Lacombe

Federal public servants were less likely to call in sick to work during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, new government data shows.

The figures shared by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat indicate that in 2020-21, when the pandemic had most office employees working entirely remotely, the average number of sick days for the public service was 5.9.

That number grew to 8.1 in 2021-22, 8.8 in 2022-23 and 9.2 days in 2023-24.

New research on a sample collected from the asteroid Bennu — a small portion of which should arrive in Canada soon — is offering a glimpse into how it came to be.

Studies published in Nature Astronomy and Nature Geoscience last week offer some insight into the granules that were collected and brought to Earth in September 2023 as part of NASA-led OSIRIS-REx mission.

Rocky Mountain House RCMP is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing 16-year-old female.

Jayde Mccarthy was last seen in Rocky Mountain House on August 27.

Red Deer City Council will review the proposed 2026 Utilities Budget during the first week of September.

The budget sets operating and capital plans for the city’s self-funded utilities, including electric, water, wastewater and waste management.

The proposal outlines utility rate adjustments in 2026 to address rising operating costs, aging infrastructure and long-term financial sustainability.

For an average household, the proposed changes include:

• Electric utility: +6% (about $3.85 more per month for 600 kWh use).

With the school year starting across Central Alberta, drivers are being reminded to pay attention to school and playground zones in their communities.

Failing to follow posted limits can result in demerits and fines under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act.

School zones are typically in effect on school days from 8 to 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and 3 to 4:30 p.m.

The contest to supply Canada with its next fleet of submarines heated up this week, as Ottawa narrowed down the competition to just two suppliers: a Korean company and a German one.

Here's a look at where the massive procurement project currently stands.

1. Why does Canada need to buy new submarines?

Canada is racing to replace its deteriorating fleet of Victoria-class submarines. The fleet, bought second-hand from the U.K. in 1998, is rapidly aging and are expensive to repair and replace parts.

The federal government needs to amend the Criminal Code so the use of force, including lethal force, is considered reasonable to defend your home and family if someone breaks into it, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Friday.

Poilievre called a news conference in Brampton, Ont., amid an outcry over assault charges that were laid against an Ontario man who encountered another man who allegedly broke into his apartment while carrying a crossbow. 

One man is dead and a young woman was taken to hospital following a two-vehicle crash in Red Deer Saturday morning.

RCMP say officers were called to a collision between an SUV and a motorcycle on Highway 2A just north of the city around 9:30 a.m. today.

Police say the 48-year-old motorcyclist, a resident of Blackfalds, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the SUV, an 18-year-old woman from Red Deer, was taken to hospital with injuries.

RCMP remained on scene for several hours before clearing the area and reopening the highway.

Sylvan Lake is reminding cat owners to keep their pets indoors over the long weekend.

Municipal Enforcement says it has seen an increase in requests from residents to borrow cat traps due to cats at large.

To avoid your cat being trapped, owners are reminded to:

• Keep cats indoors.

• Ensure they are tagged and licensed.

• Follow the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, which requires cats to remain indoors or be securely tethered in your yard.

Red Deer Public Schools is welcoming students back to the classroom on Tuesday (September 2), marking the start of the 2025/2026 school year.

Since Monday (August 25), staff have been busy preparing classrooms and schools for another exciting year of teaching and learning.

This fall, the Division is welcoming 11,432 students, along with 34 new teachers, 22 of whom are beginning their teaching careers.