Okotoks

A new report argues the rise of gig work, artificial intelligence and rapid population growth are souring job prospects for Canada's youngest workers.

The Desjardins Economics report, released Thursday, comes as Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre cites decades-high youth unemployment levels to attack an immigration program for temporary foreign workers.

Statistics Canada's latest labour force survey shows the unemployment rate for young people aged 15 to 24 hit 14.6 per cent in July — a nearly 15-year high outside of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drought-stricken parts of Canada could be in for some underwhelming fall foliage if stressed trees lose out on the energy needed to generate some of the season's most brilliant colours, experts say. 

Biology professor Susan Dudley at McMaster University says trees in dried out parts of the country could see their leaves die off rather than turn red. 

"I can't look at it and make a prediction for a good fall foliage season at all," she said. 

A trade delegation for Asia is set to leave on Saturday (September 6).  

The focus of the trip is on relationship building and trade engagement with government officials and industry stakeholders in China, Japan and South Korea.  China imposed a 75.8 per cent tariff on canola seed last month on top of tariffs already in place for canola oil, meal, peas, pork and seafood. 

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is leading the delegation that includes his Trade and Export Minister Warren Kaeding, and Prime Minister Carney's Parliamentary Secretary Kody Blois. 

The Town of Diamond Valley is inviting residents to meet the first responders who keep the community safe.  

During “Coffee with a Uniform,” members of police, fire, municipal enforcement, and citizens on patrol will be available for a coffee and conversation.  

The public is encouraged to come out, ask questions, and get to know the people behind the uniforms.  

A teaser trailer has been released for the locally shot film Die, My Love.

The film stars Robert Pattinson and Jennifer Lawrence and was filmed in the Calgary area between August and October 2024.

Okotoks and Diamond Valley were among the shooting locations.

Some Nanton residents could experience some water pressure loss today.

The Town took to Facebook to let people know that those living in the area of 111 Slade Drive and 23A Ave may experience a brief loss of water pressure today.

The lack of water pressure is result of a small repair taking place in the area.

"We appreciate your patience as our team works to complete this repair as quickly and safely as possible," The Town stated in the Facebook post.

The Okotoks Museum and Archives is celebrating an anniversary.

They are hosting an open house today (Friday, Sept. 5) and Saturday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the museum.

This is a free event where people will learn about the history of the museum, as well as the history of Okotoks.

The Alberta government says it has postponed the release of its revised school library book ban policy.

The government initially promised the new ministerial order this afternoon, but the province now says it will be released Monday.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says the government is "taking the time needed" to make sure the new ministerial order is clear.

The new version of the policy is set to come almost one week after the government directed school boards to pause their work in complying with the original ministerial order.

A new contract has been reached between some 23,000 civil servants and the Alberta government, averting a strike that could’ve happened as soon as next week.

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees says the mediator-recommended deal passed with 63 per cent of voting members in favour and 36.5 per cent opposed.

In a release Wednesday, the union said 71 per cent of eligible members voted.

The affected employees include administrative workers, some Alberta Sheriffs, social workers and provincial wildfire fighters.

The Canadian economy lost jobs for the second month in a row as the unemployment rate climbed to its highest level since May 2016, excluding the pandemic period.

Statistics Canada said Friday the unemployment rate ticked up to 7.1 per cent in August, its highest level since August 2021, as the economy lost 66,000 jobs for the month.

The report follows the July labour force survey that showed a loss of 41,000 jobs and an unemployment rate of 6.9 per cent.