Premier Smith discusses tariffs at sold out event
BY JOHN MATHER
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith gave a strong pep talk to more than 500 supporters during a Strathcona Sherwood Park Constituency town hall March 25. Smith was invited to the Strathcona Sherwood Park Constituency by MLA Nate Glubish, Alberta’s Minister of Technology and Innovation.
The evening was a frank discussion between the premier and MLA with Glubish posing questions and then having Smith discuss the topics.
At the end some questions were invited from the audience.
“This is amazing,” said Smith as she greeted the audience.
Of course trade and tariffs dominated the discussion.
“We’ve all been blindsided by this,” admitted Smith. “We look at ourselves as America’s best friend and trading partner and ally in both war and trade around the world.
“We were all surprised when the first action the president took after being elected was to say he was going to put massive tariffs on Canada,” Smith stated.
“I understand the emotion people have and they feel betrayed but we have to look and see if we can figure out a way to a better outcome,” she said.
“The first round of tariffs were based on us not meeting the border security issue but I think we’ve addressed this.
“We were able to avoid the 25 per cent tariffs and make the argument that energy resources should be taxed at a lower rate.”
Smith added it was now a waiting game to see where tariffs went after the start of April.
“... do we embrace trading with each other and supporting each other. That is the question thatshouldbeansweredonApril28,”
Premier Danielle Smith
She said having a virtually tariff free relationship with the U.S, was best for both Canada and the Americans and that was the argument that had to be put forward.
Smith pointed out Alberta had had a presence in Washington, D.C. since 2005 and had seen it to be in Alberta’s interests to work with the U.S,
She added she was a member of the Western Governor’s Association in order to maintain strong links between our province and the western U.S. states.
She added the province kicked the province’s presence into a higher gear last year when it started attending the major CERA Oil and Gas energy conference in Houston, Texas.
She told the crowd that she put forth the argument that rather than reduce energy production, she wanted to double it and help achieve North American
energy dominance.
She added that under the previous Biden administration they had pursued a similar energy strategy to the Liberal/NDP coalition in Ottawa.
“What a reversal we’ve seen since this administration came in, and to see every province in Canada say the carbon tax in Canada is a terrible idea.
“That’s a massive reversal” Smith stated. “And it’s because of a lot of advocacy.”
Glubish then asked her about the Team Canada approach and the stubbornness of some of the eastern provinces.
She said to understand the situation with the Americans, one had to go back to the “terrible meeting” Justin
Trudeau had with Donald Trump in Mar A Largo.
“Two things he did wrong,” she said. “When asked about our two per cent NATO commitment Trudeau said he wouldn’t do that until 2032, and I’ll tell you that was the wrong answer.”
He added what the impact of 25 per cent tariffs would be and Trudeau replied, “our country would collapse.” That stuck with Trump.
Trump felt Canada couldn’t defend itself and he felt it wasn’t really then a country.
She said that conversation showed what ten years of Liberal leadership had done to Canada, eroding national pride, eroding the military, eroding the relationship between the regions and the worst part was to shatter investor confidence in our industries.
She added the Liberals compounded that with the tanker ban of the west coast and emissions caps on oil and methane.
“And then they want to put energy on the table as a bargaining chip with the U.S. against the imposition of tariffs,” said Smith. “They know how important energy is and they don’t care.”
She added they had tried to keep it in the ground for the past ten years and everything they had done had made Canada weaker and weaker.
She said it was why the upcoming election was important.
“Do we just continue with a different face slapped on the leadership?” she asked. “All these same decisions or do we embrace trading with each other and supporting each other. That is the question that should be answered on April 28,”
During the presentation Smith and Glubish also touched on health, education, technology and jobs issues.
Premier Danielle Smith with Minister Nate Glubish discussed Alberta and Canadian political issues at Festival Place in Sherwood Park, March 25.
Veselka dancers kick up their heels at senior’s lodge
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The Lamont Veselka Ukrainian Dancers skipped and hopped their hearts out for seniors at both the auxiliary wing of the Lamont Health Care Centre and the Beaverhill Lodge on March 25.
Club secretary Brianne Kolotylo said approximately 20 dancers of all ages came out to entertain the seniors, which is a welcome act every year.
“The (seniors) loved it.
I think they thought our performance was too
short and they wanted more,” she said.
“We try to do it yearly. Sometimes that changes, if there’s a flu outbreak at the time but we do try to get out there to the community. Especially to the lodge or the auxiliary where these people can’t
come out (somewhere else) to see them.”
Kolotylo said having the dancers gather to entertain local residents is important to giving back to the community.
“A lot of these people have given a lot (to the community) throughout their lives. For a lot of the residents it’s not only entertainment, it’s a heritage thing for them as well,” she said.
Kolotylo said the club itself has grown and this year included an adult
class.
“We have some new dancers and our adult group is back so that’s really exciting. There are four women and one man. We haven’t had an adult group in two or three years,” she said.
“We’ve done one festi-
val so far (this year). We were at Smoky Lake Kalyna and our level two’s got some awards.”
Kolotylo said the dancers will wrap up their year with a year end performance at St. Michael Hall at the beginning of May.
VILLAGE OF CHIPMAN
Notice is hereby given that under the provisions of the Municipal Government Act, the Village of Chipman will offer for sale, by public auction, in the Village Administration Office, 4816-50 Street, CHIPMAN, Alberta, on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. the following lands:
LOT(s) BLOCK PLAN 16 6 5250Q 2 217520305
Each parcel of land will be offered for sale subject to a reserve bid and to the reservations and conditions contained in the existing certificate of title.
Spring
The land is being offered for sale on an “as is, where is” basis and the Village of Chipman makes no representation and gives no warranty whatsoever as to the adequacy of services, soil conditions, land use districting, building and development conditions, absence or presence of environmental contamination, or the developability of the subject land for an intended use by the purchaser. No bid will be accepted where the bidder attempts to attach conditions precedent to the sale of any parcel. No terms and conditions of sale will be considered other than those specified by the Village. No further information is available at the auction regarding the lands to be sold.
The Village may, after the public auction, become the owner of any property or parcel of land that is not sold at the public auction.
TERMS: Cash
Redemption may be effected by payment of all arrears of taxes and costs at any time prior to the sale.
Dated at Chipman, Alberta, January 13, 2025.
Pat
Tomkow,
Administrator
EMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITY
Summer Student - Public Works
The Town of Mundare requires summer students to assist with various duties in the Public Works department. Duties will include general labour, cutting grass, weed eating, assisting with landscaping, special event set-up and tear-down, and assisting other staff as required. Drivers Licence is mandatory. Occasional weekend, holiday work, and work boots required.
These are seasonal positions : May 1 - August 29, 2025. Wage is $17/ hr.
Please submit resume by Thursday, April 17, 2025 to:
Town of Mundare 5128 50 Street Box 348 Mundare, AB T0B 3H0 Or by fax 780-764-2003 or e-mail to reception@mundare.ca
The Lamont Veselka Ukrainian Dancers entertained seniors at both the auxiliary wing of the LHCC and the Beaverhill Lodge March 25. Photo: Brianne Kolotylo
Bruderheim votes to have Town pay for school lunch supervision
BY JOHN MATHER
A motion from Bruderheim Mayor Karl Hauch to have the Town pay for the Bruderheim School lunch program fee of $100 per child sparked lively discussion at the Town’s March 19 council meeting.
His motion, which he said, he made despite being pleased with how Elk Island Schools handled the school.
Our town has always risen to every challenge,” Hauch said. “Elk Island doesn’t have our school on any closure list or donot-repair list or anything.”
“I would like to pay the school’s total lunch program supervision fee up to $10,000, whichever is less out of the 2024 budget surplus.
“The $100 fee is a hardship for many of our residents,” he said.
“I believe our Town has to act now and taking the fee out of our surplus won’t impact our taxes.”
Councillor Len Falardeau opposed the motion.
“I can’t support that,” he said. “It’s time to put the ball back in the school board’s lap. They
have to pay for the supervision and running of the school
“The taxpayers already paid once for the school and the property taxes and the school board should pay for everything.”
“I expect the school board to pay their own way and I’m not talking about the parents,” he said. “I sympathize with them.”
Deputy Mayor George Campbell wanted more clarification on whether Hauch wanted to pay for the lunches or repairs to the school.
Councillor Ashley Carter, who sits on the parents association at the school, said the parents are currently charged an extra $100 per year for the school lunch hour supervision program.
“There’s the regular school fees and then this is an extra charge,” she said.
She added it wasn’t for lunches but rather for the people who supervised the students who bring their lunches to school to eat.
She said she would support the motion.
“We are paying somebody to watch our kids
eat their lunch?,” asked a startled Campbell. “Back in the day we never had to pay for something like that.
“I think we have to step back and if the kids are at school the school board has to be responsible for that.”
He said he agreed with Falardeau and added the residents pay enough in taxes already for schools.
Councillor Arlie Young asked if they could prepare a motion and send it to the residents to see if there was any support for it and Hauch said that would have to be a separate motion.
Campbell said he could support the motion if the students were being fed but he didn’t like it as presented.
“We’d be supporting the parents of the children of the school,” said Hauch. “We have several children going to other schools because of the costs.”
“We have to do something and is this the right something… I don’t know,” he added.
Campbell modified his opposition saying he
Air quality trends show declines in 2024 - better air than prior
BY JOHN MATHER
While there were exceedances of high or very high levels recorded by the Heartland Air Monitoring Partnership in 2024, the numbers were lower than the previous year based on data collected from seven of HAMP’s air monitoring stations.
The most notable air quality events were related to wildfire smoke, particularly from May through September, said the Partnership in a news release.
“Several days saw Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) ratings reach high or very high levels, with the most prolonged event occurring between July 16 and 25,” stated the release.
“This event, driven by a combination of wildfire smoke and summertime smog (formed through ground-level ozone), was measured at multiple stations.”
It further added, 2024 saw a notable decrease (996 total) in exceedances compared to 2023 (2,125 total), largely due to fewer wildfire smokerelated events.
There was also a significant decline in onehour exceedances of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) or less in diameter compared to 2023 (785 in 2024 versus 1,745 in 2023). However, the high or very high risk AQHI –especially during the summer months – highlights the ongoing chal-
didn’t mind supporting the families, especially if it could help keep enrolment at the school up. Falardeau still felt the teacher’s should shoulder the burden of school
supervision without the parents having to pay extra for that service.
Carter said she would like to meet with school officials to further discuss the situation and Chief Administrative Officer Phyllis Forsyth said the administration was currently working to set up such a meeting. Council voted and passed the motion.
Has immediate openings for the following position:
Please direct your resume to: Lamont Health Care Centre
5216 53 Street PO Box 479 Lamont, AB T0B 2R0
Attention: Marilyn Thomas FAX: 780-895-7305
Note: Only those persons who are shortlisted for an interview will be contacted
lenge of seasonal air quality impacts.
For the full 2024 annual air quality monitoring results report, including detailed station data and exceedance summaries, visit HAMP’s 2024 air quality monitoring summary.
HAMP operates 10 continuous air monitoring stations in and around Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.
The AQHI and near real-time data for every substance at every station are available at heartlandairmonitoring.org.
HAMP air quality monitoring and reporting is guided by a scientific advisory group and driven by national and provincial standards.
Opinion
The Liberal team hasn’t changed… just the captain
BY JOHN MATHER
It's a rare day when I find myself agreeing with YvesFrancois Blanchet, leader of the separatist Bloc Quebecois.
But while fighting what seems to be a losing seat battle in La Belle Province to the Liberals of Mark Carney, Blanchet has taken direct aim at the prime minister.
He alone, it seems, is willing to point out the BS of the Liberal strategy.
“Why do they just want to talk about Trump?” asks LeBlanc. Why indeed?
Certainly, Trump has gotten the attention of Canadians with his threats and action on tariffs which will damage our economy.
Certainly, Trump has directly interfered in our federal election, with no help from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, when he’s stated he would prefer a Liberal prime minister.
So why has Trump taken this path?
Well let’s look at the past ten years of Liberal government under Justin Trudeau.
Trudeau was so quick to apologize for anything social left wingers said was wrong.
Trudeau imposed tanker bans on the west coast, emissions caps on Alberta’s oil and gas sector, one of the country’s most productive economies.
He bluntly told the German chancellor there was “no business case” for Canadian liquified natural gas when there certainly was.
Under the Liberals of the past ten years the Canadian economy has floundered.
Under the Liberals of the past ten years housing in the country has become unaffordable.
Under the Liberals of the past ten years business has fled the high tax regime for more welcoming jurisdictions.
Under the Liberals of the past ten years crime numbers and addictions have skyrocketed while the Liberals pat criminals on the head and say don’t do it again and release them back into society.
Ten years of Liberal leadership and policy making under Justin Trudeau have been a disaster.
National unity has been fractured and it’s taken Trump to make the provincial leaders realize they need to work as one to put Canada back together.
That’s why four months ago the Conservatives under leader Pierre Poilievre were surging in the polls and appearing to head to a super majority if an election were held then.
They were stymied by a ridiculous NDP leader, Jagmeet Singh, who first created a supply and confidence agreement with the Liberals.
He promised to keep them in power while he argued against their every decision. Then when he said he had enough and tore up said agreement, he continued to prop the lame Liberal minority up.
Why?
Because he qualified for his MPs pension at the end of February. He’ll deny this but it’s patently obvious that’s the only reason an election wasn’t held last fall.
So the Americans elected Donald Trump, a New York bully, who everyone knew would be a bull in a china shop once he attained full power.
In a swirl of brash signatures on paper from day one, Trump made pronouncements cutting government waste, cutting ridiculous policies, and the he set his sites on tariffs worldwide.
And just for fun, while he was at it, he went on an expansionist binge.
He wants control of the Panama Canal; he renamed the Gulf of Mexico, (although I don’t know anyone who really calls it the Gulf of America).
He went on a tear stating the U.S. had to acquire Greenland for national security. That served to anger the Danes who do control Greenland and want to keep it that way.
And then Trump hosted Justin Trudeau at Mar A Largo.
He jokingly called him governor and said Canada would make a good 51st state.
Trudeau said tariffs on Canada would destroy our economy. Trump, the New York
bully, spotted weakness and went on a tear.
He continually called Trudeau governor and carried on wherever he could arguing Canada should be the 51st state.
Just one problem…. Canadians don’t want that.
But Trump spied the weakness of Trudeau and the past ten years of Liberal ineptness.
He piled the contempt on.
The Liberals were forced to dump Trudeau and replace him with Mark Carney.
Now Carney had a meeting with Trump and promised to reopen trade negotiations after the elections.
And the only problem with that. As Blanchet rightly pointed out Carney might not be the prime minister.
Who is Carney to made decisions regarding the future of Canada in the middle of an election?
It has to be pointed out especially for the voters in Ontario who seem to admire Carney despite the fact he is unelected and has no political experience.
The Liberals only changed the team captain. They didn’t change the team playbook.
Electing another Liberal government will only prolong the disastrous economic policies and green stupidity of the past ten years.
Poilievre and his Conservatives are untried at running the country.
But a change is needed.
Trump will be around for four years.
A united Canada may only be around for another four weeks
The election could decide that.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter
Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren
CONTINUED
BY HAZEL ANAKA
Right now, political junkies couldn’t ask for more. The clown show down south is a miniseries with a four-season run guaranteed. The Canadian federal election will consume all of April while local government elections happen in October. It’s no accident that this time is also known as Silly Season by both insiders and the press.
So, let’s tackle these three one at a time. We have zero control over the actions of President Trump either as a country or an engaged individual.
I’ll also be toning down my public criticism. I have never been one to engage in conspiracy theories; the idea they/someone is out to get me. Yet, history has proven that the very governments, authorities, and agencies that exist to safeguard and protect its citizens have abused their power. Armed forces test-
From Where I Sit Serious Business
ed toxins like agent orange on their own soldiers. Churches snatched kids out of their parents’ arms and housed them in residential schools. Ethnic groups like Ukrainians, Poles, Japanese and others were grabbed off the streets of Canada and put to work building the railway across this country while living in inhumane conditions. Movie stars were blacklisted if they favoured Commie Red. Police have abused their power since Tiananmen Square in China, Rodney King in Los Angeles, George Floyd in Minneapolis, just to name a few. The CIA has more scandals than you can shake a stick at. Imagine the US government carting people off without benefit of a criminal charge and trial to an Ecuadorian jail. Or surrounding and grabbing a university student off the streets just days ago. And of course, Russia routinely poisons its critics. However. When a woman I know in the southern US tells me her best friend disappeared while camping at the beginning of March, this
starts getting real. At last report she remains missing and is presumed dead. I asked all the ‘what about’ questions that may be running through your head. There were no marital problems or suicidal thoughts or history of mental illness. She didn’t fake her own disappearance to begin a new life elsewhere. But she was a vocal critic of the US government, the president, and the January 6th insurrection. I think she told me her friend penned a newsletter but honestly, I was so shocked by this barrage of facts I couldn’t keep it all straight. One of the security agencies was also monitoring her behaviour.
In high school George Orwell’s book 1984 was on the curriculum reading list. He wrote it in 1949 in the era of Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia. It warned of the dangers of loss of civil liberty and totalitarianism (a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the state). He coined the phrase "Big Brother is watching you"
Lamont and Area
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to serve as a constant reminder to the citizens that their every move and thought are being monitored and controlled by the state. Doesn’t sound so far-fetched anymore, does it?
Is there any public place you can go without being caught by surveillance cameras? Is your face unlocking your phone and being scanned at the airport? If your phone, watch, computer all know your geo coordinates, what makes us think the government doesn’t? Especially if we are on some watch list….
During any federal election, we in Alberta are used to having zero influence on the end result so that pervasive sense of helplessness we feel is real. And frustrating. Here again, I need to distance myself from the outcome. In every single election in a democracy, the basic premise is that “the people have spoken.’ Let me tell you from personal experience that reality is easier to accept when you’ve won than when you've lost an election. Whatever will be will be. If that turns out to be another 4 years of Liberal rule, there’s nothing you or I can do about it. If Pierre does the tweaking his campaign needs, he may be able to stop the juggernaut that
Carney appears to have become. Either way, I’m powerless to change the outcome so why am I feeling so invested in it…
Then finally, and much closer to home are the fall municipal elections. As someone who served in the mid-1990s and has observed modern day politics up close through Roy’s terms as councillor, this job is not for the faint of heart. Word has just come down that the province’s requisition for school funding is going up about 11%. However, Danielle Smith and company will be buffered from voter anger because local governments collect it as a line item on their tax bills.
Anyone considering running for public office needs to do some detailed research and soul-searching about what the job entails. If you don’t like reading, save everyone some grief and don’t bother running. There are literally hundreds of pages covering often complex issues, detailed background information, expert opinions, recommendations, and more that councillors are required to read each month as they prepare to participate meaningfully in meetings. Doing anything less is harmful to the entire process and unfair to everyone
Bruderheim Community Church 4904 Queen Street 780-796-3775
SUNDAY WORSHIP
10:30 AM
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Lady of Good Counsel, Skaro 1st, 3rd, 5th
@ 9:00 am St. Michael the Archangel, St. Michael 2nd, and 4th Sundays @ 9:00 am
Office:
Lady of the Angels Parish 10004 ~ 101 St., Fort Sask. 780.998.3288 Email: olangels.ftsask@caedm.ca www.olafortsask.caedm.ca
around the table. You need a working knowledge of the legislation (the Municipal Government Act MGA) that both gives and restricts your power to act. Prior to the last election terms were increased to four years. If there is any foreseeable reason why you can’t complete your term, save everyone the cost and inconvenience of a bye-election. If you have a criminal record, unpaid taxes, and an inability to get along with others in a respectful manner, do us all a favour and stay home. If you think you can juggle a full-time job and be a part-time councillor, think again. It’s not fair to your colleagues or your constituents if you come late, leave early, miss too many commitments, or are constantly distracted by competing demands. You are expected to take ongoing extra training offered by legal firms and the Rural Municipalities Association (RMA). It deepens one’s understanding of the issues and mitigates risk for the municipality. It shows you’re a professional and a grownup ready to act in the best interests of the people. Politics is serious business during a challenging time needing exemplary people, from where I sit.
BY JOHN MATHER
The County of Lamont received its annual updated list of Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors projects to take place in the county in the coming year during their April 1 council meeting.
Mundare will be the area of Lamont County that sees the bulk of the planning for improvements for the year.
In its update, the Province showed there are four projects to be undertaken in Lamont County.
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Chipman council approved a bylaw to raise their water rates at the Mar. 10 council meeting, due to an increase in rates from the John S. Batiuk water commission.
Chipman residents are billed every two months at a minimum of $47 for 10 cubic meters of water, and consumption over that will now be $1.95 per cubic meter up from $1.80. The rates were last raised in 2021.
“(It’s) because the commission has increased
The first will see 22 km of paving on Secondary Highway 855 from Highway 16 to Highway 29 move to the final design phase, with construction anticipated in 2026.
The second project will look at a functional planning study into a potential interchange at the intersection of Highway 16 and Secondary Highway 855/Highway 15. This project is currently in its planning/ engineering phase.
This move follows a very well attended town
the water rate by 20 cents a cube and there might be more coming,” said Tomkow. “We don’t know what’s going to happen until everything goes through the Alberta Utilities commission.”
Chief Administrative Officer Pat Tomkow said despite the increase Chipman still has the lowest rates in the county.
The second lowest is the Town of Mundare who bills their residents monthly with a base rate of $11.20 and a per cube rate of $2.26 while the
hall meeting with area residents to look at possible plans for the interchange last fall.
The third project will see 19 km of grade widening on Secondary Highway 834 from Township Rd. 512 to Highway 16.
The fourth and final project is the continued planning and engineering phases which will look at acceleration and deceleration lanes at the intersection of Range Road 201 and Highway 15.
Alberta Transportation
and Economic Corridors updates their Provincial Construction Program annually, which includes major highway and water management projects throughout the province.
These projects are classified under three categories; Planning/ Engineering – planning studies and/or design completed for major capital projects; Design –project management and hiring engineering consultants to design the project (may include work to complete tender
Town of Bruderheim also bills monthly with a basic charge of $20.64 and a per cube rate of $3.34. The Village of Andrew does not have a base water rate but residents are billed monthly and pay $3.75 per cube of water. The Town of Lamont charges the most per cube at $4.10. Their residents are billed every two months with a minimum of one cube charged.
Construction – which occurs when the project design has been complet-
CWRS
CWSWS
Yielding
6-Row Feed Barley: AB Advantage - Improved plump and bushel weight - Smooth awned
-High grain and forage yield
2-Row Malt Barley:
CDC Copeland - Strong demand by malting companies
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CHIPMAN PLAYERS GIVE BACK
Chipman Players member Jo-Ann Fontaine presents a cheque for $1,000 to Christian Nimchuk on behalf of the 2025 Lamont High School graduating class. Volunteers from the grad class graciously helped in the kitchen and during clean up after the Players' four performances of 'It Happened on Route 66' last month.
Photo courtesy Jo-Ann Fontaine.
Chipman Lions host first ever Crib tourney
BY JANA SEMENIUK
More than 70 people crowded into the Chipman National Hall on Mar. 29 to try their hand at the local Lions Club first ever crib tournament.
Teams registered for $50 and played 10 games to see who would reign supreme as tournament champs and cash in one of three prizes, totalling $525.
After nearly five hours, and countless fifteen twos, two teams split the main prize of $300 after both won nine out of ten of their games and ended with the same score.
Larry and Judy Calvert, from Strome, took home $150 along with the other first place winners Phyllis and Rodney, whose last names were not recorded.
