commitment to public safety and environmental conservation.

Prohibited Activities include:

Annual Day of Mourning Ceremony: April 26 in Dawson Creek

Each year the City of Dawson Creek hosts the Annual Day of Mourning Ceremony.

The Day of Mourning is marked each year in Canada, and is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or experienced a work-related tragedy.

This ceremony is open to the public and any organizations that would like to attend. 

The event happens Friday, April 26,  from 10:30am to 11:00am at City Hall Grounds, 10105 12A Street, Dawson Creek, BC

Please join them for light refreshments after the ceremony.

GGC releases 'Road to 2050' recommendations

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) have released their Road to 2050 policy recommendations to help shape federal programs while making farming more profitable and sustainable.

Chair Andre Harpe says the launch comes as we face the urgent need to feed more people, tackle climate change, and keep grain farms profitable.

"Canadian grain growers are leading with innovative sustainable practices. These efforts not only reduce our carbon footprint but also play a crucial role in achieving Canada's climate goals."

Watch out for roadside cleanup crews on County roads this weekend

Please be aware of roadside cleanup crews working throughout the County this weekend, starting on Saturday, April 13th.

Drivers are advised to slow down and exercise caution when approaching the group in Zone 28 – Halcourt – TWP RD 710, RGE RD 121.

Signs will be placed at the beginning and end of their zone to notify residents.

City of Fort St John launches upgraded My City Hall platform

The City of Fort St. John has completed upgrades to the My City Hall platform, a user-centric digital hub that simplifies access to essential City services and facilitates convenient online payments. This significant upgrade reflects our ongoing commitment to modernizing services and enhancing the overall experience for residents, businesses, and property owners.

City of Fort St John construction to begin on final phase of 100 Street corridor project

Construction on the final phase of the 100 Street Corridor project will begin on Monday, April 15, 2024. This project is part of the City's ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and functionality of our roadways and to create a more attractive and accessible downtown area for residents, businesses and visitors.

This project phase will involve the closure of 100 Street between 103 Avenue and 105 Avenue to replace the aging underground infrastructure and reconstruct the road with upgraded sidewalks, street lighting, traffic signals, and landscaping.