Video surveillance captured Cooper’s grey Toyota C-HR XLE, with Alberta licence plate LVA 978, in the Hoosier area at approximately 10:51 p.m. on April 6. This sighting has prompted a multi-jurisdictional search effort involving RCMP detachments across Alberta and Saskatchewan, as authorities work to piece together her movements and locate her.

Cooper’s family, particularly her granddaughter Zoe Cooper, expressed deep concern for her well-being. Zoe reported that her grandmother has mild dementia but is mostly herself, which adds to the urgency of the situation. “We miss her so much. We just want her back,” Zoe stated, highlighting the emotional toll this incident has taken on the family.

The last confirmed location of Cooper was just outside Veteran, Alberta, where she was seen traveling east on Highway 12. Despite receiving tips from various regions, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, none have been confirmed, leaving investigators with limited leads. Cpl. Teri-Ann Bakker of the RCMP noted, “The most credible information we have right now suggests that Diane Cooper was actually in Saskatchewan.” This statement underscores the complexity of the search as authorities navigate through various reports.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding Cooper’s intended destination or the reason for her travel to Saskatchewan. Cpl. Bakker also mentioned, “There’s no signs that she had packed anything or was going on a long trip,” further complicating the mystery surrounding her disappearance. The lack of preparation for an extended journey raises questions about her state of mind and the circumstances leading up to her last known sighting.

Cooper is described as five feet three inches tall, weighing around 100 pounds, with a slim build, white hair, blue eyes, and wearing eyeglasses. She was last seen dressed in a long, blue puffy jacket, which could aid in her identification should someone come across her. The search efforts are not only focused on urban areas but also extend into rural regions where she may have wandered.

The RCMP is urging anyone who may have seen Cooper or her vehicle to come forward with information. Zoe Cooper has made a public appeal, stating, “If you’re in rural Alberta or Saskatchewan, please keep an eye out.” The family’s hope is that someone may have seen her or her vehicle, which could lead to her safe return.

As the search continues, the community remains vigilant, and the RCMP are committed to finding Diane Cooper. The intersection of her age, health condition, and the circumstances of her disappearance heightens the urgency of the situation, prompting widespread concern and support from the public.

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In a significant development regarding Canada’s gun buyback program, Alberta has reported that over 7,000 banned firearms have been declared by its residents. This figure comes amid a broader context where Public Safety Canada has indicated that more than 67,000 banned guns have been declared nationwide by approximately 37,869 firearm owners as of March 31. The federal initiative aims to address public safety concerns by removing firearms deemed unsuitable for civilian ownership.

Despite these numbers, Alberta’s government has firmly resisted participation in the federal buyback program. Alberta’s Minister of Public Safety, Mickey Amery, stated, “Alberta’s government stands by its decision not to participate in the federal firearm confiscation program.” This resistance highlights a growing divide between provincial and federal approaches to gun control, particularly as Ottawa has banned around 2,500 types of firearms, arguing they are designed for warfare rather than for hunting or sport shooting.

In contrast, Saskatchewan has shown the lowest per capita participation in the gun buyback program, with only 793 guns declared as of March 19. This stark difference raises questions about the effectiveness of the program in engaging firearm owners across the provinces. The federal government had initially anticipated that 136,000 assault-style firearms would be declared, yet only 47,000 have been reported so far, indicating a significant shortfall in participation.

Gun owners in Canada are facing a deadline, as they must dispose of or deactivate prohibited firearms by October 30, regardless of their involvement in the compensation program. Failure to comply with this requirement could lead to criminal sanctions and the potential loss of firearm possession licenses. This looming deadline adds urgency to the situation, yet the Alberta government’s refusal to cooperate complicates matters for those wishing to comply.

Gary Anandasangaree, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, expressed concern over Alberta’s stance, noting, “It means that the citizens who are law-abiding and who have enrolled in the program, regrettably, will not be eligible for compensation.” This statement underscores the potential consequences for responsible gun owners who wish to participate in the buyback program but are hindered by provincial policies.

Critics of the program, including members from the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights, have voiced skepticism about the government’s intentions. Tracey Wilson remarked, “The government never actually had the intention of collecting firearms from people. The bans were largely political, and the minister admitted as much.” This sentiment reflects a broader distrust among gun owners regarding the motives behind the buyback initiative.

