A partnership between the governments of Canada and Alberta will help beekeepers hit hard by extreme cold and varroa mites.
Alberta is Canada’s biggest honey-producing province and relies on bees as essential pollinators and as a steadily growing sector of the agriculture industry. Over the 2021-22 winter, Alberta’s beekeepers experienced high losses due to extreme cold weather and varroa mite infestations. Some reported losses were as high as 50 per cent.
The Canada-Alberta Bee Colony Replacement Assistance Initiative, an AgriRecovery program delivered by Agricultural Financial Services Corporation (AFSC), will compensate eligible commercial beekeepers that purchased replacement colonies, bee packages or queens between Jan. 1, 2022, and May 1, 2023.
“Beekeepers and healthy bee populations play a vital role in the sustainable production of many high-value agricultural crops. With support to help overcome this unique sector challenge and recover unexpected colony losses, beekeepers will be better equipped for future growing seasons.”
Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
“Bees are key to Alberta’s agriculture industry. Crop producers rely on them as pollinators, and they produce millions of pounds of honey every year. This program will help our beekeepers mitigate some of their costs after a tough couple winters and continue to produce the honey in demand across the world.”
RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
AgriRecovery is a federal-provincial-territorial disaster relief framework to help agricultural producers with the costs associated with recovering from disaster situations. Eligible costs will be supported on the 60/40 federal-provincial cost-shared basis outlined under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
“The Alberta Beekeepers Commission is grateful for the effort and support of Agriculture and Irrigation and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in advocating on the commission’s behalf following one of the most devasting overwintering losses in 2021-22. AgriRecovery will help our eligible producers to recover, building back to a viable and thriving beekeeping industry.”
Connie Phillips, executive director, Alberta Beekeepers Commission
“We are proud to support Alberta’s beekeepers through this AgriRecovery initiative. We understand the impacts the extreme cold weather and varroa mites had on our beekeepers, and AFSC continues to do everything we can to ensure they receive the help they need.”
Registered commercial beekeepers with 100 or more colonies under Alberta’s Bee Act may be eligible for compensation to mitigate extraordinary costs associated with purchased colony, bee packages or queens between Jan. 1, 2022, and May 1, 2023.
Completed application forms and all supporting documents are due by July 31. An AFSC identification number is required. Applicants may submit their applications through AFSC Connect online, in person at a branch office or by fax.
Quick facts
Winter losses in 2022 were 49.9 per cent, well above Alberta’s average winter losses of about 27 per cent.
Alberta produces more honey than any other province, accounting for nearly 41 per cent of Canada’s 2022 total.
Last year, Alberta beekeepers produced more than 30 million pounds of honey, down nearly 11 per cent from 2021.
In 2022, Alberta international exports of honey totalled $18 million, up 49.3 per cent from 2021.
Japan was the leading market for provincial honey exports, with 68 per cent of the total ($12.2 million), followed by the United States, with 27 per cent ($4.9 million).
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s government is recognizing the role ranchers play in managing Crown rangelands by establishing a Rangeland Grazing Framework.
Crown rangeland is public land leased or permitted to ranchers for grazing livestock. The new framework provides clarity about how grazing fits into Crown Land and integrated land management practices.
“Our ranchers have long been stewards of our rangelands, and their input into the creation of this framework and their ongoing efforts with land management are important to supporting livestock production, maintaining healthy ecosystems and creating economic prosperity.”
Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry, Parks and Tourism
The Rangeland Grazing Framework also provides the agriculture industry with the continued opportunity to use the forage production of the rangelands for grazing while keeping biodiversity top of mind. Alberta’s rangelands have long depended on grazing, with cattle now following in the footsteps of bison to help maintain ecological benefits such as watershed health, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, diverse plant and wildlife populations and aesthetic beauty.
“The framework supports the important work of ranchers to sustain and enhance the function and productivity of Crown land rangeland ecosystems in a way that promotes biodiversity and ecological goods and services.”
Sonya Savage, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
“The Rangeland Grazing Framework is a significant step forward in recognizing the vital role that ranchers play in managing Crown rangelands. By providing clarity on grazing practices and emphasizing the importance of biodiversity, the framework ensures that ranchers can continue to produce high-quality beef while upholding Alberta’s reputation for ecological sustainability.”
Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
“Grazing dispositions on Crown land are a proven conservation measure, as seen by the long history and the resulting health of the grasslands under grazing leases. The framework supports long-term conservation by solidifying the role of the leaseholder and supporting the partnership between the leaseholder and the province.”
