lberta farmers, ranchers, and processors feed not just families in our community, but Canada and the world.

From endless seas of prairie wheat to rugged ranchlands, Alberta has always been a place where hard work, innovation, and pride in what we produce go hand in hand. Alberta farmers, ranchers, and processors feed not just families in our community, but Canada and the world.
Last week was Local Food Week, a celebration of the people who put fresh, safe, high-quality food on our plates. It’s the perfect time to visit your local farmers’ market, enjoy fresh baked goods, or pick up produce grown just down the road.
Every choice to buy local supports Alberta families, strengthens our rural communities, and keeps our hard-earned dollars here at home.
Last weekend, August 16 and 17, Open Farm Days was back for its thirteenth year. More than 155 farms across Alberta opened their gates for tours, tastings, and hands-on experiences. This year’s theme – “Water, the Lifeblood of Every Farm” – highlighted the essential role water plays in our agriculture sector, from growing crops to supporting livestock, communities, and recreation.
We know our farmers face challenges, including ongoing tariff and trade disputes with the United States and China. That’s why our government continues to stand up for our producers at home and abroad, and why all of us can help by choosing Alberta-grown and Alberta-made products every chance we get.
So, I encourage you to meet your neighbours, explore the beauty of Alberta’s backyard, and enjoy the fresh, delicious food grown in our province. Let’s see the farms, taste the flavours, and show our support for the people who make Alberta the best place in the world to grow, raise, and enjoy our food.
Just as we recognize and celebrate the contributions of Alberta’s farmers and producers, it’s equally important to support every Albertan in reaching their full potential. Building strong communities means ensuring everyone has the opportunities to thrive – whether it’s in our fields, in our businesses, or in the workplace.
Albertans with disabilities and the organizations that support them have made it clear they want supports that meet their unique needs and abilities, rather than the one-size-fits-all approach currently offered by the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program. They have stressed the importance of providing pathways to employment for those who can work but still need supports.
In January 2025, Alberta’s government announced plans for the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), which will be offered in addition to AISH and will empower Albertans with disabilities to pursue fulfilling job opportunities while continuing to receive the supports they need.
ADAP will allow for the highest income while receiving benefits, meaning Albertans on ADAP can earn more from working while continuing to receive their financial benefits. In addition, Albertans on ADAP will also be able to receive the health benefits they need, regardless of their employment income. Through ADAP, Albertans with disabilities will not only receive the financial and health benefits they rely on, they will also have access to the employment resources they need to gain new skills and work to their full potential.
As always, please feel free to reach out to my office with your feedback and questions at Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca.