Cochrane

A consequential report on Canada Post largely backs the Crown corporation's story about its flagging business, experts say, and bodes poorly for the union attempting to negotiate a better deal for the postal service's workers.

“If I was the union, I'm going to be very, very disappointed in this," said Marvin Ryder, associate professor of marketing and entrepreneurship at the DeGroote School of Business.

This week, Saskatchewan's Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre had the honor of meeting King Charles III for the first time at Buckingham Palace. Accompanied by her husband and the Executive Director for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Carolyn Speirs, McIntyre also enjoyed high tea at Canada House with High Commissioner Ralph Goodale and his wife, Pam Goodale.

Speaking to us from London her Honour says being able to meet and visit with the King was an amazing experience.

The Municipal District of Taber administers public land that had been previously turned over to it by the Alberta government.

Alberta municipal leaders are eyeing the Municipal District of Taber as it grapples with striking the right balance between stewardship and the responsibility of raising an appropriate amount of revenue for its agricultural lands on behalf of ratepayers.

BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada recently announced the 12 organizations that will each receive a portion of the $160,000 Growing Home with BASF prize fund. 

Following a competitive public voting period, the first, second, and third-place winners have been determined for Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.

Organizations that finish in first place will receive a $25,000 donation and have the opportunity to celebrate their win with the local community; second place will receive $10,000, and third place will receive $5,000. 

Land grant universities mainly handle extension work in the United States; in Canada, it’s described as more of a ‘mish-mash’

WINNIPEG — Canada’s system of getting the latest and most useful information to farmers is very different from what happens in the United States.

South of the border, there are more than 200 land grant universities across the U.S.

All universities teach students and do research, but land grant universities have a third mission — extension.

SASKATOON — Canada’s two national railways are about to enter a stretch of prolonged labour peace with the major unions representing their workers.

“It’s a period of calm,” said Mark Hemmes, president of Quorum Corp., which is Canada’s grain monitor.

“It’s satisfying to know that at least we’re going to have a couple of years of grace where we don’t have to worry about (work stoppages).”

The Alberta cabinet door has turned once again, and the Town of Cochrane council and staff will soon be preparing to brief a new municipal affairs minister on local needs.

Dan Williams was named the new minister of municipal affairs today, replacing Ric McIver, who has become Speaker of the Alberta Legislature.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced Friday an overhaul of several government ministries, creating two new health services portfolios and replacing her Indigenous relations minister.

Former health minister Adriana LaGrange was sworn in as minister of primary and preventative health services, while former jobs minister Matt Jones is now in charge of hospital and surgical health services.

Previous Indigenous relations minister Rick Wilson becomes minister of mental health and addiction. He replaces Dan Williams, who moves to municipal affairs.

The program supports four agricultural societies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba by awarding $10,000 grants each to projects that support rural communities.
 
Garrett Ganden, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Equipment, says they take pride in being embedded in rural communities in Western Canada.

Last year’s grant recipients were:

The Forestburg Ag Society in Northern Alberta, which received a credit towards a Case IH Farmall tractor to groom its indoor riding arena used for barrel racing and rodeo practice

Another case of avian influenza has been detected, this time in Alberta in a non-commercial, non-poultry flock in Leduc County. 

The premise is under CFIA quarantine and subject to restrictions, bringing the total number of AI cases in Alberta now to two.

Two cases have been found in Manitoba, three in Saskatchewan, and three in British Columbia, including an ostrich farm.

There are now 19 premises across Canada infected with AI.

Numerous countries are dealing with avian influenza.