Second place, was awarded to the team of Marcus and Dan who took home $150, and third place went to Jim and Mike who won $75.
In addition to the prize placements, during the
tournament if a player wound up with no points in their hand (also known as a 19 hand as it’s impossible to count 19 points in a hand of cribbage) they were eligible to buy a half a playing card for one dollar. The money was totalled and the other half of the ripped cards put to four draws. The four winners each received $51.
Several door prizes, a raffle draw and a 50/50 draw worth $308, also took place along with a buffet dinner.
Tournament organizer Shelly Christoffersen said the event was a near
sell out and a big success.
“It was a huge success. We got a lot of compliments on how it was ran, and on our food and the door prizes, and I think everybody had a really good time,” she said.
“We were hoping for 40 teams and we had 34. Some cancelled right at the end.”
Christoffersen said whether the club will host another one has yet to be determined.
“We’ll have to determine (if it was a good fundraiser) and if we’ll have another one when we have our next meeting,” she said.
Charge split two games - Maschmeyer still injured
BY JOHN MATHER
In the return game between the Ottawa Charge and New York Sirens in the Professional Women’s Hockey League the Charge dropped a 6-3 decision.
With Bruderheim’s Emerance Maschmeyer still out with injury the loss was on Gwyneth Philips who faced 33 shots in the game.
Ottawa’s next game was March 29 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Mo. as part of the Takeover Tour the team defeated the Boston Fleet by. 2-1 score.
Boston opened the scoring when Susanna Tapani put an unassisted marker past Gwyneth Philips.
But in the third period Tereza Vanisova put the Charge on her shoulders and put in two goals in 32 seconds to give her team the win. Philips stopped 27 shots in the game.
Ottawa played in four games during the
Chipman crib tournament winners Judy and Larry Calvert shared first prize with Phyllis and Rodney (not shown) each receiving $150. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Pickett sets sights on Lamont County Council seat after resigning from Andrew council
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Tammy Pickett, first elected to Andrew Council during the 2021 election, resigned from her council position at the Mar. 26 Andrew council meeting.
In an interview, she said she will run for Division 4 councillor for Lamont County.
Currently, the division 4 councillor is Roy Anaka.
Pickett’s resignation letter was read by Andrew Chief Administrative Officer Kylie Rude where she cited a change in resi-
dence as her reason.
“We have moved back to our acreage in the county of Lamont, and therefore, as per MGA (Municipal Government Act) eligibility, I must step down from my position of village council,” she said.
“I want to express my gratitude to the village of Andrew community members who trusted and supported me during my term. I'm proud to have been a part of this council and take pride in all our journeys achievements.”
Councillor Merwin
Haight was voted in by the remaining council members as Deputy Mayor, serving until the municipal election Oct. 20.
Meanwhile, Pickett said she isn’t focused on any particular issues within the county yet and wants to start talking to residents to see what their concerns are.
“I need to see what their issues are, and then that's what I'll go with. I can't make any promises of anything, because, of course, it's still a vote.
Regardless, I'm just one person, but I will be the
one that will advocate for the rest of the division four,” she said. “I'm ready for that challenge.”
Pickett said she had no experience with municipal office before being elected to Andrew Council but said she has learned a lot and enjoys representing the people.
“Surprisingly, the village didn't scare me from it,” she said laughing.
“(My favourite part) is working for the people.”
On the County’s website, where notices of intent are listed, Pickett is so far the only name
appearing on the list and her notice was received by the county on Mar. 12.
Candidates must first submit their notice of intent before handing in their nomination package by Sept. 22 at noon.
The package must include a $100 deposit, and a criminal records check with the RCMP dated between July 21
and Sept. 22. Candidates must have lived in the county for six months or longer to be eligible for the election.
Former Andrew Deputy Mayor Tammy Pickett is vying for the Division 4 council seat in Lamont County. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
COMING EVENTS
Killam Health Care Hospital Reunion for all Past and Present Employees
Saturday, May 24
From 2 to 5 p.m. at the Killam Catholic Church Basement Hall 5214-50 ave
Round Hill Easter Market Monday, April 14 from 5 pm - 7 pm. For a table, text or call Terry 780-678-6131
EDMONTON COIN SHOW & SALEApril 12/13, 2025, 10 am - 4:30 pm, Sunday,10 am - 3:00 pm.. Lions Centre; 11113 - 113 Street, Edmonton. Free market evaluations. Dealers from across Canada * Auctions * Displays * WATCHES * Family friendly! www.edmontoncoinclub.com/shows.
Viking and Area Gymkhana Club ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Friday, April 4, 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Viking Rodeo Grounds Elections, fundraising, meets, etc will be discussed.
St. Paul's United Church in Hardisty Annual Spaghetti Supper and Silent and Live Auction Monday, April 7 Hardisty Town Hall Adults - $15 Children 6-12 - $10 Ages 5 & Under - FREE Supper Served 5 p.m. Silent Auction Starts at 5p.m. Live Auction Starts at 7 p.m. For more info call Fay Bronson 780888-3504 or Gail Kobitzsch 780-8882266. Auction items, with donor name attached, can be dropped off at Town Hall on April 7 @ the Town Hall after 10 a.m. to Ricci Matthews.
Thank you for your continued support
The Viking Historical Society is accepting bids for re-roofing of the Hafso house at the Viking Museum Grounds. Materials could be either metal or asphalt. All local contractors are encouraged to submit bids to Box 106, Viking, AB T0B 4N0
Not ready to let go of your freedom (but needing support)? I can help with that. Enjoy your home. Light cleaning/meals. Emotional/mental companionship. Games/Cards. Phone Jackie (780) 385-1019. 13p
Please join us for a bridal shower for Maegen Kuilboer in celebration of her upcoming marriage to Tyler Bendfeld.
Saturday, April 5 at 2 p.m. Killam Seniors' Centre Registry available at Guardian Drugs (Killam) and Killam Home Hardware.
Tofield Golden Club
Perogies, Sausage and Sweets
Thursday, April 3, 2025 11:00 am to 1:00 pm 5004 - 54 Ave, Tofield. $12 at the door Take-out and Gluten Free options available. All ages welcome!
Galahad Lions Club
50th Anniversary Celebration April 5, 2025 at the Galahad Agriplex Celebrating Fifty Years of Community Service Supper and Dance- $55.00 per person
Happy Hour 5:30 Supper 6:30
Dance to follow-Music by Bandit Tickets available by calling either Ernie Gamroth 780 385-1543 bralpaca@syban.net Allen Dietz 403 742- 9610 dietzallen8@gmail.com
The Viking Historical Society Annual General Meeting, followed by a regular meeting, will be held Thursday, April 10 at 7 p.m. at the Viking Legion. New members are welcome to attend!
FOR SALE
Anyone who is interested in any Raspberry Plants, Blueberries, Saskatoons - This is your last chance for Ordering. Deadline is April 30. They must be gone by June 1. Contact Brian at 780-678-0053 whether they need to be potted or bare root.
2008 Dodge Ram 3500 St Quad 4x4 Auto. Positive Air shut off, power chip, 6.7 Cummins Turbo Diesel. 329,000km - approx 23/mpg. Excellent condition. Call 780-888-1666 12/13p
BUILDINGS FOR SALE
INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-9747678 www.integritybuilt.com.
All Classified Ads booked in our paper will also be posted online at the new online Classifieds Section at no additional cost. THOUSANDS of page views online every month in addition to our THOUSANDS of weekly readers. Plus our site is Google SEO optimized. IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE WITH US!
LIVESTOCK FOR SALE
Registered Red & Black Angus bulls for sale. Call 780-986-9088
SEED FOR SALE
BARLEY – *NEW-AB Standswell* Smooth AWN, High Yielding, Grain and Forage Great Lodging Resistance. 1st NITROGEN USE EFFICIENT CEREAL IN CANADA. Attracting Japanese Interest. OTHER BARLEY: Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. WHEAT – Pintail, Forage or Grain. OATS – AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC S01 Super Oat. PEAS – Very Early Yellow Peas, Forage Peas. ALSO AVAILABLE: Polish Canola & Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-5562609.
13P
UA County Gold for sale. Treated or Untreated. Non-GMO. Good for Organic Market. call 780-336-6700 12/14C
FOR RENT
If anybody who likes country living and is looking for a place to rent, Brian has a basement available with two bedrooms. Would like a non-smoker. The rent would be $800 per month, plus a damage deposit equal to one month's rent. Located 4 miles east of Bawlf, off Highway 13 on Range Road 172, the second place on the east side of the road. No pets allowed.
If interested, call Brian at 780-6780053 for appointment to view. Available May 1. 12tfnc
FARMLAND FOR RENT
West ½ of SW Qtr Sec-27-Twp-56Rge-21-W4. Strathcona County. South Bank of North Saskatchewan River. 72 Acres. 60 cultivated for grain/hay. Phone landline: 780-434-0388 11/12p
HELP WANTED
The Viking Historical Society is looking for summer staff at the Viking Museum. Duties include yard maintenance, cleaning, directing tours, and cataloguing artifacts. Students and mature applications alike may apply with resume and cover letter to Box 106, Viking, AB T0B 4N0
HEALTH
HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-4535372.
SERVICES
PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1866-405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.
Medical Taxi Service
Personal Taxi Service to Edmonton and Back -$175
•Office Hours Mon-Fri 9-5
•Absolutely NO Hidden Fees
•Escort to Reception/Waiting Room
•Pick up and Drop off at your door
•Top Notch Service!
•Includes up to 4 Hour Wait
•Locally Owned and Operated 587-987-7810
Drywall Taping/Ceiling Texturing
40 years experience on the job, from commercial buildings to new homes to home renovations. No job too small. Experienced Killam drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job, big or small. Don't want to do it yourself?
- Give me a call!
Flagstaff Taping & Texturing
Murray Cholowsky Call or text at 780-385-1251
Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-232-3097 tfnp
Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
tfnp
Does your club have an event planned? Advertise in the Classifieds
Town of Lamont initiates tariff response
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Town of Lamont’s Chief Administrative Officer Tyler Edworthy brought forward a suggestion, based on a notice of motion from the previous meeting, on how the Town can support the Province regarding the impending threat of tariffs from the United States.
Edworthy suggested a ‘Canada First’ procurement practice to align with the Province’s tariff countermeasures.
“Stemming from the Notice of Motion last
meeting, administration is asking the council to adopt a Canada first procurement practice in support of the provincial countermeasures regarding trade tariffs,” said Edworthy.
“This will allow staff to purchase goods and services from local, provincial and national suppliers that have a competitive, comparable cost within 10 percent of US based companies, this practice would remain in place while the Alberta countermeasures are in place.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced provincial countermeasures, including new procurement practices, on Mar. 5.
The new procurement practices include the provincial government, school boards, crown corporations and all Alberta municipalities to purchase goods and services from Alberta and Canadian companies and from countries where a free trade agreement with Canada is being honoured.
Incumbent Stubbs busy on election trail
BY JOHN MATHER
With the Federal election just 10 days in, Lakeland Conservative MP Shannon Stubbs has already blitzed the massive riding.
“The campaign is already in full swing,” said Stubbs in an email. “I’ve been back out across Lakeland – knocking on doors, visiting communities, and listening directly to people.
“Every conversation reminds me why I do this work—and who I’m fighting for.”
Lakeland MP and Conservative candidate Shannon Stubbs and a volunteer get the election signs out of storage ready to put up for the April 28 Federal election. The Lakeland riding is 31,877 square kilometres in area.
She added she is honoured to be representing the “hardworking, principled, and community minded people” of the riding and she wants to continue to take their values and priorities to Ottawa.
“A key priority is advancing critical energy infrastructure to get Alberta’s oil and gas to global markets,” added Stubbs.
She said her Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has announced plans to create a National Energy Corridor – a preapproved pathway for pipelines, power lines, and railways – to expedite projects that bolster Canadian energy independence and economic
Bruderheim gets local library update
BY JOHN MATHER
During the regular council meeting of March 19 Bruderheim received an update from the Northern Lights Library board.
James McDonald, executive director of Northern Lights, said the Bruderheim Library had a tough year in 2024 with the library suffering some water damage and having to shut down for a while.
But, he added, it costs $5.47 per person in Bruderheim to belong to the Northern Light
System but he felt they received more than $19.24 back in benefits.
He said when the library reopened they introduced some new programs including a new senior book program and a winter reading program.
“We hired some dedicated children’s programmers,” he added.
“In 2024 the town took out 215 ebooks and audio books,” he stated. In addition, he said, the library patrons could access the Edmonton Journal, the Western
During an event at Festival Place in Sherwood Park on Mar. 25, she said that the best approach is to make the case to the US that the tariffs are not in either country’s best interest.
“Now we have to wait and see what happens on April the second,” she said. “I think what we are seeing with this President (Trump) is he likes tariffs. He looks at them as a source of revenue. And our approach has been to use a lot of diplomacy to try to make the case to the Americans that having a virtually tariff-free relationship is
Journal and the New York Times.
Staff interacted with the Northern Lights base of operations on a regular basis.
He said even when the library in town was shut down, people could still register to use the library through accessing the Northern Lights website. In 2025 the library will introduce wireless printing.
“Sometimes it's tough to print out material in the library,” he said. “But now residents will be allowed to use the print-
Wednesday, April 2,
best for us and is best for them.”
According to reports, a tariff plan will be unveiled by President Trump on Apr. 2 to accompany 25 percent levies already put in place earlier last month on steel and aluminum.
Its unclear which countries will be affected by President Trump’s announcement, but many are expecting Canada and Mexico to be the hardest hit.
Meanwhile, Town of Lamont councillor Al Harvey made the motion to put forward the policy, and added his thoughts
on it before putting it to a vote.
“I'm the one that kind of started this, and although it pains me personally to be doing this, and I think it's overall stupid, but I will make a motion that council adopt Canada first procurement practice that prioritises local, provincial and national suppliers for purchase and supplies with the permissible value variance in costs of up to 10 percent,” he said.
The motion was passed unanimously.
growth.
She said Conservatives would fast-track approvals, to ensure that investors and workers can proceed without the current regulatory limbo red tape and gatekeepers that have blocked development under the Liberals.
“Additionally, I remain committed to bringing down taxes and the cost of living,” she stated.
ers with no interference.”
He added people could even print things from home but not actually print them out on the library's printer until they went to access the printer.
He added the library would be getting a new interface to the library catalogue. It will expose electric collections to make it easy for people to use.
He said the library was quite healthy.
He said the next budget would come in below inflation.
Council George Campbell asked if they
“Families across Lakeland are being squeezed by rising prices and shrinking pay cheques because of the high taxes and inflationary spending of Liberals, which has caused a historic cost of living crisis all across Canada.”
She said Canadians deserve a government that respects their work and their choices – not one that makes life more
had IT training for seniors, and McDonald said the staff would be trained and be able to pass skills on to seniors.
He said the Northern Lights had tried to train the public several years ago but with more than 60 member libraries, it became too difficult so instead they train the staff in the member libraries who pass the skills on to the public.
Campbell asked if it was one on one training or a group training and McDonald said it could be both depending on how the libraries set the program up.
expensive.
“I’m dedicated to delivering common sense Conservative solutions that put Canada and Canadians first – for a change.”
This election, Stubbs will be taking on Desiree Bissonette of the NDP, Michael Manchen, for the People’s Party of Canada; and Michael Spiers of the Christian Heritage Party.
Campbell said he was impressed on a recent trip to the library saying he found it clean, well kept and the staff was very helpful.
“I glad to hear that,” said McDonald. “The local library really helps improve the quality of life in the community.”
Campbell said because of the library, he hadn’t watched television in six years but read about 60 books a year.
“We’ve come a long way with our library system,” he said. “And we should be very proud of that.”
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta),
The Town of Lamont hustled to stay on top of snow removal Friday, March 28th in the aftermath of the storm. Crystal Moren photo.
Andrew council considers two bids for daycare at ARA
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Two separate daycare providers gave presentations as delegates to the Andrew village council on Mar. 26, each hoping to secure space to operate within the Andrew Rural Academy school.
Tori Pranger was first and presented a video outlining her plans for a daycare including before and afterschool care.
The presentation included plans for a playschool and asked for one year of free rent to get the program up and running, with an option to re-evaluate in six months.
Pranger said she is a level one daycare provider with nearly seven years of experience working in a daycare.
She added she could accommodate at least 12 kids to start and hoped to have the daycare up and running by Aug.
Andrew resident Cassandre Winterburn was the next presenter. She said she is a level two childcare worker and currently works as an alternate director for a play development center in Two Hills.
She said she is looking to operate a daycare out of the ARA space and could accommodate 45 children one year old and up.
She said she could run the daycare with a minimum of six to 10 kids.
Winterburn said she is looking for one room to use with initially three months rent free to get the daycare up and running, and would be willing to pay $600 per month after.
She said she may look at an additional room for $200 a month and is looking to open in midAug.
Mayor Barry Goertz said the council wants to make a decision as soon as possible.
“We have got it later on in our meetings where we will contem-
plate. Our goal is to have this done as soon as possible. We're going to find a way to, work with either one of you and find a way to make this happen,” he said.
“It will definitely make us a community that is much stronger.”
Andrew Chief Administrative Officer
Kylie Rude confirmed by text that a meeting has been set for Apr. 7 for
NOW HIRING!
We are seeking two dedicated and skilled First Year to Journeyman Automotive Mechanics to join our dynamic team in Killam, Alberta. Chrysler experience would be ideal but then again not essential.
✔ Are you tired of your current environment and looking for a change?
✔ Do you want to work in a tight-knit rural community?
If you possess leadership qualities, maintain a clean and organized work area, are full of energy, passion for customer service, very well organized, highly motivated individual, represent excellent communication skills to convey information clearly to team members, are enthusiastic, love helping customers and thrive on solving mechanical problems, WE NEED TO TALK!
We offer clean, fun, safe, and a warm work environment to work in. Competitive pay plan plus Health Benefits Package for you and your Family.
Join us in delivering an exceptional work experience while showcasing your skills as an Automotive Mechanic.
Apply by resume Attention Wes, in person at Campbell McLennan Chrysler in Killam or by fax 780-385-3803 or email wcampbell@cmchrysler.ca or Gerry Keyzer, Service Manager at service@cmchrysler.ca
Bondara Oilfield Services Ltd is looking
Tori Pranger
Cassandre Winterburn
Community Services: Serving Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew & Chipman (scan
(VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming for full posters, dates, contact information, registration info & locations; or call 780-895-2233 for info./registration). Current CALC, FCSS & KFRN and seniors’ activities include:
1. Volunteer Appreciation Week and Dinners (Lamont, Bruderheim, Andrew, Mundare) – April 14-17 (County-wide). Free tickets while supplies last.
2. FCSS: Volunteer Income Tax Program – Contact FCSS at 780-895-2233 x226 (assistance for low income, single parent, seniors and tax troubles/questions).
3. FCSS: Youth Centres in Bruderheim (Tuesdays), Chipman (Mondays), and Mundare
4. FCSS: Fitness Fun for Older Adults (Mundare Sr. Citizens Club) to April 10 (Thursdays). 5. FCSS: Parents and Tots: Andrew, Lamont and Mundare
6. CALC: My Journey…Who Am I? | English Language Learning | Kitchens Programs | Digital Skills for Seniors
7. CALC/FCSS: Parents and Tots – Featuring Ready, Set, GROW!. Monday mornings in Andrew. For more info. contact cheryl.b@lamontcounty.ca
8. FCSS (after school) – FLEX for Boys – sessions in Bruderheim on Thurs. 9. FCSS (after school) – True2You (for Girls) – sessions in Lamont on Tues.
10. KFRN: Cooking With Your Littles – Free for families with children ages 1-6. Join us to make bunny buns! Registration by Apr. 4 at: signup.com/go/ArWkYRb
11. KFRN: Connecting Generations – Free Easter themed fun with our friends at Beaverhill Pioneer Lodge. Register by Apr. 11. signup.com/go/RqjXCLb
12. KFRN: Grace In Progress – Self-care program for caregivers of children ages 0-18. Register by Apr. 16. $10 fee/participant. signup.com/go/PxDEViX
13. KFRN: Family Activity Night : Free drop-in program filled with fun spring-themed activities. No registration required @ Lamont Public Library, 5-7 p.m., Ap ril 23.
14. KFRN: Welcome to Kindergarten: For children registered with EIPS and attending a kindergarten program in the Lamont County Region - Mundare: April 24, Bruderheim: May 28, and Lamont: TBA.
15. Meals In Motion: contract Chrissy at 780-975-9592 to order for APRIL (see full menu at lamontcounty.ca/community-programming).
16. Seniors’ Coffee: (Wed.) 10-11 a.m. in Andrew, & (Thurs.) 10-11 a.m. in Mundare. Join FCSS for coffee, conversation, snacks, & assistance with senior-related forms/programming. FCSS offers Seniors Supports fr. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Mundare (Thurs.). Seniors Coffee is also in St. Michael (Thur.) from 10 a.m. to noon.
17. Seniors Bus Trips: Day trips to local malls; $15/trip. Departs: 9 a.m. @ Lamont Rec. Centre on Apil 21, May 18 & June 23. Reserve with Helen at 780-895-7539.
Also check out the Lamont County Events Calendar for local community events, public meetings and other important dates (lamontcounty.ca/eventscalendar).
Other Items of Interest
OtherItemsofInterest
2025 Private Dust Abatement (Deadline is April 15 and July 31 – Lamont County Public Works has two intake periods for spring/fall) lamontcounty.ca/departments/public-works/roads/private-dust-control
o Intake twice per year, fees as per the Fees and Charges Bylaw. Lamont County is HIRING! lamontcounty.ca/careers
o Current postings include for FCSS Summer programs, a Lawn Care & Maintenance Technician in Agricultural Services (SEASONAL), and Seasonal Labourers in Public Works.
Reeve’s Annual Year in Review – and Video Message. Watch for both of these to be published at lamontcounty.ca/news and on social media in late March/early April. Limited printed copies available at the Lamont County Administration Building in early April.
Watch for the ASB Farmer’s Appreciation BBQ information in early May.
d A il 30) S i f h i d li
Please be advised the 2024 ASB Clubroot locations and anticipated 2025 Canola Cropping Restrictions maps are available for additional awareness/planning at lamontcounty.ca/departments/agriculturalprograms/pest-control-programs
Community Pancake Breakfast (Bruderheim Seniors Centre) - Apr. 5. Fort Saskatchewan and District Chamber of Commerce – TRADE SHOW and MARKET: April 25-27 in Fort. Sask at the DOW Centre. (fortsaskchamber.com/trade-show-sale)
and April 30). Summaries of each session are posted online. Engineering studies and content related to the proposed process water and intake can be accessed at lamontcountynow.ca/about-us/area-profile/planning. Updates are published when/as applicable. Reminder: further consultation and engagement will occur with the public as the project progresses and the preliminary certificate for water license is granted. Any project work will be discussed and approved in Council as the project commences. All current study content is conceptual design only. The Lamont County 2025 MUNICIPAL ELECTION Nomination Package is now available at: lamontcounty.ca/governance/ 2025-municipal-election (under Nomination Process). Don’t forget to register to vote via VoterLink to ensure you are correctly added to voter lists for Alberta Elections (see Elections Alberta: voterlink.ab.ca/).
For full menu, VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/ communityprogramming
Please Note – inFocus is also accessible online at: lamontcounty.ca/communications (to view full-sized PDF & access hyperlinks).
Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Upcoming Turnaround Season in the Heartland
Spring, summer, and fall brings a busy turnaround season for many companies in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. Learn more and see the tentative schedules for regional industries at: lifeintheheartland.com/heartland-101-current/
#ASB - Reminder to implement biosecurity protocols & keep your Premises ID account up to date so you can be notified if you're in a control zone. It is wild bird migration season. alberta.ca/avian-influenza-reportable AB Avian BioSec | inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/ reportable/avian-influenza/avian-biosecurity Avian influenza is both a prov. reportable disease for domestic birds under AB Animal Health Act Avian Flu Biosecurity protocols
Volunteer Appreciation Week – County-wide Entertainment by musician Travis Dolter.
Volunteers in Lamont County that are outside the four event regions can attend any one of the events at their convenience. We appreciate all volunteers across Lamont County!
Tickets are FREE, and required to attend these events. Pick them up after Mar. 17 at locations listed in the poster (lamontcounty.ca/community-programming).
Registration Renewal Reminder
If your last name or company begins with the letters D & G; remember to get your registration renewed before the end of April!
See monthly reminders: alberta.ca/vehicle-registration-expiry-date-chart.aspx Brought to you by the Elk Island Traffic Safety Partners.
CN Rail Vegetation Management (2025)
Rail vegetation management is scheduled to take place between April & Oct. 2025. See the schedule at cn.ca/vegetation. Vegetation management is a crucial component of railway safety and regulatory compliance.
Clean Farms – Great Twine Roundup
cleanfarms.ca/great-twine-round-up/ Bag it. Bring It. Win it! Until May 31, bring all the used plastic baler twine you can round-up to a participating Alberta collection site for a chance to win a cash prize.
Community Sponsorship
See lamontcounty.ca/grants on how to apply. Lamont County recognises the valuable contributions made by community organizations and volunteer groups to improve the health, well-being and social development of the community and the quality of life for its residents. Lamont County is committed to provide sponsorships to eligible groups to support social activities and services that are accessed by Lamont County residents.
OPPORTUNITY: Lamont County Centennial Scholarship –lamontcounty.ca/scholarships
REGULAR COUNCIL AND Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meetings
The public is welcome to attend any scheduled meeting in person or virtually). Meetings start at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers/Lamont County Admin. Bldg. (unless otherwise noted).
Regular Council Meeting: Tues., April 15 | ASB meeting: Wed., May 14 lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes|lamontcounty.ca/agendas-minutes-asb
Brought to you by: the Towns/Villages of Andrew, Bruderheim, Chipman, Lamont and Mundare, Lamont County (including FCSS/KFRC/CALC), Enbridge, Cenovus and Volunteer Alberta.
Agriculture Section Agriculture Section 2025
An annual supplement to your local papers saluting the important businesses and people keeping our ag industry strong
Grapes among common household items that may be poisonous for your pet
Cassandra Lundbek Staff Reporter
March was the month recognized as Pet Poison Prevention Month, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers that common household and environmental toxins pose to our animals. With nine out of ten pet poisonings occurring within the home, and incidents increasing around festive seasons like Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, it’s vital to understand which substances can be harmful to your pets, whether they’re dogs, cats, or horses. Recognizing these risks is key to safeguarding your pets.
Unfortunately, pet poisoning is frequently an emergency, often caused by every day items that owners may not recognize as dangerous. West Wind Veterinary Hospital recommends taking the following steps for prevention: take an hour to assess risks and pet-proof your home and barn, ask a veterinarian before giving any medications, store all medications and potential toxins safely, and ensure everything your animals might be able to eat is safe.
“Poisons are best treated by prevention of exposure. If accidental exposure occurs, treatment should be started before any symptoms are noticed,” warns Dr. Deborah Carroll of West Wind Veterinary Hospital.
For dogs and cats, over-the-counter and prescription medications are
among the leading causes of poisoning. Human medications such as pain relievers, antidepressants, and even vitamins can have toxic effects on pets. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free items and some peanut butter brands, is highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe hypoglycemia and liver failure. Foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and raisins can be deadly, leading to kidney failure, anemia, or neurological issues. Household products such as antifreeze, rodenticides, and cleaning agents also pose serious risks.
With gardening season just around the corner, it’s important to research any plants you plan to bring into your home or garden. Ingesting plants like aloe, daffodils, azaleas, and English ivy can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or more severe symptoms in pets. Some plants, like lilies, are highly toxic to cats and can cause fatal kidney failure. For horse owners, toxic plants and environmental hazards are a significant concern.
“All pastures should be inspected for weeds and other hazards before use. All feed changes should be gradual,” Dr. Carroll advises.
Alsike clover, while not native to Canada, was introduced in the 1800s and can be found in pastures, along roadsides, and in ditches throughout Alberta. It can cause photosensitivity
and liver damage in horses. Maple and Box Elder trees also pose a risk, as wilted leaves can lead to severe anemia in horses. Even black walnut shavings, sometimes used in bedding, can induce laminitis.
It is important to consider the placement and use of pesticides and rodenticides around barns and homes, as they can be fatal if ingested by pets. Additionally, contaminated feed, such as hay containing botulinum toxins from decaying organic matter, can lead to severe neurological damage in horses. Symptoms of poisoning in horses vary widely but may include colic, muscle tremors, incoordination, or sudden behavioral changes.
As we move into the warmer months, concerns about blue-green algae become more prevalent. This toxic algae can bloom in stagnant or slow-moving water, such as dugouts, ponds, and lakes, posing a significant health threat to dogs, cats, and horses. Dogs are especially vulnerable due to their tendency to swim and drink from natural water sources. Horses can be exposed when drinking from contaminated troughs or bodies of water.
Blue-green algae produce toxins that affect multiple organ systems, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea,
muscle tremors, seizures, liver failure, and even sudden death. If exposure is suspected, immediate veterinary attention is crucial.
“The most common error is waiting too long before seeking veterinary advice,” says Dr. Carroll.
Quick action can mean the difference between life and death. If poisoning is suspected, owners should immediately contact their veterinarian or an emergency poison control hotline, such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centre or the Pet Poison Helpline, both available 24/7. Note that consultation fees may apply.
Prevention is the best defense against poisoning. Pet owners should store all medications, chemicals, and toxic foods safely out of reach. Regularly inspecting pastures for harmful plants, securing feed and supplements, and avoiding exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and toxic algae can help protect horses. Being mindful of potential hazards around the home, barn, and farm can go a long way in ensuring the health and safety of all animals.
This spring, take the time to assess your environment and make any necessary changes to keep your pets and livestock safe from harm.
community
Mayor Dueck and Council
• 4712 51 St Lamont 5,800 sq ft shop with office and sales space. Shop was used for agricultural machinery repair. Price: $450,000
LAMONT COUNTY
• HWY 834 between HWY 16 and TWP RD 530 Lamont County 19.48 acres with power and a holding tank. Nice building site. Price: $215,000.00
• 5317-50 Ave Andrew. An 18,000 sq. ft. manufacturing shop with office and storage space on 2.3 acres of land Price: $1,700,000
STRATHCONA COUNTY
• Parts of SW and SE-7-53-22-W4 located at Highway 21 and Lakeland drive 63.62 acres of development land with Highway 21exposure. The property is within the Bremner and local Employment Area ACP with expected future use of industrial. Price: $5,100,000 We’re Always Looking For New Farm Listings!! Give us a Call, We’d Love To Sell Your Property!
Leslie Cholowsky
Alberta Agriculture reports that the period between the melting of snow and the emergence of fresh grass and leaves creates the highest risk for spring wildfires.
Last year Alberta’s Agricultural Service Boards released a shelter in place tool meant for municipalities as they prepared for an upcoming fire season.
The document had good advice for making a plan to shelter livestock in place in case of emergency, but also includes advice based on basic FireSmart principles to be applied to every building found on a farm or acreage.
One of the first things to do this spring is to assess your property and outbuildings. Storing items like piles of firewood, construction materials (or deconstruction materials), patio furniture, and other combustibles against or near a building can be a major fire hazard, according to FireSmart Canada.
Combustible mulch can ignite, producing embers that could ignite other combustible materials in your yard, increasing the chance of flames spreading to outbuildings or your home.
FireSmart guidelines recommend that evergreen trees, with cones and needles, not be within 10 m of a home or outbuilding.
FireSmart suggests you plan a 1.5 metre area around your outbuildings that is a non-combustible surface, to reduce the chance of wind-borne embers starting a fire.
Materials like gravel, brick, or concrete fit the bill perfectly, while woody shrubs, trees, and tree branches should be avoided. Well-mown grass is also suitable for this zone. A mown lawn is a fireresistant lawn, according to FireSmart guidelines. Grass shorter than 10 cm (around 4”) is less likely to burn.
Plant only fire-resistant plants and shrubs within a 10 m radius, and avoid using bark or pine needle mulches within 10 m of a building. Gravel mulch and decorative crushed rock can significantly reduce your risk of fire.
Regularly clean up accu-
mulations of fallen branches, dry grass, and pine needles from the ground to eliminate surface fuels. Remove all branches to a height of two metres from the ground on evergreens within 30 metres of your buildings.
FireSmart guidelines say that reducing the risk of a surface fire on your farmland includes managing
vegetation around fence lines, corral lines, and ditches. A buildup of grass, weeds, and brush make excellent fuel for wildfires.
Reducing vegetation around buildings lowers the risk of wildfire, same as old corrals and unused corners of the yard.
FireSmart rules around feed storage say that dry bales are a magnet for
sparks and embers. Once ignited, they cause fires that can quickly spread and be difficult to put out. Store bales a good distance away from outbuildings. Clean up old hay and straw from broken bales.
Being prepared for a wildfire may help decrease the chances of a grass or wildland fire causing damages to your buildings.
Province says it’s investing $330M over
to improve rural health
Anna Smith
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Budget 2025s new Rural Hospital Enhancement Program would invest about $330 million over three years to support health capital projects in communities across the province.
If passed, Budget 2025 will provide $15 million to support project planning in rural communities, which includes conducting facility and functional assessments of rural hospitals to determine what capital planning solutions and services are required to maximize each facilitys potential, said the province.
Rural Albertans should be able to access the health-care services they need close to home.
The new Rural Hospital Enhancement Program will ensure we are continuing to make data-driven decisions, and that resources are
being appropriately deployed to address the areas with the greatest need, said Minister of Health Adriana Lagrange.
Once project plans for each facility are developed, they will be used to inform future capital planning discussions and funding decisions for new projects, expediting the time between planning and construction.
Alberta’s government is also supporting existing capital programs and projects that will maximize the potential of rural health-care facilities.
The province says these investments aim to ensure that rural patients can receive care in the communities where they reside, reducing the need for long-distance travel to urban centres for essential medical services, reducing the pressure on major centres and support the wellbeing of
rural Albertans.
”As an MLA from rural Alberta, I know first-hand how important it is to have access to high-quality health care facilities close to home,” said Minister of Infrastructure Martin Long in a statement.
“This investment in projects in rural communities across Alberta will enhance care and strengthen our communities. I cannot wait to get to work on these critical projects.”
Support for Ag needed over China tariffs
George Lee Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A reignited trade war the one with China has made federal action essential to protect Alberta farmers and agrifood industries, UCP members and ministers said last week.
On March 20 China imposed 100 per cent tariffs on canola oil, canola meal and peas from Canada, along with 25 per cent tariffs on fish, other aquatic products and pork. The move followed Canadas tariffs launched last October of 100 per cent on Chinas electric cars and 25 per cent on its aluminum and steel.
But Chinese allegations and actions affecting Canadian canola go back at least to 2019. Thats when the worlds most populous country restricted Canadian canola for three years, claiming pests were found in the major Prairies product.
We are pressing Ottawa for urgent support, including compensation, market diversification efforts and a stronger focus on trade negotiations, Agriculture and Irrigation Minister R.J. Sigurdson told the legislature.
It’s very clear that due to the scope and scale of the impacts of this trade war (with China), the only institution that can compensate our farmers enough is the federal government. We need them to come to the table, and we need them to deal with this and support our farmers right now, said the minister.
A trade restriction blocked canola shipped by two major Canadian players between March 2019 and May 2022, with China alleging pests were detected in shipments.
