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Albertans with disabilities will soon see one of the most significant changes to provincial support services in decades as the Alberta government prepares to launch the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) this July.

The program, announced as part of Budget 2026, is designed to provide enhanced financial, employment, health and personal supports to Albertans with severe disabilities who are able to work, while the existing Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program will continue supporting those unable to participate in the workforce.

Current AISH recipients are expected to begin receiving letters this month outlining whether they will remain on AISH, transition to ADAP, or be affected by upcoming regulatory changes.

According to the province, approximately 50,000 Albertans are expected to transition into the new ADAP system, while roughly 30,000 current AISH clients will remain under the existing program automatically. Those automatically remaining on AISH include Albertans with severe developmental disabilities, individuals receiving palliative care, residents of continuing care homes and individuals aged 60 or older.

Provincial officials say the new system was created after more than a year of consultations involving medical professionals, disability advocates, service providers, families and Albertans living with disabilities. Public engagement included surveys, tele-townhalls, written submissions and meetings with advocacy organizations across the province.

A central focus of ADAP is reducing barriers to employment without penalizing recipients for seeking work opportunities. The program’s core financial benefit will be set at $1,740 per month, while former AISH recipients transitioning into ADAP will receive an additional $200 monthly transition benefit until the end of 2027, ensuring their payments remain at existing AISH levels during the adjustment period.

The province says ADAP recipients will be allowed to earn up to $700 per month before benefits begin to decrease. Even beyond that threshold, deductions will be gradual, beginning at less than one cent reduced for every additional dollar earned. Officials state recipients may earn more than $45,000 annually while still maintaining eligibility for financial assistance — a threshold the government describes as the highest employment income exemption among comparable disability assistance programs in Canada.

Importantly, health benefits under ADAP will continue regardless of employment income, a move advocates have long argued is essential in encouraging workforce participation without fear of losing critical medical coverage.

Additional changes also include expanded exemptions for spousal pension income and updated child benefits designed to better align with other federal and provincial child-related supports, including the Canada Child Benefit. The government estimates approximately 7,000 families receiving disability assistance will see increased child benefits under the revised structure.

Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services Jason Nixon described the launch as a major step forward for disability supports in Alberta.

“We made a promise to Albertans to improve supports for persons with disabilities, and with the launch of ADAP, we’re delivering on that promise,” Nixon said in a statement. “To the thousands of Albertans with disabilities who have been overlooked for decades and will finally be able to receive the support they need from ADAP – we see you, we hear you, and help is coming this July.”

The province has also announced it will cover the cost of one medical reassessment for current AISH clients who transition to ADAP and later request reassessment for AISH eligibility.

Albertans seeking more information, including access to an online benefits calculator, can visit the provincial government’s ADAP information portal. For more information about the Alberta Disability Assistance Program, visit the Goverment of Alberta website at www.alberta.ca/alberta-disability-assistance-program.

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

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As communities across the country mark National Police Week from May 10 to 16, Alberta officials are recognizing the dedication and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and support staff who work to keep communities safe every day.

In a statement released Sunday, Alberta Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis highlighted the importance of this year’s theme, Committed to Service Together, emphasizing the relationship between policing and public trust.

“National Police Week is an opportunity to recognize the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of the women and men who serve in law enforcement across Canada,” Ellis said. “Every day, police officers protect our communities, support victims and help keep Albertans safe, often without recognition but with an impact felt in every corner of our province.”

Ellis noted that policing remains one of the most demanding professions in the country, with officers regularly stepping into unpredictable and dangerous situations in service of the public.

The minister also stressed that effective policing depends heavily on trust between communities and law enforcement agencies. According to Ellis, when residents report concerns or seek assistance, it reflects confidence that officers will respond professionally and compassionately — a relationship he says plays an important role in preventing crime before situations escalate.

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety, Alberta’s government says it is continuing to invest in policing resources and infrastructure through Budget 2026.

