HighRiver

Today marks the start of AgSmart 2025, the educational agriculture expo is now being held at Olds College.

The event falls under the direction of the Agri Trade Equipment Expo Group. Show Manager Tracy Gardner says this year's event is going to look a little different. 

Reproductive health advocates say the federal government's failure to commit to funding pharmacare in all provinces and territories is leaving people with a lot of uncertainty, and could create inequality across the country.

"It's really disappointing, honestly," said Liz Thompson, advocacy lead for Cover Contraception.

"It seems like they don't really know what they're going to do."

Alberta and the union representing thousands of provincial government employees say they have agreed to a new round of mediated bargaining.

Alberta Union of Provincial Employees president Guy Smith says the renewed talks are considered the final opportunity for getting a new deal for some 23,000 government workers after 18 months of bargaining.

Smith credits Finance Minister Nate Horner for stepping in to restart talks and recognizing the importance of continuing negotiations.

The pace of auto theft is dropping in Canada thanks to collective efforts to crack down on thieves, says an industry group focused on insurance fraud and crime.

Équité Association said in a report released Monday that the number of vehicles reported stolen nationally dropped 19.1 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Just over 23,000 vehicles were reported stolen in the first six months of the year in Canada, the report said.

The move to accept Australian shipments comes as China conducts an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola

Canada’s canola growers could soon be facing stiff competition in their top seed market.

Reuters is reporting that Australia is close to finalizing an agreement that will reopen the Chinese market to canola shipments from Down Under.

The world’s second-largest canola exporter has been shut out of the largest import market since 2020 due to phytosanitary requirements aimed at preventing the spread of blackleg disease.

This year’s show saw three clear days for attendees to see equipment, livestock and the latest in technology

Ag In Motion 2025 organizers are pleased with this year’s attendance.

"We’re very pleased with attendance, response from exhibitors and the overall tone of the show this year," said Rob O’Connor, Ag In Motion show director.

A potential referendum question on Alberta separating from Canada has been referred to a judge for confirmation that the question doesn't violate the Constitution.

The proposed question seeks a yes or no answer to whether people agree with Alberta becoming a sovereign country and ceasing to be a province in Canada.

Alberta's chief electoral officer says in a news release that provincial laws require potential referendum questions to respect more than 30 sections of the Constitution, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Okotoks residents will experience intermittent lane closures for a couple of weeks.

Starting on July 28, crews will be installing a water pipeline along 370 Ave, east of 48 St E, causing intermittent lane closures for a small section of the road.

This is part of the Foothills Okotoks Regional Water Project, which will see the addition of a long-term water source, which will help meet the future demand of the community, as well as strengthening the resilience of the water system.

The ongoing investigation into the gastrointestinal outbreak linked to the Saskatoon Farm saw several updates over the weekend.

On Friday, July 25, Alberta Health Services (AHS) announced that the outbreak is believed to involve E. coli and amoebiasis, based on testing conducted so far.

As of July 25, AHS has identified 235 symptomatic individuals and two hospitalizations connected to the outbreak, with one patient having since been discharged.

There have been 18 lab-confirmed cases of E. coli, three of which also tested positive for amoebiasis.

The Peter Lougheed Provincial Park has been getting visitors from both Grizzlies and black bears.

Alberta Parks issued a Bear Warning for Peter Lougheed Provincial Park campgrounds on Sunday, July 27, because multiple grizzly and black bears have been frequenting the campgrounds.

This isn't the first time a bear warning has been issued for this area this summer.

Back on June 16, a black bear had accessed and damaged an unoccupied tent at the Boulton Creek Campground.