The paper created EXCLUSIVELY for farm families and rural residents of east central Alberta
Winter has started to fade earlier than usual this year and time in the sun now grows longer, allowing everyone to enjoy the warmth. With the arrival of spring, the ground will soon let out shoots of green grass, the branches of trees will have new leaves emerging, and new baby chicks will be added to many farms and homesteads. These tiny little wonders remind us of how very soon we will be surrounded by greenery and flowers again. Their soft feathers puff up as they explore the world for the first time. These baby chicks represent renewal and starting fresh after cold winter months. Whether it is spring cleaning, getting your garden ready for the first batch of seeds or enjoying time outdoors again watching baby animals roam freely, spring is the time for new beginnings.
Shopper Kasandra Trahan holds a baby chick at Camrose UFA before they get picked up to go to a farm where they will begin their new lives and run free.
PhotosbyAdan Shaikh
County Corner
ANNUAL MEE TING OF RATEPAYER S
2025 Road Works
MLA Lovely meets with ABVMA leaders about budget
By Murray Green
This map of the upcoming construction locations is available at : county.camrose.ab.ca, click on Upcoming Construction.
UPCOMING CONSTRUC TION
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• Range Road 203 from Township Road 472 to
• Township Road 474 from Hwy 833 to Range Road
• Range Road 220 from Township Road 482 to Township Road 484
• Range Road 205 from Township Road 472 to Township Road 480
• Range Road 20 4 from Township Road 472 to Township Road 474
• Township Road 482 from Range Road 195 to Range Road 201
• Range Road 200 from Township Road 472 to City L imits
Hamlet S treets – Surfacing Upgrades Sidewalk Removals
Kingman
• Paulson Street between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue
• Alber ta Street be tween 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue Round Hill
• 1st Avenue South between 1st Street West and 1st Street East
• 1st Street West between 1st Avenue South and Railway Avenue South
Three planned box culver t bridge replacements to be c ompleted wi th STIP funding
• BF8977 – Range Road 191 approximately 780 metres sou th of Hwy 26
The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) held their Leadership Weekend in Edmonton on February 28 and March 1.
MLA Jackie Lovely was invited to speak to the group and, when speaking about Budget 2025, Lovely indicated, “This year’s budget focusses on continuing to make Alberta a great place to live, work and raise a family. It reflects Alberta’s commitment to our Agriculture sector. We all know how important diagnostics and disease preparedness is, not just to protect human and animal health, but also market access.
Shoulder Pulling
Bridge Work Hamlet Streets
VETERINARY
• BF70685 – Range Road 210 approximately 430 metres nor th of Township Road 454
• BF75079 – Range Road 214 approximately 620 metres sou th of Township Road 452
Thursday, April 3, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Venue: Camrose Regional Exhibition RSVP before March 25 to 780-672-4765 or asb@county camrose .ab
“With that in mind, we earmarked funding to the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to continue its expansion towards a full service of veterinary diagnostics lab. The project has ensured our livestock industry has access to more affordable diagnostics closer to home. This funding will safeguard animal health, human health, food safety and market access as well as support disease response and preparedness.
“In Budget 2022, the Government of Alberta committed $67.4 million over three years for the UCVM’s expansion and this fall (2025), the first class of 100 students has entered the program. That funding will effectively double the number of young, eager, veterinarians, looking for exciting opportunities in a province full of them,” said Lovely.
MLA Lovely had her private members motion, 524 passed with unanimous consent during the 30th legislature. It led to the investment at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
“Our government and the ABVMA have a great working relationship! In the face of diseases like HPAI, Foot and Mouth, and even Salmonella, we rely on your work with livestock producers and other animal owners on biosecurity and preventative health to protect public health and market access,” stated Lovely, at the leadership event.
“It has been my honour to advocate for this latest funding announcement and I’m thrilled to be able to share this good news with you in person today,” stated Lovely.
BRSD SAVY student voice leads the way
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Battle River School Division is proud of its SAVY leaders and a successful day of collaboration among High School and Middle Years SAVY students on February 6.
Throughout the day, BRSD school student leaders had the opportunity to reflect on personal experience at school and consider how student experiences align with school data. The students, ranging from Grades 4 to 12, also col laborated on school projects and activities that support BRSD’s Education Plan.
Leadership skills were enhanced through stu dent-to-student presenta tions, inspiring confidence and continuing to build on emerging leadership skills of MY students. The value of this collaboration was af firmed by meaningful feed back and ideas provided by the SAVY students.
Kicking off the day, BRSD HS SAVY students took a deep dive into their own school’s Annual Education Results Report (AERR) data, reflecting on how these insights match their lived school experiences. Through meaningful discussions, students explored connections between their school projects and the school’s Education Plan, aiming to ensure that student-led initiatives are making a noticeable impact.
In the afternoon, BRSD MY SAVY students joined the conversation, bringing their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives. This group of students included BRSD school students from Grades 4 to 9. HS SAVY students presented their school project plans to the MY SAVY group, sharing innovative ideas and strategies to enhance the students’ school experiences. Together, the students participated in engaging activities that focused on what
makes their schools great, exploring ways to further develop their leadership skills.
Overall, this day was a fantastic opportunity for students to share their voices and ideas, build leadership skills, and take action in their schools.
BRSD SAVY school representatives are ready to share their experience from the day. BRSD encourages staff and school communities to speak with school SAVY students about their takeaways from the event and support them in bringing their ideas to life.
Thanks to everyone who made this day a success.
Machinery Consignment Auction
Midwives play crucial role in Alberta École Sifton celebrates Carnaval
By Rick Wilson, MLA Wetaskiwin Constituency
Midwives in Alberta play a crucial role in improving health outcomes for women, newborns, and families by bringing maternal care closer to home. Since 2020, there has been a 26 per cent increase in the number of midwives in Alberta, bringing their numbers to 181 as of January of this year.
Midwifery services are in high demand across the province, and our provincial government recognizes the need to expand options and improve access to maternal care. I am delighted to let you know that we are investing $10 million over three years to implement the Alberta Midwifery Strategy. This strategy is designed to attract more midwives and improve access to maternal health services, with a focus on rural, remote, and indigenous communities. Details of the strategy are available here if you are interested at www.alberta.ca/alberta-midwifery-strategy
There has been some buzz recently about changes to optometric benefits provided by the province. First of all, I want to clarify those things that have remained the same. Children and seniors are still covered for one complete routine eye examination each year, and medically necessary eye care continues to be provided for all Albertans. Medically necessary eye care includes initial and follow-up visits when referred by a physician or nurse practitioner. For example, children and seniors are still covered when referred to an optometrist for specific illnesses and conditions, such as diabetes, retinal disorders, cataracts, glaucoma, or physical trauma. Further, treatment continues to be covered for Albertans prescribed certain drugs, as the standard care is to regularly monitor the patient for ocular side effects.
The Optical Assistance for Seniors Program (OASP) continues. This program provides eligible seniors with basic optical services that help preserve or maintain a reasonable level of optical health. The OASP provides financial assistance for the purchase of prescription eyeglasses, including lenses and frames, up to a maximum of $230 per person for prescription eyeglasses every three years. Eye exams are not an allowable expense under the OASP. For further information, please contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992.
Some services not covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, or a private insurer may be included when calculating medical tax credits on a federal income tax return. Now, for those things that have changed. As of February 1, annual partial eye exams for children and seniors are no longer covered free-of-charge, and there are reductions in the rates optometrists are paid by the province for certain services they provide. As well, routine eye examinations and medically necessary visits can no longer be billed by optometrists on the same day, for the same patient. It turns out that Alberta’s spending on optometry is the highest in Canada. In an effort to bring our service coverage into alignment with other provinces, and to ensure that health funding in this province is being used where it is most needed, some changes were necessary.
It’s no secret that I think the Reynolds Museum here in Wetaskiwin is a real gem! The various contributions made to this museum by members of the Reynolds family over the years are mind boggling, and acknowledge the value of preserving and showcasing the history of transportation and industry for Albertans.
Have you heard that the Reynolds Museum collection has an amazing new addition–the 1939 McLaughlin Buick Royal Tour car! It’s a custom-made stretch convertible that has carried every British monarch in their respective tours of Canada since the late 1930s. Built on a Buick limousine chassis, it includes a four-door convertible body, custom wood-grain dash and interior veneered moldings, tall canvas convertible top to accommodate ceremonial headgear, an electrically operated divider window, a dictograph with dash and signal light so riders in back and front can communicate, the Royal Crest, Shield and Standard, and a sterling silver vanity kit with coordinated umbrellas. This vehicle was one of two built by General Motors in Ontario for use by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth as they toured Canada in 1939. It was used by Prince Charles and Princess Diana for the opening of Expo ’86 in Vancouver and by Queen Elizabeth II for the opening of the Commonwealth Games in Victoria in 1994.
Rick Wilson is the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin. His constituency office can be reached by emailing maskwacis.wetaskiwin@assembly. ab.ca or by calling 780-360-8003.
Submitted
On Friday, February 28, students, staff and parent volunteers at École Sifton School came together to celebrate Carnaval, a beloved French Canadian tradition that celebrates everything winter. As a dual-track school, École Sifton School is proud to celebrate this annual French-Canadian event with students.
Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of activities that captured the spirit of Carnaval. From traditional
French-Canadian music and games, to the making of “la tire” (maple taffy poured over snow and eaten). The festivities were a vibrant reflection of the culture the school strives to incorporate throughout the year.
“We are so proud to offer our students an immersive experience where they can learn about the French language while participating in fun cultural activities,” said Terry Kennedy, Assistant Principal of École Sifton School.
“Carnaval is the perfect way to celebrate the community we’ve built here at our school while also exposing students to cultural events from around the French-speaking world,” he continued.
The event was a success thanks to the support of our dedicated staff, parent volunteers, and students, all of whom contributed to making Carnaval a memorable and educational experience for everyone involved.
Pelican Point boat launch repairs move forward
By Murray Green
Camrose County agreed to an upgrade at the Pelican Point boat launch.
At a regular meeting of council on January 28, administrator Teresa Gratrix talked about an Alberta Transportation Agreement, but it was referred to a later meeting to gain more information.
“I move that council agree to move forward with the Pelican Point Boat Launch project, amending the current Tourism and Culture Lease to include the boat launch,” said councillor Carlene Wetthuhn, at the February 25 meeting.
“I move that council direct administration to proceed with repairs at the current boat launch location including the signing the Memorandum of Understanding with Alberta Transportation; contracting engineering design, submitting Temporary
Field Authorization applications to Forestry and Lands department, applying for Water Act Authorization to Environment and Protected Areas department and tendering and awarding the project once the approvals are in place,” added councillor Jordon Banack.
“Since fall 2023, Camrose County council has been advocating for the provincial government to repair the boat launch. The low water levels at Buffalo Lake have contributed to the usability of the boat launch. The concrete aprons have shifted over time and there is a hole at the end of the boat launch. This hole may possibly extend under the concrete aprons at the end of the launch as well,” reported administrator Teresa Gratrix.
“Individuals using the launch contacted Camrose County, distressed at the is-
sues they were facing. There was some concern that individuals would not be able to remove their boats from the lake. There are a number of boat launches on Buffalo Lake, however, most were closed due to the water levels and Pelican Point is the only provincial boat launch on Buffalo Lake,” she added.
Similar repairs to the Pigeon Lake boat launch project came in at $76,400, not including engineering costs. The County has approximately $100,000 for the project, which is the amount of the provincial contribution.
Discussion was held on moving the boat launch, but after hearing that the Cold Lake boat launch construction project came in at $354,925 not including engineering, council agreed that repairs were the best option.
Submitted
Bonhomme is the official mascot of Carnaval. He wore his ceinture fléchée around his waist and played tug-of-war with the King and Queen of Carnaval Morgan Elaschuk (left) and Hugo Bonzi (right).
Seek owner permission before you hunt or ride
By Murray Green
You must gain permission to go onto someone else’s land whether it is to hunt, drive, snowmobile or quad. If you don’t, it’s a $600 fine.
