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Applications for student loans and grants open June 3 for the 2026-27 academic year

Students across Alberta will soon be able to apply for financial assistance for the upcoming academic year as the provincial government invests more than $1 billion in student aid aimed at making post-secondary education more affordable and accessible.

Applications for Alberta Student Aid officially open on June 3, providing students with access to loans, grants, scholarships and awards that can help cover tuition costs and everyday living expenses while pursuing their education.

According to the Government of Alberta, the investment is designed to help students remain in school, complete their studies and build successful careers while supporting the province’s future workforce needs.

As part of the 2026-27 academic year changes, Alberta is increasing funding for non-repayable assistance and updating the way financial need is assessed. For some applicants, parental or spousal contributions will now be considered when determining eligibility for aid. The province says the changes are intended to better reflect individual financial circumstances and ensure support is directed to students with the greatest need.

The updated approach also aligns Alberta’s student aid system more closely with the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program and practices used in most other provinces and territories.

“We know students and families are under real financial pressure, and student aid can make the difference for staying in school,” said Myles McDougall, Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education. “By increasing non-repayable support and updating how we assess financial need, we are ensuring help is fair, transparent and focused on students who need it most.”

Students who apply for Alberta Student Aid are automatically assessed for both repayable loans and non-repayable grants through a single application process, simplifying access to available funding.

To apply, students must create or sign into their Alberta Student Aid account, complete the online application and provide any additional documentation if requested. One application covers eligibility for both provincial and federal loans and grants.

Officials recommend students submit applications at least 60 days before their study period begins to ensure funding is available when classes start.

The province notes that student aid plays an important role in reducing financial barriers to higher education while helping Albertans develop the skills needed in the workforce. Beyond tuition costs, financial assistance can also help students manage housing, transportation, food and other day-to-day expenses associated with attending school.

For the coming academic year, Alberta is increasing support for non-repayable aid, including nearly $107 million in scholarships and awards and more than $75 million in grants.

Additional information about eligibility requirements, program changes and the application process is available through Alberta Student Aid.

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

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I have been wanting to cover this topic for a while, mostly because I have recently come to terms with my own neurodivergence, which went largely unrecognized for most of my life due to its complexity.

Thanks to various advocates, coaches and content creators, autism and ADHD are becoming more widely acknowledged and discussed. For a large portion of my life, I spent a great deal of time wondering why I seemed so different from everyone around me. While I have always been intelligent, I constantly struggled with some of the simplest things. I fought with myself, read countless self-help books, experimented with different diets and even tried medication. As it turns out, autism may have been the missing piece of the puzzle all along.

Suddenly, it felt as though someone had turned on a light in a room I had been fumbling around in for 42 years. Like many people do when they begin exploring neurodivergence, I started poring over countless articles and watching hours of videos from coaches, advocates and influencers. Some of those resources have been incredibly helpful in understanding both myself and the experiences of others on the spectrum.

The most important thing I have learned is that being autistic is not a disease or a personal failing. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person experiences and interacts with the world. It is simply a different way of processing information, and every autistic person's experience is unique.

For some people, crowded spaces, loud environments or unexpected changes can be overwhelming. Others may struggle with social interactions, communication, executive functioning or sensory sensitivities. Autism exists on a spectrum, which means there is no single autistic experience. Each person has their own strengths, challenges and support needs.

Many adults are discovering later in life that they may be autistic after years of wondering why certain aspects of life felt more difficult than they seemed for others. I was one of them.

For years, I masked my differences, often without realizing I was doing it. I told myself that if I just did what everyone else was doing, people would see me as "normal." Meanwhile, I was having panic attacks over tasks that many people would consider simple. Something as straightforward as wishing someone a happy birthday could trigger intense anxiety. Many times, by the time I worked up the courage to send the message, I felt physically ill.

My experience is not the same as every autistic person's experience. Autism is a spectrum, and each person's journey is different. However, understanding my own neurodivergence has helped me make sense of many struggles that once felt impossible to explain.

By learning why my brain tends to freeze in certain situations or become overwhelmed by seemingly small tasks, I have been able to start making positive changes that make life more manageable. I spend a great deal of time reading and listening to the experiences of other neurodivergent people as I continue learning how to navigate a brain that often feels filled with endless ideas, thoughts, worries and overthinking.

Some of my favourite resources, though by no means the only ones, include Kaelyn's Autistic Angle. Many people may recognize Kaelyn from the first season of Love on the Spectrum, a Netflix series that explores the challenges and joys of dating while neurodivergent. Through her videos on Facebook and TikTok, she discusses how autism can affect daily life and offers practical insights into communication and understanding.

Another favourite is the popular "Duck Videos," sometimes known as Gossip Ducks. These short, humorous videos explain neurodivergent experiences through the perspective of animated ducks. While lighthearted, they often provide valuable insight into how neurodivergent minds process situations differently and reinforce an important message: being different does not mean something is wrong with you.

Since learning more about neurodivergence and developing coping strategies, I have found it easier to focus, become more productive and reduce the likelihood of meltdowns or burnout. For me, learning how my brain works has been one of the most important steps toward improving my mental health and overall quality of life.

