The federal government has announced a series of new affordability measures intended to reduce the cost of groceries and other everyday essentials for Canadians.

Among the key changes is the introduction of the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which replaces the former GST Credit. The benefit will increase by 25 per cent starting in July 2026 and will include a one-time payment this year equivalent to a 50 per cent boost. According to federal estimates, a family of four could receive up to $1,890 this year and approximately $1,400 annually over the following four years, while single individuals could receive up to $950 this year and about $700 annually afterward.

The government also announced several initiatives aimed at stabilizing food prices and strengthening domestic supply chains, including:

• $500 million to help businesses manage supply chain disruptions without raising checkout prices
• A $150 million Food Security Fund to support small and medium-sized food producers
• $20 million in additional support for food banks and local food organizations
• Tax incentives for greenhouse construction to boost domestic food production
• Development of a National Food Security Strategy focused on affordability, competition, and clearer unit price labelling

Officials state these measures are intended to provide both immediate financial relief and longer-term stability in food production and pricing.

The announcement builds on earlier federal affordability actions such as personal income tax reductions, removal of the federal consumer carbon tax, and expanded school food programs.

“One of the best things about Canada is that you don’t have to be born rich to succeed. To protect that fundamental value, we are building a stronger economy that benefits everyone – creating thousands of new career opportunities with better wages. We’re also bringing in new measures to lower costs and make sure Canadians have the support they need now. We’re building Canada strong, because we’re strongest when we look after each other and when we ensure everyone has the chance to get ahead.”
The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

For more information visit the Government of Canada website at https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2026/01/the-new-canada-groceries-and-essentials-benefit.html

Teachers and school principals across Alberta are now invited to apply for positions on the province’s newly established Teacher Advisory Council, an initiative designed to bring frontline classroom experience directly into provincial education policy discussions.

The council will include up to 15 educators from a diverse range of school environments, roles, and communities. Members will provide insight and practical feedback to the Minister of Education and Childcare, helping shape policies that reflect the realities faced by students, teachers, and schools throughout the province.

According to the provincial government, the goal of the council is to ensure that those working in classrooms have a direct voice in decisions affecting education. Issues such as class size, classroom complexity, and evolving student needs are expected to be key areas of focus.

Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides stated that teachers play a critical role in maintaining Alberta’s strong education system and that their experience is essential in guiding effective policy development.

Appointments to the Teacher Advisory Council will be made by ministerial order for terms of up to 18 months, with the possibility of reappointment. Participation is voluntary and unpaid, and meetings will be held online outside of regular school hours.

Application Deadline: February 13, 2026

Teachers and principals interested in applying can do so through the provincial recruitment posting available online. Additional details, including eligibility requirements and application instructions, are listed on the official Teacher Advisory Council webpage at https://www.alberta.ca/teacher-advisory-council.

In today’s fast-moving world, pressure can build quickly — deadlines, responsibilities, finances, and the constant flow of information can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed. Mental health isn’t just about addressing problems when they arise; it’s about developing small daily habits that help us stay balanced before stress takes control.

Here are ten simple, practical techniques you can use anytime you start to feel the pressure rising:

Try Box Breathing

Inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four, then hold again for four. Repeat a few cycles. This technique is used by athletes, first responders, and even the military to quickly calm the nervous system.

Step Away for Five Minutes

A short break can reset your mind. Stand up, change rooms, or take a brief walk — even a small pause can interrupt the stress cycle.

Drink Water Slowly

Dehydration can heighten feelings of anxiety and fatigue. A glass of water can make a noticeable difference in focus and mood.

Write It Down

Putting worries or tasks on paper helps move them out of your head and into a manageable list. What feels overwhelming mentally often looks more organized in writing.

Focus on One Task at a Time

Multitasking can increase stress. Choosing a single priority and completing it fully creates a sense of progress and control.

Get Some Fresh Air

Stepping outside for even a few minutes can lift mood and clear mental fog. Natural light and movement are powerful mood stabilizers.

Stretch Your Neck and Shoulders

Stress often shows up physically. Gentle stretching releases tension that can build during long periods of sitting or screen time.

Talk to Someone You Trust

Sharing what’s on your mind with a friend, family member, or colleague can lighten emotional weight and provide perspective.

Limit Social Media for a While

Constant scrolling can increase comparison and information overload. A short digital break can bring immediate mental relief.

Remind Yourself: This Moment Will Pass

Pressure feels permanent in the moment, but most stressful situations are temporary. A simple reminder can restore perspective and calm.

Mental health isn’t about perfection or eliminating stress entirely — it’s about building small, steady habits that help us stay grounded when life becomes demanding. Taking even one or two of these steps can make a meaningful difference.

A calm mind is not something we find; it’s something we practice.

Premier Danielle Smith has issued a statement recognizing February as Black History Month in Alberta, highlighting the lasting contributions of Black Albertans to the province’s development and identity.

Black History Month is observed annually across Canada as a time to reflect on history, acknowledge achievements, and recognize the individuals and communities who have helped shape the nation’s cultural, social and economic landscape.

In her statement, Premier Smith noted that the month provides an opportunity to honour early Black pioneers in Alberta while also celebrating present-day leaders who continue to drive progress, creativity and innovation within communities across the province.

She emphasized that the history and contributions of Black Albertans remain an important and enduring part of Alberta’s past, present and future.

Western Canadian grain organizations are raising alarms after Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) confirmed plans to eliminate 665 staff positions nationwide, part of a broader effort to reduce the department’s budget by 15 per cent over the next three years.

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) says the cuts could significantly weaken Canada’s agricultural research capacity—an area many farmers see as essential to long-term productivity, innovation, and global competitiveness.

“These staffing cuts represent a tremendous loss for Canadian agriculture,” said CWRC Chair Jocelyn Velestuk, noting that the impact extends beyond job losses. “We are losing decades of expertise and research capacity that has directly contributed to farmers’ success.”

Research at the Core of Farm Profitability

AAFC has long been a trusted research partner for western Canadian farmers, working alongside producer groups and universities to develop improved crop varieties and agronomic practices. Farmers themselves have invested heavily in this work, including $19.9 million over three years through the CWRC’s current core breeding agreement with AAFC.

According to the CWRC, Canada’s reputation for high-quality grain and its ability to compete in international markets relies on a strong, publicly supported research network—something these cuts could undermine.

While it remains unclear how the staffing reductions will be distributed across research stations and programs, CWRC leadership says it is actively engaging with AAFC to better understand the long-term implications.

Millions Invested, Proven Returns

The CWRC currently invests more than $9.5 million annually on behalf of western Canadian farmers through partnerships with AAFC, the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre, the University of Manitoba, and the University of Alberta.

Over several decades, these public plant breeding investments have delivered significant returns—not only for farmers through improved yields and resilience, but also for the broader public through food security and economic stability.

“In light of these cuts, reviewing Canada’s wheat breeding innovation system is more important than ever,” the coalition stated, emphasizing the need to ensure farmers continue to have access to elite crop varieties well into the future.

A Long-Term Concern

For many in agriculture, the worry is not just immediate disruption but the slow erosion of a research system built over generations.

As discussions with AAFC continue, producer groups say they will closely monitor developments and advocate for solutions that protect the research foundation Canadian farmers rely on.

Behind every strong senior is often someone quietly helping them stay connected, supported, and independent. From long-time volunteers and caregivers to organizations working behind the scenes, these efforts play a vital role in Alberta communities—especially in smaller towns where neighbours often look out for one another.

The Government of Alberta is now accepting nominations for the Minister’s Seniors Service Awards, which recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations that go above and beyond to improve the quality of life for seniors.

According to Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services Jason Nixon, seniors are “at the heart of Alberta’s communities,” and the awards provide an opportunity to honour those who work every day to support them.

The awards celebrate a wide range of contributions, from direct care and volunteerism to programs and initiatives that help seniors remain active, engaged, and independent.

Award Categories

Among the honours presented is the Alice Modin Award, which recognizes a senior individual or couple for exceptional long-term volunteer service to their community and the province. The award is named in honour of Alice Modin, whose advocacy helped establish Seniors’ Day and the annual provincewide Seniors’ Week.

A Special Service Award will also be presented in 2026. This year’s theme, the Stronger at Every Age Award, recognizes efforts that help create inclusive and accessible communities where Albertans can age well. This includes initiatives that improve accessibility and transportation, reduce social isolation, encourage intergenerational connections, and support age-friendly infrastructure and services.

How to Nominate

Nominations are open to the public and can be submitted online, by mail, or by email. The deadline to nominate a candidate is April 30. Award recipients will be honoured at an in-person ceremony later this fall.

Since the program began in 1998, nearly 200 individuals and organizations have been recognized for their service to seniors. Last year alone, recipients were selected from 93 nominations, with submissions evaluated based on their impact, community need, and the quality and originality of their service.

Residents who know someone making a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors are encouraged to consider submitting a nomination.

More information, including nomination details and past recipients, is available on the Government of Alberta website at https://www.alberta.ca/ministers-seniors-service-awards.

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

Each day, a new winner is selected, and the proceeds help support 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 the winners, and thank you to everyone who continues to support this local initiative.

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

If you’d like to learn more about the Brosseau Cash Raffle, purchase a calendar, or support the Brosseau Community Centre, we encourage you to connect directly with the Community Centre for additional details.

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

For decades, print advertising was the backbone of local visibility. If you wanted your business or event seen, you booked space in the paper and trusted it would land on kitchen tables across the community.

That hasn’t disappeared — but it has changed.

In small communities like ours, the way people discover information is quietly shifting. Residents still value local news, still care about what’s happening around them, and still want to support nearby businesses. What’s different is where and how that information is being consumed.

More readers are checking local updates online — on their phones, during a lunch break, or late in the evening. Stories are being shared digitally, revisited days or weeks later, and discovered through simple online searches. Unlike print, digital content doesn’t disappear once the next issue arrives.

