Fire advisory issued for Rocky View County

Rocky View County is now under a fire advisory.

The advisory was put in effect on Tuesday, May 13, due to the increased risk of fire in the area.

"Fire permits will not be issued for any fires, and any outstanding permits will be cancelled," wrote the county through social media.

"Although conditions have changed with the recent precipitation, we ask for the public’s continued assistance in remaining vigilant when burning under what restrictions allow."

There are a few exceptions to the burning ban, including:

Alberta government releases 10-year strategy to end gender-based violence

Alberta’s government has unveiled a 10-year strategy to end gender-based violence that outlines more than 100 initiatives aimed at awareness, prevention, intervention and long-term support for survivors.

Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir says it's a comprehensive plan to help co-ordinate provincewide efforts and will aim to address the root causes, including financial insecurity.

As part of that strategy, she's committing to supporting Indigenous-led solutions, and to reporting annually on rates of gender-based violence in the province as soon as next year.

Canadian youth struggle with making friends and bullying: UNICEF report

A global study from UNICEF suggests many Canadian kids are unhappy, with social struggles such as bullying and difficulty making friends among the sources of their anguish. 

UNICEF’s 19th Report Card suggests one in five youth in Canada face frequent bullying, one in five are lonely and one in four struggle to make friends.

It blames bullying in particular for a drop in life satisfaction reported by 15-year-olds, down three percentage points to 76 per cent since 2018.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says new cabinet will act with 'urgency and determination'

Prime Minister Mark Carney shook up his cabinet Tuesday by moving some key players involved in Canada-U.S. relations into new positions and promoting 24 new faces in a move meant to signal change at the top.

While some were prominent figures in former prime minister Justin Trudeau's government — including Dominic LeBlanc, Mélanie Joly, Chrystia Freeland and François-Philippe Champagne — Carney froze out other prominent members of his predecessor's team.

Carney named 28 full ministers to his cabinet, which will meet for the first time on Wednesday.

Chestermere-Strathmore MLA attends pro-life rally in Edmonton

Chantelle de Jonge, MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore, was in Edmonton on May 8 for the Alberta March for Life.

March for Life is an annual rally and march against abortion, with de Jonge speaking at the event.

"We must empower women who want to carry their children to turn, provide real supports for women facing crisis pregnancies, and punish those who coerce or manipulate women into abortion," said de Jonge.

The Alberta March for Life began in 2008 with around 400 people in attendance. Since then, turnout has grown into the thousands.

Sask. producers say bovine TB compensation inadequate

YORKTON, Sask. —Those affected by quarantines and eradication policies want more financial assistance from the federal government.

Efforts to trace the bovine tuberculosis case discovered last fall have put several farms in quarantine and under financial pressure.

The positive test found on a Saskatchewan cow at slaughter Nov. 29, 2024, brought with it numerous ramifications as a result of Canada’s tracing policies to ensure continued trade under international animal health rules.

Strathmore hosts first-ever gymnastics competition

The Strathmore Silhouttes held the first-ever gymnastics competition in Strathmore.

The Mother's Day Invitational took place at the Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre on Saturday and featured 140 gymnasts from across Alberta.

"We had to rent the equipment, organize the equipment getting there, and finding judges, venues, and reaching out to all the gyms across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia," said Brianne Wilson, a volunteer and parent with the event.

Community BBQ brings hundreds to Kinsmen Park

Kinsmen Park was filled with people for the Addiction Resource Coalition's free community BBQ.

The event took place on Saturday and was done to help kick off National Mental Health Week, which runs between May 15 to 21.

"The event is to draw awareness of all the resources and supports that are available locally for mental health," said Crystal Gaudet, planning committee member with the group.  "This is our third year doing the event, and the turnout seems to be getting larger."

Thousands of Alberta civil servants vote to strike to back demands, says union

The union representing thousands of Alberta government workers has voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.

Guy Smith, president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, said members have voted 90 per cent in favour of hitting the picket lines.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Smith said the goal remains to get a deal at the bargaining table.

"We do not want to have to use the clear strike mandate we have received, but we will, if necessary," he said, calling it a historic strike vote.