(Image generated using AI)

Alberta’s government is investing nearly $8 million to strengthen the fight against organized crime, gang activity and extortion across the province.

The funding aims to support frontline and specialized law enforcement agencies with modern investigative tools and resources designed to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks operating in urban, rural and remote communities throughout Alberta.

According to the province, organized crime continues to pose serious threats to families, businesses and communities through intimidation, violence, extortion and increasingly coordinated criminal activity that often crosses municipal and provincial boundaries.

Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis said the investment will help law enforcement agencies stay ahead of evolving criminal threats.

“This targeted investment gives law enforcement the tools and resources they need to take down criminal networks,” Ellis said. “Organized crime doesn’t stop at city limits, and neither does our work.”

The one-time funding will be distributed among several major law enforcement agencies, including the Edmonton Police Service, Calgary Police Service, Alberta RCMP and Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT).

The province says the funding will be used for specialized investigative resources and technology, including surveillance systems, intelligence gathering capabilities and digital forensic equipment to address increasingly complex criminal operations.

Part of the investment will also focus specifically on combating extortion targeting members of Alberta’s South Asian business community in Edmonton and Calgary.

Officials say the funding will help improve coordination between municipal, provincial and federal agencies while strengthening investigative capacity provincewide.

Edmonton Police Service Deputy Chief Nicole Chapdelaine noted that organized crime investigations are becoming more sophisticated and resource-intensive due to the growing use of technology and international criminal connections.

Calgary Police Service Chief Katie McLellan said the investment reflects strong provincial leadership and provides critical tools needed to track offenders, disrupt criminal activity and protect victims.

Alberta RCMP Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux added that the funding will strengthen collaboration between agencies and improve the province’s ability to respond to organized crime in a coordinated and effective manner.

ALERT Director of Technology and Investigative Support Blayne Eliuk said extortion-related violence demonstrates how organized crime has evolved beyond traditional borders and requires intelligence-driven enforcement strategies.

The announcement also drew support from local business owners impacted by extortion threats.

Kal Toor, co-owner of Active Homes, said the support from Alberta’s government has helped business owners feel safer and more confident in speaking out against intimidation and criminal activity.

“No business owner or family should ever have to live under the shadow of fear and intimidation,” Toor said.

Funding allocations announced by the province include:

• ALERT: $1.505 million
• Alberta RCMP: $2 million
• Calgary Police Service: $2.24 million
• Edmonton Police Service: $2.25 million

The province says the investment is part of Alberta’s ongoing efforts to strengthen frontline policing, combat organized crime and improve public safety across communities.

Click here to watch the press conference.

Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.

(Image generated using AI)

New Alberta investment expands hands-on learning program at TELUS Spark Science Centre

A new round of provincial funding is set to give more young Albertans a closer look at careers in the skilled trades, as demand for qualified workers continues to grow across the province.

Alberta’s government has announced an additional $300,000 investment to support BLUprint, a hands-on skilled trades learning program hosted at TELUS Spark Science Centre. The program will continue operating through 2027 and is designed to introduce youth to trades careers through interactive, real-world learning experiences.

With an aging workforce and rising demand across construction and infrastructure sectors, officials say early exposure to trades education is becoming increasingly important in helping students make informed career choices.

“A strong Alberta economy relies on skilled trades. From the homes we build to the infrastructure that powers our province, tradespeople are at the centre of our growth story. Young Albertans deserve to know that the trades offer rewarding, well-paying careers – and our partnership with TELUS Spark Science Centre is an investment in making sure they do.” — Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education

The latest funding builds on more than $880,000 already invested in 2024 to launch the first phases of BLUprint. Those earlier phases included outdoor “try-a-trade” activities, indoor interactive exhibits, virtual reality simulations, and hands-on learning stations designed to reflect real industry environments.

BLUprint is delivered in partnership with Calgary Construction Association and connects skilled trades exploration with science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education.

