20 minute read
Ask the Chief
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.
“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.
A Ask the CHIEF
Dean LaGrange
Question: Chief of Police
What are the bylaws/restrictions for household cats Camrose Police Service 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.
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster
Learning by doing
Why should students in Camrose embark on a research project dealing with bigamy in Australia, you legitimately might ask? Beyond reading salacious reports on the lives of bigamists and learning about Australian history, or how individuals, families, society, and the elites have defined marriage over dif-
Mélanie Méthot, ferent eras, these novice History, researchers are developing
University of Alberta valuable skills. They learn
Augustana Campus how to find newspaper articles, to collect data, to organize it under a grid of analysis, to decipher the tone of accounts, to summarize the information, or to write short stories inspired by historical facts.
The “minions”, as the students labelled themselves, are developing the core skills we strive to hone at Augustana: research, critical thinking and communication. They are creating knowledge too. But mostly, they are learning by doing.
As an educator and team leader, I am pleased to see students and research assistants develop their interest, embarking on projects they make their own. They observe patterns and sometimes discover stories worth investigating. One of my research assistants noted that representatives from the Holt matrimonial agency often testified in bigamy trials. Her insight led us onto a new research path.
We explored the world of personal ads, matchmaking offices and wedding chapels, which began appearing in Australia in the last two decades of the 19th century. As much as the story of businesswoman Annie Holt might attract your attention, I mention her case only to highlight the agency students display when they start doing research.
When you visit the website on the bigamy project that we are developing (https://mmethot2.wixsite.com/ melanie-methot), you will find the students’ reflections on the research process. They all display a passion for the act of researching and an appreciation for the skills they sharpened. If bigamy piques your curiosity, you should follow the blog (starting in January 2022) featuring the matrimonial woes of Australian bigamists, watch the papers students presented at the 2021 research symposium, or the video they created on a soldier who provided quite a spectacle at his bigamy trial. All of these artifacts are evidence of how students learn by doing and the wonderful work undergraduates can do.
Always interested in bettering the experience of our undergraduates, a few years ago Augustana decided to organize the Augustana Conference on Undergraduate Research and Innovative Teaching (ACURIT), an annual interdisciplinary conference to showcase not only undergraduate research taking place on university campuses, but also to discuss teaching methods and initiatives in higher education.
Those attending the international, but small and collegial conference, hear fascinating research on a variety of topics, reflect on teaching and learning, and get to think about future assignments which will enhance students’ learning. Students also participate in the conference, sharing their research and experience of learning. On hold for the past two years because of the pandemic, the campus is happy to host the conference in May on the theme: Learning by Doing. The conference will provide a place for professors and students to share their teaching and research and show how actively engaging in your learning can lead you to wonderful and unexpected places.
For more information on the Learning by Doing conference, visit https://www.ualberta.ca/augustana/ research/acurit/index.html.
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BREAKFAST CARDS
New child care agreement
By Jackie Lovely, MLA Camrose Constituency
When the snow starts to come, it’s typically a busy time for the provincial government, and this year is no exception. Several bills have been tabled and some important economic announcements made. Unfortunately, I cannot fit all the good news in my biweekly column, so here are some highlights I know will be of interest to the Camrose constituency residents.
I am thrilled for parents with the provincial and federal governments teaming up for a major announcement on day care. With this $3.8 billion package, parents can expect child care costs to be cut in half by early 2022. Children’s Service’s minister Rebecca Schultz never wavered during sometimes tense negotiations with the federal government, and we came up with a made-inAlberta solution.
It is a mixed market solution that will feature private, public, and not-for-profit spaces. We think it should be up to parents to decide which type of care is best for them and this model offers that flexibility. Part of the plan is to add 42,500 day care spaces where they are in short supply, so anyone who needs a spot will have one. Many of these spots will be in rural Alberta.
Our government also opened the second intake for a popular program–the Jobs Now grant. The first intake saw around $182 million given to businesses in need. The first intake closed earlier than expected due to the number of applications. According to the government, around 2,700 applications were approved for approximately 14,000 positions, so it has helped get people back to work.
The government has received valuable feedback and made some changes to expand the criteria to apply. The program can now go towards part-time positions. Previously, an employee would need to work 30 hours to qualify. That has been reduced to 15 hours. Jobs Now will fund up to 25 per cent of costs of hiring new workers, or training current staff, but to a maximum amount of $25,000 per employee. The exception to that figure is if an employee with a disability is hired or trained. You could qualify for up to 37.5 per cent or a maximum of $37,500. View to www.alberta.ca/jobsnow to apply. If you do not have online access, feel free to call my office.
Something I also wanted to bring to your attention is that this week is Bullying Awareness Week. I am glad our government has been proactive on taking a stand against bullying and intimidation of any kind. Bullying can happen to any person, at any age, in any community–at home, school, or work. All forms of bullying, whether in person or online, can have harmful and lasting impacts on those who are bullied, as well as those who witness bullying, especially when the behaviour continues unchecked.
There are several resources available to anyone who believes they are being bullied. For starters, if you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, you should call 911. The government also has a Bullying Helpline, and the service is available in 170 languages. The number to call is 1-888-456-2323. You can also find the Bullying Helpline Chat by visiting www.alberta.ca/ bullying-prevention.aspx. These services offer anonymity.
Whether it is physical or verbal bullying, it has no place in the Camrose constituency, or anywhere in Alberta. Much more information is available on the link and I encourage you to have a close look when you are free to do so.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact my office. We are always here for you.
You can contact Jackie Lovely, Camrose MLA, at Constituency Office, 104, 4870-51 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1S1. Tel: 780-672-0000, camrose@assembly. ab.ca or at Legislature Office, 6th Floor, 9820-107 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 1E7.
