Topic 2 – Article 1http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/drought-forces-alberta-to-cut-waterpumping-fees-for-farmers-1.3182096Drought forces Alberta to cut water pumping feesfor farmers. About 80 per cent of farmersaffected by drought this yearCBC News Posted: Aug 06, 2015 2:40 PM MT Last Updated: Aug 06, 2015 3:02 PM MTThe Alberta government estimates about 80 per cent of farmers have been affected by droughtthis year. (CBC )Related Stories• Alberta is in drought, at least partly, minister saysThe Alberta government is cutting rental fees in half for drought-affected producers who use theemergency water pumping program.The fee reduction will apply retroactively to April 1 and will be in effect for the entire 2015-16 fiscal yearThe province also wants to open up more public land for producers to graze their livestock."This will help producers who are struggling with inadequate pasture and high hay prices," saidAlberta Agriculture Minimster Oneil Carlier.• Drought pushes Parkland County to declare state of agricultural disaster• Alberta is in drought, at least partly, minister saysAbout 80 per cent of farmers have been impacted by the drought. The Agriculture FinancialServices Corporation anticipates paying out $700 million to $900 million in claims this year.About $70 million has been paid so far this year.The province is talking to the federal government about allowing producers to defer their taxes.Producers who need to sell their herd because of feed shortages can defer some sale proceeds tonext year. The deferral means they won't have to pay the applicable taxes this year.A lack of rain has prompted a number of Alberta counties to declare states of agricultural disasterdue to drought.The government estimates crop yields will be 25 to 30 per cent below the five year average.5
Topic 2 – Article 2http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/craig-and-marc-kielburger/respect-water_b_7857674.htmlCanadians Need More Love and Respect ForWaterPosted: 07/23/2015 12:23 pm EDT Updated: 07/23/2015 12:59 pm EDTBernard Weil via Getty ImagesBy Craig and Marc KielburgerLeaping from a dock under a brilliant July sun into theicy water of a Canadian lake brought a tide of memories.A few weeks ago, Craig was visiting friends at theircottage on Lake of the Woods, in northwestern Ontario.The experience harkened back to years of childhoodsummer vacations and Boy Scout excursions.Home to 60 per cent of the world's lakes, we are a nation with water at its heart. But somethought leaders say Canadians are losing an awareness of, and passion for, our water resources.It's a connection we need to rekindle for our country to successfully tackle some serious threatsto the treasure that is our water supply.The headlines this summer are troubling. E. Coli contamination has closed beachesacrossCanada--an all-too-common occurrence that can be caused by a wide range of problems fromsewage leaks, to waste from water birds like geese. And that impacts not only local recreation,but the tourism that supports local economies.Drought looms in British Columbia and the prairies again, and experts worry that this time it'shere to stay, like California's four-year drought. Numerous First Nations communities continueto grapple with access to clean water.But Canadians seem to be indifferent. In Victoria, B.C., for example, city officials saywaterconsumption continues to rise despite shortages. What lies behind this apparent apathy? Expertssay we lack a crucial connection to water."So many Canadians don't know where their drinking water comes from. They can't name thewater ways in their area, or the fish or birds that live there," laments Mark Mattson, who foundedthe Great Lakes advocacy organization, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, in 2001. "Most Canadians Ispeak with can name three rules in hockey, but can't name three laws that protect our water,"Mattson adds.In Canada, too few of us realize how precious and limited our fresh water resources really are."There is a myth of abundance," says Alex Mifflin. Alex and his brother Tyler produce aprogram for TV Ontario, The Water Brothers, exploring issues like renewable energy and howthey connect to water.6
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