As the situation unfolds, uncertainties remain about the compensation process for Albertans who have participated in the buyback program. Kendrick Walker noted, “There is a little bit of a grey area there. We’re still waiting to see precisely what that means in terms of compensation.” Details remain unconfirmed, leaving many gun owners in limbo as they navigate the complexities of compliance and compensation.

In summary, the gun buyback program in Canada is facing significant challenges, particularly in Alberta and Saskatchewan, where participation rates are low and provincial resistance is high. As the October deadline approaches, the implications for public safety and the future of firearm ownership in Canada remain uncertain.

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As Saskatchewan gears up for what experts predict could be another devastating wildfire season, the psychological scars from last summer’s destruction linger heavily on the community. Local volunteer firefighter Harley Vliegenthart, who lost his childhood home in the wildfires, expressed the emotional toll, stating, “It was a week that felt like a month.” The aftermath of last year’s fires, which obliterated half of Denare Beach, has left residents on edge as they brace for potential repeat devastation.

Experts are sounding alarms about the conditions that could lead to another catastrophic fire season. With the memory of last summer’s destruction still fresh, the community is anxious about what the upcoming months may bring. Vliegenthart’s sentiments echo the fears of many in the region, as they prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.

Meanwhile, a significant weather system is set to impact Atlantic Canada, bringing heavy snowfall to the region. Starting Tuesday, northern New Brunswick and the Avalon Peninsula are expected to receive between 5-10+ cm of snow. This forecast raises concerns about travel disruptions and safety as residents navigate the wintry conditions.

In Nova Scotia, the weather will transition from snow flurries to rain, with accumulations of 5-15 mm of precipitation expected. The shifting weather patterns add another layer of complexity to the already challenging conditions faced by communities in both Saskatchewan and Atlantic Canada.

By Wednesday night, northern New Brunswick and Newfoundland could see snow accumulations of 15-30 cm, further complicating the situation for residents. The impending storm serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns and their potential impacts on communities.

As Saskatchewan prepares for the possibility of wildfires, the juxtaposition of heavy snowfall in Atlantic Canada highlights the diverse and often extreme weather challenges faced across Canada. The uncertainty surrounding both wildfire risks and winter storms leaves communities on high alert.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the wildfire threat in Saskatchewan and the impacts of the snowstorm in Atlantic Canada. As the situation develops, residents and officials alike are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for any eventualities.

The post The Weather Network: Saskatchewan Braces for Another Devastating Fire Season appeared first on News Canada.

A significant snowstorm is poised to impact Regina and surrounding areas, with forecasts indicating snowfall amounts reaching up to 15 cm. This weather event is expected to disrupt travel and daily routines starting early in the week, particularly on Monday morning.

The storm is predicted to begin late Sunday evening, continuing into Tuesday morning, with the heaviest snowfall anticipated in the Moose Jaw and Regina regions. Meteorologist James Colangelo noted, “It looks like the Moose Jaw–Regina area will probably be the heaviest hit with storm total snowfalls in the 10 to 15 cm range.” Temperatures will remain below freezing throughout the storm, ensuring that all precipitation will fall as snow.

Wind conditions are also a concern, with gusts expected to reach up to 50 km/h on Monday. These winds, combined with heavy snowfall, could significantly reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions. Motorists are advised to check road conditions before traveling, as major highways, including Highway 1, may be affected.

Colangelo further emphasized the importance of caution, stating, “Allow extra time for travel as snow will interrupt commute times in parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba on Monday.” With snowfall amounts potentially reaching 5-10+ cm in various areas, residents are urged to prepare for challenging conditions.

Special weather statements have been issued by Environment Canada in response to these unusual weather conditions. As Saskatchewan is no stranger to late-season snow, this storm serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of spring weather in the region.

As the storm develops, details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of its impact on local infrastructure and emergency services. The RCMP has also advised the public to stay informed about the evolving weather situation.

Snow is expected to taper off early Tuesday morning, but the aftermath of the storm could linger, affecting travel and daily activities for residents in Regina and beyond.

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