Strathmore

A former deputy premier's petition to have Alberta declare that its official policy is to remain in Canada can start rolling out across the province.

Chief electoral officer Gordon McClure says canvassers with the Alberta Forever Canada citizen initiative can begin gathering signatures.

Submitted by Thomas Lukaszuk, a former Progressive Conservative cabinet minister, the petition is for a policy proposal asking people: "Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?"

Canvassers have three months to gather around 294,000 signatures on the petition.

Alberta has announced plans to invest $1.3 million to strengthen the health, biodiversity, and long-term resilience of the province's rangelands. 

Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson says healthy rangelands are the foundation of a strong agricultural sector. 

The Strathmore Stampede is right around the corner.

Here is everything you need to know about events going on for the Strathmore Stampede this year:

Friday, Aug. 1.

The grounds open at 11 a.m., kicking off with a western market and several beer gardens.

Casey Kruse, a Strathmore swimmer, brought home five gold medals from the Special Olympics Alberta Provincial Games.

The event took place between July 11 and 13 in Grande Prairie, with Kruse taking home gold in the 100 and 200-metre individual medleys, the 200-metre freestyle, and the 50 and 100-metre backstroke. 

"I would say it was surprising, but it wasn't as surprising as I thought. I saw how this year went," said Kruse. "I did some things I'd have never expected I would do, and in finals, I turned it around."

Brooks RCMP have found a man who was previously reported missing.

On Monday (July 28), police told the public that 24-year-old Nehom Worku was last seen the previous week, and officers were concerned for his well-being. 

However, police announced that Worku was not missing, which helped solve their concerns.

RCMP thanked the public for their assistance.

Children across Canada and the United States, including Strathmore, are competing to be featured in a national sports advertisement.

Throughout July and August, athletes aged seven to 17 are competing in Colossal's Youth Athlete of the Year competition, which includes a chance to appear in a 3BRAND advertisement in Sports Illustrated. Voting for the contestants ends on Thursday (Aug. 7). Along with the title, the winner will receive $25,000. 

Three Strathmore athletes, Harlyn Ford, Makelti Brown, and Colby Phinney, are currently in the running.

A heat warning is in effect for Wheatland County, including Strathmore, Lyalta, and Carseland.

Environment Canada issued the warning on Wednesday (July 30), as temperatures will increase to a high of 30C.

The weather agency advises residents to take precautions, including: 

Strathmore is getting ready to kick off the Stampede with a three-day series of community pancake breakfasts.

From Thursday (July 31) to Saturday, local businesses and organizations will be hosting breakfasts across town. 

Here's a look at the full pancake lineup: 

1. Magnum Services 

Strathmore Magnum Services is hosting the first Stampede breakfast of the weekend at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday.

2. Legion breakfast

The Legion is hosting its pancake breakfast on Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The Bank of Canada is expected to make an interest rate decision this morning.

Economists and financial markets widely expect the central bank will keep its policy rate steady at 2.75 per cent.

A surprisingly strong June jobs report and signs of stubbornness in core inflation convinced many economists the bank would remain on hold.

The Bank of Canada left its key rate unchanged at its two most recent decisions as it waits for more clarity on how Canada's tariff dispute with the United States will affect inflation and the economy.