Rising mental health and addiction issues compound the problem, and top police officials from Alberta offer solutions
Addictions and mental health issues are on the rise in rural and urban Alberta, say top police officials, making crime increasingly challenging to tackle. The increase has strained services, they say, even though solutions to stem addictions and mental health problems are working. “Meth is driving most of our violence and most of our crime […] Read moreAuthor Archives
Toxic jimsonweed found in Alta. canola field
The weed should be reported and eradicated immediately because it has implications for human and animal health
A highly toxic weed was recently found in Alberta’s Peace region, causing plant health specialists to encourage producers to report and eradicate it if spotted. One plant of jimsonweed, commonly known as devil’s trumpet, was located in a canola field in the Municipal District of Peace. It is toxic to humans and animals if consumed, […] Read more
Largest piece of farmland for sale in Canada
The nearly contiguous parcel near The Pas, Man., features 23,800 acres for cultivation and is going for $53.3 million
It’s believed to be the largest land package for sale in Canada, and it’s on the Prairies. The land near The Pas, Man., features 23,800 acres for cultivation and is selling for an asking price of $53.3 million. All existing infrastructure and equipment are included in the sale price, said Darren Sander of Re/MAX Saskatoon, […] Read more
University’s climate change ad sparks controversy
A controversial University of Alberta billboard advertisement touting the benefits of climate change has caused concern among producer groups. The ad, which read “Beefier barley: climate change will boost Alberta’s barley yield with less water, feeding more cattle,” drew heavy criticism because many people thought it conveyed the message that climate change is good, even […] Read more
Alta. municipalities weigh options as funding cuts loom
Cities, towns and villages are looking at the possibility of raising service fees as a way to help balance their books
Cities, towns and villages in Alberta are taking a strong look at how they plan on generating revenue in the coming months, given the province might cut funding to their revenue streams. Recent revelations in the MacKinnon report, which recommended municipalities shoulder more capital costs, are sending mixed messages to elected officials, they said, causing […] Read more
GrainsConnect opens Huxley terminal
GrainsConnect Canada has officially opened an inland storage terminal in east-central Alberta, helping add capacity to its growing network. At full operation, the terminal near Huxley, Alta., will load more than 130 rail cars in less than 14 hours, bringing what the company says will be efficiency and reliability to farmers. “Our mission at GrainsConnect […] Read more
Small Alta. municipalities plan for funding cuts
Cities, towns and villages in Alberta are taking a strong look at how they plan on generating revenue in the coming months, given the province might cut funding to their revenue streams. Recent revelations in the MacKinnon report, which recommended municipalities shoulder more capital costs, are sending mixed messages to elected officials, they said, causing […] Read more
Alberta proposal could see towns pay more for policing
Small municipalities in Alberta may have to pay more for policing services if a proposal by the United Conservative Party government is implemented, according to documents. A government slide show presentation, obtained by the NDP opposition, says the province is proposing that communities with fewer than 5,000 people start sharing some of the costs for […] Read more
Life can be hard for child migrants
Many U.S. farm owners ensure good conditions for their workers, but there are bad actors who don’t follow the rules
Young children have been found working on farms with their families in the United States, prompting advocates to push for changes to improve safety practices and labour standards. Working children, primarily of families who have moved from Latin America to the United States, were recently documented by the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP), an […] Read more
Farm to expand with direct-to-consumer sales
On the Farm: Clay and Katy Peck use permaculture and regenerative practices on their small northern B.C. farm
CHARLIE LAKE, B.C. — Clay and Katy Peck will soon increase production on their small farm in northern British Columbia, providing nearby consumers with local meat and produce. The young couple moved to their farm, Canadian Acres, in Charlie Lake about six years ago, starting with 160 acres, 80 of which are for hay. They […] Read more
