Alberta Canola directors Andre Harpe (L) and Christine McKee (R) present a print to Walter Paszkowski on stage at the 2nd Annual Alberta Canola Conference held this year in Grande Prairie on January 24 & 25. Phot credit: Alberta Canola website.

By Curtis Galbraith

Agriculture

Alberta Canola announces new award named for Sexsmith man, names new board, launches new website

Feb 6, 2024 | 2:32 PM

Alberta Canola has created an award named in honour of a well-known man from Sexsmith.

The Walter Paszkowski Farm Leadership Award was announced during the organization’s recent conference held in Grande Prairie.

The award will be given to someone Alberta Canola describes in a release as “a deserving canola grower.”

It will be a $5,000 bursary the recipient can use to take part in Farm Management Canada’s National Farm Leadership Program.

“Mr. Walter Paszkowski was a driving force in creating the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. The Walter Paszkowski Farm Leadership Award pays tribute to his legacy and dedication to canola, while emphasizing Alberta Canola’s unwavering commitment to fostering leadership and excellence within the canola industry and within Alberta’s rural communities,” says Sterling farmer and Grower Engagement and Extension Committee chair Christine McKee in that same release.

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The release also says Paszkowski has made “lifelong contributions, leadership, and achievements, which have left an enduring impact on the canola industry and the communities he has tirelessly served.”

The first intake is expected this fall.

New board named

Alberta Canola announced its new board of directors at its annual general meeting held in Grande Prairie at the same time as its conference.

Charles Simoneau of Guy will serve as vice-chair.

He is joined on the board by Andre Harpe from Valhalla and Christi Friesen of Brownvale.

Killam producer Roger Chevraux will be the board chair.

(L-R) Paula Law, Cheryl Westman, Charles Simoneau, Christi Friesen, Jeff Frost, Wayne Schneider, Roger Chevraux, Jeannette Andrashewski, Andre Harpe, Christine McKee, Alan Hampton. Absent: Justin Nanninga. Photo credit: Alberta Canola.

New website as well

Alberta Canola also announced the launch of a redesigned website on Monday.

The organization promises “a modern design, streamlined navigation, and enhanced functionality” in a release announcing the upgrade.

The release also says a new layout should make the site easier for users to navigate and use to find information.