FortSask

On Wednesday, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of up to $543,271 to support efforts by the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) to grow Canada's red meat exports.

"Canada's red meat industry is a strong driver of our nation's economy. This investment will help the industry diversity its exports and develop markets by building new trade relationships. Our producers and processors are at the heart of the vitality of our rural communities, and we will continue to support them," said Bibeau.

Candidates vying for the Conservative leadership framed the country — and the party — as deeply divided at the first official debate on Wednesday, and took turns pointing fingers at one rival they accuse of driving disunity in the race. 

The loudest applause in the Edmonton Convention Centre, packed with more than 1,000 people, repeatedly went to longtime MP Pierre Poilievre, who said his vision for the country is about giving people “freedom to take back control of their lives."

The Fort Saskatchewan U15AAA Rangers minor hockey team paid homage with a third jersey this season. 

During provincials in March, the U15 Rangers hit the ice in commemorative Fort Saskatchewan Traders’ jerseys. The Traders played in the AJHL from 1976 to 2007 until the franchise was bought by the St. Albert Steel. 

Fort Saskatchewan's newest affordable housing project is beginning to take shape.

Despite supply chain issues causing a minor snag in the construction timeline, the Muriel Ross Abdurahman Court remains on budget with hopes of an early 2023 move-in date. 

Updates are coming to the Canadian Grain Commission’s Official Grain Grading Guide this crop year, following consultation with sector stakeholders through the Western Standards Committee and Eastern Standards Committee.

“The Canadian Grain Commission is working with stakeholders to implement evidence-based solutions that maximize returns for producers and help grow the Canadian grain industry,” Doug Chorney, Chief Commissioner.

These are the highlights of some of the upcoming changes.

Mildew standards for eastern and western red wheats

A 16-year-old St. André Bessette student has finished his journey on Canada's Got Talent for this year.

Dayton Paradis and his dance trio the Itty Bitty Crew auditioned for season two of Canada's Gat Talent. They earned four yeses from the judges and got a standing ovation from the audience.

"It was definitely an experience of a lifetime. It's nothing like I ever thought it was going to be. It was awesome to do it with two of my best friends and it was awesome coming back and getting all the support when we were able to talk about it," said Paradis.

A Morinville lawyer has been appointed to the role of a provincial judge. 

On Wednesday (May 4), Gord Putnam was one of 12 Albertans who were appointed to become judges by Tyler Shandro, minister of justice and solicitor general. This marks the most judicial appointments at one time in Alberta's history. 

Putnam will be leaving Putnam Law after over 25 years of service to Morinville, Gibbons, Sturgeon County and all neighbouring towns. 

The City of Fort Saskatchewan has gotten funding for a new playground.

Shell Canada is providing $200,000 in grant funding for the construction of a natural playground in Legacy Park. The city will be contributing $50,000 in addition to the grant.

“Children are curious and love using their imaginations as they play," stated Gale Katchur, mayor of Fort Saskatchewan. "The natural playground will be an opportunity for them to explore and discover in a natural, accessible and less structured setting."

May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

According to RCMP,  there have been 33 incidents of sexual violence, assault and exploitation reported and responded to by the Strathcona County Detachment in 2022 so far. This statistic excludes offences such as online offences, voyeurism, bestiality, etc.

Sixteen players from across the heartland were in Red Deer over the weekend to participate in the Alberta Cup.

Featuring the top 2007-born male athletes from across the province, the tournament aims at identifying and selecting potential players for Hockey Alberta's Team Alberta program.