News

Starting February 2 at 9:00 AM and continuing until February 11, 2026, there’ll be a road closure from Range Road 51 to Range Road 50, between Township 774 and Township 775, due to repairs on the Viercant Bridge.

Everyone welcome!!

Let’s come together as a community to learn and create ready-made meals for our seniors and people in need.

There’s NO charge to participate (children must be accompanied by an adult).

Sponsored by NAF (Northwestern Alberta Foundation, Central Peace FCSS (Family & Community Support Services), and the Co-op.

Please join Council during their Regular Council meeting on January 28th @ 10:00 AM, either in person at the MD Administration Office or virtually on Teams.

Join the Meeting Now

Passcode: WD2yp3CR

For access to the agenda, click on January 28, 2026 Agenda

On behalf of the MD of Spirit River’s Agriculture Service Board, Chairman Jesse Meyer has sent Minister Sigurdson a letter in support of the concerns expressed in a letter previously sent by the Council for Saddle Hills County.

The main amendment concerns related to on-farm slaughter in Alberta center on changes to the OFSO program under the Meat Inspection Regulation.

Alberta introduced the OFSO license in 2020 to help address processing delays at inspected abattoirs (especially during COVID-19), allowing licensed farmers to slaughter animals on their own property. The meat is uninspected and can only be used for the personal use of the customer(s) and their household. Selling uninspected meat remains illegal in Alberta.

In July 2025, the province implemented amendments introducing annual limits on uninspected slaughter volume for OFSO license holders (e.g., a cap of around 2,250 kg or 5,000 lbs. of live animal weight per year, roughly equivalent to about 4 cows, 76 goats, or 150 chickens depending on the operation). These limits applied primarily to new or pending licenses (with existing ones grandfathered initially until renewal).

This triggered significant pushback from producers, leading the government to pause the changes shortly after for further consultation. As of late 2025 (based on available reports), the limits remain paused pending further stakeholder engagement. The government has been reviewing input to balance supporting local producers with food safety and regulatory integrity.

For the most current status, check Alberta’s official agriculture site (alberta.ca/on-farm-slaughter-operation-licence) or recent updates from the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, as policies can evolve with ongoing consultations.

To read the support letter, click on the following link:

Support for Saddle Hills County – On-Farm Slaughter Operation

Please join Council during their Regular Council meeting on January 14th @ 10:00 AM, either in person at the MD Administration Office or virtually on Teams.

Join the Meeting Now

Passcode: Pt28N7yd

For access to the agenda, click on January 14, 2026 Agenda.

Message from Hon. R.J. Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation:

“I’ve been actively engaging with Federal Minister Heath MacDonald and hearing directly from producers about the proposed amendments to livestock traceability regulations. From those constructive and ongoing discussions, concerns have been heard loud and clear.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a statement confirming they will pause publication of the proposed regulation changes to ensure further discussion and understanding with industry and governments before moving forward — reflecting the need for thoughtful engagement and practical solutions for producers.”

Please read the full statement here:

https://www.canada.ca/en/food-inspection-agency/news/2026/01/statement-from-the-canadian-food-inspection-agency-on-proposed-amendments-to-livestock-traceability-regulations.html

Timeline Update!

Due to the current snow conditions, it’s going to take our friendly property assessor, Sam, a couple of extra weeks to complete the routine property assessment inspections.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Assessor’s Office at (780)624-0013.

Thanks for your patience and cooperation!

Heads up, MD of Spirit River Residents

A property assessor will be in the area this week (January 6^th-9^th), completing routine property assessment inspections.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the Assessor’s Office at Northern Sunrise County at (780)624-0013.

Thanks for your understanding and cooperation!

The Municipal District of Spirit River No. 133 is seeking a full-time Municipal Clerk 2 – Reception and Accounts Receivable to provide front-line administrative and financial support in a busy municipal office. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Director of Corporate Services, this position is responsible for reception services, assisting the public, processing payments and invoices, maintaining records, and supporting accounts receivable functions. The role also assists with website and social media updates, permits, contracts, banking, and coordination with multiple municipal departments. The successful candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, personable, and committed to delivering excellent customer service.