Kyle Forbes, chairman, Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association
“The framework recognizes the long-held essential role that leaseholders have in stewarding Alberta’s Crown rangelands. The framework clearly spells out how grazing fits into Crown land management and helps bring peace of mind to ranchers that future policy will support their farms and their ability to steward Crown rangelands.”
Brodie Haugan, chair, Alberta Beef Producers
Supporting existing rights
The framework supports the existing land use rights of leaseholders and recreationists and places greater emphasis on current legislation and policy.
To reinforce the spirit of the framework and support the ongoing contributions and ranchers, the Rangeland Grazing Framework sets out a process for involving leaseholders when proposed land-use changes are being considered.
Quick facts
Alberta has more than eight million acres (3.3 million hectares) of grasslands, forests, riparian areas and wetlands on Crown land that can be used to graze livestock.
These areas are held under grazing dispositions, which are lease agreements, or permits between the province and agricultural producers.
Crown rangelands support 14 per cent of Alberta’s beef herd.
Rangelands support multiple land uses, including agriculture, industrial activities, cultural practices and recreation.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta is now accepting applications for the new Agri-processing Investment Tax Credit program.
The program offers a 12 per cent non-refundable tax credit based on eligible capital expenditures to corporations investing $10 million or more to build or expand agri-processing facilities in the province.
“Alberta’s new Agri-processing Investment Tax Credit program is an incredible opportunity that will diversify our economy and help eligible corporations from across North America and the world expand their operations, save money and grow their agri-processing business here in Alberta.”
Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
With a strong primary agriculture sector, competitive tax system and commitment to reducing economic barriers, Alberta is the ideal location for businesses looking to expand and thrive in the agri-processing sector.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the program, companies must be incorporated, registered or continued under Alberta’s Business Corporations Act, with the proposed investment plan having a minimum of $10 million in new capital expenditures.
The project must also be physically located in Alberta, be a new project or a significant expansion of an existing value-added agricultural processing facility, and project expenditures must directly support an eligible value-added agricultural activity.
Corporations with other provincial funding sources may also be eligible for the tax credit.
How to apply
Applicants must apply for conditional approval for the tax credit program by filling an online application form and submitting a proposed investment plan and Class 4 engineering estimate.
For more information on the program, interested parties can email APITC@gov.ab.ca.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Canadian beef restrictions are being lifted in Japan – which is good news for Albertan producers.
The Canadian federal government says Japan is removing barriers put up in 2003 to allow for the sale of beef patties. The barriers were put up after a case of Mad Cow disease – bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) – was discovered in the province.
“Our government will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our ranchers and processors who export the finest and most sustainable products around the world,” said federal Minister of Agriculture Marie-Claude Bibeau in a statement.
“This is another big step in our trade relationship with Japan, a trusted partner in the Indo-Pacific.”
The Canada-Alberta BSE Surveillance Program was instrumental in Japan deciding to remove restrictions on the sale of Canadian beef.
In 2022, the Japanese market for Canadian beef and beef products had an estimated value of $518 million. Japan is Canada’s third largest market for agriculture and food, and Statistics Canada reports beef exports to all countries in 2022 was over $4.6 billion.
Japan’s 38.5 per cent tariff on beef imports – including ground beef patties and other primary processed products – will decrease to 23.35 per cent on April 1, 2023. By 2033, it will go down to nine per cent. Tarrifs on other processed beef products will be reduced even more and eliminated altogether in some cases.
Alberta is Canada’s largest beef producing province.
“Cattle producers are grateful for the removal of trade barriers for processed beef in Japan, our second-largest export market for beef,” said President of the Canadian Cattle Association Nathan Phinney.
“Our industry will continue to support global food security by providing some of the most sustainable and highest quality beef in the world. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Canada to further remove remaining trade barriers and expanding our trade capacity in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Made-in-Alberta products will soon be easier to shop for.
The Government of Alberta is introducing a voluntary labeling program. The program will allow local producers to identify their products with a label celebrating they’re made in the province.
“This new voluntary label celebrates the safe, high-quality agricultural and food products that Alberta is known for here and around the globe. It will help consumers more easily identify Alberta products so they know their hard-earned dollars will stay in our province and support other Alberta families,” said Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Nate Horner.
The Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA) was selected as the program administrator through a competitive process. They were awarded a $5-million agreement to deliver the program until May 31, 2027.
Producers and processors interested in using the label on their products can get more information and apply though the Made in Alberta website.