“By far my busiest thing to deal with is trespassing calls. That is generic across the province, but a really big problem here. If you don’t get permission, everything you do in the hunt then becomes unlawful,” warned Alberta Fish and Wildlife officer Erik Graf von Platen at the regular Camrose County council meeting on February 11.
“If I have landowner support to lay charges it makes a big difference. We are hoping to get a second officer this year out of our hiring academy because it is getting to be a lot of work. I’m still working on 2024 files as well as 2025 files,” he said.
“The staff at the County Protective Services have been great to work with. We work together quite often and talk a lot, so I appreciate that,” said von Platen, who is based out of Camrose. His patrol area is a lot larger than just the County.
“Our work has slowed a bit because we have a full working RCMP detachment now. That has helped quite a bit. It has been very busy for us,” von Platen said.
“The petty trespassing act has changed. The fines have started to increase. The ticket used to be $250, as the standard. In the end, that wasn’t that much and people would do it anyway. Now, the minimum is $600, the next offence is $1,200 and the third offence is automatic court date. It gives the legislation a lot more teeth,” explained von Platen.
“If someone phones in and says someone is walking on their property and we catch them, it is a $600 ticket. We like the change because when it is $600 then they do a double take. We are trying to make changes to the wildlife act as well. One of the biggest things I come across and give tickets for is loaded firearms in vehicles. The definition of a loaded firearm is when the bolt is closed and a magazine is in the firearm, it is considered loaded. A round doesn’t have to be in the chamber to be considered a loaded firearm,” shared von Platen.
“That is zero discretion. I write that ticket every time. If you are on
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a boat in the middle of the lake, same thing no matter where you are. When we give a ticket, we tell them that is your one warning. If we have to do it again, we send an email to the firearms office and basically their licence and registration is up for review. If you get a third one, they pull your firearms licence. We are starting to do that because we write that one so often. If you get three tickets, that means an automatic suspension for life,” added von Platen.
“That means across western Canada because all of the provinces talk to each other. If you are suspended in Saskatchewan, that means no hunting in Alberta, BC and the Yukon, that affects them for the rest of their life,” he said.
Those are the two most common offences in the Camrose area.
To report a poacher, wildlife or unlawful activity email www.reportapoacher.com or call 1-800642-3800.
Norman Mayer
Sharene Cunningham Stacey Sorensen
Erin Upton
Kim Erickson
FCC farm business planning workshop
Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster
Speaker Kellen Tait from MNP led the Farm and Business Planning workshop.
By Adan Shaikh Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
held a workshop on January 15 where they helped farmers create a business plan for their farms. A plan can help farmers navigate challenges while also setting out a road map of which direction they would like to take their business in. This workshop was led by Kellen Tait, a business advisor with Edmonton’s MNP which is an accountancy and business advisory firm. Kellen specializes in national poultry and Alberta food and beverage processing.
In this workshop, she had the attendees reflect on what success looked like for them, in the long run. She had participants divide into groups and have discussions that sparked ideas and clarity about the goals they would like to achieve.
Next she shared a business analysis tool called SWOT Analysis. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This technique can
be used to recognize factors that may affect the operations of a business. Once the attendees had recognized possible challenges and opportunities for growth they then conducted an evaluation, identifying any weaknesses or threats that their farms face. Most people voted weather as the biggest threat to their farming operations.
At the end of the workshop, Kellen assisted farmers in setting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-framed) goals. This workshop helped many farmers find clarity on what they envision for their farms, while providing a space for constructive brainstorming to navigate the challenges of farming.
All attendees left the workshop with a clear vision and mission statement, making this a successful event, highlighting the importance of resourcesharing among the farming community.
The competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
We are now accepting applications for a permanent, full-time position as a repor ter in our News Depar tment.
The successful applicant will work collaboratively with our other repor ter s to maintain and enhance our high standards of editorial qualit y and communit y ser vice. We o er a competitive salar y and benefits package, including a car allowance and the oppor tunit y to work with a team of hard-working professionals who take pride in producing a publication that is recognized as one of the top 1% in the North American free communit y paper industr y.
