FortSask

The Winnipeg-based plant protein company was placed into receivership on Wednesday, March 1st.

The company's lenders Farm Credit Canada and Export Development Canada filed an application for the appointment of a receiver.

In 2019, Merit Functional Foods Corporation was developed as a joint venture between Burcon ( a global technology leader in the development of plant-based proteins) and three other investors.

The goal for Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (CALM) is to encourages students to learn about and celebrate Canada's agriculture and food story.

To kick things off yesterday, Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced up to $415,000 in support for Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C).

She says to build the next generation of agricultural producers, we must inform and inspire Canadian youth. 

As we inch nearer to a provincial election in May, local MLAs are starting to declare their intentions. 

UCP member Dale Nally has been the MLA for the Morinville-St. Albert constituency since 2019 and he plans on sticking around. 

"My intention is to run for re-election," said Nally. "I have been acclaimed by the party to represent the riding of Morinville-St. Albert." 

"We have a fixed election date of May 29, and my intention is to submit my name for another term." 

A portion of Highway 45 is has reopened according to 511 Alberta.

The highway was blocked off in both directions Thursday night (Mar. 2) near Highway 38 due to an overturned semi trailer.

A detour around the area northeast of Bruderheim was in place.

Emergency services were on scene — no word yet on any injuries.

Some more details have come out about the proposed expansion to Veterans Way.

Grant Schaffer, the director of fleet, facilities, and engineering with the city, says that the work will be done through one of Fort Saskatchewan's busiest intersections.

"The section we're doing is between the intersection of Highway 15 and 21 all the way down to 101 Street."

Most of the work will include widening the west side of the highway. 

It appears that the Vinca Bridge replacement project has finally received its funding. 

Alberta's Industrial Heartland Association announced on Thursday (Mar. 2) that the Alberta government had allocated funding for the project in the most recent budget. 

"[The] Alberta Government Budget 2023 includes $8 billion for the Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors’ three-year capital plan, a $718-million increase compared with Budget 2022," said the association in a release. 

Baseline Road has been reopened after a multi-vehicle crash on Wednesday (Mar. 1) night.

According to Strathcona County emergency services, the west and eastbound lanes were closed after a pickup truck collided with a tanker carrying jet fuel.

Emergency services worked to contain a large diesel spill from the tanker that was damaged in the crash.

Two people in the pickup truck were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The cause of the crash is under RCMP investigation.

PIC CEO Bill Gruel says they are now accepting Expressions of Interest for new projects.

He says there are four key areas of focus from genetics development to crop development, ingredients and products.

"We're really looking for projects in what we would call the ingredient and food space. So, ingredient manufacturers that are looking to develop new and novel technologies, or improve the efficiency of existing technologies and working with food companies or industrial feed companies or bioproducts as well."

A local athlete took home silver for Team Alberta at the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I).

Katie Bajema is a 14-year-old wheelchair basketball player raised in Sturgeon County.

"I grew up northeast of Gibbons...on an acreage," said Bajema.

Bajema grew a love for wheelchair basketball just a year ago. 

"I started in the summer. My friend's sister asked me to come out to practice, and then we did some scrimmaging."

It's going to be a weekend full of basketball. 

In total, eight local teams will be competing in their respective city finals on Saturday (Mar. 4). 

This includes the Salisbury senior girls' team competing for the Division I championship against Jasper Place. 

The girls had a fantastic year, ending their regular season with an 8-2 record and knocking off the league-leading Strathcona team in a 66-49 win in the semi-finals. 

They will be looking to repeat as league champions.