Among the initiatives announced is more than $36 million toward launching the Alberta Sheriff Police Service, aimed at complementing existing law enforcement agencies and helping address increasingly complex criminal activity throughout the province.

The provincial government also announced nearly $9 million in funding to establish a provincial DNA forensic laboratory. Officials say the investment will help investigators solve crimes more efficiently while providing victims and families with faster answers and greater certainty.

In addition to frontline officers, Ellis acknowledged the work of dispatchers, forensic specialists, analysts and other professionals who support investigations and public safety efforts behind the scenes.

“Public safety depends on the dedication of those serving on the front lines and behind the scenes every day,” Ellis said.

National Police Week serves as both a recognition of service and a reminder of the challenges faced daily by law enforcement personnel across Alberta and Canada.

Residents are encouraged to show their appreciation throughout the week by thanking officers and support staff in their communities or by participating online using the hashtag #NationalPoliceWeek.

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

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We all experience it — being pulled in several directions all at once. Our phones constantly announce notifications, reminding us of emails that need responses and messages waiting for replies. Parents balance school schedules, extracurricular activities, and the pressure to perform at work. Beyond that, many of us juggle passion projects, friendships, and commitments to extended family.

Quite often, it feels like there simply are not enough hours in a day, and a few extra ones would go a long way.

Unfortunately, until some genius invents a way to manipulate time, we are left trying to balance all our responsibilities while still finding adequate rest. Too often, a lack of that much-needed downtime leads to burnout.

Burnout rarely arrives all at once. More often, it settles quietly into our lives, disguised as tiredness, irritability, or the growing feeling that even the things we love have started to feel heavy.

Burnout can manifest in many different ways. For some, it means emotionally shutting down. For others, it may look like frustration, exhaustion, lack of motivation, or even a complete breakdown after carrying too much for too long. The important thing is remaining in touch with our emotions and recognizing when it is time to step away, breathe, and regroup.

While it may seem counterintuitive, taking time away from a project or task can actually improve productivity and reduce the time needed to complete it effectively. Studies have shown that prolonged stress impacts our decision-making abilities, reduces focus, and even slows reaction times. In some situations — such as operating a vehicle or performing tasks that require full attention — this can become especially dangerous.

There are simple ways to help prevent burnout before it takes hold:

• Take time apart. Step outside, disconnect for a few minutes, and give your mind a chance to reset. Even a short five-minute break can bring renewed clarity.
• Organize your responsibilities realistically. Make a list of the things demanding your attention and structure them in a way that works for your schedule without overloading yourself. Remember: you are not a machine. Proper rest, meals, and downtime are essential to functioning well.
• Talk to others. Burnout often makes us feel isolated, as though we are carrying the weight of everything alone. In reality, many people around us are facing similar struggles. Reaching out to someone can provide support, perspective, and sometimes immense relief simply by sharing what you are feeling.

Rest is not a reward for reaching the breaking point. It is part of staying whole.

Burnout is real, and no one is immune to it. The key to avoiding it lies in managing stress levels, recognizing our limits, and giving ourselves the compassion and patience we so freely offer others.

Mum with 3 out of 5 kids

I had this planned out perfectly before today. I knew every word I was going to say. But now I stare at the blank page, struggling to find the words as my eyes overflow with tears of gratitude.

For years, I struggled to put into words everything I felt in my heart but failed to articulate. At forty-two, I can finally say I’ve found my voice, in a manner of speaking, and can begin to express — however incompletely — the impact my mother has had on my life.

From my earliest memories, Mom was a titan of a woman. Despite working full-time and managing a busy home, she still somehow made time for family and friends. The truth is, Mum has no “OFF-switch.”

Even when I was only two weeks old, she returned to work, walked home during her lunch break to feed me, then hurried back to finish the day. How she balanced a career while raising five rambunctious children — each with their own quirks and needs — is beyond me. Though, if I’m being honest, I may very well have been the most difficult of the bunch.