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster
Camrose Police Service (CPS) Chief LaGrange presented the Award of Excellence to CPS Constable John Fernhout.
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster
CPS Chief LaGrange presented the Community Service Award to Camrose and District Victim Services Rachel Coventry. By Lori Larsen
On December 6, four deserving Camrosians were awarded with the first ever annual Chief’s Awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the community. The awards were presented by Camrose Police Service Chief Dean LaGrange during the City of Camrose Committee of Whole meeting.
Receiving the Award of Excellence was Camrose Police Service (School Resource officer) Constable John Fernhout.
Receiving the Community Service Award was Camrose and District Victim Services Rachel Coventry.
Receiving Community Service Awards were Bart Orr and PJ Stasko.
“Part of our (CPS) Strategic Plan when I came to the service in 2019, was to recognize people, not just sworn members, but our civilians as well as members of our community, who go above and beyond of what is expected of them,” remarked Chief LaGrange.
Award categories are as follows:
Lifesaving Award–Recognizes an act beyond that which would reasonably be expected and in which the person saves or attempts to save the life of another.
Valour–Recognizes an act of valour where a police service member was at substantial risk of injury or death while executing their sworn duty.
Community Service– Recognizes outstanding volunteer efforts which positively impact the community, not connected with police duties.
Leadership Award– Recognizes initiatives in leading a team or a group to a significant accomplishment which positively impacts the community and the CPS.
Team Citation–Recognizes exemplary team performance or achievement through sustained effort and sound judgment, which contributes to the quality of life in the community or enhances the capacity of the Service, while exemplifying the core values of the Service.
Award of Excellence– Recognizes exemplary performance through diligence, sustained effort and sound judgment, which demonstrates the core values and goals of the CPS.
Chief LaGrange also presented CPS long serving employee Laura Boetteger with a gold rose to pin on her Alberta Emergency Services medal, given to those serving 42 years and beyond, in recognition of Laura’s 43 years of service with Camrose Police Service and wished her all the best in her retirement.
The automotive section of
Seville Opera sings down the highway
By Murray Green
Aubrianna Glover of Irma owns a classic 1978 Cadillac Seville Opera coupe. Not many of the shortened two-door models were produced.
The Opera was a Seville that was chopped in half with its back seat removed, the hood extended and the wheel holders (non-functional) mounted on each side.
“This car came out of Los Angeles and we (along with dad Joe) came across it on the internet. We used to have one, but it caught on fire two summers ago, and I loved that car. So we went and got another one to replace it. We still have the other one. I like how rare it is because only 78 (possibly up to 600) were ever built. It is a modified Seville, so it makes this car rare. I like how it looks with the fake wheels, a rim cut in half. It is cool and kind of funny too,” shared Aubrianna.
“The car came in this condition and, as far as I know, nothing has been done to it. All we have done is an oil change and that is it. I like to drive it and take it to car shows, or just cruise to Wainwright.”
Aubrianna has a 350 (Oldsmobile) engine with an automatic transmission in the classy Cadillac. “It is fuel injected and the car doesn’t have a horn. It is a siren from an old fire engine and it has strobe lights,” revealed Aubrianna. BOSS CADILLAC
Murray Green, Camrose Booster
Aubrianna Glover stands behind her choice of classic car to own with this “Boss Hogg” type of Cadillac. The 1978 Seville Opera was modified by the Grandeur Motor Car Company to give it a different look and driving feel.
The car is set up for California parties on the street. “I don’t know why you would have that combination in a car, but it came from LA, so who knows,” added Joe.
“So the horn is cool and I like that. It reminds me of Boss Hogg’s car from The Dukes of Hazzard. The
FUN FACTS
The Cadillac Seville of 1978 was smaller than the full-size DeVille, but it was still considered a luxury car. Some enterprising custom shops felt the need to put their special touch on these plain-looking cars.
Grandeur Motor Car Company out of Pompano Beach, Florida wanted to give Sevilles a neoclassical ’30s look with an elongated nose and a short twopassenger cabin.
The long hood and front fenders define the exterior. The fenders have faux dual side-mount spare tires, which are another styling cue from classic ’30s luxury cars. There aren’t any real tires under the covers, just the exposed wire wheels.
Exaggerated proportions were all about recreating the feel of those ultra-luxurious machines of the past, and they often included massive hoods to cover equally massive power plants.
All the Cadillac features are still there, including automatic climate control, power windows and locks, a tilt wheel and cruise control. radiator is all the way to the front, which is like three feet away from the engine, so it has a fan. Without the back seat area, it makes the front look very long,” laughed Aubrianna.
Boss Hogg’s car was a triple white 1970 Cadillac DeVille (1976 Cadillac Eldorado in the 2005 film) convertible, with large bull horns for a hood ornament and, in the movies, sported pistol-shaped door handles.
“The wheel base is the same as a regular Sevelle, but the front seat is further back and the engine area is huge. If you lift up the carpet, you can see where it was welded and changed. It was all factory done,” she said.
The Sevilles were sold to the Grandeur Motor Car Company and they, in turn, changed the looks of the car to make it a rare model.
This was not a car made at the factory by Cadillac, which reduces its value to some extent, but also gives Cadillac plausible deniability for its existence. The Grandeur Motor Car Company made a bunch of these by taking a Cadillac Seville (which was based on a Chevy Nova) and modifying it so the driver piloted the car from where the back seat used to be.
The front of the car has Texas Longhorn-like horns. “I chase all of the cows with the car,” joked Aubrianna.
Old Ride?
If you have a vintage ride (rebuilt or original) or even if you’re in the midst of a build: street, rat or restoration, we’d like to profile your project.
