‘Precipitous increase’ in FCSS visits
Over 2,000 come in need of help as funding fails to keep pace with the need
Patricia Harcourt Editor
Last week local social service agencies attended the annual Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSA) conference in Edmonton.
Over 400 delegates attended the provincewide function including Viking/Beaver FCSS.
Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely acted as a
spokesperson for her government in explaining its role and that of the delegates at the convention.
“They came together to share insights, collaborate and strengthen our collective mission to support communities,” said Lovely.
“The FCSSA plays a crucial role in delivering programs that enhance the quality of life for Albertans, especially in rural areas,” she added.
Lovely emphasized the $105 million allocated in this year’s budget for FCSS programs, which she called “essential” to reinforce programs that meet local needs and address social challenges.”
And she said the province works alongside FCSS to create meaningful, long term outcomes for Albertans ensuring everyone has access to the supports they need to thrive.”
FCSSA works to make Alberta stronger and more connected, she concluded.
Local FCSS Director Dawn Chrystian indicates that all the funds provided by the province are necessary, and then some She also gave credit to local municipalities for providing extra funds over and above their official allocations. This was attributed to their recognition that there is an
increasing demand for their services that is not being met by provincial funding.
“We are grateful for the provincial government’s continued support for the FCSS program,” she said. “Across the province, there are nearly 200 FCSS programs providing essential preventative social service supports.”
But the needs are growing exponentially, she said, including locally.
“Like many such agencies, we are increasingly being asked to do more with less. For example, in the Viking area, we have seen a precipitous increase in the amount of visits to our office, and expect to reach over 2,000 visits for the first time this year.”
Plus, she said the types of concerns individuals are presenting with are also increasingly Continued on Page 6
Attending the Family and Community Support conference in Edmonton last week were: from left to right: Judy Acres, VBFCSS Board Town of Viking representative; MLA Jackie Lovely; Dawn Chrystian, VBFCSS Director; Tricia Chrystian, VBFCSS Board Chair/Beaver County member at large; and Erin Hollar, VBFCSS Board Vice Chair/Beaver County member at large.
Viking Council rejects CAO’s latest letter of resignation in October
Patricia Harcourt Editor
Viking Council dealt with a letter of resignation from Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Doug Lefsrud at the October 21 regular meeting of council.
The matter was dealt with late in the meeting under the subject title of “Correspondence.”
The motion was made by Deputy Mayor Julianna Merta, who had been appointed at the organizational meeting held just prior to the regular council meeting the same day.
Merta’s motion read:
“Deputy Mayor Merta motions to reject email letter of resignation from CAO Doug Lefsrud.” The motion was carried by council.
The motion must be made in open session, but personnel discussions are usually done in closed session under Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) rules.
There was no resignation letter from Lefsrud in the October 21 meeting package referred to by the council.
The CAO remains in his position going forward
with the minutes of the Oct. 21 meeting stating: “CAO Doug Lefsrud is in agreeance with the motion.”
The minutes of this meeting were officially approved by council at their latest meeting on November 18.
This is the second time council has voted to reject an offer to resign by CAO Lefsrud.
In the spring of 2024, it was reported that the “The Town of Viking almost lost its current Chief Administrative Officer after Viking Council received a letter of resignation recently from Doug Lefsrud.”
This first letter was also not accepted after a closed session meeting on May 13. Also at that time, no reasons were given for the letter and closed sessions are subject to confidentiality rules.
After that incident, council eventually set up committee of the whole meetings for the first of each month to discuss issues, which can be in closed session and out of the prying eyes of the public.
However, this move has since failed to offset another incident of a similar nature.
As the Trudeau Liberals continue to do whatever they can to stifle Alberta’s oil and gas industry, Premier Danielle Smith is fighting back for her province.
The Feds under the hyper-foolish eco terrorist Stephen Guilbeault, announced its draft oil and gas emissions cap.
Guilbeault announced draft regulations for capping greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas sectors – which is to say Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan and Newfoundland.
