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Alberta’s government is investing $10 million over the next three years into a new initiative aimed at improving patient care and modernizing the province’s health system through artificial intelligence technology.

The funding will support the newly created Health Innovation Lab, an initiative being delivered through the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). The program is expected to support up to 12 projects annually focused on developing AI-powered tools and data-driven health solutions designed to improve patient outcomes and increase efficiency across the health care system.

According to the province, the initiative will focus on accelerating technologies that can help reduce wait times, expand health care capacity, improve diagnostics and strengthen treatment options for Albertans.

Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish said Alberta is uniquely positioned to combine leading AI expertise with medical innovation.

“Alberta has an enormous opportunity to bring together world-class medical innovators with the world-leading AI expertise at Amii,” Glubish said. “Together, they can develop new technologies that reduce wait times, expand the capacity of our health care system, and deliver new therapies, diagnostics and treatments that save lives and strengthen care for Albertans.”

Projects funded through the Health Innovation Lab will be selected through proposal submissions to Amii, with challenge calls aligned to provincial health-care priorities identified by the Alberta government.

Amii CEO Cam Linke said the program will help move Alberta-made AI research into real-world clinical use.

“Through the Health Innovation Lab, Amii is bridging excellence in research with excellence in care,” Linke said. “By translating our world-leading AI into clinical tools, we are empowering clinicians and patients to achieve an outsized impact.”

The Alberta government says its health-care system will serve as the first testing ground for these technologies, with hopes the innovations could eventually be adopted internationally, creating additional economic opportunities for the province.

The initiative is being delivered in collaboration with Alberta’s Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services and the Ministry of Hospital and Surgical Health Services. Officials say the program will include safeguards to ensure secure access to health data and compliance with Alberta privacy legislation.

Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services Matt Jones emphasized the importance of reliable data in strengthening health-care decisions.

“Clear, reliable data is essential to informed decision-making in the health care system, and this project delivers exactly that,” Jones said.

Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services Adriana LaGrange added that responsible AI investment will help prepare Alberta for the future of health care.

“By investing in innovation and the responsible use of AI, we can strengthen our health system and ensure Alberta is ready to lead in the next generation of health care,” LaGrange said.

The province says the investment further strengthens Alberta’s growing reputation as a leader in artificial intelligence research, application and commercialization.

Quick Facts

• Alberta is investing $10 million into the Health Innovation Lab over the next three years.
• The initiative is expected to support up to 12 AI-focused health projects annually.
• Projects will focus on developing, scaling and commercializing AI-enabled health solutions.
• Alberta’s government says project selection will align with provincial health system priorities.

To learn more about Amii, visit www.amii.ca.

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

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Alberta’s government is investing $21 million into a new initiative aimed at helping local companies expand into Canada’s growing defence industry while creating jobs and driving long-term economic growth across the province.

The new program, known as the Dual-Use Ecosystem for Future Engineering, National Defence and Sovereignty (DEFENDS), will be led by the University of Alberta and is designed to connect Alberta businesses, post-secondary institutions and the Canadian Armed Forces to speed up the development and certification of defence technologies.

According to the province, many Alberta companies already produce advanced technologies for sectors such as energy, environmental monitoring and construction. Through DEFENDS, those businesses will be able to adapt existing products for defence applications without having to rebuild operations from scratch.

Alberta Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish said the initiative will help open new opportunities for local manufacturers and innovators.

“Alberta companies already build some of the best technology in the country, they just haven't had a streamlined path into defence markets,” Glubish said in a statement.

The initiative will make use of several advanced research facilities already operating at the University of Alberta, including the Centre for Applied Research in Defence and Dual-Use Technologies, nanoFAB, and one of only two North Atlantic Treaty Organization Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Test Centres located at a Canadian university.

Three new secure facilities will also be constructed as part of the project. The facilities are expected to support advanced manufacturing testing, microchip and communications development, and radar and wireless technology evaluation.

Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Schow said the province is well positioned to become a major player in Canada’s defence industry.

“With access to talent, technology, and land, DEFENDS will help companies become even more competitive options for defence-related investment,” Schow said.

