Okotoks

Air Canada flights within North America are expected to ramp up this morning as the airline continues its operational restart following a three-day flight attendants' strike.

The company resumed flights Tuesday afternoon after a complete halt to Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge routes that began early Saturday morning.

It said it was focusing on outbound international flights to start.

In a partial policy reversal, Alberta's government said Tuesday it will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccinations for health-care workers.

Maddison McKee, spokesperson to Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange, said in an email that COVID-19 vaccine coverage will be extended to all health-care workers this fall under the first phase of the province's vaccination rollout.

"Immunization will remain voluntary," said McKee.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government is again shifting its expense disclosure policy after critics from across the political spectrum accused her of dodging responsibility.

In early August, the province quietly published new rules axing a requirement for Smith, her ministers, senior staff and deputy ministers to publicly post receipts for expenses over $100. 

Marisa Breeze, press secretary to Finance Minister Nate Horner, said in a Tuesday email that cabinet has directed Horner to see that the previous expense posting policy is reinstated -- but with a tweak.

Farm Credit Canada is extending its trade disruption support program for canola producers impacted by the ongoing trade disruptions.

Last week, China implemented a 75.8 per cent tariff on Canadian canola seed imports.

FCC's President and CEO Justine Hendricks says the agriculture and food industry is resilient, but global trade uncertainty can create real pressure on cash flow and operations.

CN Rail submitted its 2025-26 Grain Plan to Transport Canada at the end of July.

CN's Assistant Vice-President of Grain, David Przednowek, says the grain plan is based on what CN knows from customers and other stakeholders about the volume of grain and processed grain products that it expects to move over the course of the 2025-26 crop year.

The Provincial government is providing funding to help improve learning and mental health supports for First Nations students.

In order to ensure that First Nations students have the supports they need, as well as meet the diverse learning and mental health needs of K to 12 students attending on-reserve schools, the Provincial government is providing 27 First Nations with up to $4.6 million for the 2025-2026 school year.

Foothills County Public Works is advising residents and visitors of an extended road closure.  

Construction work began on 210 Ave W between 240 St W and 256 St W at the beginning of July and has been extended due to weather conditions.  

The work is expected to be completed by Aug. 29.  

The Town of High River is advising residents of temporary facility closures scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 20, as staff take part in a team-building event.

From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the town administration office, the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex (for drop-ins only), the FCSS Resource Centre (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), and administration offices for Public Works and the Fire Hall will be closed. All facilities will reopen at 2 p.m.

Pre-registered classes and programs at the recplex will continue as scheduled.

Summer is winding down and the leaves are turning that shade of yellow that signals the start of school.

Students who attend Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools will kick off their 2025-2026 school year on tomorrow (Aug. 28).

Meanwhile, those who attend a Foothills School Division school in Okotoks will return to school after Labour Day, on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

For those going to a Foothills School Division school (FSD), there is also a Student Transition Day on Friday, Aug. 29, which will support the social-emotional wellness of their learners.

The Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation (FFSF) new literacy initiative is underway.  

The Literacy Playground began this week and is designed to help students who are entering Grade 3 with their reading skills.