The regulations would require a 35 per cent reduction in emissions from oil and gas below 2019 levels by 2030.
“It is not an emissions cap, it is a production cap,” Smith said in a press conference, where she threatened to launch a constitutional challenge to the proposed caps.
She boldly stated she “was pissed off” by Guilbeault’s draft regulations.
While the Feds proudly stated the draft
OPINION
would cap pollution, drive innovation and create jobs, many analysts refuse to drink that kool aid.
But in reality, while it may well cap pollution and drive some innovation, according to several recent analyses it won’t create jobs in the oil and gas industry and will, in fact, kill many jobs.
The Conference Board of Canada think-tank estimates that the cap would reduce Canada’s GDP by up to $1 trillion between 2030 and 2040, kill up to 151,300 jobs across Canada by 2030, and slow national economic growth from 2023 to 2030 from 15.3 per cent to 14.3 per cent.
Another study by Deloitte estimates that, due to the federal cap, Alberta will see 3.6 per cent less investment, almost 70,000 fewer jobs, and a 4.5 per cent decrease in the province’s economic output (i.e. GDP) by 2040.
With the election in the U.S. of Donald Trump as the president elect, he has threatened to put huge tariffs on all imports to the U.S, including oil and gas.
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To counter this Smith was invited to join the Governors’ Coalition for Energy Security.
Alberta will join 14 States in the coalition whose aim is to highlight the shared interest of all members in ensuring affordable, reliable and cleaner energy for their residents.
The coalition was founded by Louisiana Governors Jeff Landry and New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu.
“I am honoured to join the Governors’ Coalition for Energy Security and would like to extend my sincere thanks to Governors Landry and Sununu for the invitation,” said Smith
“Alberta plays a vital role in North American energy security, serving as the largest supplier of crude oil and natural gas to the United States. Our contribution is set to grow even further as we look to work with the Trump Administration and other US partners to increase our pipeline capacity to the United States.
“We are proud to collaborate with this coali-
tion of allied States in advancing energy security, reliability, and affordability for Americans and Canadians,” she added.
She has also stated she plans to be in Washington during the same time as the inauguration of Trump as the new president in January.
Meanwhile Guilbeault is in Azerbaijan moaning about climate change at COP29 and pledging more Canadian tax dollars to help those poor third world counties affected by rising sea levels and damaging storms caused by “climate change.”
The Environment Minister said Canada will spend $160 million to launch a new fund called GAIA to finance projects that aim to reduce emissions in lower-income countries.
In fact the Environment Minister has floated the silly idea of the new fund will include direct grants as well as long-term loans with the goal of getting $2 billion from private sources as well as the government.
Smith fights for Alberta as Liberals fight against it JOHN’S RANT
Among the strategies discussed, Guilbeault suggested creating a carbon tax on shipping emissions.
“We are very supportive of the discussions that are happening at the International Marine Organization to put in place some kind of levy on international marine transportation,” he said last week.
However, news of another carbon levy was met with swift criticism from the Conservative party, which has been adamant that it would remove the existing domestic carbon taxes, if elected.
“Canadians discovered that Justin Trudeau’s radical Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, wants to create a new global carbon tax on international shipping. This tax money would then be sent abroad to other countries,” read a statement from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s office.
And of course we know the corrupt Liberals really don’t care how expensive things get for everyday Canadians, as long as they can settle in their plush easy chairs at the end of the day and chant “It’s a Wonderful World.”
Canada has already pledged to contribute $5 billion to developing countries trying to fight climate change from 2021 to 2026.
However, G20 countries are now being asked to increase their funding, with estimates claiming that USD $2.4 trillion is needed per year by 2030 for “emerging markets and developing countries” transition to clean energy, according to a G20 climate finance report.
Yet Canada isn’t close to keeping its commitment to fund NATO and that could lead to issues with the Trump government in short order.
The Liberal priorities moving forward are totally messed up. Time for an election.
