The CAMROSE BOOSTER, December 14, 2021 – Page 22
Economy of rural Canada By Damien C. Kurek, MP, Battle River-Crowfoot
Rural Canada is an essential part of Canada’s future. It’s an honour to be appointed deputy shadow minister of Rural Economic Development and Rural Broadband Strategy, where I will have the opportunity to work with leader of the Official Opposition, Erin O’Toole, and shadow minister Lianne Rood to fight for rural interests. I appreciate the opportunity to expand the scope of issues for which I have been fighting since first being elected. This column will focus on some of the issues that will be of priority as Parliament returns. Economic development is ensuring that potential is realized and that folks are empowered to succeed. I see examples of this every day and see how so much more needs to be done. Rural Alberta, and all of rural and remote Canada, are the best places to succeed, start or grow a business, and have an amazing quality of life. Key industries, such as agriculture, energy, forestry, manufacturing, commodity processing and others, are deeply rooted in rural Canada and are facing challenges. From recent crises to regulatory burdens and red tape, it’s difficult to grow a business in rural Canada right now. Further, many businesses and producers have struggled to get their products to market with the current supply chain challenges we have faced over the last couple of years. Liberal economic and fiscal mismanagement is pushing inflation to a multi-decade high. Canadians pay for it with higher costs on food, gas, and many other essential commodities, products, and services. This is further compounded, as many parts of rural and remote Canada face higher costs for commodities and transportation already. Rural crime and the rampant rise of criminal activities in communities across Canada must be addressed. Rural Canadians have some of the greatest qualities of life in the world, but the revolving door of the justice system, challenges with policing, lack of access to mental health services and weak-on-crime federal legislation are putting our way of life at risk. Additionally, the targeting of law-abiding Canadian firearms owners needs to stop. Many of you have reached out regarding the need for broadband in rural areas. For our economy to reach its fullest potential, broadband service must be easily accessible to all Canadians. Whether it is using e-commerce to expand small businesses, or connecting with loved ones amidst a pandemic, the internet now plays a greater role in our lives. Over the last number of years, members of Canada’s Conservatives and I have championed changes to the Liberals’ strategy with some success. But there is far more work needed to ensure that every Canadian can get connected. In Canada, the hunting and angling industry provides over 37 thousand jobs, $2.7 billion in GDP nationwide, and is a part of rural Canada’s identity. The Liberals’ lack of understanding of these two sectors shows how disconnected they are with rural areas. My commitment to you on both these fronts is simple: let’s look past the politics and use evidence-based approaches. Canada’s Conservatives need to be the voice of rural Canada and we will work to bring economic opportunity and prosperity back to rural Canadians. We will work tirelessly to fight for what’s right, and replace the tired, corrupt, and incompetent Trudeau Liberals, who have left rural Canada behind. It is an honour to represent Battle River-Crowfoot as your Member of Parliament and I’m excited to be able to serve in this new role, to make sure we address the issues rural Canadians are facing and fight to ensure rural and remote Canada sees its full potential. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, you are encouraged to write Damien at 4945-50 Street, Camrose, Alberta T4V 1P9, call toll free 1-800-665-4358, text 403-575-5625, or e-mail damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca. You can also stay up to date with what Damien is up to by following him on social media @dckurek.
Animal Shelter wish list By Lori Larsen
While giving a pet as a Christmas gift sounds charming, the bottom line is the commitment doesn’t nor shouldn’t stop there. It is a decision that must be thought out thoroughly for both the sake of the recipient, the whole family and the adorable furry gifts. Keep the following in mind if you are considering giving a pet for Christmas. There tends to be a lot of extra excitement in the household during the holiday season which can add undue stress to an animal. Consideration needs to be given to any holiday plans that include travel, which may result in a pet being left alone after coming to a new home, or worse, becoming lost in the shuffle. Selecting a pet is often a very personal experience, so if you plan on getting a pet as a surprise for someone, it may not be a good personality match. The right fit is far more important then the “perfect” time. The holidays are a busy time, so making sure the new addition to the family is given adequate time for training, adjusting and meeting their new family is vital. When you do finally decide on adding a furry family member, consider the benefits of adoption. Camrose and Area Animal Shelter is delighted to assist you in giving a beloved pet their forever home. “The Shelter is full with 71 cats, four rabbits and four guinea pigs,” said Camrose Animal Shelter treasurer and fundraising/ events coordinator Lynn Horsman. “Adoptions are steady, but there could always be more.” The volunteers at the Shelter and on the Board continue to do an amazing job of providing for these animals in ensuring they are fed, clean and safe, but they could always use more help and encourage anyone wanting to give of their time to become a volunteer. “We need warm-bodied human help,” said Horsman. “There are six of us currently on the Board, and we’d love to share the workload. A secretary and a treasurer would top our list of wishes. The Shelter office is a pleasure to work at and the hours fly by. Each position requires about 15 hours a month minimum. It’s a great team.” If time is a constraint, the Shelter is always in need of funds to be able to continue providing this important service.
Ask the A
CHIEF Dean LaGrange Chief of Police Question: Camrose What arePolice the Service bylaws/restrictions for household cats
within the City of Camrose? Answer: There are very little to no bylaws regarding cats in the City of Camrose. The only cat-related rules/regulations the Animal Control Bylaw specifically spell out are regarding: the pound being able to receive stray cats from the enforcement officer, the responsibilities of the pound in taking care of any impounded cats, and that owners are responsible for the pound fees in order to reclaim their cat. There are no bylaws around enforcement for cats roaming and being free, going onto another person’s private residential property, or being licensed with the city. As such, there are also no enforceable fines noted in the Animal Control Bylaw regarding cat control. Have a question for the Chief? Email them to The Camrose Booster at news@camrosebooster.com
Chase the Ace to Animal Shelter
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster
The Camrose Chase the Ace Progressive Raffle had its tenth draw. The winner was Larry Sharuga, taking home $334 in prize money. Larry did not chose the ace, so $334 was added to the carryover. Camrose and Area Animal Shelter also received $400 (Rotary Club rounded it up) as the Rotary Club of Camrose’s choice of charity for this draw. Pictured left to right are Camrose and Area Animal Shelter volunteer Nissa Winder, draw winner Larry Sharuga and Rotary Club of Camrose treasurer Lou Henderson.
“We always need donations,” said Horsman. “People have certainly been generous this past year and we are very grateful.” As the Shelter continues, the process becomes more and more refined and, with the assistance of donations, can only get better. “We’d love to be doing spay and neuter clinics regularly,” commented Horsman.
Funding is used to purchase the necessities required to house and care for all the animals in the Shelter, including the addition of new cages. “What we have is wearing out and roomier enclosures make everybody happier.” For more information on the Camrose and Area Animal Shelter, visit the website at camroseanimalshelter.ca.
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster
