FortSask

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) has identified some key announcements for agriculture in the recent federal budget.

The CCA says agriculture themes included supply chain resiliency, climate-smart agriculture, labour, and key investments in rural infrastructure. They also noted a commitment to continue investing in the Canadian Agriculture Partnership, which is to be renewed in 2023.

Fawn Jackson, CCA director of policy and international affairs, says they were pleased to see
increased investment in resilient supply chains.

Alberta's health officials are asking people to take precautions ahead of the Easter weekend.

Chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, says that COVID-19 transmission is rising and to consider what precautions are appropriate for individuals as friends and families plan their gatherings.  

The Fort Saskatchewan Food Gatherers society, which operates the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank, was awarded $690,550 through the province’s Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP). 

Officials from the Alberta government, Fort Saskatchewan city council, Food Banks Alberta and the Fort Saskatchewan Food Gatherers Society gathered at the Food Bank on Wednesday (Apr. 13) for the announcement. 

Kenton Zerbin is trying to share his passion with the world.

The Sturgeon County man started his career as a high school teacher.

"I started to question why are we teaching what we're teaching the kids today? Are we preparing them for life? I didn't have a good answer, so I had to look for a new curriculum. I still believe in education as an industry, but I didn't like what the schooling system was saying we should teach."

Have you made your Easter plans? 

For the first time in two years, friends and family can meet without public health restrictions on the long Easter weekend. 

Here's what's happening in and around the heartland: 

The Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by the highest amount in more than 20 years and warned more rate hikes are coming as it increased its outlook for inflation.

The central bank hiked its policy interest rate by half a percentage point to one per cent on Wednesday.

Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem said inflation is too high and is expected to stay elevated for longer than the bank previously thought.

“The invasion of Ukraine has driven up the prices of energy and other commodities, and the war is further disrupting global supply chains,” he said.

An idea created by some Strathcona Christian Academy Secondary (SCS) students managed to impress a provincial program.

Denton's Make Your Mark is a community-based leadership development program through United Way that encourages students to learn more about poverty, the role of non-profits, and how they can make a difference. Every year, the program awards funding to a handful of projects from schools in Alberta.

This year, three projects were picked to get the grant. One of them was a project created by six SCS girls.

As spring melts the snow away and locals turn to their annual chores, the RCMP is offering tips to keep your property safe while performing your spring cleaning.

In light of the season, Mounties are promoting Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), a multi-disciplinary approach to crime prevention that uses urban and architectural design and the management of built and natural environments. 

Conservative MP Garnett Genuis is appearing on Political Blind Date for a debate about the opioid crisis.

Political Blind Date takes politicians from all levels of government and has them debate each other in a one-on-one conversation. The shows airs on TVO and YouTube.

Genuis is a returning guest of the series, first appearing in the show's pilot episode, where he debated the legalization of cannabis with Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith.

Now, they're returning for the series finale, where they discuss the opioid crisis.

Some changes are coming to Fort Saskatchewan transit.

Effective Apr. 25, transit service between Fort Saskatchewan and Claireview will be adjusted to eight trips per day, with four trips in the morning and four in the afternoon in one-hour intervals.