JOHN MATHER
The statement then called for Guilbeault to testify before a House of Commons Committee on the newly proposed carbon tax “that will make everything more expensive.”
Proudly serving the communities of Viking, Bruce, Kinsella, Holden, Irma, Innisfree, Ryley, Rural Vegreville, and surrounding areas since 1913! SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Within Alberta - $40 per year (Includes GST) Overseas - $210.00 per year and U.S.A. - $115.50 per year Counter Sales Copies:
On November 11, police were dispatched to an alarm at a location in Kinsella. The building was cleared and police spoke with a keyholder who advised they had been experiencing trouble with the alarm system.
Later that afternoon, police received a call for assistance from EMS as a female they were trying to assess roadside had driven away eastbound on Highway 14. A short time later, the person in question collided head on with a westbound SUV which then entered the ditch and rolled several times. A third vehicle was also hit and pushed into the ditch. Fortunately, only minor injuries were incurred by the involved parties. A 30-year-old female from Edmonton was arrested on scene and taken to a medical facility for assessment. Charges of Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Bodily Harm and Resisting Arrest are pending.
That evening, police were advised of a suspicious person who had driven onto a rural property east of Viking. The property owner spoke with the male who said he needed a tire for the trailer he was pulling. He was told there were no tires available for the trailer and he eventually departed, leaving the trailer behind without the permission of the property owner. The male did not return for the trailer in the coming days so the complainant had it towed.
Early on November 13, police received a complaint of a suspicious male carrying a jerry can walking on a rural road in the Kinsella area. Police made patrols in the area but did not locate the person in question.
That afternoon, police received information regarding a male who was under the influence of drugs and was threatening to drive. Police attended the scene and spoke with the male who
Patricia Harcourt Editor
Viking RCMP along with Wainwright officers responded to a 911 call from a woman reporting she and her 12-year-old daughter had been abducted.
The call took place shortly after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The RCMP report stated the woman was “distressed” at the time of the call and stated the abduction had been committed by a “family friend.”
was visibly impaired by drugs but was not in a vehicle when located. He stated he had no plans to drive or harm himself or anyone else so police had no grounds to arrest him or pursue the matter. The complainant was updated.
On November 14, police were advised of a two-vehicle collision that had occurred on Highway 26 the week prior. This matter is still under investigation.
That afternoon, police received a complaint of mischief at a vacant property north of Viking. The complainant advised he had found a hole in the roof of the residence and he believed it to be from a gunshot. He did not know when this would have occurred and couldn’t provide any other details on the matter and just wanted to make police aware.
Late that night, police received a complaint of threats being uttered. The complainant requested police meet
Viking RCMP deal with multiple vehicle collisions
him at the hospital in Viking. Police attended and spoke with the complainant but he did not provide any evidence regarding his original complaint and police had no grounds to pursue the matter.
On November 15, police received a complaint of aggressive dogs at a rural location southeast of Viking. The complainant advised his tenant’s dogs were causing a problem for another tenant at his property. Police referred him to the Landlord/Tenant Act as well as Alberta Animal Services as it wasn’t a criminal matter.
Also on this day, police provided assistance to Wainwright RCMP as they dealt with an attempted murder investigation.
Early on November 16, police received a complaint of a suspicious truck parked at a rural location south of Viking. Patrols were made but the vehicle in question was not located.
VIKING RCMP
Viking RCMP rescue abducted woman and girl - vehicle stopped with tire deflator and several police cars
The report stated that, “The investigation soon revealed that the victim and her daughter were being held against their will inside a moving vehicle.”
As police kept in contact with the older victim throughout the incident, they were able to ascertain that the suspect was driving the vehicle “in a reckless manner and acting irrationally.”
WORD ON THE STREET T
After quickly locating the vehicle in question, the police were unable to make it stop and had to deploy a tire deflation device followed by the use of seven police vehicles.
“The victim and her daughter were located unharmed and the driver of the vehicle was arrested without incident,”said the report.
