FortSask

Canada's inflation rate likely took another dip last month, but with many Canadians still struggling with the cost of living, the federal government is facing pressure to deliver more help in the upcoming budget.

Statistics Canada is set to release its February consumer price index report on Tuesday, giving its most up-to-date reading on inflation ahead of the federal government's budget on March 28. 

Desjardins and RBC are both forecasting the inflation rate fell to 5.4 per cent last month, down from 5.9 per cent in January.

Students at Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) got a surprise visit from a very special guest earlier this week. 

Emerance Maschmeyer, an Olympic gold medalist and goaltender for the Canada women's national ice hockey team, took some time on Wednesday (Mar. 15) morning to read a story to 47 grade one and two classrooms through a video call.

The Bruderheim goalie said this wasn't her first time reading for the kids.

"Last year when I did the same thing, I heard later on that I read to my younger cousin's classroom," said Maschmeyer.

Strathcona County is considering ways to regulate panhandlers in the community.

On Tuesday (Mar. 14), Ward 2 councillor Dave Anderson brought forth a motion that would create a report on panhandling in the community, along with proposed solutions.

These solutions include bylaws, fines, and even community support services.

With inflation going through the roof the last couple of years, saving money is more important than ever.

Luckily, saving money doesn't mean you have to cut back on fun.

My wife and I love heading down south and enjoying the crisp air and incredible scenery of the Rockies. And our favourite activity is biking through the miles and miles of trails. 

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The issue of food prices or food inflation is on everyone's mind as they wander through the grocery store trying to feed their family while trying to stay within their budget.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a professor and director at the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University.

He's known as the food professor and took part in a fireside chat during the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities Annual Convention this week.

The Agri-Food Analytics Lab says Canadians could see a five to seven per cent spike in food prices in 2023.

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is mourning the deaths of two officers who were shot and killed in the line of duty on Thursday morning (Mar. 16). 

In a brief media availability, EPS Chief Dale McFee confirmed that the two constables killed were 35-year-old Travis Jordan and 30-year-old Brett Ryan. 

Jordan had been with EPS for over eight years of service and Ryan served just over five years. 

"Constable Jordan and Ryan were valued members of our EPS family and they worked side-by-side with us every day in service to our community," said McFee.  

Fort Saskatchewan felt the effects of some northern Alberta earthquakes this morning. 

According to Earthquakes Canada, three earthquakes hit near Reno, Alberta around 9 a.m. on Thursday (Mar. 16) morning.

The earthquakes occurred at 8:46 a.m., 8:59 a.m., and 9:07 a.m.

Andrew Schaeffer, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, says that the earthquake's magnitudes were 4.5, 4.6, and 3.8 respectively.

Edmonton police say two patrol officers have been killed while responding to a call.

The force did not immediately release details about what happened.

Police Chief Dale McFee and other dignitaries were scheduled to make statements later Thursday.

About a dozen police cars were parked around a northwest Edmonton apartment complex, a large series of brick three-storey walkups. A forensics truck was parked outside one of the buildings.

The scene was taped off and a road leading into the complex was blocked. Police also set up two command posts in the area. 

Fort Saskatchewan city council has approved plans to close a part of River Road to vehicle traffic.

This approval came at a city council meeting late last month. The portion that will be closed is between the entrance of the Fort Lions Campground and southwest of 119 Street. This two-kilometre stretch of road will be turned into a multi-use trail for cyclists and pedestrians. 

The plan to change River Road came in 2017 when heavy rain caused a portion of the riverbank to collapse. 

The U17 AAA South Fort Chev Rangers begin their playoff run tonight. 

Game one of their first-round series against the South Side United Cycle Bulldogs will get underway at 7:45 p.m. at the JRC. 

Mason Hawkes, the head coach of the Rangers, says that the team is heading into the postseason with high expectations of themselves. 

"The boys are pumped, they have done a lot of preparation," said Hawkes. "I think they are in a good spot, and we are confident."