“Our economy demands that we have a strong workforce that can match the speed of investment. A job in skilled trades is a job that puts food on the table and a roof over a head. BLUprint, in partnership with TELUS Spark, the Calgary Construction Association, and our government is helping young Albertans realize the opportunity that comes through skilled trades.” — Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration

Program organizers say BLUprint helps young people better understand apprenticeship pathways and post-secondary options while also supporting long-term workforce needs in Alberta.

TELUS Spark Science Centre President and CEO Guy Labine highlighted the importance of engaging youth through immersive learning experiences.

“Engaging youth is one of TELUS Spark’s specialties, especially when it comes to creating innovative experiences that build excitement and curiosity about the future. With the government’s generous support for BLUprint, not only will audiences get immersed with hands-on experiences in skilled trades activities, but they will also learn how much STEAM is incorporated into every aspect of the industry.” — Guy Labine, President and CEO

Since its launch, BLUprint has already welcomed more than 100,000 visitors, including over 40,000 students. Phase 1 began in June 2024 with outdoor try-a-trade activities such as a carpentry corner and maker stations, while Phase 2 construction began in December 2024. The final “New Builder” exhibit opened in June 2025.

Officials also point to broader labour market pressures, with estimates from Employment and Social Development Canada suggesting that approximately 700,000 of Canada’s four million skilled trades workers are expected to retire by the end of the decade.

Alberta’s government says it will continue working with industry partners, employers, and training institutions to help connect more young people with meaningful careers in the trades as demand continues to rise.

Quick Facts

• BLUprint is a partnership between TELUS Spark Science Centre and the Calgary Construction Association
• The program integrates trades education with STEAM learning opportunities
• Phase 1 launched in June 2024 with outdoor hands-on activities
• Phase 2 began construction in December 2024
• The New Builder exhibit opened in June 2025
• More than 100,000 visitors and 40,000 students have participated so far
• Roughly 700,000 skilled trades workers in Canada are expected to retire by 2030

Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.

(Image generated using AI)

Alberta’s government is continuing its push to grow value-added agriculture by supporting major investments in dairy processing across the province.

Through the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit (APITC), the province has conditionally approved up to $1.7 million in tax credits for Lactalis Canada to modernize and expand its dairy processing facilities in Calgary and Lethbridge.

The projects are expected to strengthen Alberta’s dairy supply chain by increasing processing capacity, improving food safety systems, and introducing advanced automation technologies. Provincial officials say the investments will also help support Alberta dairy farmers through greater milk utilization while reducing environmental impacts and protecting long-term manufacturing jobs.

Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Tara Sawyer said the province’s value-added processing sector continues to play a major role in Alberta’s economic growth.

“Alberta is an agriculture powerhouse partly because of our thriving value-added processing sector,” Sawyer said. “The Agri-Processing Tax Credit helps build on our province’s many other competitive advantages to attract large-scale investment in value-added ag manufacturing, stimulating our economy and creating more jobs for Albertans.”

Gilles Froment, senior vice president of Government and Industry Relations for Lactalis Canada, said the company remains committed to investing in Canadian food manufacturing and supporting local producers.

“The Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit helps accelerate important investments in the dairy sector so that we can collectively create long-term value for local dairy farmers, our employees, communities where we operate and Canadians at large,” Froment said.

The APITC program provides a 12 per cent non-refundable, non-transferable tax credit for companies investing at least $10 million into building or expanding value-added agri-processing facilities in Alberta. The initiative is open to food manufacturers and bio-processors that add value to agricultural commodities or transform byproducts into consumer or industrial goods.

According to the province, up to $175 million in tax credits is available for individual projects.

Since the program was introduced through Budget 2023, Alberta has received 22 applications representing approximately $1.85 billion in proposed agri-processing investments. Of those, 17 projects totaling roughly $1.71 billion in investment have been approved.

With more than 140 years of brand heritage in Canada, Lactalis Canada operates more than 30 facilities nationwide. Its Calgary facility produces fresh and flavoured milk products, while the Lethbridge operation manufactures yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, and other dairy products.

The company’s well-known brands include Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Cheestrings Ficello, IÖGO and Beatrice.