The project will also involve several Alberta post-secondary institutions, including the University of Calgary, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, alongside rural college networks across the province.

Officials say the program is expected to support more than 8,000 jobs over the next decade, assist more than 200 Alberta companies and generate more than $7 billion in gross domestic product growth.

The province noted that Alberta is already home to key military and research sites including Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, 4 Wing Cold Lake and Defence Research and Development Canada Suffield, positioning Alberta as a strategic hub for future defence innovation and aerospace development.

To view the news conference, visit the following link www.youtube.com/live/cQpT6QTKDZE.

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

The proud new parents with their fur babies

Like many, I have been eagerly awaiting this day. I thought I would be excited, but to be honest, my vocabulary is not nearly extensive enough to capture what I feel right now.

After several months of waiting, our little miracle has finally arrived safe and sound, and Momma Bear is healthy as well.

To Keanan and Onay—thank you for allowing us to share in this magical moment and for bringing a new ray of light into our world. I am certain in my heart that you will be amazing parents.

Keanan, every time I see you, you remind me more and more of your father, a man I still look to for guidance to this day. For me and so many others, he was a rock—the one you could turn to when “it” hit the fan.

Having watched you grow up and become a man, having had the honour of attending your wedding, and then hearing the news that you were expecting, I found myself overwhelmed as memories played back through time.

I am certain that as you step into fatherhood, you will meet it with the same zeal and energy that will carry you to excel naturally.

Onay, from the moment Keanan first introduced you to the family, it was clear he had made a beautiful choice. It has been a privilege watching your relationship grow, and now, as you enter this new chapter, I know in my heart you will be an incredible mother. Your loving and caring nature shines through in the way you treat everyone around you.

Together, you are a powerhouse—truly a match made of strength and grace—and the perfect parents to raise your wonderful child. Grounded in Christ and building a home rooted in Godly values, I have no doubt your child will grow surrounded by love, guidance, and purpose.

To my dear little one—you bring so many firsts. You are Mum and Dad’s first great-grandchild, the first grandchild on both sides of the family, and the first niece for many others. Not to mention, you’ve made me a granddad at 42. (I already got my rocking chair, pipe and suspenders picked out!)

My point is simple: you bring renewed hope into all of our lives. We look forward to the treasured memories we will create and the magical moments we will share.

Today and always, I am grateful to be blessed with you in my life. And one day, when you are able to read this, I hope you come across it and know that you have been loved deeply from the very beginning—and always will be.

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Not every getaway requires plane tickets, expensive hotels or weeks of planning. Increasingly, people are discovering the value of “mini escapes” — small breaks from routine that help recharge the mind without travelling far from home.

In a time when many families are carefully watching expenses, the idea of a quick local adventure has become more appealing than ever. A drive along the coast, an afternoon at the beach, a picnic in the park or even visiting a nearby town for the day can provide the same refreshing feeling as a larger vacation.

The beauty of mini escapes lies in their simplicity. They remind people that a change of scenery does not always have to come with a hefty price tag. Sometimes all it takes is stepping away from daily routines for a few hours to return feeling refreshed and re-energized.

Many people have become so focused on work, responsibilities and schedules that they forget how important it is to occasionally pause and enjoy life. Even short breaks can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. Mental health professionals often point out that rest is not a luxury — it is an important part of maintaining balance.

Mini escapes can also help people rediscover places they may have overlooked for years. Local beaches, hiking trails, markets, museums and small cafés often hold hidden charm that gets ignored simply because they are close to home. Tourists frequently appreciate attractions locals barely notice anymore.

Families are also embracing the concept as a way to spend meaningful time together without major expenses. A simple outing can create lasting memories, especially for children who often value time and attention more than extravagant experiences.

Technology has played a surprising role in the popularity of mini escapes as well. After spending long hours connected to screens, many people are craving opportunities to unplug and experience the real world again. Whether it is sitting beside the ocean, watching a sunset or enjoying a quiet meal outdoors, these moments offer a chance to slow down and reconnect.

