The federal government has announced changes to the AgriStability program that will expand support for livestock producers beginning in 2026.

In a February 25 news release, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada confirmed that pasture-related feed costs will now be considered an allowable expense under the AgriStability program.

The change was announced by the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

AgriStability is a federal-provincial-territorial business risk management program designed to protect producers against significant declines in farm income caused by production losses, rising costs, or changing market conditions.

Under the new guidelines, livestock producers who graze animals on land they do not own will be able to include pasture-related feed costs as eligible expenses starting with the 2026 program year.

According to the federal government, the amendment aims to provide more equitable support for producers who rely on rented pastureland. The update is expected to benefit operations such as cow-calf, sheep, and goat farms, which often depend heavily on leased grazing land.

“Canadian livestock producers deserve risk management programs that reflect the realities of their operations,” MacDonald said in a statement. “Adding pasture-related feed costs as an allowable expense ensures fairer support for those who rely on rented pastureland.”

Pasture-related feed costs refer to expenses incurred by producers for grazing livestock on land they do not own.

The change reflects a commitment made by federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers during their July 2025 meeting.

The federal government said the improvements are part of its broader effort to strengthen risk management tools and support the long-term resilience of Canada’s agricultural sector.

March 1 has been declared National Ice Safety Day by the Lifesaving Society Canada, highlighting the risks associated with frozen lakes, ponds and rivers as warmer temperatures approach.

While drowning prevention is a year-round effort, late winter and early spring can present heightened danger. As temperatures fluctuate and the spring thaw begins, ice conditions can quickly become unstable — even when surfaces appear solid.

The Lifesaving Society is encouraging communities to share ice safety messages, statistics and personal stories to help raise awareness.

Ice-Related Drowning Statistics

According to research from the Drowning Prevention Research Centre of Canada:

• Most ice-related drownings occur between November and April.
• April accounts for 25 per cent of such incidents, followed by November (19 per cent) and January (16 per cent).
• Adults aged 50 to 64 represent the largest proportion of victims.
• Males account for roughly 80 per cent of ice-related drownings.
• More than half of victims were alone at the time of the incident.
• Alcohol is a contributing factor in approximately one-third of cases.

Safety reminders

With rural residents often working, travelling or recreating near frozen water, the Society emphasizes preparation and caution.

Wear a lifejacket or float coat. Anyone venturing onto ice is advised to wear proper flotation equipment. A lifejacket helps keep a person afloat, provides insulation and increases visibility in an emergency.

Remember the 1-10-1 rule. If someone falls into cold water:

• 1 minute to control breathing after the initial cold shock
• 10 minutes of meaningful movement to attempt self-rescue
• 1 hour before hypothermia may lead to unconsciousness

Be aware of spring thaw conditions. Warmer weather can cause ice to weaken rapidly, particularly on rivers and moving water.

Measure ice thickness. Clear, hard, new ice is strongest, but no ice is ever completely risk-free.

National Ice Safety Day serves as a reminder that changing conditions require constant awareness — and that preparation can save lives.

Member of Parliament for Lakeland Shannon Stubbs continued pressing federal ministers this month on energy project approvals and the recent closure of the Lacombe Research and Development Centre, while also marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

During a February 12 meeting of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Stubbs questioned the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources about the pace of liquefied natural gas (LNG) approvals in Canada compared to the United States. She raised concerns about regulatory timelines, investor certainty and the number of natural resource projects currently awaiting approval.

Stubbs cited figures discussed at committee indicating that, since 2015, four of 18 Canadian LNG proposals have been approved, with one currently operating. She asked how the federal government intends to provide clarity for investors and proponents without clearly defined timelines and criteria for projects deemed to be in the “national interest.”

She also raised concerns about consultation requirements with Indigenous communities, suggesting that unclear processes could result in future legal challenges.

In addition, Stubbs highlighted what she described as a backlog of projects awaiting decisions and asked when broader regulatory changes would be implemented to provide certainty for businesses and attract investment.

Lacombe Research and Development Centre

Stubbs also addressed the closure of the Lacombe Research and Development Centre in Lacombe County, a facility with more than a century of agricultural research history. The centre has supported work connected to Lakeland College’s pulse and special crops research programs.

She expressed concern about the impact of the closure on farmers, researchers and the agricultural sector in Alberta, and called for greater consultation with producers regarding such decisions.

The federal government has previously stated that research modernization efforts are aimed at improving coordination and efficiency across facilities nationwide.

Support for Ukraine

On February 24, marking four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Stubbs spoke in solidarity with Ukrainians locally and abroad. Lakeland has one of the highest proportions of Ukrainian Canadians among Canada’s federal ridings.

Stubbs noted the resilience of Ukrainians defending their country and reaffirmed her support for Canada’s Ukrainian community.

Parliamentary votes

The release also noted that Stubbs voted in favour of several recent Conservative motions related to taxation, criminal justice and federal health program policies.

As Parliament continues its session, Stubbs said she will remain focused on energy policy, agricultural issues and priorities affecting Lakeland families and businesses.