Why Work with Us
The Municipal District of Spirit River No. 133 provides a supportive and professional work environment where your contributions have a direct impact on the community. These roles offer valuable experience in municipal administration, finance, and customer service, with exposure to a wide range of departments and services. We value teamwork, professionalism, and public service, and we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

To access the job description, go to Employment Opportunities.

AI Financial Scams Targeting Seniors in Northern Alberta: What’s Happening and How to Protect Loved Ones

Across Alberta and right here in the Central Peace, seniors are being targeted by a growing wave of financial fraud — and scammers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to make their schemes look more convincing than ever. This isn’t about technology for technology’s sake — it’s about real harm to people’s savings, peace of mind, and trust.

What the Scam Landscape Looks Like Today

Financial scams targeting older adults aren’t new, but the use of AI is giving fraudsters a troubling edge:

AI-Enhanced Calls and Voice Mimicking

One of the most chilling developments is scammers using AI to mimic voices — often pretending to be a grandchild, close relative, or trusted acquaintance in crisis. In recent cases in Alberta, fraudsters used AI-generated voices to make the calls seem shockingly real, claiming a loved one was jailed or in an emergency situation and urgently needed thousands of dollars for bail or legal fees. Victims were instructed to keep quiet and send funds immediately. These scams aren’t just about phone calls. Scammers may also create deepfake audio or video, harvest details from social media, and build believable backstories to emotionally manipulate their targets.

Social Media and Fake Investments

AI and online tools let scammers generate convincing fake investment opportunities on social media — complete with fabricated endorsements, professional-looking profiles, and bogus claims of high returns. Seniors, who are often more trusting of people they meet online or via message, can be drawn in by the promise of financial security or friendship.

Traditional Scams — With a Modern Twist

Old tricks like the “grandparent scam” — where an impostor calls a senior claiming a family member is in trouble and needs money — are still widespread. Alberta police have long warned that these scams have cost residents hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars in losses over recent years.

Scammers also spoof legitimate phone numbers, posing as banks, government agencies, or even local police fraud departments, telling seniors their accounts have been compromised to pressure them into acting quickly.

Why Seniors Are at Higher Risk

Several factors contribute to seniors being targeted:

• Life savings & assets: Older adults are more likely to have accumulated savings or property.
• Isolation: Living alone or being less socially connected can make someone more receptive to a friendly voice or online contact.
• Trust: Scammers exploit kindness and the instinct to help loved ones in need.
• Technology gap: Not everyone grows up with digital literacy, and AI tools can amplify convincing deception.

Real Stories with Big Losses

While not always AI-related, recent northern Alberta reporting highlights how devastating these scams can be. For example, an online investment fraud in Barrhead resulted in about $200,000 lost by one victim.

These cases show how quickly deception — once initiated — can snowball into huge financial damage.

Warning Signs Seniors (and Their Families) Should Know

Here are some common red flags:

🔹 Urgency or secrecy — “You can’t tell anyone.”
🔹 Unusual payment requests — gift cards, crypto, couriers, e-transfers.
🔹 AI-like voices or too-believable impersonation — sounding exactly like a loved one.
🔹 Pressure to act immediately — scammers thrive on panic.
🔹 Unsolicited investment offers or messaging from strangers.

How Families Can Help Protect Loved Ones

👇 Here’s what works:

🧠 Educate and talk regularly
Have open conversations about common scams with your seniors. Ask them to pause and check in with family or trusted friends before sending money.

📞 Verify independently
Encourage seniors to call back on a known number, not a number the caller gives them.

💬 Use family tech support
Help them set up trusted contacts or teach them how to identify phishing texts, emails, or fake social media profiles.

🛑 Slow down pressure tactics
Remind loved ones that real emergencies rarely appear via urgent texts or calls demanding money without proper verification.

📍Report suspicious activity
You or your loved one can report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or your local RCMP detachment.

AI hasn’t just changed the landscape of financial services — it’s changed how fraudsters operate. While this can feel overwhelming, knowledge and open communication are powerful defences. Albertans can help protect the seniors in their lives by staying alert, informed, and connected.

If you’re a caregiver, family member, or community volunteer, start the conversation today about scams. The more informed we are, the harder it is for fraudsters to succeed.