Even through the toughest seasons of life, she showed a tenacity that still drives me to this day. Whenever I feel like giving up, or that nothing I do is working, I remember the countless times my mother faced setbacks and hardships but never allowed them to sway her sense of duty to her children or to God.

Even now, if any one of us were to tell her we were sick or needed help, she would immediately drop whatever she was doing. On one side, she’d be running diagnostics and making sure we were seeing a doctor and taking the proper medication. On the other, she’d already have worship music or Bible verses playing as she prayed over us at the same time.

Today, as I write this, I live practically next door to Mum. When I was young, I told her I would always stay by her side well into my old age. She laughed and said she hoped I was wrong, but today it feels like one of the greatest blessings of my life to be able to run next door and smell Mum’s cooking in the kitchen.

(Yes, I am a giant man-child… although “giant” may be a slight exaggeration.)

But “Mother” encompasses so much more to me than even my own mother, whom I love beyond description.

Many times throughout my life, I was far from Mum — whether living in Canada with Dad or elsewhere. Yet somehow, in those moments, there were always mother figures who stepped in to fill that space. They welcomed me as one of their own children and made sure I was safe, fed, and loved.

From aunties to the mothers of friends (not to mention an overprotective big sister), both here and in Canada, I was never far from the loving embrace of a mother.

We all love our mothers, but one day is not enough to show them what they truly mean to us.

For the first nine months of our lives, our entire world existed within her very body. She ate for us, breathed for us, and shielded us from harm long before we could do any of those things for ourselves.

Even before we took our first awkward steps, she was our first chauffeur — carrying us from place to place, sometimes while we were completely unconscious, giving us the strange childhood feeling of teleportation. Waking up at home wondering, “Wait… how did I get here?”

For all that you do, mothers, I pray that if I have ever done anything worthy of merit, that you would be blessed in my stead. Because without your indescribable sacrifices, I would not be here.

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As Alberta’s population continues to grow at a record pace, the provincial government is encouraging residents to complete the 2026 Census of Population to help ensure the province receives its fair share of federal funding.

The census, which runs from May 4 to May 12, is conducted every five years by Statistics Canada and plays a major role in determining how federal transfer funding is distributed across the country.

According to the province, Alberta’s population surpassed five million people in mid-2025, marking one of the fastest periods of growth in the province’s history. Officials say that growth has increased pressure on key services including health care, education, social programs, housing and infrastructure.

Because many federal funding formulas are based on population, Alberta’s government says an accurate census count is essential to ensuring the province receives funding that reflects its rapidly growing population.

“Census participation is about more than numbers — it’s about fairness, representation and ensuring Alberta’s growth is fully recognized and supported,” said Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, in a statement.

Since the last census in 2021, Alberta’s population has increased by nearly 750,000 people. In 2023 alone, the province added more than 200,000 residents — the largest single-year increase since 1972.

The province noted that census information is used by governments, Indigenous communities, businesses and industry organizations to plan for future growth and investment. Data collected through the census also helps guide decisions on schools, hospitals, seniors housing, highways and emergency response planning for events such as wildfires, droughts and floods.

Alberta is projected to receive approximately $9.2 billion in combined Canada Health Transfer and Canada Social Transfer funding during the 2026–27 fiscal year, which works out to roughly $1,792 per Albertan.

Households should already have received census letters in the mail containing secure access codes. Residents can complete the census online or by mail, and Statistics Canada says all responses will remain strictly confidential.

Under federal law, all households in Canada are required to complete the Census of Population questionnaire.

For more information, residents can visit the official census website at www.census.gc.ca.

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

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Canada’s federal government says it is focused on building a stronger, more resilient economy as it navigates growing global uncertainty, according to the newly released Spring Economic Update 2026.

The update outlines Ottawa’s plan to strengthen Canada’s economic future through infrastructure investment, trade diversification, housing construction, workforce development and affordability measures aimed at helping Canadians manage rising living costs.

