Métis leaders strike note of optimism after meeting with Carney on major projects

Métis leaders left a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday saying they're confident they will be included in talks about major projects Ottawa hopes to use to bolster the economy in the face of a trade war with the United States.

"When things really matter, Métis governments come together and we get the work done," said Métis Nation of Ontario president Margaret Froh.

Time to move forward on national agency to fight forest fires, chiefs say

The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs says it's time for Ottawa to stop studying the idea of a national forest fire co-ordination agency and take action.

The organization's president wants the federal government to take inspiration from the U.S. Fire Administration to establish a similar office in Canada.

The U.S. office is part of Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, but Ken McMullen says a Canadian version could be simpler and less costly.

Alberta RCMP name new deputy commissioner

The Alberta RCMP have a new deputy commissioner following a change of command ceremony earlier today.

Special guests and RCMP employees watched Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux assume command from Deputy Commissioner Rob Hill, who is retiring after nearly 30 years of service.

Daroux is in his 37th year of policing, having served as a deputy chief with the Calgary Police Service and with the RCMP. He was appointed the 27th commanding officer of the Alberta RCMP in 2025.

Battle of Alberta hits the greens for a good cause

The Battle of Alberta played out on the fairways instead of the ice this week, as alumni and current players from the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers teed off in Red Deer for charity.

The fourth biennial Battle of Alberta Charity Golf Tournament was held Tuesday at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club, raising money for the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC).

Current Flames players Dustin Wolf, Justin Kirkland and Ryan Lomberg took part for the first time, joining long-time CACAC supporters and alumni Sheldon Kennedy and Theo Fleury.

Remains identified as missing Calgary man, police investigating death as homicide

Police have identified the remains of a Calgary man who disappeared 2 1/2 years ago and are investigating his death as a homicide.

The remains were discovered in May 2024 at an undisclosed location outside Calgary.

Robert Stanley Mainland was last seen in January 2023 at a 7-Eleven convenience store.

He was 65 at the time of his disappearance and had lived in the same northeast Calgary neighbourhood for over 40 years.

Police say they believe Mainland was the victim of foul play.

New principal appointed for Innisfail High School

Chinook’s Edge School Division has appointed Jeannie Russell as the new principal of Innisfail High School, effective next month.

Russell is well known in the IHS community, having served as vice-principal. She says she’s thankful for the mentorship of outgoing principal Chris Adamson, who will step into a new role as associate superintendent this fall.

"I love Innisfail High School, and I'm excited to continue my journey here," said Russell.

Outside of school, she enjoys watching her children’s baseball and softball games.

Erminskin water system work continues through September

The Samson Cree Nation is working with water partners ISL Engineering, SFE Global and Hydrasurvey to conduct required maintenance and operations on Ermineskin’s water and wastewater systems. 

Work began in July and will continue throughout August and September. 

As part of the water assessments being done residents may see crews operating around the lagoon, hydrants, valves and wells in Ermineskin. 

Blackfalds' Abbey Centre introduces tools to support sensory needs

The Abbey Centre in Blackfalds has launched a new initiative aimed at creating a more inclusive and supportive experience for individuals with sensory needs.

At the end of June three sensory backpacks, two youth-sized and one adult, were made available free of charge for guests to sign out during their visit.

While open to anyone, the backpacks are specifically designed to assist individuals with sensory processing disabilities, sensory sensitivities, or other related needs.

Lacombe police charge Red Deer man with child exploitation offences

A Red Deer man has been charged with multiple child exploitation offences following an investigation by the Lacombe Police Service.

Police say the investigation began on Aug. 3 after officers received a public tip. As a result, 44-year-old Kory Reay has been charged with:

  • Making child pornography available

  • Possession of child pornography

  • Accessing child pornography

No rodeo, but plenty to celebrate at Bentley Fair this weekend

The Bentley & District Agricultural Society Fair is back with a weekend full of activities, entertainment, and hometown celebration for all ages.

It started yesterday (August 6) and will run until Sunday, (August 10) this year’s theme is a heartfelt “Salute to the Educators, Teachers and Support Staff” recognizing the individuals who shape and support local students and schools.

While there will be no rodeo this year due to facility upgrades, but the fair still promises plenty of fun, food, and family-friendly programming.