Getting sick at home is bad enough, but dealing with illness or injury while travelling can be traumatic. It’s even worse if you’re in a country where you are not familiar with the medical system or language. The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers, a non-profit organization, lists recommended doctors and clinics abroad that […] Read more
Farm Living
Plan ahead for healthy travels abroad
Prairie crops in great shape
The potential exists for a western Canadian bumper crop barring significant, widespread weather problems in the second half of the growing season. Satellite images show that crop vegetative health is either higher or much higher than normal across the prairie region. “The bulk of Western Canada is looking very good at this point,” said Gordon […] Read more
Alberta to raise minimum wage
Alberta’s minimum wage will rise to $12.20 per hour on Oct. 1, $1 more than the current rate, the provincial government announced today. An increase will also take place on that date for weekly and monthly minimum wage earners, to $486 and $2,316 respectively. The changes are part of the NDP government’s plan to bring […] Read more
Opportunity grows for local producers
High prices force some consumers to switch from fresh to frozen, but fruits and vegetables still on the menu
A survey of consumers suggests a move away from fresh fruit and vegetables when prices are high. Stories of $7 cauliflower surprised consumers last winter but a new survey shows that affected purchasing choices with consumers moving to frozen or canned vegetables. The study, conducted in May by researchers at the universities of Guelph and […] Read more
Organic growers eager to try new trends, satisfy clients
CAWSTON, B.C. — Farming was not the first career choice for Kevin and Annamarie Klippenstein but after 16 years at their organic operation in the Similkameen Valley, it is the only path they want to follow. A massive vegetable plot of lettuce, garlic, zucchini, broccoli and cauliflower spreads out in front of their home in […] Read more
CP ready to move crop, despite layoffs: officials
Canadian Pacific Railway says it is ready to move an oversized western Canadian crop this fall. CP’s recently announced plan to lay off as many as 500 railway maintenance workers will not affect its ability to move grain efficiently, company officials added. “CP is keen to work collaboratively with all supply chain partners to continue […] Read more
New funding may keep bells ringing at nine rural B.C. schools
VICTORIA — Rural school districts in British Columbia have access to new funding intended to stop a wave of closures of rural schools across the province. Premier Christie Clark an-nounced the $2.5 million Rural Education Enhancement Fund in Quesnel, where the school district had already announced the closure of three rural schools this year. “It’s […] Read more
Europe continues approving glyphosate, but trouble still brewing
The public wrangling and political theatre over glyphosate has been resolved in Europe, but the story is far from over, says a Canadian expert in pesticide regulations. The European Commission announced June 28 that it would extend its approval of glyphosate for 18 months. The decision came only two days before the EU registration for […] Read more
Hunting licence no longer needed for wild boar in Sask.
Saskatchewan hunters may now hunt wild boar without a licence. The government has amended both the wildlife regulations and the stray animal regulations to allow feral or free-ranging wild boar to be killed. Hunters are still required to ask permission to hunt on private land and must follow proper safety precautions. Wild boar can become […] Read more
Environmental review ordered for Alta. flood control project
The federal government has ordered an environmental review of a controversial flood control project west of Calgary. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency announced that a federal environmental assessment is required for the Springbank Off-stream Reservoir. Public comments are due by July 25. Alberta Transportation submitted the Springbank project description to the agency May 6. A […] Read more