Government officials say the plan is designed to focus on areas within Canada’s control during a period marked by geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions and trade pressures abroad.

“Our focus is clear and disciplined,” the update states. “We are concentrating on what we can control: maintaining fiscal sustainability while making targeted, high-impact investments for Canadians.”

Among the government’s highlighted achievements over the past year are 15 nation-building projects expected to support more than 60,000 jobs and generate over $125 billion in new investment. The government also pointed to new investments tied to critical minerals, defence manufacturing, housing development and transportation infrastructure.

The federal government says Canada continues to maintain one of the strongest fiscal positions in the G7, while also attracting significant international investment. According to the update, Canada secured $97 billion in foreign investment and more than 20 new economic and defence partnerships across four continents over the past year.

The report also emphasizes Canada’s expanding trade network and efforts to reduce reliance on the United States by opening new international markets. Canada currently has free trade agreements covering 51 countries and nearly two-thirds of the world’s GDP.

Housing affordability remains a major focus in the economic plan. The government says it is accelerating financing for housing projects, supporting modular and factory-built housing, and working with provinces and territories to reduce barriers to construction.

Several affordability measures were also highlighted, including middle-class tax relief, temporary fuel tax reductions and the expanded Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which is expected to provide additional financial support to more than 12 million Canadians.

The government also announced plans to establish the Canada Strong Fund, a proposed sovereign wealth fund aimed at investing in strategic Canadian projects and industries while allowing Canadians to participate directly in the returns generated by those investments.

Workforce development is another central pillar of the plan, with the launch of Team Canada Strong, an initiative intended to recruit and train between 80,000 and 100,000 new Red Seal skilled trades workers by 2030. Additional apprenticeship supports, student grant increases and labour mobility incentives were also included in the update.

The Spring Economic Update further outlines investments in journalism, Indigenous services, sports infrastructure, coastal communities and anti-fraud initiatives designed to strengthen community safety and public trust.

While acknowledging continued global economic uncertainty, the government says Canada’s strengths — including its skilled workforce, natural resources, stable institutions and competitive investment climate — position the country for long-term growth.

“In a more uncertain world, Canada offers stability,” the update states. “In a more divided world, Canada forges partnerships. And in a more competitive world, Canada invests decisively in its future.”

The federal government says the Spring Economic Update 2026 represents the next step in its broader plan to build a stronger, more independent and resilient Canadian economy for future generations.

For the full Spring Economic Update, visit the Government of Canada website at budget.canada.ca/update-miseajour/2026/report-rapport/intro-en.html#wb-cont.

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There was a time when every spare moment had to be optimized.

Wake up at 5 a.m. Hustle harder. Scroll faster. Consume more. Repeat.

But somewhere along the way, people began quietly rebelling against the noise.

In 2026, one of the biggest lifestyle trends across the world is surprisingly simple: slowing down and rediscovering ordinary joys. From reading nooks and gardening to baking bread and journaling, millions of people are stepping away from the pressure of constant productivity and choosing a softer, more meaningful pace of life.

Experts say the movement is being driven by burnout, digital overload, and a growing desire for authenticity in an increasingly artificial world. Cozy hobbies once associated with previous generations — knitting, birdwatching, reading physical books, tending gardens — are making a powerful comeback, especially among younger adults.

One trend gaining major attention is something called “nostalgia gardening,” where people intentionally grow flowers, herbs, and plants that remind them of childhood memories or loved ones. Lavender, lilacs, roses, wildflowers, and old-fashioned vegetable gardens are all seeing renewed popularity as people seek comfort in familiar scents and traditions.

Homes are changing too.

Minimalism is beginning to give way to warmer, more personal spaces filled with bookshelves, vintage décor, handmade crafts, and quiet corners designed for reflection instead of display. Reading nooks have become one of the fastest-growing home trends of the year as people search for places to unplug and reconnect with themselves.

