The Rural Alberta Report
july 4, 2025
Local News
Happy Canada Day!
Canada Day 2025 was marked with celebration, reflection, and a growing sense of unity from coast to coast to coast. From bustling urban parades to smalltown gatherings and backyard barbecues, Canadians came together on July 1 to honour the nation’s 158th birthday. Officially known as Canada Day since 1982, the holiday commemorates the formation of Canada as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire. On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act (now called the Constitution Act) united the colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada (which later became Ontario and Quebec) into a single country.
Originally called Dominion Day, the holiday was renamed Canada Day following a 1982 amendment to the Holidays Act, symbolizing Canada’s move toward full independence and a distinct national identity. The first official celebration of Dominion Day occurred in 1868, with royal proclamations and fireworks in Ottawa. As the red and white Maple Leaf flag fluttered proudly across the country on Canada Day 2025, few may have paused to consider the long and sometimes heated history behind this now-iconic symbol.
Canada didn’t always have its own distinct national flag. For nearly a century after Confederation in 1867, the country used versions of British flags, most notably the Red Ensign, which featured the Union Jack and a Canadian coat of arms.
Steam ‘n T Party 30th Anniversary (National Model T Tour) car entered in the Stettler July 1 parade. Rural Alberta Report/S.Salkeld
Stettler Museum antique tractor in the Stettler July 1 parade. Rural Alberta Report/S. Salkeld
While unofficially flown at many government buildings, it was never formally adopted by Parliament. In the early 1960s, debates about national identity— especially with growing calls from Quebec for greater autonomy—led to calls for a uniquely Canadian flag.
Under Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, a heated national debate erupted over what the new flag should look like. Some saw it as a break from tradition; others saw it as a necessary step toward a more unified and independent nation. After months of parliamentary debate, design submissions, and national opinion polls, a simple yet powerful design was chosen: a single red maple leaf.
Interesting Facts About the Canadian Flag
The maple leaf has been a Canadian symbol since the 1700s. It appeared in early literature and military insignia and was used to represent Canada in both World Wars. The flag’s colours—red and white— were declared Canada’s official colours by King George V in 1921. The flag’s proportions are unique. It’s twice as long as it is tall, with the white square in the centre being a perfect square. The stylized 11-point maple leaf is not botanically accurate to any one species. When the new flag was raised on Parliament Hill in 1965, the crowd sang both “O Canada” and “God Save the Queen”.
How Canada Was Formed: A Brief History of Confederation and the Provinces
Canada became a country on July 1, 1867, through the British North America Act, passed by the British Parliament. This act united three colonies—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada (which was then divided into Ontario and Quebec)—into a new, self-governing nation within the British Empire, known as the Dominion of Canada.
This event is known as Confederation and marked the official beginning of Canada as a country.
How the Provinces and Territories Joined Confederation
Over time, other provinces and territories joined or were created: Manitoba joined in 1870, carved from part of Rupert’s Land and the Northwest Territories. British Columbia joined in 1871, motivated in part by a promise to build a transcontinental railway.
Stettler Pet Valu float in the Stettler Canada Day parade July 1. Rural Alberta Report/S. Salkeld
Stettler P&H Elevator Preservaiton Society float in the Stettler Canada Day parade. Rural Alberta Report/S.Salkeld
Prince Edward Island joined in 1873 after initially declining to join in 1867. Alberta and Saskatchewan became provinces in 1905, created from the Northwest Territories. Newfoundland and Labrador was the last province to join, entering Confederation in 1949 after a public vote. The Northwest Territories has existed since 1870, but its size has changed over time as provinces were created. Yukon was established as a separate territory in 1898 following the Klondike Gold Rush. Nunavut was officially separated from the Northwest Territories in 1999, becoming Canada’s third territory.