For more information about the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit, visit the Government of Alberta website at www.alberta.ca/alberta-agri-processing-investment-tax-credit.

Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.

Quest Disposal is currently hiring dependable and hardworking individuals with a valid Class 1 License to join their team providing waste management collection and hauling services in Vegreville and surrounding areas.

This is a full-time, year-round opportunity operating a variety of fleet trucks with full benefit plans available.

Quest Disposal is looking for honest, reliable people who step up when it counts and take pride in doing the job right.

Position Highlights:

• Full-Time, Year-Round Employment
• Operating a Variety of Fleet Trucks
• Full Benefit Plans Available
• Competitive, Team-Oriented Work Environment

How to Apply:

Email your resume to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Deadline for applications is July 6, 2026.

(Image generated using AI)

Most of Alberta is heading into summer with stronger water conditions than seen in recent years, according to the province’s latest May Water Supply Outlook.

The report points to healthy mountain snowpack levels, improved reservoir storage and stronger projected river flows across much of central and southern Alberta — welcome news for communities, farmers and industries that rely heavily on stable water supplies.

According to the outlook, river volumes through September are expected to be above normal or well above normal in several major basins, including the North Saskatchewan, Red Deer and Bow River systems, along with most parts of the Oldman River basin.

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter said the province is entering the summer season in a much stronger position than in recent years.

“Strong river flows, full reservoirs and additional mountain snowmelt still to come are all good news for communities, agricultural producers and the many industries that depend on a reliable source of water,” Hunter said in the release.

The positive forecast is largely tied to exceptional snowpack conditions in the Rocky Mountains. Provincial surveys conducted near the beginning of May found that 92 per cent of mountain snowpack sites were above normal or well above normal, with 15 per cent recording the highest snowpack levels on record.

Reservoir conditions in southern Alberta are also reportedly in strong shape, with normal storage levels in the Red Deer River basin and above-normal storage in the Bow, Oldman and South Saskatchewan River basins.

Despite the encouraging provincial outlook, officials continue to monitor conditions in Alberta’s far south.

The Milk River basin remains a significant concern, with river volumes forecast to stay well below normal through September. Officials say early runoff was absorbed into dry soil conditions before reaching the river system.

As a result of water-sharing requirements under the Canada-U.S. Boundary Waters Treaty, irrigators in the basin are no longer able to draw water from the river during the irrigation season. Household water use in the Town of Milk River is not expected to be affected.

The province stated it continues exploring options that could provide additional flexibility for Canadian irrigators while remaining compliant with treaty obligations and protecting downstream users in Montana.

Current drought conditions across Alberta have improved considerably compared to recent years. More than half of Alberta’s major river basins are now classified at Stage 0, meaning no drought conditions are currently present.

However, some regions remain under heightened monitoring, including the Milk River basin, which is currently classified at Stage 3 drought conditions.

Provincial snowpack surveys continue monthly through June, with water forecasts updated regularly throughout the spring and summer months.

For more information about the Water Supply outlook, visit the Government of Alberta website at rivers.alberta.ca/Contents/WaterSupply/2026/5/epa-water-supply-outlook-report-may-2026-v2.pdf.

Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.

(Image generated usin AI)

Being that today is probably the first day in over a week that I can actually breathe properly, I thought this would be a good topic for today. Between laying lifelessly in bed and half-praying for death, last week was a bit of a blur. One day I was working as normal, and the next I felt like I had been attacked by some kind of mutant virus intent on our destruction.

The reality is far less exciting. Flus and colds are not uncommon. They affect all of us at one point or another, and most often, with rest, fluids, and Vitamin C, we are back to normal within a few days — give or take.

But beyond the physical toll, what is not talked about nearly enough is the impact illness can have on our mental health.

The second we start feeling our energy levels return, many of us immediately rush into trying to catch up on all the responsibilities and duties that piled up during our “down time.” We expect our bodies to recover first and assume our minds will instantly follow.

The reality is that our brains need time to bounce back too.