If you believe you or someone you love may be autistic, there are trained healthcare professionals who can provide formal assessments and guidance. Support, information and resources are available, and seeking answers can often be the first step toward greater self-understanding.

Remember: being different does not mean you are broken. Sometimes it simply means your brain works differently than the majority, and understanding those differences can open the door to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

For more information about autism, diagnosis and support services available in Alberta, visit the Autism Society Alberta or explore autism resources through Alberta Health Services and MyHealth Alberta, at myhealth.alberta.ca/child-youth-mental-health/neurodiversity.

(Image Source: Beef Cattle Research Council)

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is inviting applications for its 2026 Regional Knowledge Mobilization Initiatives Funding Program, offering support for projects that help share practical, research-based information with beef producers across Canada.

The funding program is designed to encourage innovative knowledge-sharing activities that align with the Canadian Beef Research and Technology Transfer Strategy. Applications are open until June 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time.

Eligible initiatives may include workshops, demonstrations, educational events, and other activities that help producers adopt science-based practices aimed at improving productivity, sustainability, and decision-making on their operations.

Funding of up to $5,000 is available per activity. While matching funding is encouraged, it is not required. Successful projects must generally be completed by May 31, 2027, unless applicants provide justification for a later completion date.

According to the BCRC, preference will be given to projects that introduce new and innovative approaches to producer engagement. This includes creative methods of presenting information, demonstrating emerging technologies, and improving record-keeping and documentation practices.

The council is also prioritizing initiatives focused on replacement heifer and cow selection, including strategies that enhance heifer development, improve retention rates, and strengthen long-term herd productivity. Projects supporting improved feed and nutrition management—including feed and water testing, mineral supplementation, and practices that better meet livestock nutritional requirements—will also receive consideration.

Applications will be evaluated based on their alignment with program priorities, their potential impact on beef producers, and the effectiveness of the proposed knowledge mobilization approach.

Successful applicants are expected to be notified in mid-August 2026.

Organizations and individuals interested in applying are encouraged to submit proposals that deliver measurable benefits to beef producers and support the adoption of research-backed management practices.

Key Dates:

• Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 (11:59 p.m. MT)
• Notification of Results: Mid-August 2026
• Project Completion Deadline: May 31, 2027

To apply, click the following link: form.jotform.com/261335200141237.

Source: Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC). The Beef Cattle Research Council is accepting applications for its 2026 Regional Knowledge Mobilization Initiatives Funding Program to support producer-focused knowledge-sharing activities across Canada.
For more information about the Beef Cattle Research Council, visit their website at www.beefresearch.ca.

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Alberta's government is continuing its efforts to improve flood preparedness and public safety by expanding flood mapping studies across the province, including new work that will impact the Two Hills area.

The province announced that new flood mapping studies launched this spring will produce approximately 260 kilometres of new or updated flood mapping for 10 communities. This builds on nearly 600 kilometres of mapping already underway and contributes to what government officials describe as a significant expansion of flood hazard information available to municipalities and residents.

Flood mapping plays a critical role in helping communities understand where floodwaters are likely to travel during major weather events. The information is commonly used to guide development decisions, support emergency planning and identify areas where flood mitigation projects may be needed.

According to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, approximately 1,900 kilometres of new or updated flood mapping has been completed since 2020—more than the total completed during the previous 35 years combined.

"New and updated flood mapping helps keep Albertans safe from the potentially devastating impacts of flooding," said Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. "I'm very proud of the great work done by our government in recent years, and there's so much more to come."

The mapping process provides communities with visual data showing which neighbourhoods, roads and critical infrastructure may be vulnerable during flood events. This information helps local governments make informed decisions about land use planning, emergency response strategies and future infrastructure investments.

The Rural Municipalities of Alberta welcomed the continued investment.

"Proper monitoring and mitigation are crucial parts of effective emergency planning and response, and accurate flood mapping data will support municipalities in understanding flood risks when planning new development and investing in emergency mitigation and response capacity," said RMA President Kara Westerlund.

For residents of Two Hills and the surrounding region, the announcement includes an important local component. Technical work has now been completed on approximately 250 kilometres of mapping covering several communities, including Two Hills. Draft reports and maps are expected to be shared with local authorities this summer for review.

Following municipal feedback, the province plans to conduct public engagement before finalizing the mapping products. Completion of this phase is currently expected in the spring of 2027.

The province has budgeted more than $4 million over the next two fiscal years for flood mapping initiatives, with costs shared equally by the federal government.

Officials note that flood mapping focuses primarily on river flooding caused by high water flows, particularly during spring runoff and heavy summer rainfall events. Specialized mapping products are also developed for ice jam flooding, debris floods in mountainous regions and river channel erosion risks.

More than 80 per cent of Alberta municipalities currently covered by provincial flood maps reference the information in their local land-use bylaws, highlighting the growing importance of flood data in community planning and public safety.

As weather patterns continue to present challenges across Alberta, provincial officials say expanding flood mapping remains an important tool in helping communities prepare for future flood risks and protect residents, infrastructure and property.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funding allocations announced by the province include:

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

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

Click here to watch the press conference.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quick Facts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Position Highlights:

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

How to Apply:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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