Lifestyle analysts say the shift reflects a deeper cultural change. Success is no longer being measured only by money, status, or endless busyness. Increasingly, people are placing value on peace, community, rest, creativity, and time spent with family.

In many ways, the trend is less about escaping modern life and more about reclaiming balance.

A quiet cup of coffee before sunrise. An evening walk without a phone. A handwritten letter. Growing tomatoes in the backyard. Finishing a good book.

Simple things — perhaps the very things people were too busy to notice before.

And maybe that is what makes this movement resonate so deeply.

In a fast-moving world, slowing down has become its own kind of courage.

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Albertans seeking mental health and addiction support now have a single, provincewide point of access, as 211 Alberta becomes the main number to connect individuals with the help they need.

The move is aimed at simplifying what has often been a complex and fragmented system. By dialing, texting, or chatting online through 211 Alberta, residents can now reach trained community navigators who help connect them to appropriate services—anytime, anywhere in the province.

Government officials say the change is designed to remove barriers and ensure people can find support quickly, particularly during moments of stress or crisis.

“Finding mental health and addiction support shouldn’t be confusing or difficult to navigate,” said Mental Health and Addiction Minister Rick Wilson. “With 211 Alberta as the provincewide number to call, people have a clear place to start.”

Previously, Albertans were required to navigate multiple phone numbers and entry points, which often led to confusion and delays—especially for those already facing emotional or mental strain.

Through 211 Alberta, individuals can access a wide range of supports, including clinical services offered by Recovery Alberta, professional guidance from qualified specialists, peer support, and affordable counselling options through Counselling Alberta. Immediate crisis support remains available through 988 for those experiencing suicidal distress.

Beyond mental health and addiction care, the service also connects users to broader community supports such as housing, employment assistance, financial aid, and food resources. Specialized services are also available for children, youth, families, and Indigenous communities.

According to Patricia Skagen-Emokpae, the system is designed to provide compassionate, person-centred support at critical moments.

“When someone reaches out during a difficult time, they’ll speak with a trained community navigator who understands their needs and can connect them directly to the next step to get help,” she said.

The service is delivered in partnership with United Way Alberta of the Capital Region, Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton Region, and Distress Centre Calgary.

While 211 Alberta is now the primary access point, officials emphasize there is no wrong door when seeking help. Existing phone lines and services remain available, ensuring continuity for those who are already connected through other channels.

The initiative aligns with Alberta’s broader recovery-focused approach to mental health and addiction care, which aims to create a more coordinated, responsive, and accessible system.

Quick Facts:

• 211 Alberta is available 24/7 in more than 240 languages
• The service is free, confidential, and accessible by phone, text, or online chat
• First launched in Edmonton in 2004, the service expanded provincewide in 2020
• In 2025, 211 Alberta handled more than 121,000 interactions
• Budget 2026 includes $4.9 million to support increased demand

For more information about 211 Alberta, visit their website at ab.211.ca.

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

Dad and I on my last visit to Canada. (Photo by Gonam Raju)

For anyone, a birthday is a day to be honoured and celebrated by loved ones and those closest to us. Being thousands of miles away, I can only do this with words and sentiment, trusting that love finds a way to cross even the greatest distances.

Today, I find myself reminiscing about some of my favourite memories.

One goes back to when I was around two or three years old and I needed to watch my Masters of the Universe cartoons. Dad took me to the video store to rent it. For those who remember how those worked, sometimes all the copies were rented out—and there was nothing you could do but wait for one to be returned. Anyone who knows me knows I can be a bit inflexible at times. Apparently, that trait showed up early.

Dad tried his best to calm my very visible displeasure. Instead, I threw decorum to the wind, wound up, and clocked him.

(For the record, I am not proud of this. I do not condone violence—towards parents or anyone else—and I have since apologized, both officially and unofficially. But I digress.)

To this day, I am reminded of my callous and entirely unprovoked attack, to which I can only respond: “I was three.”