Studies have shown that inflammation caused by chemicals called cytokines — which are released when your immune system is fighting infection — can affect mental clarity and cognitive function. This can lead to difficulty focusing, brain fog, slight memory issues, irritability, and mental exhaustion.

Dehydration can also play a role in diminished mental performance, especially when paired with fevers, poor sleep, and a lack of appetite.

In fact, experiencing a kind of mental fog after battling the flu is not uncommon at all. For some people, it can take days or even weeks before they feel mentally sharp again.

And maybe that is something we need to remind ourselves of more often: recovery is not just physical.

Sometimes healing means allowing ourselves a little grace while our minds catch up with our bodies. Rest is not laziness. Slowing down is not weakness. If your body has been fighting a battle, your mind has likely been fighting one too.

So if you are recovering from being sick, physically or mentally, do not be too hard on yourself for not immediately returning to 100 percent. Healing is still healing — even when nobody else can see it.

(Image generated using AI)

As Canada prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026™, federal officials are continuing to build international partnerships aimed at ensuring the tournament leaves a lasting legacy both on and off the field.

The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) and Canada’s FIFA Sherpa, took part in a series of meetings and events in New York this week ahead of World Football Day on May 25.

The engagements focused on strengthening collaboration between host nations, promoting the economic and social opportunities connected to the tournament, and reinforcing the role sport can play in diplomacy and international cooperation.

During a World Football Day event held at the United Nations, van Koeverden joined representatives from Canada’s co-host nations, Mexico and the United States, alongside officials from Morocco, Portugal and Spain, which will host the next FIFA World Cup. The gathering highlighted football’s ability to unite people across cultures and borders while encouraging dialogue, inclusion and youth engagement through sport.

Van Koeverden also participated in a trilateral discussion with Gabriela Cuevas, Mexico’s Representative to the FIFA World Cup, and Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House FIFA Task Force. The discussions centered on tournament preparedness, regional coordination and the long-term legacy of what officials described as a historic partnership between Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The Secretary of State additionally met with local organizers in New York to discuss event delivery and coordination efforts ahead of the tournament. Conversations were also held with representatives from Qatar, host of the most recent FIFA World Cup, focusing on the long-term impacts major sporting events can have on communities and international relations.

In a statement, van Koeverden said the tournament represents more than just soccer.

“The FIFA World Cup 2026 is a unique opportunity to bring people together across borders, cultures and languages. As co-host, Canada is working closely with the United States, Mexico and partners at home and abroad to support a safe, welcoming and successful tournament that showcases Canada to the world and creates lasting benefits beyond the field of play.”

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and is expected to be the largest tournament in FIFA history. The competition will feature 48 national teams playing 104 matches across 16 host cities throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The tournament will also mark the first time the FIFA World Cup has been hosted jointly by three countries.

According to the federal government, Canada, Mexico and the United States continue to collaborate on shared priorities including transportation, border management and security in preparation for the global event.

Soccer remains Canada’s largest participatory sport and is also considered one of the country’s fastest-growing sports, connecting communities from grassroots leagues to the international stage.

Canada has previously hosted several major international sporting events, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™, the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.

Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Canada website.

(Image generated using AI)

The federal and Alberta governments have announced a landmark implementation agreement aimed at expanding Canada’s energy exports, reducing emissions and strengthening the economy through new infrastructure, carbon market reforms and electricity investments.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made the announcement in Calgary on May 15, outlining what both governments describe as a cooperative approach to balancing economic growth with environmental goals.

The agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2025 and focuses on three major priorities: strengthening carbon markets, expanding clean and reliable electricity generation, and improving access to international energy markets.

Carbon Pricing and Emissions Reductions

As part of the agreement, Canada and Alberta have committed to gradually increasing the effective carbon price to $130 per tonne by 2040, with interim benchmarks of $115 by 2030 and $130 by 2035. The headline carbon price is expected to reach $140 per tonne by 2040.

The governments also agreed to tighten emissions benchmarks under Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system and establish a minimum floor price for TIER credits beginning in 2030. Officials say the measures are intended to prevent carbon markets from weakening while giving investors greater certainty for long-term projects.

