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Albertans now have the opportunity to recognize the everyday heroes helping keep communities safe across the province as nominations officially open for the 2026 Alberta Community Justice Awards.
Held every two years, the awards celebrate individuals, teams and organizations making meaningful contributions to public safety, crime prevention, victim support and community resilience. From police officers and lawyers to volunteers and victim advocates, the program highlights those working behind the scenes to strengthen Alberta communities.
This year’s awards program has expanded to include new categories focused on offender rehabilitation and emergency preparedness, recognizing the many ways Albertans contribute to safer and stronger communities.
Award recipients will be honoured this fall during a ceremony in Lethbridge co-hosted by Alberta’s government, the Lethbridge Police Service and the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce.
Mike Ellis said the awards are intended to shine a light on those whose efforts often go unnoticed.
“Many people do heroic things quietly and without recognition, and the Alberta Community Justice Awards are a way to show them how much they’re appreciated. Through these awards, the government celebrates the everyday leadership of those who make extraordinary contributions to community justice, public safety and emergency management.”
Mickey Amery emphasized the importance of collaboration in building safer communities.
“Safe communities are built through collaboration, cooperation and commitment to serving others. These awards highlight the incredible work being done across the province to prevent and address crime, and to strengthen trust in the system by ensuring Albertans have access to timely and effective justice, which is a government priority.”
The 2026 Alberta Community Justice Awards will feature five nomination categories:
Albertans can nominate an individual, team or organization by completing a nomination form and submitting it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before noon on June 30.
For more information about Alberta Community Justice Awards, visit the Government of Alberta website at www.alberta.ca/alberta-community-justice-awards.
Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.
(Image sourced from BCRC)
Canadian beef producers heading into breeding season are being encouraged to take a closer look at calving distribution and how tightening calving windows could significantly improve herd performance and profitability.
According to the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), decisions made during breeding season — including when bulls are turned out or removed from pasture — can directly impact next year’s calving season, calf crop uniformity and overall returns.
Calving distribution refers to the percentage of calves born during each 21-day cycle throughout the calving season. Industry targets suggest that at least 60 per cent of females should calve within the first 21 days, followed by 25 per cent in the second cycle, 10 per cent in the third and five per cent in the final cycle. An even more condensed and efficient target is considered to be a 70-20-10 distribution over a 63-day breeding season.
Research continues to show that calves born earlier in the calving season offer major advantages. The BCRC notes that each missed 21-day heat cycle can cost approximately 39 pounds of weaning weight, assuming calves gain an average of 1.85 pounds per day.
Earlier-born calves not only wean heavier, but also tend to produce higher-value carcasses. Producers also benefit from being able to market larger and more uniform groups of calves.
Data from the 2022–23 Canadian Cow-Calf Survey found that the national calving distribution for cows currently sits near the industry benchmark at 58-26-10-5, with fewer than five per cent of females calving after 63 days.
Long-term research from the Western Beef Development Centre further highlighted the benefits of early calving females. A 16-year study found that heifers calving earlier demonstrated better pregnancy rates, remained in the herd longer and produced an additional calf over their lifetime compared to later-calving females.
The BCRC has also updated its Value of Calving Distribution Calculator, allowing producers to compare their current herd performance against industry targets and estimate the potential financial impact of improving calving distribution.
According to the calculator, increasing the percentage of calves born in the first cycle from 58 per cent to 60 per cent could improve returns by approximately $453. Achieving the ideal 70 per cent first-cycle calving target could increase returns by nearly $5,000.
The organization says producers hoping to improve next year’s calving distribution should begin evaluating their current breeding management practices now and determine what adjustments may be necessary during the upcoming breeding season.
For more information and access to the calculator, visit Beef Cattle Research Council website at www.beefresearch.ca/blog/improve-profitability-with-a-shorter-calving-season/.
Information for this article was sourced from the Beef Cattle Research Council, to find out more about them, visit their website at www.beefresearch.ca.
Aaron (one of my nephews), one of the puppies and I pose outside the dining room at the old home - (Photo by Ian or Tatum Paterson)
Life is truly a beautiful gift bestowed upon us by God. Every day is a chance to smell the flowers, hug a loved one, write a poem, or try something new. However, it is easy to become trapped in the mundane routines of daily life and forget that. In those moments, we are often given a humbling reminder that we are mortal and only here for a short time, and as such, we should make every moment count.
