Lakeland College has suspended five programs and reduced expenses following funding cuts from the provincial government. The college said the programs that have been suspended were carefully reviewed. The board decided they weren’t providing a bang for their buck. “Lakeland must focus its resources on programming areas where student demand and the labour market align, […] Read more
Jeremy Simes
Stories by Jeremy Simes
Alta. commits to helping livestock producers through BRMs
The Alberta government will provide livestock producers with additional funds through business risk management programs, helping them stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The province announced today it will assist fed-cattle producers through AgriRecovery, as well as increase assistance to hog and potato producers through AgriStability. Alberta’s initiative follows the federal government’s funding announcement of […] Read more
Prairie farmers find way to deliver local food
Many say that consumers are looking for ways to avoid the grocery store and buy more local food during the pandemic
Small farmers in Alberta have partnered with a company to deliver local products to consumers, addressing concerns of needing food during the COVID-19 pandemic. The specialty boxes, created in partnership with farmers, the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies and The Organic Box, have offered producers a way to sell more of their products. As well, […] Read more
Mushroom farmers face steep COVID-19 losses
Farmers urge Ottawa to establish emergency fund to help them weather the restaurant closures forced by the pandemic
Canadian mushroom farmers say the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for many operations, with losses totalling $6.5 million. In a letter addressing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and federal ministers last week, Mushrooms Canada wrote that the industry will face losses of an additional $400,000 for every week the economy remains stagnant. It said mushroom farms […] Read more
CP lowers outlook for 2020
Despite showing strong revenues in the first financial quarter, Canadian Pacific Railway has lowered its outlook for 2020 as it faces fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The company reported last month that its first quarter revenues were $2.04 billion, a 16 percent increase from $1.77 billion last year. Even though CP said the figure breaks […] Read more
Alta. NDP requests more livestock support
The Alberta NDP is urging the United Conservative Party government to provide financial support to livestock producers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Official opposition house leader Heather Sweet said today she wants the province to commit to providing additional funds through AgriRecovery. The federal government is offering $125 million in new money in a set-aside […] Read more
Flooding hits northern Alberta producers
Flooding in northern Alberta has displaced thousands of residents and is affecting some farmers, potentially delaying seeding plans. The Alberta government said last week that the flooding, caused by ice jams in the Fort McMurray and Fort Vermilion areas, has forced roughly 14,000 people to flee their homes. There are about four farmers affected by […] Read more
Enhanced protocols in place for Alta. meat plants
The Alberta government says it’s continuing to monitor the health and safety of food processing employees after they’ve experienced some of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks in the country. The government said in a news release today that Alberta Health Services and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) have been visiting food processing facilities regularly and have […] Read more
Livestock groups ‘deeply disappointed’ in federal aid
Canada’s cattle and hog producers say new funding from Ottawa falls short of their expectations, causing them to continue to carry a heavy financial burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal funding provides $125 million through AgriRecovery for the pork and beef sectors, but the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association said yesterday it is deeply disappointed by […] Read more
Feds improve COVID-19 ag money, provinces hesitate
The federal government has further tweaked business risk management programs and injected new cash to assist producers facing financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government today announced changes to AgriStability, AgriRecovery and AgriProtection, as well as an additional $252 million in finance assistance. While producer organizations say the new money isn’t enough to […] Read more
