Cochrane

A couple in the Willows neighbourhood believes they were targeted in a hate crime after a swastika was spray-painted on their garage door around 11:30 a.m. on May 13.

Akini Peters and Michelle Blyden say they can't think of any other reason their home on Willow Street would be singled out for the vandalism.

Peters is the only Black person in the neighbourhood.

"No other garage was touched, just this one, and it seems very purposeful to me," he said. "It could be a coincidence, but look at the sign. Look at the colour of my skin."

A global study from UNICEF suggests many Canadian kids are unhappy, with social struggles such as bullying and difficulty making friends among the sources of their anguish. 

UNICEF’s 19th Report Card suggests one in five youth in Canada face frequent bullying, one in five are lonely and one in four struggle to make friends.

It blames bullying in particular for a drop in life satisfaction reported by 15-year-olds, down three percentage points to 76 per cent since 2018.

Prime Minister Mark Carney shook up his cabinet Tuesday by moving some key players involved in Canada-U.S. relations into new positions and promoting 24 new faces in a move meant to signal change at the top.

While some were prominent figures in former prime minister Justin Trudeau's government — including Dominic LeBlanc, Mélanie Joly, Chrystia Freeland and François-Philippe Champagne — Carney froze out other prominent members of his predecessor's team.

Carney named 28 full ministers to his cabinet, which will meet for the first time on Wednesday.

YORKTON, Sask. —Those affected by quarantines and eradication policies want more financial assistance from the federal government.

Efforts to trace the bovine tuberculosis case discovered last fall have put several farms in quarantine and under financial pressure.

The positive test found on a Saskatchewan cow at slaughter Nov. 29, 2024, brought with it numerous ramifications as a result of Canada’s tracing policies to ensure continued trade under international animal health rules.

The union representing thousands of Alberta government workers has voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.

Guy Smith, president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, said members have voted 90 per cent in favour of hitting the picket lines.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Smith said the goal remains to get a deal at the bargaining table.

"We do not want to have to use the clear strike mandate we have received, but we will, if necessary," he said, calling it a historic strike vote.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's chief of staff is sounding the alarm over Prime Minister Mark Carney's pick to head up the government's environment portfolio.

Rob Anderson took to social media Tuesday to air his misgivings about new Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin.

"Sit down for this one Alberta...Meet Canada's new Environment Minister," he writes.

Calgary legislature member Ric McIver is the new Speaker of the Alberta legislature.

McIver resigned as municipal affairs minister early Tuesday and soon after was voted into the Speaker's job by his peers, defeating Opposition NDP candidate Heather Sweet.

After the vote result was announced, McIver was ceremoniously dragged to the Speaker's chair by Premier Danielle Smith and Opposition NDP house leader Christina Gray.

Some jovial heel dragging on McIver's part meant Gray dropped his elbow and started pushing him from behind while Smith led the way.

Praise is being heaped upon Jeromy Farkas for his 20 months at the helm of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation (GRPF).

Farkas has stepped down from his role as chief executive officer and is now focusing entirely on his campaign for Calgary mayor.

Under his leadership, the foundation expanded community partnerships and secured new funding for park conservation and programming.

A distinguished professor emeritus in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at the University of Manitoba will be invested into the Order of Manitoba this summer.

Dr. Digvir S. Jayas, an engineer and agrologist, has received multiple awards for his 30-year research and teaching career. He conducts research related to drying, handling and storing of grains and oilseeds and digital image processing for grading and processing operations in the Agri-Food industry.

The McCafé Coffee Break saddled up and rode out to Cody & Sioux this morning!

Staff were treated to fresh McCafé coffee and goodies as a thank-you for all the work they do keeping Cochrane looking sharp and stylish.

The nomination came in from a longtime customer who said the team “goes above and beyond every time I walk in. They helped me find the perfect outfit for a wedding I was panicking about, and made it fun too.”

RELATED STORIES: