Alberta
Three Hills RCMP charge man with sexual assault of four victims at Prairie College in Three Hills. Looking for more victims

News release from Three Hills RCMP
Three Hills RCMP charge male with historic sexual assaults
On June 10, 2021, Three Hills RCMP initiated an investigation after receiving a report regarding an alleged historic sexual assault. On March 28, 2023, Derek Taplin was apprehended by Winnipeg Police Service on a Canada Wide Warrant and will be escorted back to the Province of Alberta.
Derek Taplin (43) a resident of Winnipeg, has been charged with the following:
- Sexual Exploitation of a Young Person x4
- Sexual Interference x4
- Sexual Assault x4
- Invitation to Sexual Touching x4
Through investigation, police have identified 4 alleged victims from multiple incidents at the Prairie College in Three Hills, spanning a two-year period from 2002 to 2004. The investigation is still ongoing and police believe there may be more victims and are urging any other victims or anyone with information to come forward. To aid in this investigation, RCMP are releasing a photo of Taplin.
Sexual assault is a serious crime, and the Three Hills RCMP investigates every complaint thoroughly, with the utmost professionalism and care. A complaint for sexual offences can be made at any time, no matter how far back the incident happened. If you are a survivor of sexual assault or harassment, or if you have information about a crime of sexual nature that may assist an ongoing investigation, please contact the Three Hills RCMP at 403-443-5539. If you would like to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by submitting a form online at P3Tips.com.
A court date for Taplin is unknown at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
Alberta
RCMP chopper pilot pulls off amazing helicopter rescue of missing woman west of Innisfail

News release from Innisfail RCMP
Innisfail RCMP seek public assistance in locating missing elderly female – Update #3
Innisfail, Alta. – RCMP would like to provide additional details and clarify some information with regards the search efforts and the ultimate rescue of Lorraine Vandenbosch who went missing from Dickson Point Campground on May 29, 2023.
Upon locating Lorraine as she emerged from a heavily wooded area, rescue teams had difficulties transporting her due to a steep embankment. Alberta RCMP Air Services were again up to the task in supporting rescue efforts by landing in the difficult location and transporting Lorraine . She was taken for medical assessment and ultimately transported by STARS to hospital. Lorraine remains confused about her ordeal and RCMP have few details at this time.
Background
June 1, 2023
Innisfail RCMP seek public assistance in locating missing elderly female – Update #2
Innisfail, Alta. – RCMP are please to report that after 4 days of searching, Lorraine Vandenbosch has been located by rescue teams alive and in good spirits.
The RCMP helicopter located Lorainne this morning at approximately 9:30 a.m. walking out of a heavily wood area near the Dickson Trout Pond.
Lorainne is receiving precautionary medical attention and is with her family.
RCMP would like to thank the tireless effort of all involved in this search: Red Deer County SAR, Rocky Mountain House SAR, Sundre SAR, Wetaskiwin SAR, Red Deer County Patrol, Innisfail Fire Dept, Red Deer County Fire Dept, Spruceview Fire Dept, Alberta Conservation Officers, Raven Crime Watch and Mounted Horse volunteers.
RCMP would also like to thank the organizations that provided food to the teams, Spruceview Bakery and Red Deer Costco. This support allowed the rescue teams to continue working long hours.
Background
Innisfail RCMP seek public assistance in locating missing elderly female – Update
Innisfail, Alta. – Innisfail RCMP continue to search for Lorraine Vadenbosch who went missing from the Dickson Point Campground at Glennifer Lake yesterday. RCMP with assistance from Red Deer County, Sundre, and Rocky Mountain House Search and Rescue teams are actively searching the area.
While search teams continue to search, we are asking residents in the Glennifer Lake, Dickson, Spruce View, and nearby areas, to check your properties including treed outcroppings and outbuildings for Lorraine.
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Lorraine, please contact the Innisfail RCMP Detachment at 403-227-3342. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
May 29, 2023
Innisfail RCMP seek public assistance in locating missing elderly female
Innisfail. Alta. – Innisfail RCMP are seeking public assistance in locating a missing elderly female. Lorraine Vandenbosch (78), a resident of Didsbury, was last seen on May 29, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., at the Dickson Point Campground at Gleniffer Lake. Lorraine may be confused and there is great concern for her safety.
Lorraine is described as:
- 5 feet tall
- Red hair
- Light complexion
- Last seen wearing white pants, white and black shirt, black runners and a cream colored hat
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Lorraine, please contact the Innisfail RCMP Detachment at 403-227-3342. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Alberta
Cannabis price ‘race to the bottom’ hurts market’s future: OCS CEO

TORONTO — The head of Ontario’s cannabis distributor says the “race to the bottom” happening with pot prices risks hurting the market’s future.
Ontario Cannabis Store chief executive David Lobo says when consumers get used to paying lower prices, it can take a generation to change their perception and convince people to pay more again.
In an economy where inflation is stubbornly high and raising the costs of most consumer goods, he says the industry can’t keep pushing lower.
Lobo says the OCS is doing its part in fighting the race to the bottom with a forthcoming plan to lower its margins, which he estimates could hand $60 million to licensed pot producers next year.
Since recreational cannabis was legalized in 2018, pot producers have been dropping prices to fight the illicit market, where weed is much cheaper and sellers operate outside restrictions imposed on the legal market.
Statistics Canada said a gram of legal cannabis cost $10.29 on average in 2019, whereas the OCS had some dried flower products selling for under $4 this week.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2023.
The Canadian Press
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