Alberta’s government is restructuring how it attracts global investment, moving the oversight of the Invest Alberta Corporation to better align with provincial economic priorities.

Beginning April 1, Invest Alberta will transition from reporting to Executive Council and instead fall under the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration. The change is aimed at strengthening coordination between the corporation and key government departments responsible for economic growth.

According to the province, the realignment is intended to improve Alberta’s ability to pursue new global investment opportunities in sectors such as energy, technology, defence, agriculture and agri-food.

Deputy ministers from Agriculture and Irrigation; Energy and Minerals; Intergovernmental and International Relations; Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration; and Technology and Innovation will now participate as board observers. While observers will not have voting authority, their role is to enhance information sharing and ensure stronger alignment across ministries.

The government also announced leadership changes to the board. Robert Fernandez has been appointed chair and Bob Dhillon vice-chair. Outgoing chair R. Scott Hutcheson and former vice-chair the Honourable Anne McLellan were thanked for their leadership since the corporation’s launch in 2020.

Since its creation under the Alberta Investment Attraction Act in July 2020, Invest Alberta reports securing 79 investments valued at $28.4 billion, contributing to the creation of 38,849 jobs across the province.

Premier Danielle Smith said the restructuring reflects the need for Alberta to remain competitive in a rapidly shifting global economic landscape.

Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, credited the outgoing board with helping establish Alberta’s investment ecosystem during challenging economic conditions.

Invest Alberta works alongside provincial ministries and local economic development partners to attract high-value investment projects and promote Alberta internationally.

Which one of us can think of our grandmother without feeling an unmistakable warmth rise in our chest? Perhaps even a tear forming as we remember the small, quiet ways they made us feel like we were the most important person in the world.

My Amma was no exception.

From my earliest memories, whenever I was scared or unsure, she was the one I turned to. She had a way of making you believe — without grand speeches or dramatic reassurances — that everything was going to work out.

Amma may not have completed school. She did not build a career outside the home. She was a full-time homemaker. Yet to this day, she remains one of the wisest women I have ever known. I say that sincerely — and anyone who knew her would say the same.

What stands out most is this: I do not remember her telling me what to do. She offered advice when asked, but she never shouted. She never demanded. We did what was expected — not out of fear — but out of love.

There is a profound lesson in that.

We often think leadership requires volume. That authority requires force. That to be heard, we must shout. But sometimes the greatest influence comes quietly — through example.

Amma did the right thing not for praise, not for recognition, not for applause — but because it was right. She gave more than I will probably ever fully understand, and she did so from a pure heart.

And perhaps that is the lesson.

Doing the right thing is rarely about grand gestures. More often, it looks like patience when someone is rude. Kindness to a stranger. Picking up a piece of trash as you walk past. Holding the door open for someone behind you.

Small acts. Quiet choices.

Like ripples in a pond, a single act of kindness expands farther than we ever see. If each of us chose one small act of goodness each day, the world would change — not all at once, but steadily, surely.

That is the legacy of Amma.

And that is what it means to stand on the shoulders of giants.

New proposed legislation aims to ensure a smooth transition from the Alberta Sheriffs to the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service (ASPS).

If passed, Bill 15 — the Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 — would help prevent disruptions to law enforcement operations and protect public safety during the transition. The legislation would also create a streamlined pathway for eligible sheriffs to become ASPS police officers, supporting recruitment efforts and accelerating the development of the new service.

“Criminals are becoming more sophisticated, and we’re meeting that threat head-on by transforming the Alberta Sheriffs into a modern police service,” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. “We are putting more boots on the ground and giving our officers the high-tier training they need to combat the complex crime facing our province today. We aren't just filling gaps; we are building a coordinated powerhouse that puts law-abiding Albertans first.”

As part of the transition, sheriff peace officers who currently perform police-like duties would be eligible to pursue careers as ASPS police officers, subject to training and qualification requirements. Other sheriffs would remain in their existing peace officer roles to maintain operational coverage across Alberta.

The Alberta Sheriffs are currently government employees, while the new ASPS would operate as an independent Crown corporation. Bill 15 would allow for the transfer of unionized and non-unionized staff into the new structure while maintaining employment continuity and stability.

“By welcoming experienced sheriffs into the ASPS, we are able to grow our capacity while maintaining the essential peace-officer duties Albertans rely on every day,” said Sat Parhar, chief of the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service.

The proposed legislation also includes amendments to the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act (SCAN Act), Alberta’s legal tool for addressing properties linked to criminal activity. If passed, ASPS officers would be empowered to enforce the act provincewide.

Quick Facts

• The Alberta Sheriffs currently employ approximately 1,200 individuals.
• The transition to the ASPS would include peace officers, civilian staff and management positions.

The Brosseau Cash Raffle continues to be more than just a daily draw — it remains a long-standing community tradition that brings excitement, connection and local pride to the region.

Each day, a new winner is selected, with proceeds supporting the Brosseau Community Centre and the programs and events it provides for residents throughout the year.

Below is the current list of winners as officially released by the Community Centre.

Congratulations to all winners, and thank you to everyone who continues to support this valued local initiative.

This page will be updated regularly as new winners are announced.

