Strathmore

Confidence federal public servants have in their senior managers has fallen in recent years, a new survey suggests.

The 2024 Public Service Employee Survey said 55 per cent of public servants have confidence in senior management at their department or agency, down from 64 per cent in 2022 and 68 per cent in 2020.

Almost two-thirds of respondents in the new survey said senior managers in their department or agency model ethical behaviour.

There were several performers at Kinsmen Park in Strathmore for the Canada Day celebrations.

Headlining the performances was In/Vertigo, a rock and roll band based out of Calgary. The group was first formed over nine years ago.

"Strathmore's a good time. We're here every year for an event at Origin Brewing," said bassist Duncan McCartney. "Everybody is a little loosey-goosey and having a good time. It's a great place."

The seating at Kinsmen Park was packed for their set, which included iconic hits from bands such as Guns N' Roses.

Alberta's government has named its own provincial police force and announced its first chief.

Premier Danielle Smith says former deputy Calgary police chief Sat Parhar has been tapped to lead the new force, which the province will call the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service. 

Parhar retired in 2019 after more than two decades with the Calgary Police Service in a variety of roles. 

Another candidate has put in their bid to become the new mayor of Strathmore.

Late last month, local business owner Jason Hollingsworth announced that he would be running in the municipal election, which takes place in October.

Hollingsworth came to Strathmore around 25 years ago to open up a chiropractic clinic with his life.

"Even though we've grown, our favourite part is that Strathmore still feels like a small town," said Hollingsworth. "People will greet you with a smile and ask you how you're doing, whether you know them or not."

Police and organizers say they're confident security measures at the upcoming Calgary Stampede would prevent a vehicle attack like the deadly one at the Lapu Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver earlier this year.

More than 1.3 million people are expected to attend the 10-day rodeo and exhibition, which begins with a parade on Friday.

The Stampede grounds will be temporarily turned into a police district with a headquarters, incident commander, dispatcher and officers from across the city.

Farm Credit Canada's Transition Loan program has been enhanced.

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald says transferring the family farm or business can be stressful; the new changes will help address the financial barriers many people face.

The loan's new terms are designed to make it easier for both buyers and sellers by allowing disbursements to the seller over a 10 year period.

The loan is available for farms, agribusinesses, or food businesses going through changes in ownership, be it within or outside the family.

Two former members of Alberta's governing United Conservative Party are resuscitating the province's once-dominant Progressive Conservative Party.

Former infrastructure minister Peter Guthrie and legislature member Scott Sinclair were booted from caucus earlier this year for pushing back against the Premier Danielle Smith's government and now sit as Independents.

Sinclair says the province's two-party system has become too divisive, and they want to galvanize support from Albertans who feel they don't have a political home.

 Irrican owns multiple hydroelectric facilities and solar sites

A new battery storage facility is helping power two southern Alberta irrigation districts.

Irrican Power, a renewable energy producer, comprised of the St. Mary River Irrigation District and Raymond Irrigation District, has announced the commissioning of the Raymond Enhanced Battery and Renewables Project.

The eBAR facility is located at the Raymond Irrican Hydropower Plant near Raymond.

The move by Sask. would help producers with the cost of cleaning and disinfection after the disease is found on their farms

Saskatchewan may ask to trigger AgriRecovery for producers affected by bovine tuberculosis.

Provincial agriculture minister Daryl Harrison said last week he had heard from cattle organizations about the need for more help.