Qualifications:
1. S trong organizational and time management skills , ensuring that objec tive s are achieved within the necessary deadlines
2. A demonstrated ability to write crisp, engaging storie s with at tention- grabbing leads and meaningful quotations.
3. E xcellent interviewing skills demonstrating the abilit y to zero in on the essential elements of the s tor y while establishing and maintaining rappor t with sources
Points will be given to candidates who have post-secondar y education, preferably in journalism, have previous experience in a community newspaper newsroom and have knowle dge of page layout. Preference will be given to a local person who is active in the community. Be aware that this position involves a cer tain amount of evening work and weekend assignments on occasion.
Please provide us with:
1. A brief biograph y of yourself, including your education and previous employment his tory
2. Samples of your writing and photograp hy
3. Name s of three references with an indication of their relationship to you and contact information for eac h.
4. Your salar y expectation
Mail or email your material to : Blain Fowler, Publisher ■ mcfoul@camrosebooster.net
Murray Green Editor
Adan Shaikh Reporter
Bashaw RCMP members receive medals
By Murray Green
Two public service employees from the Bashaw RCMP were among 135 Alberta RCMP members who were recognized with the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal during ceremonies held on January 14 in Devon and January 23 in Cochrane.
“Lois Greenhalgh has an exceptional outstanding career with the RCMP spanning 35 years of service as a public service employee as a detachment clerk and office manager. Lois started her career in Prince Albert, moved to Camrose and then to Bashaw. After retiring in 2021, Lois graciously came back to Bashaw to fill an open position. Lois has been known to hold union positions, train new staff, help with the daily administration duties all while ensuring employment equity, diversity and professionalism. Her ability to keep such a high standard of work production over 35 years is a rare skill and goes to show her dedication to continuous learning,” said Bashaw RCMP Sgt. Trent A. Cleveland.
“Krista Dubitz has been with the Bashaw RCMP for five years as a detachment clerk and office manager. She has been a consistent, reliable, efficient employee for the Bashaw Detachment. She has ensured
that the service the citizens receive at the Bashaw Detachment is always of high standard. She displays a respectful, caring and educational front counter to assist the citizens to the best of her abilities. She has guided and assisted in the development of the junior members in the detachment. Krista has shown herself to be a true leader for our organization, taking on roles and responsibilities outside of her day to day requirements. She has taken on the co-lead on several of the detachments’ community initia -
tives over the years. For example, Bashaw RCMP’s Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest, Bashaw RCMP Christmas Card Contest, Coffee with a Cop and more recently the Bashaw RCMP Charity Hockey Game. These initiatives involve the community’s, schools, youths and adults for our entire jurisdiction, building a bridge between the RCMP and the citizens the RCMP serves,” shared Sgt. Cleveland.
Created to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III, the medal was awarded to Canadians who made sig-
nificant contributions to their communities, provinces, or the country as a whole. Recipients were selected for their outstanding achievements, impactful work and contributions that reflected positively on Canada, both domestically and internationally.
“These two recipients from the Bashaw RCMP were recognized for their exceptional dedication to their communities and their unwavering commitment to service. Their achievements included innovative contributions to the RCMP, leadership
in reconciliation efforts and cultural change, and participation in domestic operations that directly supported Canadians. In addition to their service, their involvement in volunteerism and community engagement was also recognized as an example of leadership both within the RCMP and the communities they serve. Both Lois and Krista have shown incredible dedication to their work at the Bashaw RCMP and we could not be prouder of them,” added Sgt. Cleveland.
By Jackie Lovely, MLA Camrose Constituency
One of the reasons I sought the role of MLA was to ensure a bright future for the next generation by ensuring a healthy Heritage Savings Trust Fund.
In 1976, Premier Peter Lougheed established our province’s sovereign wealth fund–the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund (AHSTF). Premier Lougheed aimed to save for the future, strengthen our economy, and improve the quality of life for Albertans. Since then, Alberta’s government has embraced that mandate to provide prudent stewardship of the savings from Alberta’s natural resources with pride and dedication.
Now, United Conservatives aim to reinforce and bring our sovereign wealth fund up to a level shared by other jurisdictions. Premier Danielle Smith and Minister Nate Horner have met with the owners of some of the largest and most successful sovereign wealth funds in the world. Engaging in this outreach is critical to gathering the expertise necessary to deploy a modern, sophisticated approach to the building of the AHSTF.
With the planning stage behind us, United Conservatives have a comprehensive plan in place centred around leaving the bulk of the funds inside the AHSTF and allowing them to grow. If properly managed, this sovereign wealth fund can mitigate, reduce, or even eliminate our economic reliance on the energy sector. Given the current geopolitical climate and the uncertainty of trade beyond our jurisdiction, any force which may lessen the effects of slowdowns, or difficulties in the oil sector can only benefit
Deposits made to the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund will consist of a portion of money earned from the oil and gas sector. Through the multi-faceted approach of engaging with owners of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world–from Japan, Norway, Australia and the UAE, Alberta’s government has the right knowledge and the right plan to reach these levels. Over the next twenty years, we have a plan in place to grow the value of the AHSTF to $250 billion. Having this type of foundational wealth in our province will provide Albertans with the flexibility to not just survive but thrive through any conceivable situation that may unfold in the province, in the
Alberta’s plan to grow the Heritage Fund to $250 billion by 2050 is a bold and necessary step toward securing long-term financial stability for our province. By establishing the Heritage Fund Opportunities Corporation, Alberta is creating a world-class governance structure that will operate independently from government, ensuring high returns and strategic reinvestment.
This approach will allow Alberta to access top-tier investment opportunities, following the lead of successful sovereign wealth funds around the world. Most importantly, it will help reduce our reliance on volatile resource revenues and build a sustainable financial legacy for generations to come.
Premier Smith and United Conservatives are taking decisive action to restore the Heritage Fund to its intended vision–saving prosperity today to ensure a thriving Alberta tomorrow. With an initial $2 billion deposit and a clear road map for growth, we are securing Alberta’s financial future, while maintaining a strong, responsible approach to economic management. This plan is about more than just numbers; it’s about ensuring that Alberta remains resilient, prosperous, and prepared for whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead. I believe we are on the right path.
These recent announcements address the many recent concerns expressed by the Camrose Constituency residents. As always, contact my office if you require my assistance. The number is 780-672-0000.
Contact my office if you require my assistance. A reminder that I am a commissioner of oaths and a notary public and provide the service free for constituents.
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
MILLER’S AUCTION SERVICE
Upcoming Sales for 2025
Sunday, March 30, 2025, 10 a.m.
UNRESERVED CONSIGNMENT SALE
Location: Sunnybrook Hall, Sunnybrook , Alberta
Saturday, April 26, 2025, 11 a.m.
UNRESERVED FARM AUCTION FOR CARL AND CAROLYN L ANG
Location: Wetaskiwin, Alberta
Saturday, June 7, 2025, 10 a.m.
UNRESERVED FARM SALE FOR STEVE CHERNUK A
Location: Calmar, Alberta
Saturday, June 14, 2025, 10 a.m.
UNRESERVED ACRE AGE AUCTION FOR ALBIN AND JUDY SCHEE TZ
Location: Leduc County, Alberta
Saturday, June 21, 2025, 10 a.m.
UNRESERVED FARM SALE FOR GARY AND GAIL MCKINNE Y
Location: Leduc County, Alberta
Saturday, July 5, 2025, 10 a.m.
UNRESERVED FARM SALE FOR D TESKE ENTERPRISES LTD
Location: To eld, Alberta
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 10 a.m.
UNRESERVED ACRE AGE SALE FOR ROGER AND MARGARET STUTZMAN
Location: To eld, Beaver Count y, Alberta
*MORE SALE DATES PENDING
If you’re t hinking of having a spring/summer sale, please call one of our auct ion representat ives for a consultat ion wit h no obligat ion!
ALVIN MILLER – 780-789-2226 or Cell 780-920-6738 TREVOR MILLER – Cell 780-722-2705
(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).
