Premier Danielle Smith has issued a mandate letter to Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson calling on him to continue building meaningful partnerships.

Jul 27, 2023

In her letter, the Premier outlines her expectations that Indigenous communities are a part of Alberta’s success and asks Minister Wilson to deliver on platform commitments to support Albertans, including:

Doubling the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation loan capacity to at least $2 billion and providing recommendations related to the potential expansion of eligible projects, including health care, manufacturing, forestry, tourism and technology.
Working with the Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, who is the lead, to support Indigenous Peoples in Alberta by strengthening a comprehensive continuum of mental health and addiction services and ensuring service provision is not disrupted by jurisdictional disputes.
Working with the President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, who is lead, to ensure First Nations and Metis Settlements have access to insurance to rebuild homes and structures in the case of fire and other insurable losses.

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.