There is also growing appreciation for spontaneity. Unlike large vacations that require months of preparation, mini escapes can happen almost anytime. A free Saturday afternoon or a sunny morning may be all the invitation needed.

Of course, not every escape needs to involve travel at all. Some people create mini escapes right at home by dedicating time to relaxation, hobbies or simply enjoying a peaceful evening away from the pressures of daily life.

In the end, mini escapes serve as a reminder that joy does not always require grand plans or distant destinations. Sometimes, the best way to recharge is simply to step away from routine for a little while and appreciate the world that already surrounds us.

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Most of us, at one point or another, have faced the gnawing feeling that maybe we are not good enough. Well-thought-out plans to write a book, start a business, or undertake a new project sometimes get crushed long before they are given a chance to gain momentum. Much of this is the result of self-doubt. Often, if we were to follow through and push past the initial hiccups, we would find the drive to continue building on our ideas and ambitions.

But what is self-doubt? Where does it come from, and how can we reduce its effects in our lives? While these may seem like simple questions, the answers are often different from person to person. We all have things about ourselves that we are self-conscious about — something we feel disqualifies us from reaching the goals we aspire to. However, these limitations are often largely imagined, and determination becomes the key to moving beyond what we believe is impossible toward what we can achieve with confidence.

One inspiring example that comes to mind is Walt Disney. What many people do not know is that Walt was once fired from a newspaper job because an editor believed he lacked imagination. Yet that same man would go on to create some of the most beloved characters and stories in history.

Similarly, Bill Gates was largely dismissed when he first introduced the idea behind Windows. There are countless examples of people who faced moments that could have broken them down, but instead chose to believe in themselves and their vision.

Things You Can Do to Help Silence the Negative Voices

• Take time to reflect on your goal:

Whatever your goal may be, it is important to keep it in the foreground of your mind. This way, even when setbacks arise, you remain focused on where you want to go rather than becoming discouraged by temporary obstacles.

• Break the goal down into stages:

Sometimes dreams feel overwhelming because they appear insurmountable. Running a marathon can seem impossible, but jogging around the block is achievable. You do not have to accomplish everything at once. Simply starting — and remaining consistent — can amount to tremendous progress over time. As the saying goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

• Celebrate the small victories:

Every achievement, even those that may seem small or insignificant, can be a sign of growth and should be appreciated. If someone is working on a novel and suddenly faces writer’s block or moments of doubt, reflecting on the progress already made can provide encouragement and renewed motivation to continue.

Self-doubt is something most — if not all — of us face regularly. But the truth is that we have always been enough, and much of what we need to accomplish our goals already exists within us. Deep inside each of us is an unquenchable fire and a tenacity that reminds us that we are capable of far more than we often believe. When we learn to trust ourselves and keep moving forward, even in uncertainty, incredible things can happen.

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Alberta’s government has reinstated the emergency use of two per cent liquid strychnine in parts of the province as an additional tool to help producers manage Richardson’s ground squirrel populations while emphasizing strict environmental stewardship and safety measures.

The emergency approval, granted by the federal Pesticides Regulatory Directorate in partnership with Alberta and Saskatchewan, allows producers in 49 municipalities to use the rodenticide until November 1, 2027. The product will not be permitted in urban areas or on acreages.

Provincial officials say the reinstatement is aimed at helping producers protect livestock, pastureland and agricultural livelihoods from damage caused by ground squirrel infestations, while balancing concerns surrounding wildlife, pets and species at risk.

Under the new stewardship program, producers are encouraged to first adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies before turning to strychnine use. Recommended methods include encouraging natural predators such as coyotes, weasels and badgers, maintaining taller pasture vegetation to discourage settlement, and using trapping or hunting where practical.

Government guidelines state that strychnine should only be considered when other management approaches have proven ineffective. Producers using the product will be required to follow strict application procedures designed to reduce risks to non-target wildlife, particularly birds of prey and scavengers.

The province also confirmed that the product is not yet available in Alberta, although an initial shipment is expected by late May or early June in limited quantities, with additional supplies anticipated throughout the summer.