In addition, Canada and Alberta will jointly issue 75 million tonnes of Carbon Contracts for Difference (CFDs), with costs split equally between both governments. The CFDs are designed to encourage investment in emissions-reduction technology and clean energy initiatives.

Federal officials say the broader goal is to create more credible and stable carbon markets while keeping Canada on track toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

Expanding Electricity Infrastructure

The agreement also includes plans to significantly expand Alberta’s electricity grid by 2050.

Both governments say they will work toward increasing electricity generation through a mix of nuclear, wind, solar, geothermal and lower-emission energy sources while maintaining grid reliability.

A joint Electricity Working Group will be established to identify projects and technologies needed to modernize Alberta’s power system and support future economic growth, including the increasing energy demands tied to artificial intelligence and data centres.

The federal government also confirmed support for major upgrades to electricity systems across Canada through its proposed National Electricity Strategy.

Proposed Pipeline to Asian Markets

One of the most significant components of the agreement involves a proposed bitumen pipeline intended to transport at least one million barrels of lower-emission Alberta bitumen per day to Asian markets.

Under the agreement, Alberta will submit a formal proposal for the pipeline project by July 1, 2026. The federal government has indicated it will consider designating the project as being in the national interest under the Building Canada Act by Oct. 1, 2026.

The project would remain subject to consultation requirements with Indigenous communities and further engagement with British Columbia.

Officials say the proposed pipeline is tied closely to the Pathways Project, a large-scale carbon capture, utilization and storage initiative expected to reduce emissions by 16 million tonnes annually while generating billions in economic activity and thousands of jobs.

Leaders Highlight Investment Certainty

In a statement, Carney said the agreement demonstrates that Canada and Alberta are working together to create a more resilient and sustainable economy while streamlining major project approvals.

Smith said the deal sends a strong signal to investors that Alberta and Canada are committed to expanding infrastructure, increasing market access and supporting long-term investment in the province’s energy sector.

The agreement also builds on earlier 2026 deals between Canada and Alberta aimed at creating a “one project, one review” process intended to speed up approvals for major infrastructure developments while maintaining environmental protections and Indigenous consultation requirements.

According to the federal government, the Major Projects Office is currently supporting 22 projects across sectors including nuclear energy, LNG, critical minerals and transportation infrastructure, representing more than $126 billion in proposed investments nationwide.

Information for this article was sourced from the Prime Minister of Canada's website. To view the full release, visit www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2026/05/15/canada-and-alberta-strike-agreement-diversify-our-exports-reduce.

Brad with his three amazing sons, Keanan, Brennan and Aaron

One of the most influential people in my life would have to be Brad. He first came into my world when I was six years old, a time when there was a lot going on for us. But almost like a TV show, he appeared and suddenly the world started to make sense.

He would become my brother-in-law and give my big sister three amazing sons, along with decades of love and care, until he was called home in 2014. Not a day goes by when I don’t think about something he taught me, or stop myself from doing something I know he told me not to do.

Every so often, I would be sitting watching TV and feel a light smack upside the head. Looking up, I would see Brad grinning at me. “What did I do?” I would ask.

Still smiling, he would reply, “It’s not what you did — it’s what you didn’t do.”

I would breathe a sigh of relief because that meant he hadn’t caught me doing what I actually wasn’t supposed to be doing.

One particular day, he had some deliveries to make and asked if I wanted to go with him. This was always a favourite of mine because it didn’t matter where we were going — it was guaranteed to be a riot.

The place in question was somewhere he had been before, and he needed to stop at another location nearby. We found the first place with ease and figured we would be back home after a very short voyage.

We were mistaken.

Reaching a fork in the road, we stopped to ask for directions. An older gentleman walking with his cow was very polite and assured us the place we were looking for was very close by.

Following his directions, we travelled for what felt like an hour. We hadn’t missed any turns because there weren’t any, apart from the occasional curve in the road.

“How close is close?” I finally asked, beginning to worry we were lost.

“I was thinking the same thing,” Brad replied. “Let’s ask someone else.”