Pundits speculated, however, that the restriction was a reaction to Canadas arrest of the chief financial officer of Chinese tech giant Huawei. Detained in Vancouver over U.S. charges of bank and wire fraud that were eventually dismissed, Meng Wanzhou returned to
China in 2021 after she was released from house arrest.
Then came Canadian tariffs announced last year on electric cars, steel and aluminum from China, and the trade war was on again. Almost immediately, in September, China announced an antidumping investigation against Canada. This year years tariffs of canola, peas, pork and aquatic food followed.
Matt Jones, the minister of jobs, economy and trade, said: “The uncertainty these tariffs create for business disrupts supply chains and reduces market confidence, but were committed to working with federal and international partners to protect our economy, diversify trade and maintain global market access.”
“A $30-billion industry in Canada, canola supports thousands of goodpaying jobs,” Jones said.
Alberta Treasury Branch reporting says that in 2024 Alberta exported over $408 million
in canola oil and meal and over $138 million in dried peas to China.
Alberta government data pegs the value of all 2020 exports to China at $4.5 billion. That number had grown by nearly half to $6.7 billion by 2024.
Said Jones, “the member for Calgary-South East, We need to ensure that these new tariffs dont slow down our momentum.”
Canada followed the lead of the U.S. under Joe Biden last year in instituting an electric car tariff to protect the North American industry from the communist superpowers subsidies.
The earlier dispute had already cost the canola industry between $1.54 billion and $2.35 billion in lost sales and lower prices between March 2019 and August 2020, reported the Canola Council of Canada.
China is Canadas largest canola seed destination, with more than 4.5 million tonnes worth $3.8 billion exported in
Continued on Ag Page 22
Viking Meats
Southern Alberta irrigation: the deep expense of expansion
Cal Braid
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Historically, the productivity coming out of an irrigated parcel of land is significantly higher than dry land. It also has the security of having a productive crop year over year because it’s not completely weather dependent on rainfall. However, there’s a catch: It ain’t cheap.
As general manager of Canada’s largest irrigation district, David Westwood knows the business of supplying water to thirsty farmland. Westwood’s St. Mary River Irrigation District has upwards of 500,000 acres under irrigation after amalgamating with the Taber Irrigation District in 2022.
While irrigation is a more surefire ticket to crop success than dry land, Westwood said it involves a lot more than buying pivots for one’s land. The overall cost includes the pump, power source, pipeline, controls, and in-
stallation fees, and that’s just the hardware for a functional system. A quarter section pivot could cost $160K to $175K factoring in the components and setup.
“It’s a significant capital investment, and it’s not just putting in the pivots,” Westwood said. “For example, if that land now becomes a potato crop, you’re going to be looking at having to then build storage to be able to handle the potatoes, because based on your contracts, they ship all year round. You’ve got to store them in the off-season when it’s not growing season, all those kinds of things. It’s almost always much more than just the investment in the actual irrigation infrastructure of the pivot; it’s all the ancillary things of what you need to do on your farm to be able to grow that product, store that product, and then ship that product.”
Fuel and truck costs are an added consideration, too. Farmers require trucks
or in some cases, a fleet of trucks and drivers to haul loads of crops to elevators or processing facilities.
In 2022, SMRID increased its expansion limit acres. The District’s modeling indicated that between the pipeline modernization project savings plus the extra storage from the planned Chin Reservoir expansion, it would be able to service up to 80,000 more acres.
“We had a lottery for the first 15,000 acres and we’re doing these in very di-
gestible (increments) over many, many years. Those now have been fully subscribed for and by this irrigation season coming up, those new 15,000 acres are now potentially coming into production.”
Some farmers will be irrigating on previously held dry land, and some are expanding upon preexisting irrigation.
“Some are just putting irrigation acres on a parcel of land that did not have irrigation acres on it before, but a part of that par-
cel did so,” Westwood explained. “A classic example would be they had enough irrigation acres under the circle pivot, but in the past had never chosen to have irrigation acres in the four dry corners of a circle pivot. But now they’ve chosen to put irrigation acres on all those corners, and it gives them
the flexibility they may want to do a corner arm system, or they just may want the water that comes along with those acres.”
Building a progressive and productive farming business is no cinch, but modern advancements have turned agriculture into a huge business–if you can afford the buy-in.
What’s different about PowerRich Fertilizer
When you compare the PowerRich fertilizer program with traditional fertilizer you’ll notice 3 big differences and they are:
PowerRich, along with your present nitrogen program, provides a total fertilizer. In addition to phosphorus and potassium PowerRich also provides all of the other nutrients that are either absent from your soil or in a form unavailable to your crops.
PowerRich fertilizer uses nutrients that are all compatible with one another. PowerRich uses primary, secondary and micronutrients which are compatible and are readily available to your crop.
The third main difference with the PowerRich fertilizer program and traditional fertilizer, is that rather than applying the fertilizer all in one shot, the PowerRich program is a 3 part program that is tailored to the different requirements of your crop as it grows.
Warnings from prairie farmers about carbon capture risks
Poitras Staff Reporter
In a recent release from National Farmers Union (NFU), the organization explains that prairie farmers are expressing their concerns about the dangers of carbon capture and storage (CCS).
“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 CCS 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” NFU says.
The goal of CCS is to cut carbon emissions to
limit the rise of global temperatures. As defined on the Shell Canada website, “carbon capture and storage is a combination of technologies that capture and release carbon dioxide (CO2) deep underground, preventing its release into the atmosphere.”
“At Shell, we believe that CCS will be essential for helping society to achieve net-zero emissions,” Shell Canada’s website says.
In a meeting on the carbon capture project held in October of last year in Viking, concerns were raised about the usage of good farmland during the process of CCS.
“We are not looking for areas where there is good farmland (to use). The work is mainly underground,” geophysicist Alexa Tomlinson explained.
However, NFU board member Glenn Norman, of Red Deer County, says CCS is not the answer.
“Geological carbon cap-
ture and so-called ‘storage’ is no solution at all to climate change. Nearly all attempts to date have failed and leaked to the surface, contaminating both ground and surface water,” Norman said.
“The NFU, in collaboration with other groups, is focusing its attention on the Cold Lake CCS Project,” NFU says.
“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,” NFU youth president Adama
Bundu, of Edmonton, said.
There is currently a running facility, Quest CCS, operated by Shell Canada on behalf of the Athabasca Oil Sands Project located at the Scotford Upgrader northeast of Edmonton.
“Shell opened the refinery and styrene plant at Scotford in 1984. A monoethylene glycol plant was added in 2000. The Shelloperated Scotford Upgrader opened in 2003 and it was expanded in 2011. The Shell-operated Quest CCS facility was added to capture CO2 from the three hydrogen manufacturing units within the upgrader in 2015,” Shell’s website says.
In June 2024 Shell announced the Final Investment Decision for Polaris, the carbon capture project at Scotford, as well as the Atlas Carbon Storage Hub in partnership with ATCO EnPower.
“The Atlas Carbon Storage Hub from Shell
and ATCO EnPower intends to store CO2 emissions generated in the Alberta Industrial Heartland region. The first phase of Atlas will store CO2 emissions captured by Shell’s Polaris carbon capture project. CO2 emissions captured by Polaris will be sent to the Atlas Carbon Storage Hub via an approximately 22-kilometre pipelineto two storage wells located in Strathcona County. CO2 will be stored approximately two kilometres underground in the Basal Cambrian Sands, the same formation used to successfully store CO2 from the Quest CCS facil-
ity currently operating at Shell Scotford,” Shell Canada Community Relations Advisor Janine King said in a previous interview with the Tofield Mercury.
“Polaris and Atlas will build on the success of the Quest carbon capture and storage facility at Scotford, which has safely captured and stored more than nine million tonnes of CO2 from the Scotford upgrader since 2015 that would otherwise have been released into the atmosphere. Both projects are expected to begin operations toward the end of 2028,” she said.
Vanessa
By Sylvain Charlebois (Troy Media)
Canada has started a trade war with China, yet few in Ottawa seem willing to acknowledge the consequences.
Unlike the United States, which often imposes tariffs as a bargaining chip only to later negotiate, China takes a far more calculated and punitive approach. When Beijing retaliates, it targets industries with both economic and symbolic significance, ensuring maximum pressure on its adversary.
In Canada’s case, that means agricultural exports—particularly canola, known globally as “Canada oil,” and Atlantic lobster, both of which have now become collateral damage in this escalating dispute.
The fallout is already being felt. Starting March 20, Canadian grain farmers, hog producers and seafood harvesters face 100 per cent tariffs when exporting to China, a critical market for these sectors.
Canola, which generated $3.72 billion in exports in recent years, is now under anti-dumping investigations, while rapeseed oil—a major processed product—is being hit with prohibitive tariffs. Pork exports, once thriving, have dwindled as China tightens import restrictions, and the billion-dol-
lar seafood industry, led by lobster and crab, is now facing similar uncertainty.
This crisis was set in motion by Ottawa’s decision last October to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and batteries, mirroring a move by the United States. Then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sought to align with U.S. President Joe Biden, aiming to shield North American manufacturing from an influx of cheap Chinese imports.
But now, with both leaders gone, Prime Minister Mark Carney has made it clear he has no intention of reversing course.
China’s retaliation follows a familiar pattern. When Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Vancouver in 2018 at the request of the U.S., Beijing didn’t retaliate against Washington—it went after Canadian farmers, restricting key agricultural exports.
The same playbook is being used now, yet Ottawa appears either oblivious or unwilling to acknowledge how much damage this is causing to its own producers.
At the core of this conflict is Canada’s high-stakes bet on electric vehicles and battery manufacturing. The federal government has commit-
ted nearly $50 billion to develop the sector, funding projects like Stellantis and LG’s battery plant in Windsor, Volkswagen’s gigafactory in St. Thomas, Ont., and Northvolt’s facility in Quebec—despite Northvolt’s financial struggles and reports that its parent company is on the verge of bankruptcy.
Additional billions have gone to Ford and other automakers as part of
Canada’s strategy to become a global battery hub. While these subsidies are intended to create jobs and secure supply chains, they come with immense financial and economic risks. There is no guarantee that Canada’s EV industry will be globally competitive or that these government-backed projects will deliver on their promised returns.
Continued on Page
BULLARAMA
Alberta organization seeks to improve farm mental health services
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
AgKnow, providing an Alberta approach to farm mental health, seeks to provide better access and use of the mental health services currently available, and works to ensure those services align with the needs of farmers.
“The work that resulted in AgKnow began in 2021 when the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation responded to a resolution from the Agricultural Service Boards asking for farm specific mental health resources and services,” AgKnow program director Linda Hunt said.
“The initial ask was for Agriculture Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA) to adapt some mental health resources for agriculture industry. To do that we needed to know which resources and who needed them, which resulted in the project becoming a needs assessment, and then a quest to answer the question, What does a made for Alberta Farm Mental Health program need to be?” Hunt said.
AgKnow is working to increase the capacity of mental health providers in the agriculture industry to address to growing concerns about farmer mental health.
“Research in Canada is showing that farmers have higher rates of suicidal ideation, anxiety, and depression than the general public, and in the US they found farmers are twice as likely to die by suicide than the general public. But what should or can be done about it? There are programs asking this question across Canada, and some exciting new supports that are becoming available.
“But what would work for farmers here? We discovered that there are places in the province that mental health services are underutilized and the providers are unsure what is preventing farmers from accessing them. In other places the services either don’t exist or are overburdened with demand. So, since 2021 AgKnow has been connecting with farmers, farm associations, and professionals that work in agriculture, health care programs, and researchers to work out how to increase the capacity of our health and mental health providers and our agriculture industry to support farmers, their families, and veterinarians,” Hunt said.
AgKnow is undergoing many projects and initiatives, including funding research, pilot programs, working with industry groups, attending events to speak with farmers, providing online webinars, and conducting surveys.
