Latest news with #Taber
CTV News
5 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Alberta surpasses 1,400 measles cases with 31 new infections
There's a mix of opinions on Alberta's measles outbreak in the town of Taber, with some residents being concerned about vaccination while others thinking the illness is not a problem. Alberta added 31 new measles cases on Friday to reach a total of 1,407 infections since March. The majority of the cases, 18, were detected in the north zone. Six cases were found in Calgary, five in the south zone, one in central Alberta, and one in Edmonton. Earlier this week, Alberta surpassed the United States in confirmed measles cases.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Measles hotspot: Taber among southern Alberta towns facing crisis
There's a mix of opinions on Alberta's measles outbreak in the town of Taber, with some residents being concerned about vaccination while others thinking the illness is not a problem. The small town of Taber is widely known for its agricultural roots – particularly its corn – but recent talk around town has been focused on an outbreak of measles, with southern Alberta emerging as a hotspot for cases. It comes as the number of measles cases in the province now surpasses the total number of cases across the United States. Alberta Health Services (AHS) said the province's South Zone accounts for 817 of the total 1,376 cases in Alberta as of Wednesday, with the risk of widespread exposure so high there is a standing advisory for all communities in the region, which covers the area south of Calgary and includes larger centres like Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. 'When it was first showing up, it was shocking and new at that point and now it's well established,' said Cameron Hazel, a pharmacist at Taber's Johnson's Drugs. 'It's not surprising when someone phones or asking about it or showing up asking about it and how to help their children. 'I've had people, seen walk in or around town, their child has a rash and people are still going about their business.' Hazel said he and other staff try to educate people on the effectiveness of the measles vaccine when they come into the pharmacy, but said it's difficult to change people's views. 'It's been polarizing in general,' he said. 'I think everyone knows where the lines have been drawn and realizes sometimes you can push but people aren't going to change their mind, so there's only so much you can say or do.' Although, he has seen some people express regret for not getting vaccinated after falling ill with the highly contagious virus. 'It's been a little eye-opening. You made a choice when your child was young not to vaccinate them and I spoke to one person who said that's probably the worst choice they ever made, but that's just one.' Measles hotspot: Taber among southern Alberta towns facing crisis 'Sends a negative light' Experts say 95 per cent of the population needs to be fully vaccinated to achieve herd immunity but according to provincial data, the municipal district of Taber has amongst the lowest vaccination rate for youth children in the province. According to the latest provincial immunization data, only 28.7 per cent of children in the region has received the recommended two doses of the measles vaccine by the age of two in 2024. Many in town tell CTV News they believe it's a combination of religious beliefs in addition to anti-vaccine sentiments that have led to the slow uptick in immunizations. 'It's unfortunate for our community because people might avoid coming here and that affects businesses and it's also just negative, sends a negative light on our area,' said Maria Hughes, a parent in Taber. Christina Joertzen is a part of the Mexican Mennonite community in the region and said she got measles along with her 15-year-old, 12-year-old and seven-year-old in May. 'They had spots but didn't feel bad, so it was very good. I had four days of fever, but I didn't have the spots, so it was kind of like a cold. It wasn't bad for our family. I have two other boys, and my husband didn't even get it, so it's nothing to be scared of.' Measles 'manageable', residents say Agane Friesen and Tina Inis are part of the Mennonite communities and were visiting Taber from Ontario and Mexico. They said it's a misconception their faith prevents them from getting vaccinated. 'Some believe it's good, some believe you better not,' said Friesen who had measles as a child and was never vaccinated. 'My grandkids had measles; they were sick but not that sick.' Susie Neufeld is a part of the Christian community in town and said she's not worried about the spread of the virus. 'I feel like it's just another flu-like symptom that happens and Alberta is making too big of a deal out of it. We've had it and it's manageable,' said Susie Neufeld who chose not to vaccinate herself or her children. 