For more information about the Brosseau Cash Raffle, to purchase a calendar, or to support the Community Centre, residents are encouraged to contact the Centre directly.

Have a winner to celebrate? Share this page with friends and family and help spread the good news.

Alberta’s government is proposing what it calls the largest physician funding investment in provincial history, committing $7.7 billion in 2026-27 if Budget 2026 is passed.

The proposed funding represents a $1.4-billion increase — approximately 22 per cent more than the previous year — and is aimed at physician recruitment, training, compensation and development across the province.

According to Premier Danielle Smith, access to care remains a top concern for families.

“Albertans expect to see a doctor when they need one. Access to care is a priority for families across this province,” Smith said in a statement. “That is why we are making the largest investment in physicians in Alberta’s history.”

Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services Adriana LaGrange said the funding will support treatments, appointments and expanded services while helping modernize Alberta’s health-care system.

The $7.7-billion allocation includes:

• $7.3 billion for physician services
• $450 million for recruitment and education
• $15 million for additional supports

The investment builds on reforms introduced in 2025, including a new primary care physician compensation model. The province previously committed $200 million over two years to help physicians transition to the new model and $57 million over three years to assist family doctors and nurse practitioners managing growing patient loads.

Government figures show more than 13,000 physicians are currently registered in Alberta — a 34 per cent increase over the past decade — including a record 6,362 family physicians. Officials report that 1,190 physicians have enrolled in the new compensation model.

The province says the funding is intended to strengthen access to family doctors, expand specialist services and reduce surgical wait times in communities across Alberta.

When people think about exercise, they often think about physical changes — weight loss, muscle tone, heart health.

But one of the most powerful benefits of regular movement happens in a place we can’t see: the mind.

Research consistently shows that exercise plays a major role in improving mental health. In fact, physical activity is often recommended alongside traditional treatments for stress, anxiety and mild to moderate depression.

Exercise and Brain Chemistry

When we move our bodies, the brain releases chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin — often referred to as “feel-good” chemicals. These natural mood boosters can:

• Reduce feelings of stress
• Improve overall mood
• Increase focus and mental clarity
• Promote better sleep

Even a brisk 20- to 30-minute walk can make a noticeable difference.

Stress Reduction

Physical activity helps lower levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. When cortisol remains elevated for long periods, it can contribute to anxiety, irritability and difficulty sleeping.

Regular exercise acts as a reset button — helping the body regulate stress more effectively.

Better Sleep, Better Mind

Sleep and mental health are deeply connected. Regular movement during the day often leads to deeper, more restorative sleep at night. And better sleep improves emotional regulation, patience and resilience.

Building Confidence and Routine

Exercise also provides structure. Setting small, achievable goals — such as walking three times per week or attending a fitness class — builds a sense of accomplishment.

Over time, that consistency strengthens confidence.

It doesn’t require a gym membership or intense training. Gardening, walking the dog, light strength exercises at home or joining a local recreation program all count.

A Community Benefit

In small communities, physical activity can also become a social connection point. Walking groups, community sports leagues and local fitness initiatives bring residents together — strengthening both physical and mental health at the same time.

Start Small, Stay Consistent

The key is not intensity — it’s consistency.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired or mentally stretched, start with five or ten minutes of movement. Small steps often lead to lasting change.

Your body and your mind are connected more closely than we sometimes realize.
Taking care of one helps strengthen the other.

Farmers and ranchers across Alberta already juggle enough — fluctuating markets, unpredictable weather, regulatory requirements and the daily demands of running an operation. Finding the right government contact or program information should not add to that workload.

That’s where Alberta’s 310-FARM service comes in.

Operated by the Government of Alberta, 310-FARM is an information and referral line designed to serve as a dependable first point of contact for producers, agri-businesses and rural residents.

Staffed by resource agents familiar with Alberta’s agricultural landscape, the service helps callers navigate provincial programs, regulatory requirements and available supports. While the team may not always provide direct answers, they specialize in connecting producers with the right department, subject-matter expert or industry contact.

The service supports key agricultural programs including:

• Alberta Farm Fuel Benefit
• Premises Identification Program
• Farmers’ Advocate Office

Producers can call for assistance with:

• Programs and financial supports
• Eligibility and applications for the Alberta Farm Fuel Benefit
• Funding opportunities under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
• Help navigating agricultural grants or checking application status
• Livestock and premises matters
• Registering or updating a Premises Identification (PID) account
• Livestock movement requirements
• Animal health and disease-related contacts
• Regulations and compliance
• Permits and approvals
• Environmental regulations, manure management and water use
• Inspection or compliance clarification
• Operational guidance
• Crop, soil, pest and irrigation information
• Rat control, wild boar and invasive species
• Farm safety resources

In an industry where time is money, having a single starting point can save producers both frustration and effort. Whether dealing with paperwork, livestock issues or exploring funding options, 310-FARM aims to ensure Alberta’s agricultural sector stays informed and supported.

Producers can dial 310-FARM from anywhere in Alberta to access the service.

For more information, visit the Alberta Government website at https://www.alberta.ca/310-farm