Canada’s founding fathers wanted a country that balanced local control with a strong central government. The term “Dominion” was used until the mid-20th century when simply “Canada” became the common
Usage. Canada gained full legal independence from Britain in 1982, with the patriation of the Constitution and the adoption of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Today, Canada is made up of 10 provinces and 3 territories, each with its own government and responsibilities, but all united under a federal system.
Kids of all ages compete in the village of Big Valley egg race held on July 1 Canada Day Celebrations. Photo: C. Bowman
Big Valley’s Canada celebrations on July 1, also included such events as wheel barrel race, 3 legged race, gunny sack race, tug of war, seed spitting, egg n spoon race, clothes pin tag and log in pillow fight. A BBQ, cotton candy and cake were served to all the hungry participants. Photo: C. Bowman
Alberta’s Beginnings
Alberta Became a Province in 1905 Alberta officially joined Confederation on September 1, 1905, the same day as Saskatchewan. Before that, the area was part of the Northwest Territories. The province was named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of the Marquess of Lorne, who was Governor General of Canada from 1878 to 1883.
The Canadian government encouraged settlement in Alberta in the late 1800s and early 1900s with offers of free or cheap farmland under the Dominion Lands Act. This helped populate the prairies with farmers from Eastern Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
Though Calgary had a larger population at the time, Edmonton was selected as Alberta’s capital due to its central location and role as a supply hub during the fur trade and Klondike Gold Rush. The Canadian Pacific Railway played a major role in Alberta’s early growth, allowing settlers, goods, and resources to move efficiently across the province.
In Alberta’s early years, the economy was based on agriculture, ranching, and coal mining. It wasn’t until 1947 that Alberta’s major oil industry began to boom with the Leduc No. 1 discovery. Several Numbered Treaties were signed with Indigenous peoples (Treaties 6, 7, and 8) and negotiated in the late 1800s as settlement expanded.
Before becoming a province, the area was administered by the federal government from Ottawa.
Source: Daoudi Aissa/Unsplash
Source: Chet Meston finishes his ride at the Castor Rodeo
Source: Sam Carter/Unsplash
4-H Provincial Sheep & Beef Heifer Show, Stettler June 27-30
The Stettler Agricultural Society is proud to announce it will host the 2025 4-H Provincial Sheep & Beef Heifer Show from June 27–30 at the Stettler Ag Grounds. This marks the first time the prestigious provincial event, previously held in Olds, will take place in Stettler.
The multi-day event will showcase the hard work and dedication of 4-H members from across Alberta, highlighting both livestock and leadership skills.
Schedule Highlights:
Saturday, June 28
9:00 a.m. – Multi Judging Competition
2:00 p.m. – Sheep Trimming
2:30 p.m. – Beef Team Grooming
5:00 p.m. – Sheep Costume Class
5:30 p.m. – Ram Lamb-O-Rama
Sunday, June 29
9:30 a.m. – Beef Showmanship & Team Judging
11:00 a.m. – Sheep Showmanship & Team Judging
4:00 p.m. – Sheep Flock Show
Monday, June 30
10:00 a.m. – 4-H Alberta Sheep Show
10:00 a.m. – 4-H Alberta Beef Show
Mark your calendar - local events and happenings
Alberta News
Heavy rains ease wildfire threat in Alberta, but north remains vulnerable
KCJ Media Group Ltd.
Recent heavy rains have helped reduce wildfire danger across much of central and southern Alberta, though northern areas remain a significant concern heading into the Canada Day long weekend.
More than 100 millimetres of rain fell over several days, with the heaviest amounts reported along the foothills and eastern regions, according to Environment Canada.
Alberta Wildfire spokesperson Josée St-Onge said the moisture has been a welcome relief, especially for central Alberta, where crews are making progress on existing fires. However, St-Onge warned that major wildfires continue to burn in the far north, including the Red Earth East complex—10 fires near Red Earth Creek and Loon River
First Nation—spanning roughly 78,000 hectares. Since March 1, more than 670,000 hectares have burned across the province.