'I do believe in God so He is my healer, and I look to Him for my health.' However, health experts warn that measles poses serious health risks and can be dangerous and in more serious cases can lead to deafness, brain damage and even death. It is highly contagious and can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. It was once eradicated in Canada, but Alberta is now the second province after Ontario, to surpass the United States cases of measles. As of Wednesday, there are 1,309 confirmed measles cases in the U.S., 31 less than in Alberta. 'We're talking about a nation that is 70 to 75 per cent bigger than Alberta and in a matter of a few short months Alberta has caught up to those confirmed cases, I think that's a stark reminder how quickly and broadly a virus that up to recently had largely been eliminated in Canada has now established a foothold here in Alberta,' said University of Calgary's Dr. Craig Jenne. Anti-vaccine sentiment Darry Gilbert lives in Taber but said he isn't overly concerned about catching measles because he was vaccinated as a child but is surprised to see how quickly it has spread. 'People don't get their shots; you get what you get right?' John O'Brien is from Medicine Hat, which is also included in the standing measles advisory, and believes there's been an increase in vaccine hesitancy following the COVID-19 pandemic. 'There's a lot of people who don't like vaccinations. All our kids were vaccinated, we were vaccinated, we're of that generation.' Patti Jones is from Lethbridge, also part of the standing measles advisory. 'I'm old school. All my kids got vaccinated, not that I have that many – I have two – and so did we when we were younger. It's sad seeing all these kids are sick, it's sad.' The ministry of primary and preventative health services declined an interview with CTV News but said in a statement that Alberta's government is taking the situation seriously and continues to manage it effectively using existing public health tools such as expanded vaccination clinics and targeted outreach. 'Comparisons to the United States can be misleading, as most U.S. cases this year are concentrated in a single state—Texas. Alberta is the second province to report more measles cases this year than the U.S., where the majority of cases are linked to the outbreak in Texas,' read the statement. 'Measles is rising at different times in various regions, often introduced by travellers, as seen in both Texas and Ontario.' According to official data, the population of Texas is 31.29 million people while Alberta's population is approximately 4.2 million. Measles-containing vaccines are provided free of charge through AHS public health centres.
CTV News
03-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Southern Alberta Summer Games kick off in Taber
Around 1,700 athletes from 13 regions across southern Alberta are participating i the 2025 Southern Alberta Summer Games this week. About 1,700 athletes from thirteen regions across southern Alberta will compete for medals over four days in Taber. The Southern Alberta Summer Games organizers are thrilled to see the games begin after all their prep work. 'It's exciting to see the community, like lots of people around. And it's exciting to see the sports all playing out as we've prepared for months and months. And yeah, it's exciting to see the community enjoying it,' said summer games coordinator, Keira Astalos. The all-ages competition first started in Pincher Creek in 1970. Southern Alberta Summer Games The all-ages competition started in Pincher Creek in 1970 (Quinn Keenan) It's the longest running annual sports event in Alberta. Events featured in the games include baseball, soccer, ball hockey, pickleball and more. Getting everything put together takes quite a bit of time. 'Since January, people have been slowly moving parts that have gone with it. I've been here since March, and it's been a whirlwind of different things and learning new things, but it's been really fun,' said Astalos. The games provide an opportunity for athletes across the region to showcase their skills. Each region has been working hard behind the scenes to get their athletes ready. 'It's exciting to finally be in Taber. To see all the blue Team Lethbridge shirts around. It's great to see our city represented well and excited to finally be here,' said Olivia Oliveri, regional director for Team Lethbridge. Southern Alberta Summer Games The games provide an opportunity for athletes across the region to showcase their skills. (Quinn Keenan, CTV Lethbridge) It may be a fun event but the athletes and coaches hope to go back to their communities with some hardware. 'Lots of our athletes were eager to be here. And we already have quite a few medals. For our athletes. And they've all been excited to be here as well,' said Oliveri. Opening ceremonies are Wednesday evening at 5:30 followed by closing ceremonies on Sunday at 5.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FSI ANNOUNCES RECEIPT OF A $2.5 MILLION PAYMENT FOR ASSISTING IN THE DEVELOPMENT A NEW FOOD GRADE PRODUCT
