Airdrie

The RCMP's police dog training centre has been plagued by staffing shortages, low morale and rundown facilities that pose health risks to officers and canines, an internal review says. 

The evaluation of RCMP police dog services reveals numerous challenges for the program that supplies and trains four-legged helpers to protect VIPs, support emergency teams, and sniff out suspects and illicit drugs.

Here's a look at some of this week's top news photos from around the world as selected by The Canadian Press editors.

This evening, the CPKC Holiday Train dazzled Airdrie, lighting up Nose Creek Park with music, community spirit, and holiday cheer—all in support of fighting food insecurity.

Following the dissolution of the  Airdrie and District Victims Assistance Society (ADVAS) this fall, the Southern Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society (SARVSS) introduced itself to members of the Community Safety and Social Services Standing Committee, outlining the service's mandate, its role, and what it offers, and how it differs from what was previously provided. 

Gerald Cook, SARVASS's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), presented to the committee, underlining that they are housed in the city's RCMP detachments, where ADVAS previously worked. 

Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says he is "calling a timeout" in the Canada Post strike, and asking the Canada Industrial Relations Board to send about 55,000 employees back to work.

Mackinnon says the Crown corporation and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers are at an impasse after a nearly month-long work stoppage, and negotiations are actually going in the wrong direction.

He says if the board agrees the two sides are at an impasse, it has been asked to order union members to return to work until May.

Emergency crews have cleared the scene of a multi-vehicle collision at the intersection of 8 Street and Yankee Boulevard.

According to eyewitnesses, lane closures occured earlier this morning, causing delays.  

There was no word on injuries or the cause of the collision.

This is a developing story.

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A development in Airdrie's summer shooting cases: A 22-year-old local man has been arrested following a six-month investigation into two shootings that shocked local neighbourhoods.

Micah Pedersen was taken into custody on Thursday concerning incidents in June and July of this year.

A text message scam targeting Airdrie residents earlier this year has resurfaced, affecting other parts of Alberta, including Vermilion.

Vermilion RCMP are warning the public about fraudulent messages claiming a vehicle has been detected speeding and directing recipients to a website to pay a supposed fine.

"Vermilion RCMP have received reports of a scam circulating throughout Alberta. The scam involves the victim receiving a text message stating that their vehicle has been detected exceeding the speed limit and has a link to a website to pay a ticket," RCMP stated.

Like many other businesses, Irvine's Tack and Western Wear is also feeling the pressure because of the current Canada Post strike.

Now into the fourth week of the strike, Leanne Irvine the owner of Irvine's explained they had to quickly pivot with the holiday season around the corner.

"We've had to pivot and switch gears and try to find shipping. We're using an online platform, which has been good. It's just the volume that we're shipping. The couriers don't want to pick it up now."