“We seed funded research in Alberta so we can get a good handle on what is happening now, and continue to con-
nect and encourage new projects that make discoveries or validate methods of outreach. We pilot programs like our farm informed counselling network, and workshops on resiliency, suicide prevention, and mental health literacy.
“We work with industry groups to incorporate mental health content into publications where farmers are already engaged, like the calving resources at the Beef Cattle Research Council (www.beefresearch.ca/blog/how-to-prepareyourself-and-your-beef-operation-for-calving-season/).
“We also attend events with farmers and talk about the struggles on farm for their feedback and insights. We provide online webinars designed to encourage deeper understanding of topics that farmers have identified as important. We conduct surveys and take the results to program and service providers in hopes we can encourage the development of services that meet the needs of farm families. It is important to us that we are meeting the needs of farmers and a benefit to their farming operation,” Hunt said.
In order to operate, AgKnow applies for grant funding, but that does not cover all costs associated with running the organization.
“Funding has been a big challenge for us. Even though the province has been very supportive, project grants do not cover all of our costs, so we need to leverage the grant investment with nongrant funds. Last year our one-year grant finished and the four-year grant application was delayed so we ended up working with our stakeholders to keep things moving. The support from industry has rolled in in small bits and has been keeping us afloat but not providing the stability required to keep employees.
“These are the growing pains that many worthwhile initiatives go through and the outpouring of support from rural municipalities, farmers, and farm associations gives me optimism that things can get better,” Hunt said.
If individuals or businesses are interested, AgKnow has a donation link on their website and Hunt said they are always open for sponsorship conversations.
“We are working on an agreement that will give us charitable status so we can issue charitable receipts, and in the meantime a number of partners have provided funding to keep things moving. I am very grateful to ATB, Results Driven Ag Research, PorchLight society, rural municipalities, and individual donors that have contributed financially and with in-kind support.
Continued to page Continued on Ag Page 18
Ottawa has essentially chosen to apply a supply management-style approach to an emerging sector—limiting competition, inflating costs and betting taxpayer money on an industry that is far from proven. As history has shown, when markets are heavily managed, consumers end up with higher prices, lower quality and fewer choices.
In prioritizing Ontario and Quebec’s manufacturing jobs, Ottawa has knowingly sacrificed the interests of Canadian farmers and seafood harvesters. Yet, rather than acknowledging this trade-off or offering support, the federal government has remained largely silent.
The absence of a response from new Agriculture Minister Kody Blois is particularly troubling. With farmers already struggling due to rising costs and declining margins, the imposition of 100 per cent tariffs on critical exports
is a major blow.
If Minister Blois does not act swiftly to defend Canada’s agricultural sector, farmers and seafood harvesters will be left to bear the full weight of Ottawa’s geopolitical gamble.
Canada’s handling of this trade war has been reckless. Instead of mitigating risks, the government has gone all in on an industry that remains untested while turning its back on agricultural sectors that have long been pillars of the Canadian economy.
If Minister Blois and the government fail to intervene, the economic consequences for Canadian farmers and seafood producers will be severe. Ottawa may have been willing to make this gamble, but it’s the agricultural sector that will ultimately pay the price.
What a mess.
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Canadian professor and researcher in food distribution and policy. He is senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and co-host of The Food Professor Podcast. He is frequently cited in the media for his insights on food prices, agricultural trends, and the global food supply chain.
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This has been the hardest and yet most rewarding project I have every worked on,” she said.
When asked what questions people usually have in relation to AgKnow, Hunt said most ask how they can help.
“It’s not a hard sell, as the last few years have been very difficult for the health care system in Alberta, and for rural residents it has felt like a centralization of services in the urban areas. So much change in how or if services are available,
and at the same time some new services being rolled out that blanket the province, like Counselling Alberta which offers no wait time, long and short-term counselling services, virtually everywhere in the province, and, in some places, in person, on a sliding scale thanks to funding from the new Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions.
We are excited to be partnering with them and increasing the number of farm informed counsellors in their network so
that every farm family has affordable access,” she said.
Hunt said that AgKnow has been funded as a discovery project, but with the huge need, they are working with the ARECA board to work out how to move from a short-term discovery project to a long-term initiative.
“We have an updated report with recommendations that is being published on our website right now as well as some videos from our stakeholder engagement ses-
sions that anyone interested can watch and provide feedback through an online form. It’s really helpful to us to hear from farmers from all types of farms, and all areas of Alberta so we can really speak with their voice when advocating for services and ensure the services will actually meet real needs in the industry,” she said.
Hunt said the best way for people to stay in touch and find out what the organization is up to, is through the website, AgKnow.ca and by sub-
scribing to their newsletter.
“Getting farmers to participate in our surveys and engagements helps us stay on track to make a real difference for the community. Right now, we have a survey about farm transition that is helping us dive deeper into the “farm family dynamics” that are a main driver of farm families to reach out for counselling support,” she said.
Battle River Railway a Central Alberta success story
Leslie Cholowsky
The Battle River Railway New Generation Co-op (BRR NGC) was started in 2010 with local investors, many of whom were farmers, to purchase a shortline railway that serviced the communities of Kelsey, Rosalind, Forestburg, Heisler, Galahad, and Alliance.
The Co-op has different types of shares
In all, it’s 52 miles of straight railway, the longest straight section of railway in Alberta, they say.
BRR General Manager Matt Enright says the original model for the railway was under the single-desk model, and was a sure-fire way to get producer cars to clients/shareholders in an age of big crops and small rail capacity.
A lot has changed since then.
BRR has experienced a lot of growth, and now has multiple revenue streams. That includes rail freight, shipping grain, fertilizer, and fly ash. Enright says a new contract will soon also bring bentonite clay hauling. BRR is also now doing grain merchandising.
Revenue also comes from rail car storage and switching, transloading, and even tourism, although the latter is a break-even at best.
In 2020, BRR purchased existing grain elevators in Rosalind, Heisler, and Alliance, and added transloading to its revenue streams.
In about 2021, BRR added some track at Forestburg to substantially reduce the amount of switching required, also reducing the impact of operating across public crossings.
In 2024 BRR got rid of three 70-yearold timber bridges on the line, replacing them with concrete ‘box culverts.’ Not only was this time efficient, with less than a week per bridge, it was also cost efficient, with an expected lifespan of 100 years. The new culverts are also able to handle flood runoff more efficiently and safely.
Enright says this project was funded by the federal Rail Safety Improvement Program with a grant for $2.9 million.
In 2022, BRR applied for grant funding under the National Trade Corridors Fund, part of that was meant to cover the bridge upgrades, and part to extend a spur line into the Forestburg Industrial Park that is currently under development.
After two years, news of that grant’s approval came, after the Rail Safety Improvement Grant had been received; luckily the two were stackable.
This grant was for $5.7 million but a lot had changed since the application went in. With this additional funding, instead of bridge improvements, BRR was able to do bridge replacement, with most of that cost covered by the two grants.
A revised project list for the NTCF grant has been approved, which includes building the track out in Alliance this year, as well as adding five times the existing storage capabilities, with five 900-tonne bins and also adding a
third track. This will provide the ability to load 100 cars.
“That represents a lot of growth and room to grow a grain business. We feel like there is a lot of potential in Alliance, they are close to a lot of acres.”
Enright says in Forestburg the plan for construction season 2027 is hopefully to put a rail spur in as well. “We would like to see a tenant in place by then.”
Enright says all projects under the Continued on Ag Page 32
The Battle River Railway New Gen Co-op owns the shortline raiway that runs from just east of Highway 53 to Alliance, and is based out of Forestburg, shown here. At the bottom of the photo is the two-track locomotive house. The upper right corner shows a corner of the new industrial park in Forestburg where a rail spur could be built to accomodate an industrial tenant needing rail access.
Municipalities want end to oil and gas property tax loopholes
Brett McKay Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) says its members are facing an unpaid oil and gas property tax burden of $253.9 million. As new arrears are added each year, the chance of recovering these unpaid millions is shrinking, and municipalities are calling on the province fix well-known loopholes that let debtor companies off the hook.
In 2024, the unpaid oil and gas property taxes owed to rural municipalities grew by $67.8 million, more than 50 per cent higher than the outstanding taxes owed in 2023, according to a survey of RMA members.
The portion of this debt owed by insolvent companies is now over 60 per cent, leaving municipalities with little
choice but to accept their losses and write off the debt.
“When these companies are put up for sale or transferred, there is no opportunity for municipalities to attach that unpaid property tax portion to the resale or to try and get any of the value back,” said RMA President Kara Westerlund.
“There is no mechanism, whether legislation or within the (Alberta Energy Regulator), that allows us to be a creditor.”
The fact that municipalities are powerless to compel tax payment is well known within the oil and gas industry, Westerlund said.
The recent spike in the number of insolvent companies suggests several non-viable companies continued operating, and not paying taxes, in 2023 before going under last year,
according to RMA.
The growing issue of insolvency highlights the need for the AER to “adopt a more effective approach to ensure that the oil and gas industry meets its tax obligations to municipalities while still operating,” the RMA said in a its 2024 report on unpaid oil and gas taxes.
Rural municipalities are owed over $100 million by operational companies. Though hundreds of oil and gas companies currently have unpaid property taxes, a handful of bad actors are responsible for a huge portion of the debt. The ten worst offenders owe a combined $67 million, and a single company owes over $27 million to 19 municipalities.
“The attempts in the last several years to put
a stop to this type of behaviour in the industry are not working. RMA is willing to work through the solutions.
Westerlund said RMA is hoping to meet with officials from Municipal Affairs and Energy and Minerals to create a
“We're willing to come to the table. But enough is enough,” Westerlund said.
bility strategy and implement solutions to strengthen enforcement and eliminate the unpaid property tax problem.
Viking Auction Market Ltd. Auction
Friends of the Battle River Railway presents Fulfill Your Bucket List -
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It’s the Experience — make memories and fulfill your Bucket List in 2025 with Battle River Train Excursions. With headquarters in Forestburg, the Friends of the Battle River Railway (FBRR) are delighted to offer private charters alongside a great lineup of theme-based day train excursions this year.
2025 Excursions
May 17 - Sip N’ Ride Brewery Tour
June 14 - Historic Heisler Hotel Excursion
July 19 - A Prairie Town Train Excursion
August 16 - Explore Farm to Fork by Train
November 29 & 30 - Murder on the Battle River Express
December 13 - Santa Daze Train to Alliance
For more information about private charters, renting the station, or any of our train excursions, visit:
www.battlerivertrain.com
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China Tariffs
Continued from Page 7
2023, the federal government published in a September statement.
The UCPs Glenn van Dijken, the member for Athabasca-BarrheadWestlock, said last week: “Alongside the energy sector, Alberta’s economy rests on the health and prosperity of our agricultural sector. It supports thousands of jobs and contributes billions to our provinces economy.
“Canadian farmers and food producers now face serious economic uncertainty thanks to China and their retaliative tariffs on Canadian agricultural products.”
Grant Hunter, the UCP member for TaberWarner, said: “This escalation in trade tensions has already significantly impacted bilateral trade and will continue to do so while these tariffs remain in place.”
Sigurdson, the Agriculture Minister, called the situation ”very complex” and said its full impact remains unknown.
“Our province, of course, has a long history of standing up for its economic interests, and thats exactly what were doing,” added Sig-
urdson, the member for Highwood.
The legislatures discussion of trade with China takes place as the Trump effect continues shaking the foundation of geopolitics and geoeconomics.
Since his inauguration in January, President
Donald Trump has posted and postured about using tariffs in a way he claims will amp up homeland industries and create a golden age in the U.S.
The levels and broad brush of his U.S. tariffs are unprecedented in post-Second World War
trade, and most economists say they wont achieve what Trump says they will.
Although Trumps tariffs against Canada have been on-again, offagain, some level of implementation supposedly happens this week.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Canada will have to adapt to a new era of its trade relationship with the U.S. A federal election in
Canada on April 28 further complicates matters, as leaders for the three major parties crisscross the country on the campaign trail.