As of Monday, 54 wildfires remained active; 27 are clas- sified as out of control, while four are considered held.
With dry conditions persisting in the north and a forecast of warmer weather later in the week, officials remain cautious. Fire danger ratings in much of central and southern
Alberta range from low to moderate, but advisories are still in effect for areas including Edmonton.
St-Onge urged residents to be vigilant over the Canada Day weekend, noting a spike in human-caused fires typically follows holidays. She also reminded the public that fireworks are banned on Crown land without written permission from a forest officer.
With dry conditions persisting in the north and a forecast of warmer weather later in the week, officials remain cautious. Fire danger ratings in much of central and southern
Alberta range from low to moderate, but advisories are still in effect for areas including Edmonton.
St-Onge urged residents to be vigilant over the Canada Day weekend, noting a spike in human-caused fires typically follows holidays. She also reminded the public that fireworks are banned on Crown land without written permission from a forest officer.
Source: Daoudi Aissa/Unsplash
Source: Screenshot/Instant Weather
Vermilion RCMP lays charges in two separate lease site break and enters
Source: Scott Rodgerson /Unsplash
Media Release
On April 29, 2025, Vermilion RCMP responded to a complaint of a break and enter in progress to a lease site in the County of Vermilion River. Due to the remote location, multiple Detachments responded, including Vermilion RCMP, Two Hills RCMP and Elk Point RCMP, along with Alberta RCMP Police Dog Services from Lloydminster.
Members attended to investigate and determined two suspects were involved, both of which were identified. One suspect was located following a dog track, while the other could not be located. A warrant for the arrest of the second was issued.
On June 1, 2025, Vermilion RCMP responded to a
complaint of a break and enter in progress to a lease site
near Highway 640. Due to the remote location, multiple
Detachments responded, including Vermilion RCMP, Kitscoty RCMP
and Elk Point RCMP, along with Alberta RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS) from Lloydminster, Alta. Members attended to investigate and located a suspect who was taken into custody in regards to this
matter, as well as an outstanding warrant.
As a result of the April 29 investigation, Christopher Swindlehurst (47) and Colin Swindlehurst (50), both residents of Woodlands County, Alta., have been charged with: Break and enter; Mischief under $5000;
Resisting arrest; Possession of break-in tools; Theft under $5000. Christopher Swindlehurst has since dealt with his matters before the courts. Colin Swindlehurst remains at large with a warrant issued for his arrest.
As a result of the June 1 investigation, James Hollis, a 54-year-old resident without fixed address, was arrested and charged with Break and enter as well as Possession of break-in tools. Hollis was brought before a Justice of the Peace, where he was ultimately released from custody. He is set to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vermil-
ion on July 7, 2025.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Colin Swindlehurst or any other criminal activity, please contact the Vermilion RCMP at 780-853-5781. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Triple win brings joy to Alberta man
KCJ Media Group Ltd.
A retired cancer survivor is celebrating a remarkable
streak of good fortune after winning the lottery three times in under a year, collecting a total of $2.5 million.
David Serkin, who’s been playing since 1982, says he plays for fun—and now plans to treat his wife to a well earned vacation.
His story is a joyful reminder that sometimes, life really can surprise you in the best way.
Source: Erik Mclean/Unsplash
Early season crop diagnosis analysis
Submitted by Alberta Grains
Alberta Agri-news
As the crop emerges, some early-season crop issues may start to appear. Issues such as poor or uneven emergence, yellowing and stunted growth are among the most common issues. Each issue might be caused by a range of potential reasons, making correct diagnosis challenging.
In this article, we will look into the common early-season crop issues, and share some tips to diagnose them. Correct diagnosis is the first step to addressing these issues, both in-season or in the following year.
Poor or uneven emergence
Poor and uneven emergence is one of the most common issues. Though cereals can compensate for low plant stands by tillering, a low plant stand may impact the yield potential. In addition, the late tillers will be at a different growth stage from the main stems, making timing the fungicide/harvest more challenging.