AFPA Chair Eric Haak says the association is honoured by the government’s commitment to local food and beverage.
“This program helps consumers and producers work together to easily identify the amazing products that are made right here in Alberta. By choosing a local product, you are not only helping the business but the community as a whole,” Haak said.
“Our members are proud of what they grow, produce and process are excited to increase their local coverage in our province.”
One of the first products to have the new label is Red House Salsa. Owner Mary Burch says she’s excited to be part of the launch.
“I am so proud of my province, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of my valued friends, family and business connections all within my Alberta community,” she said.
“I look forward to presenting my product with the Made in Alberta label and showcasing the hard work I have put into my business as an Albertan, as well as letting others know that when they support my business – they are supporting their province as well.”
The website will help Albertans find locally made products in the future. Albertans are encouraged to watch for the label on more products soon.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s government is now accepting grant applications for Alberta Culture Days 2023 events.
This year’s festival, which highlights cultural programs and showcases local talent, will take place Sept. 1-30.
Up to $10,000 grants are available to help eligible community organizations offset the cost of planning and hosting events. Applications close March 17.
“It’s a great pleasure to announce that grant applications for Alberta Culture Days are officially open,” said Minister of Culture Jason Luan. “Each September, Alberta celebrates talent, community spirit and our diverse cultures. I encourage all community organizations to apply for a grant to help host their event during this month-long celebration.”
Alberta Culture Days, which is part of the national Culture Days, features events across the province celebrating all things culture, from food events, to tours through farms and historic sites. Community organizations are encouraged to host free public events.
In 2022, more than 3,000 free events were held in more than 500 communities, with 3.8 million attendees across the country.
There are three different grant categories:
Feature celebration sites, which offer at least three days of programming in September and are eligible for grants of up to $10,000.
Host celebration sites, which offer at least two days of programming in September and are eligible for grants of up to $5,000.
Pop-up celebration sites, which offer at least one day of programming in September and are eligible for grants of up to $1,000.
Grant criteria, as well as reporting information and forms needed to apply are available online.
Selected applicants will be notified in June.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s government is working on strengthening trespass laws through Bill 9.
The proposed legislation, if passed, would make language changes to clarify the federal government would be subject to existing trespass penalties if entering an Albertan’s property without lawful reason.
The government says this shows their commitment to protecting Albertans’ property rights, including in rural and remote areas.
“I want to commend Alberta’s government for amending trespass legislation to clarify and raise the profile of the right of landowners to control access to their property,” said Peter J. Dobbie, KC, farmers’ and property rights advocate for Alberta.
“This renewed focus on property rights is a refreshing and positive step forward for property owners in Alberta.”
Prevention of inadvertent crop disease spread is one of the main reasons for the changes. Alberta’s government says landowners should be provided with the common courtesy of advance notice of planned entry. This would allow farmers and ranchers to make certain those entering their land know how to mitigate the risk of disease spread.
Despite amendments, property owners are advised they can still be held responsible for their actions in a trespassing situation. They are advised to call law enforcement to deal with people believed to be trespassing.
The legislation will not limit police powers, nor prevent federal employees with legal authority from entering a private property.
Alberta is not the first province to look at this type of legislation. Saskatchewan made similar changes to their trespass legislation to state that it binds the federal government in Nov. 2022. However, the proposed legislation has yet to pass.
The changes are just part of those outlined in Bill 9. See the full news release on the Government of Alberta website here.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions or comments can reach out to the local constituency office via the form on the contact page. They can also reach the office by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Bill 205, the Official Sport of Alberta Act, has been tabled in the Alberta Legislature.
If passed, the Act would make rodeo the official sport in the province.
“Rodeo is near and dear to the hearts of Albertans. It brings families and communities together, and it celebrates our western heritage,” said Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely. “Rodeo also welcomes newcomers with open arms, is a major attraction for tourists, and is low-cost fun for people of all ages.”
This holds true for many living in Red Deer. The Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) held annually at Westerner Park sees 43,000 attendees, and has an economic impact of $37 million. The Calgary Stampede attracts people from around the world and has an economic impact of $282.5 million. The Ponoka Stampede – just 40 minutes north of Red Deer – attracts 100,000 people and has an economic impact of $10 million.
The bill has to pass three readings and receive royal assent before it will become law.
To share your thoughts with your MLA for Red Deer-North and ensure your voice is heard, contact the Red Deer-North MLA office using the contact form here.