John William Orban, 66, of Viking was charged with multiple offences including abduction of a person under 14; adult kidnapping without a firearm; two counts of forcible confinement; dangerous operation of a motor vehicle; and, flight from police.
RCMP report that Orban was brought
before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody until his court appearance on November 18 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vermilion.
Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Viking RCMP at 780-336-3441.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Festivities in Viking full of Yuletide magic
Patricia Harcourt Editor
Festive Yuletide fun is awaiting the Viking community as the town prepares events sure to capture the spirit of holiday magic.
Start by hanging Christmas lights and watching your favourite holiday movie. This enables residents and business owners to participate in the Seventh Annual Christmas Lights Competition by making your home or business “merry and bright” for the holidays.
The theme of the contest is “It’s a Beaut, Clark!” The best part is being able to cruise around town and look at all the displays. Everyone can participate by hanging decorations up and/or voting online for their favourite decorated place. Everyone can participate in the online voting to choose first, second and third place. Prizes will be awarded and the winners
will get a beautiful photo of their house or business.
Please remember that you must register your entry by noon on December 2 in order to be eligible for the judging. Everyone will be voting on Friday, December 6 when the town explodes with activity and holiday cheer.
Everything kicks-off with the 2024 Christmas Lights Parade with residents lined up to watch the all the beautiful entries, starting at 6 p.m.
The parade will head down main street starting at the Station Tea House.
Anyone wanting to enter the parade should head for the staging area at the tea house at 5:30.
The parade welcomes entries from businesses, service groups, community groups, or individuals with an eye to participating and making the number of entries as long as possible!
After seeing the magic and lights downtown, along with excited shuts
from the young ones, all the action heads down to the Carena.
A bright new feature this year is the Viking Royal Purple’s “Festival of Trees” display. Walk among the beautifully decorated trees done by various groups and organizations. Make a food bank donation, which are accepted at each tree.
There will be Public Skating courtesy of the Town of Viking from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. After that, enjoy a hot dog, chips and drink served by Vision Credit Union.
Take a photo with Santa in a photo booth set up to take your own photos with the jolly fellow, thanks to ATB Financial.
And music will fill the air in the lobby from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. thanks to entertainers from the Will Ryan Music School.
Weather permitting, Christine and Sheldon will provide wagon rides to see the Christmas light contest entries. Online judging will be open until mid-
night.
The Carena Kitchen will be open for hungry patrons after all the festivities have been seen, kids can also enjoy the Indoor Playground (key cards wil be available at the concession).
Donations to the Viking/Holden and Area Food Bank will be gratefully accepted in the lobby.
No doubt children went home that night with “visions of sugar plums” dancing in their heads.
But the Town of viking isn’t finished with the centre piece being a “Festive Turkey Luncheon” served a week later in the Carena lobby.
The community is invited to come out and “celebrate the season with us” at the community luncheon hosted by the Town of Viking.
The meal will take place on Friday, December 13 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
While there, the Viking RCMP will be holding
their annual “Stuff the Cruiser!” event from 11 a.m. to 12 non taking food bank donations. They are hoping for an especially good “stuffing” of the cruiser this year. The winners of the Christmas Lights Competition will be presented their prizes during the luncheon. Only advance sales for dinner tickets will
be accepted at the town office and the deadline for tickets is December 10. So come out and have a very special festive time and all th events happening in Viking during this upcoming holiday season. Everyone deserves to enjoy the Yuletide season to the full and, if you want to, you can do it right here in Viking.
complex, and additional time and resources are often required to best support these individuals in need.
She attributed the extra funding support of local municipalities in keeping programs going.
“We are extremely fortunate that all of our partner municipalities recognize the significant importance of our program and over contribute to Viking/Beaver FCSS, as this allows us to maintain programming and services at the current level,” she said.
“We do know, however, that every dollar spent on FCSS
preventative funding results in $7-$12 in saving, as individuals are
not accessing more expensive intervention services.”