Another classic memory takes place at the Golden Grill Restaurant in Athabasca. There are several stories from there, but I’ll save some for another time.

I was eight years old on my first visit to Canada. I had heard so many stories and was beyond excited to finally experience it for myself. At the time, Dad worked for the Athabasca Advocate, and I loved tagging along to work and sitting in on his meetings. He never once minded—always making sure I was safe and fed.

Dad, much like now, was well known in the community, so the staff at the Golden Grill knew him. (I’m sure being one of the few brown faces in a small town didn’t hurt his memorability.) I’ll also admit that I’ve always struggled with social cues—sometimes even the simplest concepts would completely pass me by.

One day, Dad was tied up in a meeting and realized it was getting late and I hadn’t eaten. He told me to head over to the restaurant, order whatever I liked, and tell the waitress I was his son—that he would come by afterward to settle the bill.

I said none of that.

Instead, I walked in, sat down, ordered a meal, ate it, got up… and left. Without a word.

I did this more than once.

To this day, I am deeply grateful for the patience and understanding of the staff. Years later, after I had learned a bit more about money—and improved slightly (though still not perfectly) in reading social situations—Dad and I laughed about it. He told me they never worried. They always knew who I was, and he always came by to settle up afterward.

It’s just one more example of the many things he quietly did for me that I didn’t fully understand at the time.

Now, on his 76th birthday, I sit and laugh to myself, thinking about our misadventures and the countless memories we’ve shared over the years. More than anything, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude—not just for what my Dad has done for me, but for who he has always been in my life.

His name, Dharamaraj—a name I spent most of my life unable to spell or pronounce properly—I recently learned is derived from two Sanskrit words: dharma, meaning “virtue,” and raj, meaning “king.”

Looking at the body of his life’s work, and his steadfast dedication to his family and community, the name could not be more fitting.

From a simple farm boy in rural KwaZulu-Natal, to having tea with the Queen of England, to decades of involvement in journalism and politics, his life reflects a commitment to giving his best in all that he has done.

I am immensely proud of him.

And I consider it one of the greatest honours of my life to be called his son.

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OTTAWA, ON — Lakeland Member of Parliament Shannon Stubbs raised concerns in Parliament and committee meetings throughout April, focusing on affordability, federal spending, and Canada’s energy and resource development landscape.

During Question Period on April 22, Stubbs questioned the federal government on rising food prices and the broader cost-of-living pressures facing Canadians. She cited increases in the cost of everyday goods and called for reductions in taxes affecting food and fuel, framing affordability as a growing concern for households.

In a subsequent exchange on April 24, Stubbs turned her attention to federal spending and its potential impact on inflation and interest rates. She argued that sustained government deficits contribute to higher borrowing costs for Canadians, including mortgages and consumer debt, and called for measures to reduce spending and ease financial pressures.

Stubbs also participated in discussions at the Standing Committee on Natural Resources, where she serves as Vice-Chair. There, she questioned federal officials about the pace of major energy infrastructure development and Canada’s competitiveness in global energy markets, particularly in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector.

During committee proceedings, Stubbs raised concerns about regulatory timelines and investment conditions, referencing the number of LNG project approvals in Canada compared to other countries. She also questioned government officials on the potential role of foreign ownership in Canadian resource projects and its implications for economic and national security.

In a separate committee appearance tied to the federal government’s Major Projects Office, Stubbs asked ministers and officials about the prioritization of large-scale infrastructure projects, including the possibility of a pipeline to Canada’s Pacific coast. She also raised questions about procurement practices and the outsourcing of industrial work related to major projects.

Stubbs further participated in parliamentary votes during April, supporting a Conservative opposition motion calling for a temporary suspension of fuel taxes and voting against the federal government’s Spring Economic Update.

The federal government has previously stated that its policies aim to balance affordability with long-term economic stability, environmental considerations, and sustainable resource development.