Always better – always better read
16 Pages
December 19, 2017
Photo by Ron Pilger
Santa’s Ride
Left to right: Christa Francoeur-Brager, Steve Colbourne and Beverley Cameron
Look closely in daylight hours at who is comfortably sitting in the seat of this piece of high-tech ag equipment. The image gives a whole new meaning to Santa making his rounds.
A Case IH Patriot Series high-clearance sprayer wouldn’t be considered Santa’s typical ride, but in a strong rural-based farming community, the likes of Camrose, it’s a perfect way for the jolly, beloved gent to make his presence felt and bring smiles and joy to many. Rocky Mountain Equipment staff member Beverley Cameron, branch administrator, initiated the idea of decorating either a combine or sprayer for the Christmas season. In late November, Christa Francoeur-Brager, a parts specialist, and Steve Colbourne, ag optimization, pitched in to make a masterful display. They utilized thirty-two strings of lights, a dusk-to-dawn timer and other festive-season props in their project.
Inside...
A variety of merchandise and services: Farm supplies and equipment, homes, communications, entertainment, health, building supplies, vehicles, real estate, season’s greetings and more!
News Features…
4 New grain elevator coming to Viking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Report a Poacher goes online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battle River Community Foundation helps soften water at Killam arena. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Visit our website: www.camrosebooster.com
Win a colour enlargement of your farm! See page 15
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, December 19, 2017 – Page 2
SHINY,
Happy Holidays Hope your Christmas is merry and bright in every imaginable way! It’s the little things that make the holidays special, like the moments we share with patients and friends like you. Thanks for filling our year with your visits. Serving you has been our privilege and pleasure. SMITH CLINIC HOLIDAY HOURS: December 25 and 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED December 27 to 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED
The nicest thing about Christmas is sharing it with wonderful friends and neighbours like you. Thank you for making our year special in so many ways. We wouldn’t be here without the support of kind folks like you.
We wish you and yours a gifted holiday season!
From the staff and physicians of the… Phone 780-672-9400
WALK-IN CLINIC HOLIDAY HOURS: December 24 to 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED December 27 and 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. December 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED December 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED
With Our Thanks for Your Patronage
Fax 780-672-9556 1/2 km East on Highway 26, Camrose
#1, 6601-48 Avenue, Camrose
Canada invests in Grow Alberta Agriculture program By Murray Green
Canada is standing behind Alberta through the Investing to Grow Alberta Agriculture program. These investments are part of the plan to grow the economy in a way that works for the middle class and those working hard to join it. A strong and competitive agriculture sector is vital to Canada’s prosperity;
creating good jobs, growing the middle class, and bringing high-quality products to the tables of Canadian consumers. Canadian Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities and Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre, Kent Hehr, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay announced that Canada is investing $4.4
million to help farmers stay on the cutting edge of innovation, expand markets and manage their business risk. As part of this investment, the federal government has committed $2.2 million to projects that will help support the world-class cattle industry in Alberta and across Canada. Projects include $839,485 for the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association to
Wishing you Happy Holidays and a New Year filled with prosperity and success!
explore the use of remote sensing as a tool to insure forage crops; $901,240 to help the Alberta Beef Producers develop satellite data to help improve forage insurance; $255,000 to help the Canadian Angus Association develop tools that will improve better breeding cattle and $205,500 for the National Cattle Feeders Association to develop and implement a national feedlot animal care assessment program. The remaining funds, just over $2.2 million, will support a number of innovative projects that will help market development, emergency planning, competitive pricing, animal care assessments and farm software development. “Our government’s targeted investments in these
agricultural projects will help the sector build on its competitive strengths, leading to greater returns for our farmers and their families, here in Alberta and across the country, and ensure continued growth of the middle class,” said MP Kent Hehr. “Pasture is the lifeblood of the beef cattle industry and when things go wrong, rapid response and alternatives for feeding the cow herd must be timely. Using satellite measurements on a very localized scale, predictions of pasture productivity field by field, week by week, will be a significant tool for producers’ risk management on a yearly basis,” added Rob McNabb, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association general manager.
is published for Controlled Distribution By CAMROSE BOOSTER LTD. Blain Fowler, Publisher Circulation 12,660 copies Providing coverage to the communities of Camrose (RRs and Boxes only), Ohaton, Edberg, Meeting Creek, Donalda, Bawlf, Kelsey, Rosalind, Daysland, Heisler, Strome, Forestburg, Galahad, Castor (farms), Killam, Sedgewick, Lougheed, Coronation/Brownfield, Alliance, Hardisty, Amisk, Hughenden, Czar, Metiskow, Cadogan, Provost (farms), Armena, Hay Lakes, New Sarepta, Round Hill, Kingman, Tofield, Ryley, Holden, Bruce, Viking, Kinsella, Irma, Wainwright (farms and lock boxes), New Norway, Ferintosh, Bashaw, Bittern Lake, Gwynne, Stettler (farms).
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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, December 19, 2017 – Page 3
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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, December 19, 2017 – Page 4
Report A Poacher at your fingertip
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas By Bruce Hinkley, Wetaskiwin-Camrose
By Lori Larsen MLA
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a wonderful 2018 filled with good health, happiness and prosperity. Congratulations to John and Dorothy Rossiter with sons, Bruce and Chris on being recognized with a Century Farm Award. The Rossiter farm was purchased in 1910. One of our election promises was to review the WCB–Workers’ Compensation Board because it had not been reviewed since 1976, 41 years ago! We have now put forth progressive legislation to make Workers’ Compensation Board changes. We are establishing an independent “Fair Practices Office” that will help Albertans navigate the WCB system by providing additional resources to support workers every step of the way. Establishing a “Code of Rights and Conduct” that outlines the rights of workers and employers, while also explaining how WCB staff would recognize these rights and conduct. Removing the maximum insurable earnings cap of $98,700 per year, allowing injured workers to receive benefits in line with their expected annual earnings. Improving benefits for: surviving spouses and children when a worker is killed on the job; and young workers who sustain a long-term injury that affects their career opportunities. Improving retirement benefits for injured workers to better recognize the impact on an injured worker’s retirement savings. Providing an option for interim relief while decisions are under review and appeal, helping to reduce potential hardship while disputed claims are being reviewed or awaiting appeal. Providing greater choice for injured workers in selecting health professionals. Enhancing coverage for psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder, for all occupations where workers have experienced a traumatic incident at work. Requiring employers to continue providing health benefit programs to injured workers under existing coverage for one year after the date of the injury. Establishing an Occupational Disease and Injury Advisory Committee that would review occupational diseases, and provide advice on emerging trends in medical science. Introducing an obligation for employers to support the “return to work” of workers who suffer injuries and illnesses in their workplaces. Employers will have a duty to accommodate workers to the point of undue hardship. We are also making changes to Occupational Health and Safety enshrining the three basic rights of workers in Alberta’s legislation: the right to refuse unsafe work (to protect workers from any form of reprisal for exercising this right, including loss of compensation or benefits); the right to know (ensure workers are informed about potential hazards and have access to basic health and safety information in the workplace); the right to participate (ensure workers are involved in health and safety discussions, including participation in health and safety committees). Mandating joint work site health and safety committees for workplaces with 20 or more employees. These committees are responsible for–inspecting the work site for hazards; helping employers respond to health and safety concerns of workers; helping resolve unsafe work refusals; helping develop health and safety policies and safe work procedures; helping with new employee health and safety orientation; and developing and promoting education and training programs. Requiring employers with between five and 19 workers to have a health and safety representative in the workplace. Protecting workers from workplace violence and harassment. Protecting workers from loss of wages or benefits on worksites subjected to stop work or stop use orders or while safety improvements are being made. Requiring employers to report “near miss” incidents to OHS. A “near miss” incident is one that had the potential to cause serious injury to a person but did not. Expanding the ability of the courts to impose creative sentences, such as providing funding for research on preventative medicine or health and safety training programs. Requiring the government to publish more information collected during compliance and enforcement activities, including the results of OHS investigations. OHS laws be reviewed every five years to ensure they remain relevant to modern and changing workplaces. During the Christmas break our three offices will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 21, opening again on Thursday, Jan. 4th, 2018. Take care everyone!
Reporting suspicious fishing or hunting activity can now be done at the press of a button, with the new option to use smartphones or computers to report a poacher. In an effort to make reporting poaching activity, dangerous wildlife or public land abuse easier, the Alberta government has implemented a system whereby information or tips can now be submitted online. To report using the online service visit the Report A Poacher Website at www.ab-conservation. com/report-a-poacher to fill out a form and submit it online. Information submitted online will be sent to fish and wildlife officers for investigation and follow up. “The Report A Poacher program helps ensure Alberta’s wide variety of wildlife species and diverse landscapes are protected for future generations,” said minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kathleen Ganley. “Our hope is that by making it easier to report suspicious hunting or fishing activity, it will encourage more Albertans
to act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors.” Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Branch sergeant major Adrian Marr encourages public support. “The more public support we receive through the Report A Poacher program, the more effective we can be in combatting fish and wildlife crime and public land violations. Officers cannot be everywhere at once, and we must rely on the public for their tips so that poachers can be brought to justice.” Anyone reporting, whether by telephone or online, can still remain anonymous, however if the person reporting is willing to supply their name and contact information to the officer, it can assist in a more successful investigation. Personal information provided to the investigating officer will remain confidential. By reporting suspicious activity, you could also be eligible for a reward ranging from $100 to $1,000. “The Report A Poacher program has been an essential part of Alberta’s conservation efforts for many years, and it’s important that we give people more options to report sus-
picious or illegal activity. The message is clear: hunt and fish responsibly, and don’t be a poacher,” said vice-president of the Alberta Conservation Association Ken Kranrod. Emergencies and incidents that require immediate attention should still be reported through the 24-hour Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800. Compelling statistics
In 2016-17, the Report A Poacher toll-free line received 14,894 calls from the public of which 3,097 involved suspected illegal activity. In 2016-17, there were 9,133 enforcement actions (charges and warnings under various legislation) taken by fish and wildlife officers. Approximately $108,600 in rewards were paid to individuals whose calls and information led to charges in 2016-17. Reward payments are funded by the Alberta Conservation Association. Help make a difference by reporting any suspicious activity to the Report A Poacher line or online and ensure the future for all of Alberta’s precious natural resources.
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Citizens will now be able to report suspicious fishing, hunting or land abuse activity online.
New grain elevator coming to Viking By Murray Green
Parrish & Heimbecker will be building a new grain elevator in Viking that is scheduled to be completed in early 2019. Iconic grain elevators used to dot the prairies of Alberta and the rest of Western Canada, but that number has severely dwindled over time. The project is expected to create 20 new jobs locally
and expand merchandizing opportunities for farmers in the area. Scheduled to be completed in early 2019, the new facility will include a 46,000-tonne grain storage elevator, 25,000-tonne dry bulk fertilizer shed, all attached by CN Railway with a 150-car loop track. A chemical storage facility is also scheduled for con-
struction at the new facility. “We expect to create 20 new jobs locally and expand new inputs and grain merchandising opportunities for area farmers and P&H,” said president John Heimbecker. “We expect the economic spin-offs from the local construction crews to be significant in the Viking area over the next two years.” Continued on page 6
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, December 19, 2017 – Page 5
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The children of Battle River School Division will be on Christmas vacation from Saturday, December 23rd and returning to school on Monday, January 8th. Please watch out for them to ensure we all have a safe and happy holiday season.
Battle River School Division 4925-48 Street, Camrose Phone 780.672.3142
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, December 19, 2017 – Page 6
Thank You! Hank
Darren
As 2017 comes to a close, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your tremendous support this season. We look forward to serving you again next year! “Any size job welcome, big or small.”
Hank 403.783.1270 • Darren 403.704.0843
Viking grain elevator Continued from page 4
Satellite technology helps ranchers manage various feed crops By Murray Green
Agricultural industry partners and the Canadian government explore and develop new risk management tools that meet the needs of farmers when faced with serious challenges beyond their control. Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, Terry Duguid, on behalf of agriculture and agri-food minister, Lawrence MacAulay, was at the University of Manitoba to announce federal support for a study exploring the use of new and innovative technology to track hay and pasture production. The cutting-edge research headed by Dr. Lysa Porth in the Warren Centre for Actuarial Studies and Research at the University of Manitoba’s I.H. Asper School of Business, will play an important role in contributing to the stability to the cattle sector. Working with the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association (SCA), with $988,000 in federal funding, the project consists of collaborative research with Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) to use new satellitebased technology to reliably estimate forage growth at the farm level in each province, and to develop a forage production index, which would form the basis for the development of new insurance tools. “Feed is the lifeblood
of any livestock operation, and our government understands the importance of helping to protect ranchers from risk such as losses to their forage crops. This project uses cutting-edge satellite technology to equip ranchers with the information they need to manage those risks and demonstrates why the University of Manitoba is renowned for its world-class research. With this targeted investment, our government is helping to ensure our ranchers remain on the cutting-edge of science, which helps to create good jobs and grow our economy,” said MP Duguid. “The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association is glad to support and facilitate this research into forage insurance innovation. Grass and hay insurance uptake rates in the prairies are much lower than for annual crops. Some of this is due to program design and how programs work. By exploring satellite options perhaps we can move perennial crops closer to competitive balance with annual crops, at least when it comes to insurance programs offered. The AgriRisk Initiatives program is the successor to the program that helped to bring Western Livestock Price Insurance to the marketplace and we are glad to see the federal government continue investing in find-
ing new solutions for producers,” said Ryder Lee, of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association. “This project provides a tremendous opportunity to bring together leaders in agricultural risk management and insurance, both within Canada and internationally, across academia, the private sector and government. Satellitederived approaches show promise for improving forage insurance, based on improved design that is cost-efficient, representative and reliable, however, more research and development is needed. Our team looks forward to working with the project partners and discussions with Canadian producers in order to help develop improved risk management for forage based on state-of-theart technology,” added Lysa Porth of the Warren Centre for Actuarial Studies and Research. Budget 2017 focused on agri-food as one of the top industries in the Government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious effort to make Canada a world leader in innovation with a focus on expanding growth and creating good, well-paying jobs. It set an ambitious goal of growing Canada’s agrifood exports to $75 billion by 2025.
The new Viking terminal will support four new north/central Alberta P&H crop input locations in Sedgewick, Wainwright, St. Paul and Marwayne. The new crop input centre and grain terminal will also expand P&H grain marketing services to customers in all north/central Alberta locations. For more information
on P&H visit www.parrishandheimbecker.com. Parrish & Heimbecker, is a diversified Canadian owned family company that was incorporated in 1909. P&H’s grain business includes trading, handling, marine and rail freight management to both domestic and export markets
Justin and Steph with sons Tucker and Hogan
Merry Christmas! From our family to yours, bes t wis hes for Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. Th ank you to our valued clients.
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, December 19, 2017 – Page 7
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The management and staff of Agriterra Equipment Camrose and Lougheed locations, take this opportunity to express our sincerest gratitude for your patronage during 2017.
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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, December 19, 2017 – Page 8
Dairy Cost Study is open for applications By Murray Green
A Dairy Cost Study is a great way to find out how to improve your business. You can now apply for the 2018 production year. The next study starts in January and there is no cost to participate. “The Dairy Cost Study is a program specifically for dairy producers. It provides them with a tool to better understand their business costs and profits,” said Pauline Van Biert, research analyst for Agriculture and Forestry. It is similar to the AgriProfit$ program where participants receive a detailed business analysis for their farm. Understanding the relationship between profit and costs can help producers determine targets and goals for continuing to improve their business and improve profit margins. “Participating in the program will give dairy producers a better understanding of their farm’s performance,” said Van Biert. “In times where margins are tight, it’s good to have as much information as possible at your fingertips when making important business decisions.” Participants provide monthly information about their dairy activities over the
A Dairy Cost Study evaluation is a great way for producers to reach targets and goals for the entire year.
course of a year. Information includes livestock numbers, feed usage and cost, labour and expenses. “Much of this is already kept, in one form or another, at the farm,” said Van Biert. At the end of 12 months, the data is rolled-up into
their farm business analysis. Participants also receive easy-to-read charts showing their farm results and a report showing how they compare to others in the study and to the provincial averages. “The ability to compare
their results to others can help producers set goals or targets for improvement,” said Van Biert. “I have heard from past participants that their time is well invested in this program, and the results are useful in decision making and starting
conversations with family, feed nutritionists, and bankers alike.” The deadline to sign up for the study is Jan. 15, 2018. Sign up online or contact Pauline Van Biert for more information at 780415-2153.
By Murray Green
and processors access to export markets to enhance their competitiveness. This market access will deepen Canada’s trade partnership with Argentina, boost global exports, and strengthen the middle class,” said MacAulay. “Our government is working hard to open markets and create new trade opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. Canadian pork access to the Argentinian market is an important step in our valued and growing relationship and evidence that engagement produces results. I encourage our Canadian pork industry to take advantage of the opportunities this leading South American market offers,” said Champagne. “ T he A rgentinian market represents a solid opportunity to further develop and diversify Canadian pork exports in South America,” said Neil Ketilson, Canada Pork International chair. In 2016, Canadian agriculture, agri-food and seafood exports to Argentina reached $12.6 million. Top exports of Canadian agricultural products to Argentina include durum wheat $3 million, alfalfa $2.4 million and dairy bovine semen $2.4 million.
Pork market access to Argentina secured
A restored access will provide significant new opportunities to Canadian pork exporters in the important and emerging Argentinian market, with industry estimating an export value of up to $16 million annually.
Pork producers and processors are sharing their high-quality products to more countries around the globe. These export opportunities move Canada closer to its goal of reaching $75 billion in annual agri-food exports by 2025, while creating well-paying jobs for Canadians. Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, announced that the Government of Canada has successfully restored market access for Canadian pork exports to Argentina. This restored access will provide significant new opportunities to Canadian pork exporters in the important and emerging Argentinian market, with industry estimating an export value of up to $16 million annually. This builds on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s successful visit to Argentina last year, when both leaders acknowledged the progress made to date and the necessary remaining steps to allow trade of Canadian pork to Argentina to resume. “Today’s announcement is a great example of how the Government of Canada is constantly working to give our producers
Keep proper records Agri-News
“Financial record keeping is the part of farming that is rarely discussed or high on a farmer’s priority list,” said Dean Dyck, farm business management specialist, Alberta Ag-Info Centre Stettler. “It often takes a back seat to growing crops, fixing machinery or managing livestock until a banker or accountant schedules an appointment to review the farm’s finances.” In 1988, John E. Carlson published an article in The Journal of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers entitled Farmers’ Perceptions about the Management of their Farms. He found that farmers admit to the importance of good record keeping but rank it fourth behind field work, buying and selling machinery and crops, and working on farm machinery. Only 16 per cent hired outside help for record keeping, 50 per cent did it themselves and 20 per cent named their spouse as the primary record keeper. “There are many reasons why farmers’ financial management skills and literacy have been slower to develop compared to other industries. Although financial institutions require upto-date statements, many farmers’ primary reason for record keeping is for Canada Revenue Agency reporting. If you have any questions on farm financial planning, call the Ag Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276).
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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, December 19, 2017 – Page 9
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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Council and Staff of Camrose County, Agricultural Service Board, Seed Cleaning Plant and West Dried Meat Lake Regional Landfill wish you and your family the best for a Happy and Safe Holiday Season.
Camrose County operations, including Transfer Sites, will be closed on the following dates during the Holiday Season: • Monday, Dec. 25, 2017 • Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017
• Friday, Dec. 29, 2017 • Monday, Jan. 1, 2018
Regular office hours for ALL locations will resume Tuesday, January 2, 2018. 3755-43 Avenue, Camrose, AB T4V 3S8 Phone 780-672-4446 Fax 780-672-1008 Public Works 780-672-4449 Email county@county.camrose.ab.ca Website www.camrosecounty.ab.ca
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, December 19, 2017 – Page 10
Board holds Revenue Canada Accountable
BRCF helps soften water
By Kevin Sorenson, MP, Battle River-Crowfoot
The recent Fall 2017 Report of the Auditor General of Canada included a chapter on Revenue Canada Agency Call Centres. Michael Ferguson, the Auditor General concluded, “Overall, we found that the agency did not provide timely access to accurate information.” The House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Accounts holds public hearings to question the government officials responsible for performing the duties that are the subject of Auditor General Reports. We made the hearing on the CRA Call Centres a priority and met on Nov. 30. You can read the transcript at http://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/PACP/meeting-82/evidence. As the chair, I carefully consider before engaging in the committee’s debates because it is my job to preside over the debate. Before the questioning of the Revenue Canada officials began–after the Auditor General spoke and the officials spoke, I interjected to set the tone saying, “…every Member of Parliament’s office receives calls from people who are obviously frustrated with CRA. It’s good that you’re here and that you have recognized some of this. There has not been an apology today, but you have recognized where you’ve been deficient and where you need to do better.” Over the period of the audit, there were 29 million calls intentionally blocked by CRA. More than half of the calls came from folks trying to get help filling out their tax forms. The average wait time for callers was more than two minutes, so the agency either blocked the calls by giving them a busy signal, or directed them to the automated self-service system. The agency ‘invented’ this practice. They had not surveyed callers–or anyone to verify that this practise was satisfactory. Even though callers had to make an average of three or four call attempts, some callers still couldn’t reach an agent. Only 36 per cent of all calls reached either an agent or a self-serve system. Before the Auditor General’s work, the CRA believed that 90 per cent of callers were able to reach either the self-service system or call centre agent. Finally, the Audit found that Call Centre agents provided inaccurate information almost 30 per cent of the time–a significantly higher error rate than estimated by the CRA itself. This explains a great deal of the work that my staff in both my Riding and Parliament Hill offices has been doing trying to help local taxpayers. The only good news is that Canada Revenue Agency has agreed with all of the Auditor General’s recommendations and has committed to taking corrective action. Making sure that federal departments and agencies make good on their commitments is what our Public Accounts Committee does. As the Chair, I pledge to you that with diligence, I will continue to hold the CRA to account for their shabby treatment of honest and responsible Canadians trying to correctly pay their taxes. At the end of the meeting I told the CRA that they will soon be “called back” by our committee to update us on their progress. We hope they will have much progress to report. MP Sorenson invites local employers to apply for Canada Summer Jobs 2018. I am inviting local employers to apply for funding through the Canada Summer Jobs program 2018 to help create jobs for students next summer. Every year, we try to focus on local priorities, while achieving tangible results for both students and their communities through this federal initiative. It works in local economies throughout our large riding. The Canada Summer Jobs initiative provides funding to not-for-profit, public-sector and small private-sector employers with 50 or fewer employees. It creates summer job opportunities for young people 15 to 30 years of age who are full-time students intending to return to their studies in the next school year. Employers can apply online at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj or print an application from the website. Applications are available at any Service Canada Centre. The application period for Canada Summer Jobs 2018 will be from Dec. 19, 2017 to Feb. 2, 2018, so that students may be hired beginning in April 2018. These full-time students who intend to return to their studies in the next school year can return home for the summer months–and have a summer job. This is important to families in our riding. Through Canada Summer Jobs, we are helping young Canadians get the skills and experience they need to get jobs now and in the future. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this or previous columns you may write me at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-608-4600, toll-free 1-800-665-4358, fax 780-608-4603 or e-mail Kevin.Sorenson.c1@parl.gc.ca.
Battle River Community Foundation director Darryl Schultz presents a $2,000 cheque to Charlene Sutter, director of Community Services for the Town of Killam. Submitted
The Battle River Community Foundation awarded a $2,000 grant to the Killam Agricultural Society to assist in the purchase and installation of a water softener for the Killam Arena. The grant is from income from the Foundation’s Community Funds which allow the Board to determine the use of money generated each year.
The Battle River Community Foundation exists to support projects and facilities, such as this, in East Central Alberta which benefit the local communities and have a positive impact on the future. Grants from the Battle River Community Foundation are primarily made possible through the generosity of individual donors and organizations that have created endowment
GARAGE SALE FUNDS
funds. The principal of these endowment funds are kept intact and the income is made available annually to support local projects and organizations. Since it was founded in 1995, the Battle River Community Foundation has granted over $5,040,000 to support community facilities and programs operated by organizations and municipalities in the region.
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Ralph Sorenson presents a $500 donation from funds raised during the 2017 Killam Charity Auction and Garage Sale to the president of St. Marys Hospital Ladies Auxiliary Anna-Mae Feddema.
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, December 19, 2017 – Page 11
Real Estate FARMS • ACREAGES • RANCHES
4 ACRES BARE LAND IN DAYSLAND – Great place to build your dream home. Close to golf course and school. Asking $150,000. S-45 4 ACRES IN DAYSLAND – with 1400± sq. ft. bungalow ngalow alow low home hoome ome om me with CEDnewly DeU renovated attachedd garage vate ated ated edd basement, baseme basement bbase sement nt, t E llarge larg rg attache attach att R E C PattRdIinsulated and heated shop. $499,900. S-44 eated iins l NEW LISTING – Quarter on highway four miles north of Bawlf, could be pasture or grain. $549,000. S-115 ACREAGE – With meat processing business, remodelled home, shop and two quonsets on 7 acres between Daysland and Strome. $700,000. S-92 1.5 ACRES WITH POWER – on Highway 13 at the town of Daysland. $80,000. S-103 QUARTER BETWEEN HOLDEN AND BRUCE – currently in grass but could be excellent grain land. S-108 GRAIN FARM EAST OF CAMROSE – with parklike yardsite and two homes. Available with two or four quarters of quality grainland. S-109
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300 ACRES OF PASTURE/RECREATIONAL LAND – overlooking the Battle River with amazing building sites. S-110 NEW LISTING – 480-acre cattle and grain farm with excellent home and yard north of Two Hills. S-118 NEW LISTING – 320 acre grain farm with 2 homes south of Ryley $1,400,000. S-122 NEW LISTING – 80 acre cattle farm in Wetaskiwin County north of Gwynne with outstanding house and buildings. $1,495,000. S-124 NEW LISTING – Quarter of pasture land with Ducks Unlimited Conservation Easement Agreement between Viking, Kinsella and Sedgewick. NE 14-46-12-W4 $230,000. S-121 NEW LISTING – For Tender by Feb. 9, 2018 pasture quarter south of Ryley with Ducks Unlimited Conservation Easement Agreement NW 30-48-17-W4. S-123
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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, December 19, 2017 – Page 12
Regional model progressing By Murray Green
A regional government model is progressing as planned to give people a view of what a singletier regional municipality would look like. Results are anticipated to be presented for public feedback in the spring, 2018. “Regional governance is a complex and emotional subject and we know that the top of mind question you have is: how would this be better than what we have now?” asked Bob Coutts, FIP (Flagstaff Intermunicipal Partnership) chair. “We have been working over the summer months on the details you have asked us for so that you can consider this question with as much information as possible.” Municipal chief administrative officers from each community gathered over the summer months to collaborate on determining what a services structure would look like. This is the most complex part of the governance model because not all communities in the region have all the same services and/ or service levels, some new desired services were identified in a community survey in 2016, and both range of services and levels of those services are directly related to taxation and economic development that positions for the future.
This work also involves presenting some options for residents to consider. Governance model details are being generated in four areas.. Firstly, developing a governance model (boundaries/divisions) to ensure citizens are properly represented by elected officials. Secondly, establishing uniform service choices and service levels for the region. Thirdly, balancing service levels with taxation levels while positioning to be attractive to investment and new families in future. Fourthly, ensuring each community retains its unique identity under a new regional context. This November, an orientation session for newly-elected officials will be added to get their feedback and/or approval of the regional governance initiative to continue. Next spring, public input session(s) to present proposed regional government model details. FIP considers any amendments based on public feedback. Final Regional Governance Plan is publicized. Individual councils decide how they want to proceed by making a regional governance decision (i.e. a yes or no to amalgamation). If there is a decision to proceed with regional governance, submit amalgamation application to min-
ister of municipal affairs. A decision to amalgamate is voluntary. An application to the minister may involve some or all of the FIP municipalities. To arrive at this phase of the regional governance initiative, FIP has completed significant research, including evaluation of regional governance models in Canada, a regional services survey, infrastructure assessment, four public open houses and municipal report card of current municipal operations. Informed by this research, FIP member communities unanimously voted to pursue development of the details of a proposed single-tier governance model–from a number of potential governance models considered - as a best means to position region communities for the future. FIP is comprised of representatives from all municipalities within the Flagstaff Region: the Towns of Daysland, Hardisty, Killam and Sedgewick, the Villages of Alliance, Forestburg, Heisler and Lougheed, and Flagstaff County. More information on the FIP Regional Governance Initiative can be found at www.flagstaffunited.ca. For more information, contact Bob Coutts at couttshardware@persona.ca or phone: 780-679-4721.
ALL THAT GLITTERS Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Many beautiful trees were decorated for the Festival of Trees held on Nov. 24 to 26 including Vision Credit Union’s take on Show Me The Money.
Fuel theft Submitted
Dec. 4
A gas station in the County of Camrose was victim to a theft of three or four propane tanks overnight. This is currently under investigation. Dec. 5
Two males were caught attempting to steal fuel from a farm in the County of Camrose. The suspects fled before any fuel was taken. Dec. 10
RUDOLPH ALERT
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster A herd of Rudolphs and their buddy the Merry Moose were spotted during the Festival of Trees held on Nov. 24 to 26 at the Camrose Regional Exhibition.
Police are investigating a hit and run to a power pole on Township Road 455. The vehicle is believed to be a larger truck or jeep and will have front end damage. Please call Camrose RCMP with any information. If you have any information regarding any of the above mentioned incidents that may lead to an arrest, please contact your local RCMP Detachment at 780672-3342 during business hours or Crime Stoppers Tips at 1-800-222-8477.
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, December 19, 2017 – Page 13
Merry as Christm
GORD
JENN CAREY
From all of us!
TAMMY
RYAN
DAVID
Drawing by Jordyn W. Your Camrose CPS Team:
SCOTT CUNNINGHAM Branch Manager
ALEX ABMA Agronomist
BRENT McINDOE CPA
DARCIE STANG CSR
RICK REHMANN CPA
MICHELLE MACDONALD CSR
BRIAN REINHART CPA
DUANE BONNAR Operations
LEANN KRUGER CPA
COLE HELGELAND Operations
JON MITTY Operations
PROFIT FROM OUR EXPERIENCE Call 780-608-2351 www.cpsagu.ca
Merry Christmas
We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of you whose auctions we conducted in 2017 and our loyal auction crowd! Watch for these upcoming 2018 Auctions: –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– RANDALL FARMS LTD. – ART AND PAM RANDALL Lacombe, AB Wednesday, April 4, 2018 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CARL AND COLLEEN BROCKHOFF Edberg, AB Saturday, April 7, 2018 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– JIM AND LORRAINE FINK Foresturg, AB Thursday, April 12, 2018 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– TOM AND BRENDA GRIFFITHS Ponoka, AB Saturday, April 28, 2018 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– DAARDI AND NADINE ALMBERG FAMILY FARM Hardisty, AB Tuesday, June 5, 2018 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ESTATE OF MURRAY GRIFFITHS Ponoka, AB Thursday, June 7, 2018 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– NIEL AND CRYSTAL BERKHOLTZ Hay Lakes, AB Thursday, June 14, 2018 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– We would be very interested in discussing your future auction plans with you. Please feel free to call.
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CAMROSE, AB
Phone 780-672-1105 • Fax 780-672-3955 Email djas@xplornet.com View sale listings and pictures at: www.dougjohnsonauctionservice.com AB License 334038
Merry. Bright. Magical. Joyous. Healthy. Happy. Lucky. Blessed. Here’s hoping your Christmas is all that and more!
KEVIN RICHARD
BOB HALEY
CHANCE
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Municipalities get relief on taxes By Murray Green
The Alberta government is supporting municipalities by providing a tax credit for uncollectible education property taxes on oil and gas properties. Minister Shaye Anderson announced the PERC Program at the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties conference. Municipalities collect education property taxes on behalf of the province through their municipal property tax system. Oil and gas facilities are taxed until there is an abandoned status on the records of the Alberta Energy Regulator. Once
abandoned, no assessment is prepared. This process can take several years and, in the meantime, the municipality is required to remit education property tax. “I heard loud and clear during my visits to rural communities this summer that they are facing tax recovery challenges. So we made this a priority and worked with the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties to come up with this solution. I am proud that we are able to make a difference and support municipalities,” said the minister of municipal affairs. The Provincial Educa-
tion Requisition Credit, or PERC, will be retroactive to 2015, when oil prices began to fall. It will operate for five years, until 2019. Municipalities that have written off the municipal property tax for oil and gas facilities will be eligible to apply for a credit on the education component of their property tax. “Having to pay education tax to the government that couldn’t be collected has created significant financial challenges for our members,” said Al Kemmere, president of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties.
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, December 19, 2017 – Page 14
Rail station building preserved and relocated Submitted Since 1986, volunteers with the Canadian Northern Society (www.canadiannorthern.ca) have been researching and preserving the heritage related to a railway corridor in central Alberta, referred to by historians as the Canadian Northern Railway’s Battle River Subdivision. This railway was opened for service in 1911 between Vegreville and Drumheller, and was primarily built to move carloads from the coal mines of the Drumheller Valley to western Canadian markets. Today, large portions of this railway have faded into history, however portions remain operational through Camrose (part of CN’s Edmonton to Calgary main line) and between Stettler and Big Valley, featuring steam-powered railway excursions operated by Alberta Prairie Railway. The Canadian Northern Society has thoughtfully preserved four representative examples of heritage railway stations along the line-including an expanded Third-Class design at Camrose, a standard Third-Class station at Meeting Creek, a beautiful Second-Class station at Big Valley, and a Fourth-Class depot at Donalda, which was donated to the Donalda and District Museum Society in 1998. In addition, the Society has preserved a century-old Alberta Pacific Grain elevator at Meeting Creek, and several other historical rail structures including the historic remnants of the Big Valley roundhouse, section bunkhouses, tool houses, and a shelter from Battle, south of Camrose. Over 25 years ago, Society vice-president Leslie S.
Submitted Photo Up, up and away she goes. The railway station is loaded onto a trailer for its journey to Warden.
Kozma began researching and documenting the interesting history of the Battle River Subdivision, leading to a book known as “Along These Lines” which featured railway history and personal recollections of rail operations along the corridor. In today’s digital age, Canadian Northern Society has partnered with Alberta Prairie Railway of Stettler, Alberta, and infor-
mation on the Society’s website allows the thousands of guests who ride the excursion road’s trains each season to follow the route between Stettler and Big Valley and learn more about its fascinating history. The Society plans to augment further historical data on the route on its website in the future. To celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, Cana-
dian Northern Society volunteers, led by president Lorrie Tiegs, developed illustrative interpretive signs marking the location of the Caprona water tank, the Fenn station, and the 1919 Warden Third-Class station along the Stettler to Big Valley passenger route to complement the on-line research work of Mr. Kozma. And to cap the project off, a small repre-
Submitted Photo Left to right Jeremiah Overland, Rich Graydon, both members of the Canadian Railway Society and Paul Vandevoorde, Northern Plains Rail Services stand beside the railway station on site in Warden.
sentative station was built entirely by volunteers and contributed labour at the Camrose station using recycled materials, original windows from the Warden and Meeting Creek stations, and the original station sign from Warden. This Warden station was moved to the site on Sept. 25 and sits on the original location of the 1919 Warden station. A cinder platform and train order signal will be added soon. This station will add colour to the unique preserved Canadian Northern Railway route between Big Valley and Stettler owned and preserved by the East Central Alberta Heritage Society. It will be used for educational and interpretive purposes and is part of the Canadian Northern Society’s continuing mission of “Capturing History While Building Community.” The Canadian Northern Society acknowledges the entire group of volunteers involved with the Along These Lines project–including Don Loewen, Norm Prestage, the late Bruce Smith, Glenys Smith, Don Gillespie, Richard Graydon, Adam Smith, S.I. Smith, Leslie S. Kozma, Jeremiah Overland, Ron Girard, Garry Middleton, Bill Walker, Ernie Beskowiney and Terry Bowles.
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, December 19, 2017 – Page 15
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The farm appearing in this photograph is located in the Camrose trading area. If you recognize it as yours, come to the Camrose Booster, 4925-48 Street, Camrose. You will be presented with a free 8” x 10” color enlargement of the photo.
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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, December 19, 2017 – Page 16
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