Distribution will be tightly controlled through agricultural fieldmen in approved municipalities. Producers wishing to use the rodenticide must first complete mandatory training, currently offered through the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities until August 1.

Additional requirements for producers include submitting an infestation declaration form, demonstrating existing pest management efforts, providing a treatment plan, monitoring treated areas and properly disposing of carcasses, bait and unused product.

Warning signage must also be posted in treated areas to alert neighbouring landowners and land users.

Officials warned that misuse of two per cent liquid strychnine could lead to enforcement action and fines under provincial and federal legislation, including Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, the Wildlife Act, and the federal Pest Control Products Act.

Albertans are also encouraged to report suspected misuse, improper handling or environmental impacts linked to pesticide use through Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.

More information regarding Richardson’s ground squirrel control and stewardship requirements is available through Alberta’s agricultural resources.

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

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Albertans now have the opportunity to recognize the everyday heroes helping keep communities safe across the province as nominations officially open for the 2026 Alberta Community Justice Awards.

Held every two years, the awards celebrate individuals, teams and organizations making meaningful contributions to public safety, crime prevention, victim support and community resilience. From police officers and lawyers to volunteers and victim advocates, the program highlights those working behind the scenes to strengthen Alberta communities.

This year’s awards program has expanded to include new categories focused on offender rehabilitation and emergency preparedness, recognizing the many ways Albertans contribute to safer and stronger communities.

Award recipients will be honoured this fall during a ceremony in Lethbridge co-hosted by Alberta’s government, the Lethbridge Police Service and the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce.

Mike Ellis said the awards are intended to shine a light on those whose efforts often go unnoticed.

“Many people do heroic things quietly and without recognition, and the Alberta Community Justice Awards are a way to show them how much they’re appreciated. Through these awards, the government celebrates the everyday leadership of those who make extraordinary contributions to community justice, public safety and emergency management.”

Mickey Amery emphasized the importance of collaboration in building safer communities.

“Safe communities are built through collaboration, cooperation and commitment to serving others. These awards highlight the incredible work being done across the province to prevent and address crime, and to strengthen trust in the system by ensuring Albertans have access to timely and effective justice, which is a government priority.”

The 2026 Alberta Community Justice Awards will feature five nomination categories:

• Enhancing Access to Justice Award – recognizing individuals who help make the justice system easier to access and understand.
• Representing and Assisting Victims Award – honouring those who provide compassionate support and advocacy for victims of crime.
• Responding to and Preventing Crime and Violence Award – celebrating initiatives aimed at reducing crime and violence through community partnerships and prevention strategies.
• Advancing Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration Award – highlighting programs that support accountability, healing and safe reintegration into society.
• Supporting Disaster Readiness and Community Resilience Award – recognizing efforts that help communities prepare for and recover from emergencies and disasters.

Albertans can nominate an individual, team or organization by completing a nomination form and submitting it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before noon on June 30.

For more information about Alberta Community Justice Awards, visit the Government of Alberta website at www.alberta.ca/alberta-community-justice-awards.

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

(Image sourced from BCRC)

Canadian beef producers heading into breeding season are being encouraged to take a closer look at calving distribution and how tightening calving windows could significantly improve herd performance and profitability.

According to the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), decisions made during breeding season — including when bulls are turned out or removed from pasture — can directly impact next year’s calving season, calf crop uniformity and overall returns.

Calving distribution refers to the percentage of calves born during each 21-day cycle throughout the calving season. Industry targets suggest that at least 60 per cent of females should calve within the first 21 days, followed by 25 per cent in the second cycle, 10 per cent in the third and five per cent in the final cycle. An even more condensed and efficient target is considered to be a 70-20-10 distribution over a 63-day breeding season.

Research continues to show that calves born earlier in the calving season offer major advantages. The BCRC notes that each missed 21-day heat cycle can cost approximately 39 pounds of weaning weight, assuming calves gain an average of 1.85 pounds per day.

Earlier-born calves not only wean heavier, but also tend to produce higher-value carcasses. Producers also benefit from being able to market larger and more uniform groups of calves.