We continued on until we spotted another person. The young man we encountered was equally friendly and helpful.

“Yes, I know the place,” he said. “But eish, it is very far.”

We thanked him and carried on, now more confused than ever. The first man said it was close, the second said it was far. Who was right? More importantly — where were we?

We decided to start asking everyone we saw. Surely someone would know this place and be able to give us proper directions. Yet every answer was some variation of either “close” or “far,” without any actual indication of distance.

After hours of following the directions of countless strangers, both of us exhausted and ready to abandon the quest entirely, we spotted another young man walking along the side of the road. We figured one more attempt couldn’t hurt.

“Eish brothers,” he said after we explained where we were trying to go. “You are on the right road, but you are going the wrong way. You need to turn around.”

He smiled and walked off.

“No!” Brad snapped. “Absolutely not! We have been on this road for three hours. There is NO way I am turning around and going back the way we came. I don’t care — I’m staying on this road and I am NOT turning around!”

More confused than ever, I was still more inclined to trust Brad’s judgement than anyone else we had encountered that day.

So we continued on, steam practically rising from our collars in frustration at the runaround we had received.

Then we saw it.

Not a hundred metres away from our last “guide.”

“Is that it?” I asked, almost unsure whether I was seeing a mirage.

“You have got to be kidding me,” Brad groaned, though there was obvious relief in his voice as we finally pulled up to the building.

He went inside while I got out to stretch my legs.

Minutes later, he returned and we jumped back into the van.

Now we faced our newest dilemma — which way should we go home?

After a few minutes of discussion, we decided not to go back the way we came. Instead, we continued along the road we had arrived on, heading in the same direction and silently hoping this would not become another endless adventure.

Much to both our delight and exasperation, within two minutes we rejoined the highway and were on our way home.

The best part came just before we turned onto the highway. We noticed a map on the roadside highlighting the path we had travelled. The road was one giant circle. If we had gone the other way from the start, we would have reached our destination in minutes.

We laughed about it all the way home.

But to this day, I am grateful we went the wrong way, because even now, that remains one of my favourite memories — simply because it was spent with someone who meant the world to me.

Photo courtesy of the United Conservative Party of Alberta / Tara Sawyer MLA

Alberta’s crop sector is welcoming a familiar face to the province’s agriculture leadership following a cabinet shuffle announced by Premier Danielle Smith on May 21.

Alberta Grains congratulated Tara Sawyer on her appointment as Alberta’s new minister of agriculture and irrigation, citing her extensive experience within the grain industry and her understanding of the challenges facing producers across the province.

Sawyer brings a strong agricultural background to the role, including serving as past chair of Alberta Grains and advocating on behalf of farmers throughout the grain value chain.

“We congratulate Minister Sawyer on her appointment and look forward to continuing to work together to support Alberta farmers and strengthen the province’s agriculture sector,” said Alberta Grains Chair Scott Jespersen in a statement released Thursday.

Jespersen added that Sawyer’s experience as both a farmer and industry leader will provide valuable perspective at a critical time for Alberta agriculture, as producers continue to navigate issues tied to global markets, competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

The organization also thanked outgoing agriculture minister RJ Sigurdson for his work with Alberta’s crop sector during his tenure.

“Minister Sigurdson has been a strong supporter of Alberta agriculture and we appreciate his willingness to engage with farmers and agricultural organizations on issues that matter to our industry,” Jespersen said.

Sigurdson now moves into the role of minister of affordability and utilities as part of the cabinet changes.

Looking ahead, Alberta Grains says it plans to continue working with both Sawyer and the provincial government on priorities important to wheat and barley producers, including market access, research investment and policies aimed at strengthening the profitability and long-term viability of farming operations across Alberta.

Alberta Grains is a farmer-directed, not-for-profit organization representing Alberta’s wheat and barley farmers through research, advocacy and extension initiatives designed to support the sustainability and profitability of the grain industry. For more information about Alberta Grains, visit their website at www.albertagrains.com.

Information for this article was sourced from Alberta Grains.