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” colour enlargement of the photo.
• This week’s prize must be claimed by March 18, 2025.
BRSD celebrates student success through diverse learning
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Battle River School Division (BRSD) is proud to celebrate outstanding achievements of its students in a variety of programs that prepare them for success beyond high school.
With the completion of semester one, 15 students successfully completed 18 dual credit courses with Olds College. A 100 per cent success rate was achieved, while every student who enrolled in courses successfully completed them. BRSD’s Dual Credit program provides students with the opportunity to simultaneously earn both high school and post-secondary credits, allowing students to gain a head start on their future education and careers.
In addition, over 150 BRSD students are participating in work experience placements, receiving valuable hands-on knowledge and skills in real-world environments. These opportunities allow students to explore potential career paths and develop practical abilities that will serve them well in the workplace. BRSD is grateful for its business partners and employers. This support and partnership is essential in maintaining and offering these valuable student programs.
BRSD is also proud to support 41 apprenticeship students who are building strong foundations for their futures in skilled trades. These students gain early access to apprenticeships, learning under the guidance of experienced professionals while working toward journey person certification.
In December 2024, four apprenticeship students explained how these opportunities will place them ahead of other graduates as they enter the workforce. The generosity of employers is what makes student apprenticeship opportunities possible. Assistant superintendent education services, Stephen Hoyland spoke of countless benefits that BRSD students receive through these opportunities.
“A variety of innovative programs and experiences has allowed for our students to achieve academic achievement, career readiness and personal growth,” said Hoyland. “These achievements equip our students with the skills and confidence needed for lifelong success, and it’s possible because of valuable community and educational partnerships.”
Carbon capture has its dangers
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Prairie farmers are drawing attention to the dangers of carbon capture and storage.
Aiming to reduce their emissions, oil and gas corporations are looking to carbon capture and storage (CCS) as the solution. CCS captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial production, transporting these emissions through pipelines and storing them in underground rock formations, oftentimes saltwater aquifers.
CCS projects pose a number of risks to human, animal and environmental health. Pipeline ruptures pose asphyxiation risks from CO2, as well as contamination risks from toxic chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide, which is carried alongside CO2. Concerns also have been raised about storage facilities leaking and leading to dissolution of CO2 into groundwater. The dissolution of CO2 in water creates carbonic acid, which is unsafe for both humans and livestock.
Under pressure from a coalition of farm groups, the Queensland Government in Australia has banned CCS projects in the Great Artesian Basin, the country’s largest groundwater basin, in order to protect its environmental, agricultural, economic and cultural significance.
“Geological carbon capture and so-called ‘storage’ is no solution at all to climate change,” said National Farmers Union (NFU) board member Glenn Norman.
“Nearly all attempts to date have failed and leaked to the
surface contaminating both ground and surface water.”
Members of the National Farmers Union adopted the following resolution at the NFU’s National Convention last November: “[the NFU] opposes the use of CCS projects to extend the social licence of fossil fuel corporations to continue with their ‘business-as-usual’ operations.” While CCS is touted as a climate solution, 70 per cent of U.S. pipelines transporting CO2 are used for enhanced oil recovery, using captured CO2 to pump more oil and gas out of wells. The resolution also opposed the use of public money to support industrial CCS projects.
The NFU, in collaboration with other groups, is focusing its attention on the Cold Lake CCS Project.
The NFU also demands that the federal government complete an Impact Assessment on all sections of the Cold Lake CCS Project, as the Government of Alberta has refused to do so.
“Carbon capture aids and abets the priorities of the oil and gas sector, which prioritizes unsustainable extraction and exploitation. In solidarity with farmers and the Indigenous peoples affected by the Cold Lake CCS Project we must understand that is not in their interests. When we make connections to what Albertans have endured: the droughts, the wildfires, the smoke and poor yields, to the risks of CCS, it is clear that the Cold Lake Project does not benefit us,” said NFU youth president Adama Bundu.
Estate of Darren NIEHAUS
March 29 - April 1 Stettler, AB CW MOWAT ENTERPRISES INC . March 31 - April 3
