Okotoks

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. 

With the heat the area will be experiencing this weekend, AHS is offering up tips to stay cool.

The heat can cause health issues, ranging from mild to serious, if the body temperature gets too high.

Older adults, infants and young children, those who are pregnant, have a pre-existing medical or mental health conditions, those who live alone or are socially isolated, and those with no access to indoor cooling are at a greater risk of heat-related illnesses.

Some heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, can be life-threatening and require medical attention.

Researchers are urging Canada, United States and Mexico to take immediate action to save the monarch butterfly as the migratory insect faces a growing risk of extinction amid habitat loss. 

The iconic butterfly's population has decreased by around 80 per cent in the past two decades, says the paper published in the journal Current Biology, with the loss of breeding habitat cited as the main reason behind the sharp decline.

The Assembly of First Nations' annual general meeting next week in Winnipeg will set the stage — and the tone — for engaging with governments on major infrastructure projects.

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says politicians will be paying close attention to the resolutions chiefs pass related to the federal major projects legislation. The bill, which passed in June, has seen strong opposition from some First Nations leaders and community members who fear it won't respect their rights.

Farmers are working on bringing in the harvest as the weather cooperates.

Last week's hot, dry weather also brought its share of thunderstorm activity with strong winds and hail which caused some lodging in crops. The Nipawin area had the most rainfall, with 42 mm, followed by the North Battleford and Consul areas with 30 mm and 28 mm, respectively. A number of other areas around the province are also seeing some scattered showers.

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson has announced an increase in the lending limit on the Feeder Associations Loan Guarantee Program (FALGP).

Locally owned feeder associations utilize the program for low-interest financing backed by a government guarantee. Through the program feeder associations help livestock producers get financing to buy animals and grow their herds.

Producer, Dustin Lamb says the program played a huge part in his decision to return to the family farm and will be instrumental in keeping it going.

Updated:

The Brooks RCMP and the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit are continuing to investigate the death of 20-year-old Fatima Ahmed.

The RCMP is continuing to work with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death.

Even though the cause of death has not been determined, the RCMP says there is no indication of an ongoing risk to the public.

Police have charged a man with three counts of aggravated assault for stabbings at the Calgary Stampede last month.

Police say they identified the 18-year-old following an extensive investigation that included witness interviews and camera footage.

Officers executed a search warrant of the suspect's house and seized a folding knife and clothing they say believe are consistent with the stabbings.

The man is scheduled to appear in court next week.

Three males were stabbed in an area of the Stampede midway, including two 18-year-olds and one 15-year-old.

Foothills County is advising drivers of a road closure.  

From Sept. 2 until Sept. 23, 80 Street will be closed.   

During that time, drivers will be unable to access 80 Street via 370 Avenue.  

Detour signs will be in place to direct residents back to Highway 2 to 338 Avenue, and then 80 Street.