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Organic Alberta holds conference to equip farmers with information
Kelsey Witham Staff Reporter
Established in 2004 and originally named Going Organic Network of Alberta, Organic Alberta represents over 660 organic producers and processors in Alberta, along with over 100 businesses across the organic community with the mission to represent, support, and grow Alberta’s entire organic industry. The organization holds training and informational workshops regularly across the province.
A recent conference was held in Nisku, running from Friday, February 28 to Sunday,
March 2.
“Organic Alberta has hosted this Annual Conference and Tradeshow since 2015. It brings together over 200 attendees, including farmers and ranchers, industry professionals, organic experts, and key stakeholders in the organic sector,” Small Farm Canada’s website said in promotion of the event.
“In 2025, we are delighted to collaborate with the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association to launch the Agri-tourism 2035 Growth Strategy. With over 25 speakers and multiple break-out sessions, the annual Organic
Alberta conference offers a fantastic opportunity to equip farmers, producers, U-pick berry growers and agritourism operations with the information they need to succeed while fostering valuable connections within the industry,” the website said.
The conference included Member of Parliamentfor the Edmonton Riverbend riding, Matt Jeneroux, who spoke on mental health awareness, along with the impact of tariffs, counter-tariffs and a team Alberta approach presented by Bianca Parsons, the Executive Director of the Alberta Food Processors Association.
Both Organic Alberta and Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association held their AGM during the Nisku conference, covering topics to be explored in the upcoming year. Currently, less than 25 per cent of domestic demand for organic vegetables at retail is filled by Canadian producers. With the growing desire for organic products, more than 20 million Canadians are buying organic products weekly, Organic Alberta’s website says. There are nearly 5,000 certified organic farms in Canada and the number is rising as there is an increase in research and funding that is being distrib-
uted to the organic sector.
To help encourage new farmers to enter organic farming, Organic Alberta launched the program ‘Young Agrarians’ in 2015, funded by Peavey Mart’s Agricultural Community Grant. The program has been a successful initiative that helps grow the next generation of ecological farmers in Alberta who are looking to gain skills and knowledge by helping them navigate the opportunities and challenges of starting a farm. Farmer-to-farmer relationships begin to develop by networking at workshops and farm tours put on by the Young Agrarian program.
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Busy B Bargains
Mundare farming family legacy honoured with provincial award
Mundare farming family legacy honoured with award
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Michael Zeleny was in his 20s when he first immigrated to Canada in search of a new life during the early 1900s.
After first arriving in Vancouver, he eventually purchased 160 acres of land near Mundare for $3,700 in 1920. Soon after, he met and married his bride, Eva.
Little did he realize that over 100 years later, his descendants would not only still be working the land and calling it home, but the Zeleny name would be forever chiseled into history with an Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award from the provincial government.
Last month Zeleny’s son, Clarence, 88, along with his wife Norma and their family were presented with the Alberta Century Farm and Ranch award at their home by Fort SaskatchewanVegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk.
The award recognizes farms whose families have owned and operated the same land for 100 years or more.
Robb Zeleny, Clarence’s son, said he’s very proud of his family’s farming history being recognized with the award.
“It’s a proud feeling. Not too many farms can farm on the same quarter for that many years and live there too. Grandpa lived there, dad lived there, that’s (huge),” he said. “I think (dad) was happy about it. He didn't show too much emotion, but I'm sure he was proud of it.”
Zeleny said his grandfather was one of the first in the area to have power installed, and he farmed until 1961 when Zeleny’s father Clarence took over. Zeleny said his father introduced cattle to the farm in 1963 which had, up until then, been raising pigs, chickens and grain.
He said over time, the farm which had once encompassed 160 acres, grew at it’s peak to over 3,400 acres.
Zeleny’s memories of growing up on the farm with his two sisters Arlette and Shauna, include having egg fights with old eggs found forgotten in the barn, spending time with the family dog Rex, and feeding newborn cattle.
“Living on the farm was truly the best life a person could ever ask for,” wrote Zeleny’s sister Shauna in a letter.
“There are so many memories we had growing up that made us who we are today.”
Shauna shared a heartwarming memory in her letter of the special care she gave to the many cats who lived on the farm.
“One of my jobs was to pick eggs from the chicken coop after school, but we also had probably 20 cats on the farm which I loved.
There were days when there weren’t enough leftovers to feed those cats, so I decided they couldn’t go hungry. I made a decision to take the profit from the eggs and feed a few dozen a day to the cats,” she said.
“Dad couldn’t figure out why the chickens stopped producing, but I think he knows now.”
Zeleny’s other sister Arlette described how her parents encouraged each of the three children to raise a calf of their own and once it was time to sell, put the
money into their bank accounts. She said her parents also passed
down the life lessons to their grandchildren.
“Dad and mom
looked after all nine grandchildren. All of them were instilled with life long learning lessons which we are all grateful for,” she said.
Meanwhile, Zeleny credits his son, Kyler, for the award happening at all.
“Kyler, my son, did all the paperwork. He's the one that got all the wheels going, did paperwork, phoned the city, phoned Jackie and got the wheels going,” he said.“
Continued on Page
Robb Zeleny tosses some grain into the air for a fun photo with his father, Clarence, standing nearby in 2014. The image was captured by Zeleny's son, photographer Kyler Zeleny.
RCMP arrest teenager with $15K in drugs
On March 19, the Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team executed a search warrant on a residence in the Rosedale neighbourhood of Red Deer. As a result of the search warrant, police have seized approximately 800 grams of cocaine, packing materials, a digital scale and approximately $14,495 of Canadian currency.
A youth, aged 16, was arrested on scene and was found in possession of 16 pre-packaged bags of cocaine and two spitballs of cocaine.
The youth, who cannot be named under Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with the following offences:
• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
• Proceeds of crime over $5,000
• Illegal possession of government documents
The youth was taken before a Justice of the Peace and was released on a Release Order with conditions.
They are scheduled to appear in court on April 3, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.
“This arrest is part of our ongoing efforts to disrupt street level drug trafficking within Red Deer. Drug trafficking poses a threat to the safety and well-being of everyone, and we are committed to holding those involved responsible,” said Sgt. Robert Daisley. "We encourage anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it. If you see something, say something”
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Mundare farmers
two quarters of dad’s,” he said adding there is still interest in farming from his sister’s families.
Continued from
Continued from Page 24
“He wanted it for Christmas, but Jackie just couldn't get there in time, so we gave it to (mom and dad) just a few weeks ago. I really appreciate Kyler doing this, because if it wasn't for him, we would have never have had this award.”
Kyler, a photographer and story-teller, has published three books so far on his small-town rural observations, and last Aug., Maclean’s magazine wrote an article on Kyler’s 2023 anthology ‘Bury Me in the Back Forty’.
The book chronicles small-town Mundare through photos taken by Kyler over a nine-year period.
Today, Zeleny said his dad was still farming with him up until last year. He said his father, who by nature is a gogetter, is starting to slow down.
“Dad was farming with me as of last year, no problem, 88 years old, and then all sudden, his knee (gave out) and he can't move around. It's bothering him, because he's a type of person that's got to go out and feed the cats and get the mail and whatnot, and he can't do that,” he said.
As far as the future of the Zeleny farm goes, Zeleny said his part may end when he retires.
“At peak time, we were farming 3,400 acres, and we had 300 animals in the yard, but we don't do that now, because we're slowing down. Dad sold his cattle, I sold my cattle, and now I am farming 1500 acres with
“It’s a proud feeling. I mean you’ve got three generations of Zelenys farming on the same quarter. I have a son, but his interests are not in the farm so it’s probably going to stop when I retire. It was a pleasure farming with my dad all of these years.”
The farm’s original owners, Mike and Eva Zeleny, both passed away months apart in 1972; Eva first at the age of 77 on Feb. 4 and Mike on May 19 at the age of 82.
According to the province’s website, the Century Farm and Family Award program began in 1992 and more than 1960 family farms have been recognized since its inception over 30 years ago.
The Zeleny children, Robb, Shauna (red pants) and Arlette with their father Clarence enjoying time with a newborn calf and the family dog, Rex, in 1974
Photo: Robb Zeleny
Clarence and Norma Zeleny sit proudly at their home with their Alberta Century Farm and Ranch award last month. Photo: Robb Zeleny
Bees
Joe Konecny Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Government of Canada’s 2023 Statistical Overview of the Canadian Honey and Bee Industry illustrates the size and impact of bee farming.
“Beekeeping is an important agricultural industry in Canada, producing honey and other hive products, and delivering valuable pollination services to farmers of orchard fruits, many berries, vegetables, forage, and the production of hybrid canola seed,” according to the report.
In 2021, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) estimated that the total annual economic contribution of honeybee
pollination was about $3.18 billion. When honeybee pollination of hybrid canola seed is also considered, the total estimated contribution is $7 billion per year.
The number of hives across the country increased in 2023 to 794,341, about 3.6 percent more than the previous year, consistent with the previous four years.
The volume of honey produced in Canada in 2023 increased 23.4 percent from a year earlier to 91.8 million pounds. The total value of the national harvest increased 8.2 percent over the previous year to $277 million, about 22 percent higher than the average of the previous four years.
About 64 percent of Canadian honeybee
colonies are in the Prairie provinces – Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta – however the majority (59 percent) of beekeepers with one or more honeybee colonies operate in Ontario and British Columbia.
Ontario and B.C. beekeepers manage 23 percent of colonies in Canada, however, the Prairie beekeepers accounted for 81 percent of national honey production in 2023, totaling 74,222 thousand pounds. Nationwide, 91,807 pounds were produced.
NTCF grant funding must by completed by March 2028 for reporting.
“Our main goal in Forestburg is to have the site development-ready,” Enright says, adding that the Village is a great partner in that by providing road access.
“We’ve got two years to market that development. Different clients have different needs, and might want a different configuration for a rail line. We are optimistic about rail accessibility bringing customers to the Forestburg development.
“We are on that stage of growth where we can be seen as a safe place to invest with successful partners.”
Enright says BRR’s expansion of services really follows the Federated Coop model, where diversification enhances profit for shareholders. “We are owned by our members, so our profit goes back primarily to those who invested in the short line, and those who use it.
“The shortline industry has passed the ‘prove it’ stage into established business and growth stage.”
That’s where BRR has an advantage over other shortlines, in that the rail quality in this shortline is superior to many other branch lines.
And growth has been very important to BRR and its members, he says. “In 2015 we started moving oil and grain, then oil stopped and there was a poor grain crop. Trying to reduce costs and manage through that was a lot less fun than figuring out how to grow and bring on new employees and new customers.
“We’ve had very committed shareholders. The vast majority of money put in were through investment shares. But we have committed shareholders, who feel proud to receive dividends and support a local business.”
vest locally.
“To have an avenue here where locals can invest locally turns into people who today are very proud to be shareholders.”
Overall, Enright says,
“The sooner the grain is on rail, the better it is for road authorities throughout the province,” he says.
“The Province spends a whole lot of money building and maintaining roads and almost zero money supporting rail.”
Enright says agreements with the Province put the entire cost of maintaining crossings on BRR’s shoulders. That includes four lighted crossings on Secondary Highway 855, and Highways 36 and 53, and the old 36 near Galahad, along with 53 uncontrolled crossings.
He says the Province’s Locomotive Fuel Tax went up March 1, some-
thing that hits a shortline harder than the big players.
BRR also supports the Friends of the Battle River Railway, who own a passenger car and open air car and run different tourism excursions throughout the year.
At Christmas, BRR partners with them to run local excursions by donation which they then donate to the local Food Banks. “We see that as a positive local interaction.”
P.O. Box 123, Lougheed, AB T0B 2V0 Manager: Jeremy Simpson Phone: 780-386-3771
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He says, “The new generation co-op model works very well in rural Alberta,” he says.
“In general we don’t lack capital or investment, we lack the ability to in-
Alliance Rail facility.
Rosalind Rail facility.
Heisler Rail facility.