TABER, ALBERTA, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE Amex: FSI), is the developer and manufacturer of biodegradable polymers for oil extraction, detergent ingredients and water treatment as well as crop nutrient availability chemistry. Flexible Solutions also manufactures biodegradable and environmentally safe water and energy conservation technologies. FSI is also increasing its presense in the food and nutrition supplement manufacturing markets. Today the Company announces it has received payment of US$2.5million for assisting in developing a new food grade product. FSI received the payment of US$2.5 million on July 1, 2025 for assisting in the development of this new food grade product. There are potential circumstances under which FSI may receive additional payments for this product development assistance. Any such payments, if they occur, are several quarters in the future. Furthermore, it is also possible that the NCS division of FSI may obtain new business manufacturing the product. Should this occur, it will be announced at that time. Dan O'Brien, CEO, comments, "We are pleased that our R&D support for a potential customer has generated this revenue." Mr. O'Brien continues, " Since FSI is a food grade manufacturer and we focus on building long-term production relationships, we hope that we can book orders to make the product now that it is fully developed." About Flexible Solutions International Flexible Solutions International, Inc. ( based in Taber, Alberta, is an environmental technology company. The Company's NanoChem Solutions Inc. subsidiary specializes in biodegradable, water-soluble products utilizing thermal polyaspartate (TPA) biopolymers. TPA beta-proteins are manufactured from the common biological amino acid, L-aspartic and have wide usage including scale inhibitors, detergent ingredients, water treatment and crop enhancement. Along with TPA, this division started producing other crop enhancement products as well. In 2022, the Company entered the food and nutrition markets by obtaining FDA food grade approval for the Peru IL plant. The other divisions manufacture energy and water conservation products for drinking water, agriculture, industrial markets and swimming pools throughout the world Safe Harbor Provision The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "Safe Harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain of the statements contained herein, which are not historical facts, are forward looking statement with respect to events, the occurrence of which involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements may be impacted, either positively or negatively, by various factors. Information concerning potential factors that could affect the company is detailed from time to time in the company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Flexible Solutions International6001 54th Ave, Taber, Alberta, CANADA T1G 1X4Company Contacts Jason BloomToll Free: 800.661.3560Fax: 403.223.2905Email: info@ To find out more information about Flexible Solutions and our products please visit If you have received this news release by mistake or if you would like to be removed from our update list please reply to: info@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CTV News
19-06-2025
- CTV News
Warrants issued for arrest of 5 suspects in Taber drug trafficking network
ALERT has arrested nine suspects, seized large amounts of cocaine, and has restrained more than $2.5 million in assets linked to drug trafficking. (ALERT handout) Police have released the names of five people wanted in connection with an extensive drug trafficking network in Taber, Alta., that was allegedly also involved in money laundering. The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) released information about Project Leadline on Thursday. The two-year investigation culminated with officers searching three homes in Taber on April 29. ALERT says more than half a million dollars in drugs and cash were seized during the course of the investigation, including: Two firearms; 5,088 grams of cocaine; 1,132 grams of a suspected cocaine buffing agent; 22 grams of fentanyl; 253 grams of methamphetamine; 500 methamphetamine pills; 1,000 millilitres of GHB; and $91,941 in cash. ALERT says eight bank accounts and seven homes in Lethbridge and Coalhurst, Alta., have been restrained as part of the investigation, adding that the estimated value of the restrained assets is more than $2.5 million. Police say the nine people charged include the 'criminal organization's alleged leadership.' Together, they face 63 charges related to drug trafficking, criminal conspiracy and money laundering. Four suspects have been arrested, and warrants have been issued for the remaining five suspects: Johan Braun-Suderman, 38, from Taber; Kade Phillips, 36, from Taber; Gerhard Wolf, 38, from Taber; Malachy Young, 23, from Taber; and A 19-year-old, who has been charged as a young offender, and thus cannon be identified under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact police.