The potential causes of poor or uneven emergence are:
1) Seed issues: Poor seed quality/lack of seed treatment. Seeds that are not viable or have low vigour may not germinate or emerge successfully. Seed testing is a great way to figure things out. Look at the germination rate, vigour and disease diagnostic profile on the seed test report to find if the seedlot has quality issues.
2) Seeder issues: Plugged opener/uneven seeding depth. Missing certain rows is an indicator of plugged openers on the seeder. Seeder issues may also be reflected on poor/delayed emergence in certain parts of the seeder pass, especially on slopes. The seeder may have placed the seeds deeper/shallower than the ideal seeding depth. Seeder diagnosis and calibration can be conducted on the seeder for better seed placement in future years.
3) Moisture issues: Is the poor emergence found mainly in the low-lying area or the knolls? The low-lying areas may have waterlogging conditions, which reduce seed emergence by lack of oxygen and
higher disease risks.
If the poor emergence is mainly found on knolls, especially the eroded ones, the emergence issue is likely from a lack of moisture and soil fertility. In dry springs, seed sometimes germinate in different times, depending on when they get access to moisture. The earliest and latest germination may be spaced apart by a few weeks.
Source: Unsplash
4) Soil crusting:
Soils with higher clay content have higher risks of forming a surface crust following heavy rain. The surface crust stops the seedlings from emerging. A timely rain may be able to soften the crust and help the seedlings to push through.
5) Seed/seedling diseases: Root diseases such as root rot complex can infect the seedlings, causing patchy emergence, stunted growth and yellowing. Roots may appear darkened or decayed.
6) Seed/seedling insect pests: Insect pests such as wireworm and cutworm feed on the seeds and/or developing seedings, causing a lower plant stand. Wireworm damage may appear patchy. If in doubt, carry a trowel and scout for wireworms. Cut-worms have been reported across Alberta.
Plants yellowing or stunted growth;
1) Nutrient deficiency: Soil test reports/tissue tests.
Things to look for: Where does the symptom appear first, on the older leaves or the new growth? The plant-mobile nutrients, such as N, P, K and Magnesium, can move from the older leaves to the new growth, thus the deficiency symptoms appear on the older leaves first. The plant-immobile nutrients, such as Calcium, Boron, Iron and Zinc, the new growth will show deficiency symptoms first.
Soil test and/or tissue tests are great tools for more accurate diagnosis. When in doubt, collect samples from both the impacted area and the healthy area, send to accredit- ed labs to analyze for potential nutrient deficiency.
2) Environmental stress:
Cold stress: Cold nights with temperatures near freezing may cause yellow to purple discoloration on the section of stem close to the ground.
Heat stress: look for a yellow, constriction point on the center of a leaf. This is heat canker, a damage caused by hot soil surface. If heat and high wind occur at the same period, the leaf tissue above the canker may be broken, resulting in leaf tip death.
3) Herbicide drift:
Specific patterns in the field. Field patterns and leaf symptoms are two main points to look for. Physical drift, or the movement of droplets at
the time of application, is generally on the scale of tens of meters. A gradient severity may be observed depending on the distance from the boom.
On the contrary, vapor drift may move kilometers from the original field. It is caused by wind, rainfall or inversion conditions. If this is the case, leaf symptoms become more important indicators. Look for symptoms of herbicide injury, such as rolled leaves, yellow striping
or bleaching.
4) Herbicide carryover:
Dry condition slows the decomposition of herbicides. When the accumulated growing season precipitation is lower than 150 mm (6 inches) in the previous year, the risks of herbicide carryover damage is higher. For cereal crops, Group 2 herbicide carryover is most common. If imidazolinone herbicides were used in the previous year, consider the possibility of herbicide carry- over if the previous season was dry.
5) Early-season diseases:
Field history + crop rotation + environmental conditions. Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) produces dashes, streaks or yellow stripes parallel to the veins. The virus is vectored by wheat curl mites and may spread from the adjacent winter wheat fields to spring wheat. Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) is transmitted by aphids and causes yellowing and stunting. BYDV infects wheat, barley and oats. The presence of aphids, leaf discoloration and stunted plants in small patches may indicate BYDV. Before jumping to conclusions, collect
plant samples and send to Alberta Plant Health Lab for testing.
Seedling blight or root rot complex may also cause yellowing and stunting of young plants. Investigate the root development and colour if suspect root rot complex.
Canadian News
Alberta updates reclamation security rules for wind and solar energy projects
KCJ Media Group Ltd.
Alberta has introduced new requirements for wind and solar energy developers under the Code of Practice for Solar and Wind Renewable Energy Operations, which came into effect on May 31, 2025. The changes require all wind and solar facilities to register with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) and to provide financial security for future reclamation of project sites.
Developers now have two options to meet these obligations: either post a financial deposit with AEPA or secure a landowner agreement approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). New projects must secure a minimum of 30 per cent of estimated reclamation costs upfront if choosing to deposit funds with AEPA. For existing projects approved before Jan. 1, 2025, that requirement drops to 15 per cent. In either case, by the 15-year mark after registration, operators must increase their financial security to at least 60 per cent of the projected
costs, unless a reclamation certificate has already been issued.
For developers opting to secure landowner agreements in lieu of AEPA deposits, the AUC now requires a minimum of 40 per cent of estimated costs to be secured initially, increasing to 70 per cent after 15 years. The preferred form of financial backing is an irrevocable standby letter of credit. Other forms may be accepted but must provide sufficient guarantees, especially in cases where the opera-
tor becomes insolvent.
Projects already operating under landowner agreements must re-register with AEPA by Jan. 1, 2027, and demonstrate that their current security still meets regulatory standards. If not, they may be required to top up their financial commitments.
In addition to the financial security measures, developers must submit soil conservation plans, pre-disturbance assessments, and regular compliance reports. These must be prepared and verified by qualified professionals, ensuring alignment with the new regulatory standards.
Source: Unaplash
According to a recent report by the Business Renewables
Centre of Canada, Alberta’s updated reclamation rules are
among the most stringent in North America. The group
noted that the high upfront security requirements, com-
bined with a lack of credit for salvageable infrastructure,
could raise costs for developers and potentially affect the
province’s competitiveness in the renewables sector.
The changes mean operators and landowners will need to
re-evaluate their lease or surface use agreements, decide
how to meet the financial security rules, and prepare for
more intensive monitoring and reporting over the life of
the project.
This is a summary of a publicly available legal article and
does not constitute legal advice.
World News
Syringe attacks mar national celebration in France
KCJ Media Group Ltd.
Nearly 150 people reported being pricked with needles during France’s annual Fête de la Musique over the weekend, reviving fears linked to unexplained syringe attacks.
French police recorded 13 cases in Paris alone and have arrested at least 12 individuals nationwide. Authorities have not confirmed whether any substances were injected, and investigations are ongoing.
The incidents echo a surge of needle-spiking reports from 2022, when French police logged more than 1,000 cases at clubs, bars and festivals.
Ahead of this year’s event, social media users shared safety warnings, particularly aimed at women, urging vigilance and immediate medical attention in the event of an attack.
Obituaries
Livestream 2pm Monday July 7
Strachan, James
James John Strachan was ordained into ministry with theUnited Church in 1959, and prior to passing marked 65 yrs as clergy with us. He leaves behind his wife, Beatrix; and his children, Jennifer, Janet, Keith and Kathryn, along with their families. James was a grandfather to 10, and a great-grandfather to five.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025 at the Wetaskiwin First United Church, officiated by Rev. Catherine MacLean.
This will be livestream recorded.
Honoured to serve the Strachan/Schirner Families
Baker Funeral Chapel Wetaskiwin
780.352.2501 or 888.752.2501