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Alberta releases drought response plan

Alberta’s new 2024 Drought Response Plan will help guide the province through any and all drought conditions. This is a plan covering everything from conservation plans and water-sharing agreements to declaring an emergency and prioritizing water for human health and safety. It will help make sure that Albertans, communities, farmers, ranchers and businesses get the support they need, whatever the weather.

“This spring has brought much-needed moisture to many areas of the province, and new forecasts showing increased precipitation are a cause for optimism. However, we must remain prepared for drought now and into the future. Alberta’s Drought Response Plan is foundational to that work and will help our province respond to all levels of drought for years to come.”

Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
 
“From my conversations with producers, associations and irrigation districts, I have heard concerns about the potential for drought conditions this growing season. This drought response plan, in combination with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation’s business risk management programs, will be important supports for the hardworking Albertans who put food on tables here and around the world.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

Drought Response Plan

Drought conditions can change rapidly and impact different areas in very different ways. The Drought Response Plan will help government, irrigators, communities, businesses and others respond quickly and effectively to a wide range of drought conditions. The plan outlines:

  • The five stages of Alberta’s drought response.
  • The roles and responsibilities of partners, including government, to help everyone collaborate and communicate.
  • The regulatory and non-regulatory approaches and tools that may be used in various drought conditions.
  • How and when emergencies would be declared, with recognition that declaring an emergency is used as a last resort.

Current situation: Stage 4

Alberta is currently at Stage 4 of the Drought Response Plan. Government is now working proactively with major water users to employ all existing regulatory and non-regulatory tools available. This includes creating water shortage response plans, fast-tracking temporary diversion licenses to allow water to be temporarily diverted from new sources, and the landmark water-sharing agreements announced on April 19, along with other steps being implemented across southern Alberta.

Stage 5: Declaring an emergency

Under the 2024 Drought Response Plan, Alberta would only declare an emergency under the Water Act as a last resort. Should the government declare an emergency, Albertans should be advised that:

  • Emergency declarations are temporary and allow government to prioritise water uses.
  • Emergency declarations do not replace the regulatory requirements of the Water Act.
  • Emergency declarations only apply to a specific location. This could range from a small geographical area within a sub-basin to the entire South Saskatchewan River basin or province, depending on the severity of a drought.

There are three triggers that would make the province consider declaring an emergency:

  • If there is not sufficient water available for the priority uses. Human health and safety is the top priority, followed closely by ensuring sufficient water supplies for critical infrastructure, livestock welfare and critical environmental needs.
  • If there is increasing distress from local authorities, or if local authorities are unable to respond to issues caused by drought. For example, if a state of local emergency is declared or if the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre is activated at level 3 or higher.
  • If Alberta’s water management system becomes so overwhelmed that staff cannot process or implement regulatory measures in a timely manner, impeding the drought response.

These triggers will be watched closely. Each situation will be considered on a case-by-case basis to determine when or if an emergency declaration is needed.

Alberta has never before declared an emergency under the Water Act. In the event one is declared, Alberta’s government, working closely with water users, would temporarily take steps to manage water in the emergency area. Various steps may be needed, depending on the situation. Potential actions could include suspending approvals, registrations or water licenses, and designating the purposes and volumes for which water may be diverted or used.

While drought is a real risk, May and June often come with risk of floods. That’s why we have 24-hour monitoring and emergency response, as well as the new $125-million Drought and Flood Protection Program and investments in wetlands, watersheds and modernizing Alberta’s water management system.

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Trending Video

How a Desire to Lead Brought This Wheat Breeder to Canada

Video: How a Desire to Lead Brought This Wheat Breeder to Canada

Gurcharn Singh Brar is a wheat breeder whose path meandered from the breadbaskets of Punjab, India, to the sprawling fields of the Prairies. In a candid conversation, Brar shared insights into his journey, the challenges faced, and the undying passion that fuels his quest for better crops.

It all began with a childhood rooted in the wheat fields of Punjab, where agriculture isn’t just a livelihood but a way of life. His fascination with wheat and its potential led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences at Punjab Agricultural University. It was during this time that he encountered the spectre of rust diseases, particularly stripe rust, which plagued the region’s wheat crops. Determined to combat this menace, he set his sights on a journey that would take him across continents.

Venturing abroad for his graduate studies, he found himself in Saskatchewan at the Crop Development Centre (CDC), working under the mentorship of renowned researchers like Randy Kutcher and Pierre Hucl. Here, he delved deep into the world of wheat genetics, focusing on stripe rust resistance — a quest that would shape his academic pursuits for years to come.

After completing his master’s and Ph.D. in six and a half years, he embarked on a professional journey that would see him traverse academia and research. From brief stints as a research officer to landing his dream faculty position at the University of British Columbia’s Plant Science program, his career trajectory was marked by a strong drive to make a difference in the world of wheat.

Despite the allure of British Columbia’s unique agricultural landscape, he found himself wanting to return to the vast expanses of the Prairies, where wheat reigns supreme. He recently returned to the Prairies and is the new wheat breeder at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

“The opportunity to lead an established wheat breeding program at the University of Alberta was a dream come true. With the necessary resources and infrastructure in place, I’m excited to drive innovation and develop high-yielding wheat varieties tailored to the unique conditions of northern Canada,” he says.

Brar, one of Seed World Canada‘s 2024 Next-Gen Leaders, has become known for identifying novel sources of resistance to priority diseases and his efforts in developing wheat germplasm with multiple disease-resistant traits.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Brar is committed to mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists.

“I believe in nurturing talent and empowering students to pursue their passions,” he says. “Watching my students grow and thrive in their research endeavours is hugely rewarding.”

As he looks ahead, Brar’s vision for the future of wheat breeding is clear: “My number one target is to develop high-yielding wheat varieties adapted to the northern climates of Canada. By focusing on early maturity and strong straw traits, we can maximize yield potential while ensuring resilience to environmental challenges.”

His decision to also join the Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye, and Triticale (PGDC) executive as member-at-large came from a desire to play an even more important role in the world of Canadian cereals.