Avia Eek's Blog (4)

Unmatched, Unbeatable: TELUS Rewards earns global loyalty award recognition and unveils massive program enhancements

TELUS Rewards is setting a new standard for customer loyalty with major new enhancements that give Canadians more benefits, more savings, and more everyday value. Starting today, every TELUS Rewards member gains access to an expanded suite of health, travel, entertainment and lifestyle perks worth more than $400 in annual value -- simply for being a TELUS customer. This commitment to member value has earned TELUS Rewards global recognition, with three first-place honours at the 2026 Loyalty360 Awards, including the 360-Degree Brand Award. The expanded lineup of exclusive benefits now available to all members include: New TELUS Perks: Complimentary access to a virtual counselling session through TELUS Health MyCare (valued at up to $120), plus a complimentary veterinary consultation through TELUS Health MyPet (a $40 annual value) -- making it easier for members to access trusted support and care for themselves and their pets. New Partner Perks: Everyday savings through new partnerships

Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program Reveals 2026 Semi-Finalists

Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) is pleased to announce the semi-finalists for the upcoming 2026–2027 program year. Established by the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) in 2010, the Canadian CYL Program welcomes young people ages 18–35 from across Canada involved in all areas of the beef supply chain. The program aims to build the next generation of industry leaders by providing unique mentorship, training, and professional and personal development opportunities in the Canadian beef industry. With impressive submissions from youth across the country, our judging panel had a tough task of selecting this year’s semi-finalists. Applications are available annually from early January to the end of March on the Canadian CYL Program website. Semi-finalists will be invited to attend the annual Selections Competition in August which will be held this year in conjunction with the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Winnipeg, MB. The semi-finalists will participate in judged roundtable dis

EMILI to trial smart spore detection, early disease warning on Manitoba potato farm (Manitoba Cooperator)

A recent Manitoba Cooperator article highlights one of the projects taking place on EMILI’s Innovation Farms powered by AgExpert. Potato diseases can move quickly when field conditions line up to favour infection, so when ag tech accelerator EMILI approached Sheldon Wiebe about what technology might help at his MacGregor, Man., potato farm, he didn’t hesitate. “Early disease detection was at the top of our list,” said Wiebe, president and co-owner of J.P. Wiebe Ltd. His suggestion led EMILI’s Innovation Farms team to BioScout, an Australian-developed system that monitors airborne spores and uses artificial intelligence to help identify disease risk before symptoms are visible in the field. Leanne Koroscil, EMILI’s Innovation Farms manager, described the system as “like a microscope in a field.”

New report highlights five actions to drive agriculture innovation

“Digital tools are already revolutionizing the way food is being produced worldwide, including here at home,” said EMILI Manager, Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Kyle Volpi Hiebert. “That leaves Canada with a stark choice: actively shape and accelerate this transition, or risk falling behind peers who move more decisively.” At a Digital Crossroads follows a 2025 report produced by CAPI and EMILI undertaken to assess the state of digital agriculture in Canada and common barriers to on-farm adoption of new technologies. This new report builds off that work by expanding its scope to identify how gains in primary production will only translate into stronger performance if they are matched by increased digital capacity in processing and throughout the broader supply chain. “Global and regional uncertainty are now an entrenched feature of the operating environment for the Canadian agri-food industry,” said Volpi Hiebert. “We hope this work can contribute insights to inform importa

New cabinet members focused on what matters

These changes will ensure cabinet is prepared to continue advancing Alberta’s agenda of economic growth, stronger health care, safer communities and affordability for families. The updated cabinet includes both experienced and newly appointed ministers who will continue delivering on the priorities that matter most to Albertans, including growing the economy, strengthening front-line services, keeping communities safe and supporting Alberta families. “Albertans expect their government to stay focused on the issues that matter most in their daily lives. This cabinet will continue working to strengthen our economy, improve services, support safe communities and ensure Alberta remains the best place in Canada to live, work and raise a family.” Danielle Smith, Premier Members taking on new roles include: Minister of Affordability and Utilities, RJ Sigurdson Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Tara Sawyer Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, Nathan Neudorf Minister of Ho