Data from the 2022–23 Canadian Cow-Calf Survey found that the national calving distribution for cows currently sits near the industry benchmark at 58-26-10-5, with fewer than five per cent of females calving after 63 days.

Long-term research from the Western Beef Development Centre further highlighted the benefits of early calving females. A 16-year study found that heifers calving earlier demonstrated better pregnancy rates, remained in the herd longer and produced an additional calf over their lifetime compared to later-calving females.

The BCRC has also updated its Value of Calving Distribution Calculator, allowing producers to compare their current herd performance against industry targets and estimate the potential financial impact of improving calving distribution.

According to the calculator, increasing the percentage of calves born in the first cycle from 58 per cent to 60 per cent could improve returns by approximately $453. Achieving the ideal 70 per cent first-cycle calving target could increase returns by nearly $5,000.

The organization says producers hoping to improve next year’s calving distribution should begin evaluating their current breeding management practices now and determine what adjustments may be necessary during the upcoming breeding season.

For more information and access to the calculator, visit Beef Cattle Research Council website at www.beefresearch.ca/blog/improve-profitability-with-a-shorter-calving-season/.

Information for this article was sourced from the Beef Cattle Research Council, to find out more about them, visit their website at www.beefresearch.ca.

Aaron (one of my nephews), one of the puppies and I pose outside the dining room at the old home - (Photo by Ian or Tatum Paterson)

Life is truly a beautiful gift bestowed upon us by God. Every day is a chance to smell the flowers, hug a loved one, write a poem, or try something new. However, it is easy to become trapped in the mundane routines of daily life and forget that. In those moments, we are often given a humbling reminder that we are mortal and only here for a short time, and as such, we should make every moment count.

May 14, 2017, was a very special day — Mother’s Day. For me, it started like any other, with a few exceptions. At the time, I was managing the Control Room for the security company I worked for. Around 6 a.m., I received a call from my night shift controller informing me that the employee meant to relieve him for the day shift had not arrived, and handover was scheduled for 6.

As any manager knows, that usually means you are suddenly in the driver’s seat until you can find a replacement — which, on a holiday, can feel like trying to find a penguin in a sandstorm.

It wasn’t too big a deal. Mum would be at church for the morning and already had lunch plans afterward. I was living with her at the time and knew I would see her later in the day. Hurriedly getting ready, I arrived at the office within the hour. I figured I could catch up on some paperwork and check whether any systems required maintenance so I could arrange the technician’s schedule for the upcoming week.

Like always, minutes turned into hours. At one point, the night shift controller returned — three hours early for his shift. He thanked me profusely and said he appreciated me coming in on my day off to relieve him. I was grateful that I still had most of the day ahead of me.

Once I got home, I spent some time with my puppies and set up Mum’s gift on the dining room table so she would see it as soon as she walked in. After that, the pups and I settled into our normal Sunday afternoon routine — a nap. We curled up together and drifted off to sleep.

Not long afterward, I woke up with a pain in my neck. Thinking I must have slept awkwardly, I tried massaging it, but it did not help. I lay back down and tried to sleep again, but I couldn’t.

About an hour later, Mum got home, and I could hear the joy in her voice when she saw the flowers. I came out to greet her and mentioned that my neck was sore, but assured her I was fine.

As fate would have it, she happened to be with a family member who was a paramedic. Calmly and quietly, they told Mum that I needed to get to a hospital immediately because I was having a heart attack.

I laughed.

Sure, I smoked, but I trained regularly, was in decent shape, and lived an active lifestyle. Mothers being what they are naturally begin to worry, so I reassured her that I had probably just slept funny and that maybe a hot shower would loosen the muscles.

Two hours later, after much arguing, I finally conceded and agreed to go to the hospital — if only to prove everyone was worried over nothing. They decided to take me to Kingsway Hospital in Amanzimtoti, about twenty minutes away.

