Canadians with celiac disease especially hard hit by grocery price pain, group says

When Samantha Mackey was diagnosed with celiac disease a few years ago, she was relieved that there was something she could do to finally stop feeling sick. 

But the diagnosis also "turns your life upside down," she said.  

"I can remember, you know, once standing in a supermarket and just wanting to cry because being so overwhelmed by the amount of effort that goes into just a basic need of groceries,” said Mackey, who lives in Conception Bay South, N.L.

The federal government promised to plant 2 billion trees by 2030. It's nowhere close.

Two years ago, Canada embarked on an odyssey to plant two billion trees in just 10 years. 

An audit of the program so far says that unless things drastically change, it won't even get one-tenth of those trees in the ground in time. 

The audit was one of five reports issued Thursday by Environment Commissioner Jerry DeMarco, who said he cannot stress enough how important it is for the government to live up to its commitment on trees.

"There is no solution to climate change and terrestrial biodiversity loss that does not include forests," DeMarco's report said.

Strathcona County RCMP closing roads for officer's funeral procession

Strathcona County RCMP will be redirecting traffic for the funeral procession of Constable Harvinder Singh Dhami. 

On Thursday (Apr. 20), officers will begin closing roads from 7 a.m. until noon.  

Police will begin the procession at Bethel Lutheran Church, heading north along Bethel Way before turning west onto Lakeland Drive and finally north on Premier Way to Millennium Place.

Some road restrictions will remain around Millennium Place until around 5 p.m.

Fort Saskatchewan teacher retires after 18 years of teaching

After over a decade of teaching at École Parc Élémentaire, Carol Burton has announced her retirement. 

Burton grew up in Chilliwack, and being part of a military family, moved around a bit during her youth, even spending four years in Germany.

"When you're in Germany in military schools you have Canadian teachers," said Burton. "They got really good teachers to come over and teach you."

After graduating from the University of British Columbia, Burton found her love for teaching.

Morinville RCMP investigating asphalt peddler

Morinville RCMP is investigating a scam involving asphalt.

On Tuesday (Apr. 18), police received reports about a person selling asphalt in the area. The suspect was offering to fill or pave people's driveways at a bargain price. This scam is relevant this time of year due to thawing on driveways leaving potholes.

After asking for money upfront, the suspect cuts contact with the victims and takes the cash. 

Police believe the suspect is using a rental vehicle, with a black Dodge Ram truck being associated with the crime.

Fort Saskatchewan man facing multiple drug and theft charges

A Fort Saskatchewan man has been arrested on multiple charges related to drugs and theft. 

According to Strathcona County RCMP, police received a call in late March about a vehicle that was stuck after colliding with a control box near Township Road 544 and Range Road 222 in Sherwood Park. 

Upon arrival, police report that they found a man who refused to identify himself and attempted to flee in the vehicle. 

CWA reports record setting revenue for 2022

The numbers are officially in Canadian Western Agribition is reporting record setting revenue of $4.74 million in 2022, an increase of $400,000 from 2021.

During the AGM Agribition reported an overall profit from the 2022 show of $83,450. 

President Kim Hextall says the numbers tell us we have returned to business as usual.

"The organization is in a strong cash financial position which will help us build and focus on our vision and future events."

PSAC strike could have negative impact for the ag sector


Farm groups are starting to raise concerns about the potential impacts the PSAC strike could have for the ag sector.

Keystone Agricultural Producers President, Jill Verwey is calling on negotiators for the federal government and the union to continue an open dialogue with adequate contingencies in place to minimize the negative impacts for farmers and the ag sector.  

Union leaves bargaining table as federal workers hit picket lines Wednesday morning

Canada's largest federal public-service union has left the bargaining table but says it is standing by to resume negotiations when the federal government comes back with a new offer. 

Federal workers were hitting the picket lines across the country on Wednesday after Canada's largest federal public-service union and the government failed to reach a deal by a Tuesday evening deadline.

On Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said negotiations had paused. 

Update: Fuel tankers collide near Bruderheim

A collision between two tanker trucks on Wednesday (Apr. 19) morning closed down a portion of Highway 15. 

The affected area was east of Fort Saskatchewan on the highway near Range Road 213 in Strathcona County. 

Fuel from the tankers reportedly spilt out onto the highway, causing significant delays as crews worked to clean the mess up. 

Just after 11 p.m. on Wednesday night, 511 Alberta reported that the cleanup was complete and the highway was reopened. 

Police say no injuries have been reported.