May 14, 2017, was a very special day — Mother’s Day. For me, it started like any other, with a few exceptions. At the time, I was managing the Control Room for the security company I worked for. Around 6 a.m., I received a call from my night shift controller informing me that the employee meant to relieve him for the day shift had not arrived, and handover was scheduled for 6.
As any manager knows, that usually means you are suddenly in the driver’s seat until you can find a replacement — which, on a holiday, can feel like trying to find a penguin in a sandstorm.
It wasn’t too big a deal. Mum would be at church for the morning and already had lunch plans afterward. I was living with her at the time and knew I would see her later in the day. Hurriedly getting ready, I arrived at the office within the hour. I figured I could catch up on some paperwork and check whether any systems required maintenance so I could arrange the technician’s schedule for the upcoming week.
Like always, minutes turned into hours. At one point, the night shift controller returned — three hours early for his shift. He thanked me profusely and said he appreciated me coming in on my day off to relieve him. I was grateful that I still had most of the day ahead of me.
Once I got home, I spent some time with my puppies and set up Mum’s gift on the dining room table so she would see it as soon as she walked in. After that, the pups and I settled into our normal Sunday afternoon routine — a nap. We curled up together and drifted off to sleep.
Not long afterward, I woke up with a pain in my neck. Thinking I must have slept awkwardly, I tried massaging it, but it did not help. I lay back down and tried to sleep again, but I couldn’t.
About an hour later, Mum got home, and I could hear the joy in her voice when she saw the flowers. I came out to greet her and mentioned that my neck was sore, but assured her I was fine.
As fate would have it, she happened to be with a family member who was a paramedic. Calmly and quietly, they told Mum that I needed to get to a hospital immediately because I was having a heart attack.
I laughed.
Sure, I smoked, but I trained regularly, was in decent shape, and lived an active lifestyle. Mothers being what they are naturally begin to worry, so I reassured her that I had probably just slept funny and that maybe a hot shower would loosen the muscles.
Two hours later, after much arguing, I finally conceded and agreed to go to the hospital — if only to prove everyone was worried over nothing. They decided to take me to Kingsway Hospital in Amanzimtoti, about twenty minutes away.
When we arrived, Mum explained my symptoms to the attending nurse, who immediately began checking my vitals. She said something quietly to Mum before injecting medication into my abdomen. Then, very calmly, she looked at me and said:
“Mr. Rajoo, you are having a massive heart attack. I have administered a strong anticoagulant which should help remove the occlusion, but we have an ambulance en route to transfer you to Westville Hospital, as they are better equipped.”
I furrowed my brow and replied sheepishly, “No I’m not.”
“Yes, sir, you are,” she said firmly but compassionately. “And you need immediate medical attention.”
Before she had even finished speaking, the paramedics arrived. Within minutes, I was in the ambulance racing toward the hospital.
I tried to process what was happening, but mostly I was in shock. I remember wondering, “Is this how it ends?”
That night there was an intense thunderstorm. Blinding flashes of lightning illuminated the sky with every strike, almost as though the world itself was saying, “Hold on, son. This isn’t the end of your story.”
What felt like mere minutes probably took much longer, but everyone moved with unbelievable urgency. By the time we arrived at the hospital, they were already expecting me and attended to me immediately.
That is when I passed out.
I do not remember much of the next hour. When I finally woke up, I was lying in a hospital bed wearing a gown, connected to an IV, trying to piece together the events that had led me there.
Standing beside me was my big sister, tears filling her eyes. The moment she saw I was awake, she let out a sigh of relief.
The storm I mentioned earlier had affected the entire area, including the town where my sister lived. Despite the heavy rain and strong winds, my brother-in-law insisted on bringing her to see me.
Niri hugged me tightly, paying little attention to the various machines and wires attached to me, simply overwhelmed with relief that I was conscious. I looked over at my brother-in-law and, with a slight smile, said:
“I’m really sorry we had to meet under these circumstances.”
The entire room burst into laughter, and I could almost see the weight lift off my sister’s shoulders. She was probably thinking, “Yep, he’s okay. Back to his nonsense.”
Over the following days, I was visited by countless family members and friends, all expressing their love and support and assuring me that they would keep me in their prayers.
A few weeks later, I was finally allowed to return home. The damage caused by the heart attack would be permanent, and no one could confidently say how much time I had left.
As my cardiologist explained, because of the delay in receiving medical attention, there were parts of my heart that would never fully recover. Still, that did not mean I could not live a relatively normal life.
I have said many times to anyone willing to listen that my gratitude toward everyone involved knows no bounds. From Mum, to the family member who rushed us to the hospital, to the nurse who first attended to me, the staff at Westville Hospital, and my cardiologist — they were angels on earth and the reason I am still here today.
Recovery was not always easy. There were moments when I genuinely thought, “This could be it.”
But as time passed, my perspective began to change.
I became less concerned with how much time I had left and more focused on treating each day as the gift it truly is. I began appreciating life differently — showing love more freely to family and friends, seeing beauty in everything from the smallest pebble to the greatest mountain, and feeling a deeper interconnectedness with all living things.
Now, nine years later, I barely recognize the person I used to be, but I am deeply grateful for the person I have become.
I cherish every day I have been blessed with since then — watching my nephews grow up, spending countless hours with my sisters, and becoming even closer to Mum and Dad. It did not happen overnight, but that fateful day became the greatest catalyst for my personal growth.
Today, I focus on doing my best to serve God and live a life pleasing to Him while loving and serving the people around me, recognizing the presence of my Lord within them all.
So today, and every day I am granted, I will continue to sing the Lord’s praises, love and serve others, and cherish this beautiful gift called life until the day I return to my place at the feet of the Lord.
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The latest Brosseau Cash Raffle draw has officially been completed, with another group of lucky winners taking home prizes as community support for the fundraiser continues strong.
The raffle has become a well-supported local initiative, bringing residents together while helping support ongoing community efforts. Organizers once again extended their appreciation to everyone who purchased tickets and contributed to the success of the draw.
The updated list of winners is as follows:
| Date | $ | Ticket | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 | 572 | Pam Ewanchuk | Two Hills |
| 2 | 100 | 613 | Nicole Bachelet | Edmonton |
| 4 | 20 | 934 | Marie Marthe Bachelet | Two Hills |
| 5 | 20 | 74 | Tim Eyles | Cold Lake |
| 6 | 20 | 635 | Doug Shapka | Hairy Hill |
| 7 | 20 | 900 | Kristine Higenell | Vegreville |
| 8 | 20 | 874 | Mike & Adeline Mandrusiak | Edmonton |
| 9 | 100 | 664 | Brad J Zayak (Jamieson) | Two Hills |
| 11 | 20 | 478 | Dwayne Baldwin | Vermilion |
| 12 | 20 | 467 | D Campbell | St. Albert |
| 13 | 20 | 244 | Nikki Withers | Lavoy |
| 14 | 20 | 920 | Crystal Smith | Two Hills |
| 15 | 20 | 280 | Carrie Hamilton Yolande Williams | Turner Valley |
| 16 | 100 | 815 | David Rombough | St. Albert |
| 18 | 20 | 765 | Kim Webster Ouelette | St. Paul |
| 19 | 20 | 77 | Philip Eyles | Bonnyville |
| 20 | 20 | 149 | George A/O Del Vanberg | Ft. Assiniboine |
| 21 | 20 | 37 | Karlene Yakemchuk | Hairy Hill |
| 22 | 20 | 175 | Robert Noel | St. Paul |
| 23 | 100 | 980 | Abe Wiebe | Myrnam |
| 25 | 20 | 865 | Sherri Chisan | Saddle Lake |
| 26 | 20 | 321 | Marcella Amyotte | Cold Lake |
| 27 | 20 | 905 | Erica Zacharuk | Vegreville |
| 28 | 20 | 635 | Doug Shapka | Hairy Hill |
| 29 | 20 | 893 | Cam Miller | Vegreville |
| 30 | 100 | 128 | Darren & Julie Williams | Leduc County |
Congratulations to all of this month’s winners, and thank you once again to everyone who continues to support the Brosseau Cash Raffle. Community initiatives like these are only possible because of the continued generosity and participation of local residents. Organizers encourage supporters to stay tuned for future draws and upcoming announcements.
(Image generated using AI)
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.
(Image generated using AI)
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:
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.
Two Hills Chronicle published its first issue in December 2020. It serves the communities of Two Hills and County and surrounding areas.