This shift isn’t about choosing digital instead of print. It’s about recognizing that both now play different roles.

Print remains powerful for tradition, routine, and presence. Digital platforms, however, offer something new: longevity and accessibility. A story published online today can still be read months from now. A community feature can be shared with family, friends, and customers far beyond a single day’s circulation.

For local businesses and organizations, this matters. Visibility is no longer limited to a single moment in time. Storytelling — explaining who you are, what you do, and why it matters — has become just as important as placing an advertisement.

Community-focused digital platforms are not trying to replace print. They are filling the gaps where modern habits have changed. They allow local stories to live longer, reach further, and remain accessible to those who may not always have a physical paper in hand.

At its core, the shift to digital advertising in small communities isn’t about technology. It’s about meeting people where they already are, while preserving the trust, credibility, and local focus that community publications have always stood for.

As local media continues to evolve, one thing remains unchanged: communities thrive when local stories are told, shared, and supported — no matter the format.

Premier Danielle Smith issued a statement on January 27 to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day observed globally to honour the victims of the Holocaust and reflect on the consequences of hatred and intolerance.

In her statement, the premier noted that more than 80 years have passed since the end of the Second World War and the conclusion of the Nazi regime’s campaign of genocide. The Holocaust resulted in the deaths of six million Jewish people and remains one of the most devastating examples of where unchecked prejudice and dehumanization can lead.

January 27 marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in 1945, an event that exposed the full scale of the crimes committed during the Holocaust.

Premier Smith also acknowledged Holocaust survivors, highlighting the importance of their willingness to share their experiences. She stated that their stories help preserve historical truth and reinforce the importance of remembrance as an active responsibility.

The statement further addressed the continued need to confront antisemitism and discrimination, emphasizing the importance of education in ensuring future generations understand the consequences of hatred, intolerance, and prejudice.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day serves as a reminder of the post-war commitment to “Never Again” and the shared responsibility to uphold human dignity and oppose discrimination in all forms.

Her full statement:

"More than eight decades have passed since the Second World War ended and the Nazi regime’s campaign of hatred and genocide came to an end. The Holocaust, which claimed the lives of six million Jewish people, remains one of the most devastating examples of where unchecked prejudice and dehumanization can lead. On this day in 1945, the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp was liberated, exposing the full scale of these crimes.

“As we mark this solemn day, we honour the survivors whose strength and willingness to recount their experiences keep the truth alive. Their stories remind us that remembrance is not passive; it is an active commitment to safeguarding humanity from repeating these atrocities.

“Antisemitism is once again on the rise throughout the world, reminding us that the lessons of history cannot be taken for granted. Let this day be a reminder that we all have a role in upholding the post-war commitment of ‘Never Again’ by actively rejecting antisemitism and all forms of discrimination. It remains our shared responsibility to educate future generations of Albertans about the consequences of hatred, intolerance and prejudice.

“Never Again.”

As Data Privacy Week gets underway, Alberta’s Information and Privacy Commissioner is shining a spotlight on an issue that continues to grow in urgency: protecting the personal information of children and youth in an increasingly digital world.

From classrooms to social media platforms, children’s data is being collected, shared, and stored at an unprecedented scale. According to Information and Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod, this reality demands stronger safeguards and greater accountability from governments, schools, and technology providers alike.

“Children and youth are among the most vulnerable users of digital services,” McLeod said, noting that technology used for education and social interaction requires heightened care and oversight.

Recent legislative changes reflect that concern. Alberta’s new Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) now formally designates children’s personal information as sensitive, triggering additional protections and stricter handling requirements. The Commissioner has also urged that upcoming reforms to Alberta’s private-sector privacy laws further strengthen protections for young people.

Over the past year, Alberta’s Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) has been involved in several high-profile initiatives focused on children’s data:

• In late 2025, Alberta joined privacy regulators across Canada in issuing a joint statement urging responsible use of educational technologies in classrooms, calling for minimal data collection and stronger safeguards.
• The OIPC also investigated the PowerSchool data breach, which affected school boards across Alberta and beyond. That investigation underscored the serious consequences organizations face when children’s personal information is not adequately protected.
• Alberta participated in a global privacy enforcement effort examining apps and educational tools used by children, with results expected later this year.
• Regulators also jointly investigated TikTok, finding weaknesses in age-assurance measures and privacy protections that allowed advertisers to target youth.

Taken together, these efforts point to a broader shift: privacy regulators are increasingly pushing for “privacy by design,” especially where children are concerned. This includes discouraging so-called deceptive design practices—features that nudge or manipulate young users into sharing more information than is in their best interests.

“Children deserve to learn and play without having their personal information misused or exploited,” McLeod said, adding that children should not be exposed to harm in the pursuit of profit.

As technology continues to shape education and social life, Alberta’s privacy watchdog says collaboration—across provinces, nationally, and even internationally—will be key to ensuring children’s rights remain protected.

For families, educators, and communities, Data Privacy Week serves as a reminder that while digital tools can offer enormous benefits, safeguarding children’s privacy must remain a shared responsibility.