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Viking Auxiliary Tree of Lights in its 30th yearholding giant Christmas Market to celebrate
Submitted
The Viking Health Centre Auxiliary will once again be holding its Christmas Market, this year on Thursday, December 5. We will have our ‘Tree of Lights’ table at the Viking Christmas Market and the Christmas markets in neighbouring towns.
This year will be our 30th year for the ‘Tree Of Lights’ fundraiser. Over the past 29 years we have raised $43,000!
Our fundraising dollars from the Tree of Lights and other fundraising events including donations over the years have gone towards:
1. Medical equipment for the Labour Room, Nursery, Maternity Care, Nursing unit, and Palliative Care Room;
2. Furnishings and decor for the Pediatric Room, Family Room, Day Dining Room, Labour Room, Palliative Care Room, Operating
Room, and Emergency;
3. Scholarships to a graduating high school student achieving highest marks going into a medical field or related healthcare field given since 1992;
4. New Year’s baby gifts given since 1994;
5. Reading materials for patients - Edmonton Journal, Our Canada, Readers Digest, Reminisce and books in the library;
6. For patients - meal tray favours on holidays, and activity cart items like cards, sudoku, and colouring books;
7. Miscellaneous items
- Doctor engraved plaque, a change table in the visitor washroom, Vials for Life, vending machine, food cart for kitchen staff to deliver hot food to patients, and Holter monitor for the laboratory.
This year the Auxiliary funded the purchase of a Fetal Doppler for the Labour Room ($850) and a new Patient Lift
($4,854). Both are replacements of old equipment that has worn out. Fetal doppler monitors the baby’s heartbeat before it is born. Patient lifts are used along with slings to transfer patients with mobility issues from bed to chair and back, and from chair to chair. And we updated the doctor engraved plaque located at the front entrance of the Viking Health Centre with the names and dates of all the physicians who have worked in our community. We will have a complete list of funded purchases at the Christmas markets at the Tree of Lights table.
The community’s support is sincerely appreciated by our Auxiliary. So plan to attend our Christmas market this year. Over 30 vendors have booked tables already. Refer to the Classified Ad section for more information.
Irma family and friends extend best wishes to Eunice Gulbraa as she recovers from a broken hip in Viking Hospital.
Lawrence Kellar passed away November 12 at the age of 88. We extend our sympathy to his children Vickie of Airdrie, Dawn Willerton (Ed) and Randy (Deb) of Wainwright, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
There was a graveside service and reception at the Irma Curling Club to remember his life. There was a good turnout for the United
Church fall supper on Sunday evening and a delicious meal was served.
Hunter Lawson and Kate Hatcher spent the weekend here from Winnipeg.
The annual Santa Day will be on Saturday, December 14 with all the usual fun family activities.
Congratulations to Kailee and Billy Steele of Edmonton on the arrival of their son, Bryden James. Proud grandparents are Leonard and Rhonda Mark and Karen and Keith Steele. Greatgrandmothers are Dinny Lovig and Evelyn Mark.
IRMA NEWS
By Marjorie Lawson
U13 Gas Kings start regular season play
Bird
The Skully’s Oilfield U13 Gas Kings took to the road Friday night to take on the St. Paul Canadiens. The Kings came up short 7-1 in the loss.
Shaking off some rust from the long holiday week of the fall school break, Kolt Morken had the lone goal, unassisted, in the second period.
They returned home for their regular season home opener versus Cold Lake. A bit slow out of the gate the Kings went down 2-0 seven minutes into the first period.
However, they came storming back with two quick goals, just over a minute apart, by Peyton Bird to tie things at 2. The first was assisted by Easton Morken. Midway through the second, Grayson Leblanc sniped
one past the Cold Lake goaltender to make it 3-2. It was assisted on a great pass from Jayden Bird.
Cold Lake would not go away without a fight and stole away the lead before the end of the second period, so headed to the second intermission with a 4-3 lead.