When we arrived, Mum explained my symptoms to the attending nurse, who immediately began checking my vitals. She said something quietly to Mum before injecting medication into my abdomen. Then, very calmly, she looked at me and said:

“Mr. Rajoo, you are having a massive heart attack. I have administered a strong anticoagulant which should help remove the occlusion, but we have an ambulance en route to transfer you to Westville Hospital, as they are better equipped.”

I furrowed my brow and replied sheepishly, “No I’m not.”

“Yes, sir, you are,” she said firmly but compassionately. “And you need immediate medical attention.”

Before she had even finished speaking, the paramedics arrived. Within minutes, I was in the ambulance racing toward the hospital.

I tried to process what was happening, but mostly I was in shock. I remember wondering, “Is this how it ends?”

That night there was an intense thunderstorm. Blinding flashes of lightning illuminated the sky with every strike, almost as though the world itself was saying, “Hold on, son. This isn’t the end of your story.”

What felt like mere minutes probably took much longer, but everyone moved with unbelievable urgency. By the time we arrived at the hospital, they were already expecting me and attended to me immediately.

That is when I passed out.

I do not remember much of the next hour. When I finally woke up, I was lying in a hospital bed wearing a gown, connected to an IV, trying to piece together the events that had led me there.

Standing beside me was my big sister, tears filling her eyes. The moment she saw I was awake, she let out a sigh of relief.

The storm I mentioned earlier had affected the entire area, including the town where my sister lived. Despite the heavy rain and strong winds, my brother-in-law insisted on bringing her to see me.

Niri hugged me tightly, paying little attention to the various machines and wires attached to me, simply overwhelmed with relief that I was conscious. I looked over at my brother-in-law and, with a slight smile, said:

“I’m really sorry we had to meet under these circumstances.”

The entire room burst into laughter, and I could almost see the weight lift off my sister’s shoulders. She was probably thinking, “Yep, he’s okay. Back to his nonsense.”

Over the following days, I was visited by countless family members and friends, all expressing their love and support and assuring me that they would keep me in their prayers.

A few weeks later, I was finally allowed to return home. The damage caused by the heart attack would be permanent, and no one could confidently say how much time I had left.

As my cardiologist explained, because of the delay in receiving medical attention, there were parts of my heart that would never fully recover. Still, that did not mean I could not live a relatively normal life.

I have said many times to anyone willing to listen that my gratitude toward everyone involved knows no bounds. From Mum, to the family member who rushed us to the hospital, to the nurse who first attended to me, the staff at Westville Hospital, and my cardiologist — they were angels on earth and the reason I am still here today.

Recovery was not always easy. There were moments when I genuinely thought, “This could be it.”

But as time passed, my perspective began to change.

I became less concerned with how much time I had left and more focused on treating each day as the gift it truly is. I began appreciating life differently — showing love more freely to family and friends, seeing beauty in everything from the smallest pebble to the greatest mountain, and feeling a deeper interconnectedness with all living things.

Now, nine years later, I barely recognize the person I used to be, but I am deeply grateful for the person I have become.

I cherish every day I have been blessed with since then — watching my nephews grow up, spending countless hours with my sisters, and becoming even closer to Mum and Dad. It did not happen overnight, but that fateful day became the greatest catalyst for my personal growth.

Today, I focus on doing my best to serve God and live a life pleasing to Him while loving and serving the people around me, recognizing the presence of my Lord within them all.

So today, and every day I am granted, I will continue to sing the Lord’s praises, love and serve others, and cherish this beautiful gift called life until the day I return to my place at the feet of the Lord.

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The latest Brosseau Cash Raffle draw has officially been completed, with another group of lucky winners taking home prizes as community support for the fundraiser continues strong.

The raffle has become a well-supported local initiative, bringing residents together while helping support ongoing community efforts. Organizers once again extended their appreciation to everyone who purchased tickets and contributed to the success of the draw.

The updated list of winners is as follows:

Congratulations to all of this month’s winners, and thank you once again to everyone who continues to support the Brosseau Cash Raffle. Community initiatives like these are only possible because of the continued generosity and participation of local residents. Organizers encourage supporters to stay tuned for future draws and upcoming announcements.