The Kings battled hard in the 3rd to get that tying goal and halfway through the frame Kaelen Hales threw a beauty pass out to Tyson Crocker at the point. Crocker then put the puck through the screen for the tying goal!
The game would continue to go back and forth until the final buzzer.
Taylen Place shut the door for the remainder of the game making some unbelievable saves, and finishing with 37 on the evening. Despite a final push by the Kings the
game would finish in a tie. 4-4.
Tiering has been completed and the team divisions have been divided, with Viking playing in the Tier 5 Eastern Division.
The regular season schedule has now been set. We’re grateful to our fans for the great support so far this season!
Here are the upcoming games for the U13 team for the month of November.
On Saturday, November 23, Viking U13 Gas Kings will host CNN at 12 p.m. On Sunday, November 24 they take on Boyle at home with a 10 a.m. start. Saturday, November 30, the team heads to Westlock for a 2 p.m. game, and then Sunday, December 1, they travel to Barrhead for an 11 a.m. start.
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Wednesday, November , 2023, Volume 16, Issue 46
Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Volume 17, Issue 47
WednesdayFebruary162022Volume15Issue7
Municipal elections in fall 2025 require decisions now
Patricia Harcourt
Beaver County is positioning itself almost a year in advance to be prepared for the general municipal elections in 2025.
That includes appointing of returning officers, and possible bylaws requiring candidate criminal record checks and orientation ad training for newly elected officials.
Chief Administrative Officer Kayleena Spiess is recommending that Margaret Jones, general manager of legislative services, and Meagan Walsh, executive assistant for legislative services, take on the roles of returning officer and substitute returning officer respectively.
If nobody else is appointed the CAO
would automatically take over the role of returning officer.
But Spiess stated she preferred others be chosen.
“Administration recommends that staff members be appointed to both positions,” she stated, noting that “Margaret Jones has acted as the returning officer for previous general elections and is knowledgeable of the process.”
“Meagan Walsh has expressed an interest in learning more about legislative services,” said Spiess, adding that “hands-on experience with the municipal elections process is crucial to her professional development.”
Spiess also explained that “a third party returning officer and/or
substitute returning officer may be difficult to find,” due to the fact that the federal election is also slated to tale place on the same day as the municipal elections in Alberta.”
Once appointed, both Jones and Walsh would take an oath of office to begin the preparations for the municipal elections.
Councillors get a fouryear term in office which means the last time they were elected was in October 2021.
Local school boards have historically requested that th county manage their elections as well.
Spiess stated that, “the municipal election is a very important function and staff workloads will be adjusted to accommodate the requirements of
Budget preparation time at Beaver County
Patricia Harcourt
Beaver County Council has started to prepare for its upcoming budget sessions to pave the way for 2025’s work year.
Chief Administrative Officer Kayleena Spiess and General Manager of Corporate Services Ryan Arndt will provide council with an overview of next year’s budget.
Binders will be presented to the coun-
cillors on the day of council Wednesday, November 20.
“The overview and binders are provided for council’s information only,” stated administration’s report to council.
“Administration requests that council review the information and come prepared to ask questions at the council budget meetings on November 27-29.”
Council’s questions would be answered at these budget meetings or
following them.
Special council meetings on December 4-5 are scheduled so councillors can discuss or debate the 2025 budget. The interim 2025 budget is expected to be approved at the final meeting of council on December 18.
Council is expected to set mill rates for next year’s taxes to provide the finances for the budget following a period of discussion and debate.
these positions.”
Along those lines, the county will be looking at the hiring of an assistant for legislative services.
Also, the Governance and Priorities Committee met Movember 13 and discussed a proposal to ask that administration draft a bylaw that would require candidates in the 2025 municipal election to obtain a criminal record check.
The Local Authorities Election Act was recently amended to provide council with the option to pass a bylaw to require that a person who is seeking nomination as a candidate for the election produce a criminal record check along with their nomination form.
This bylaw would have to pass by the end of this year to be valid
for the election next year.
GPC was presented with four different types of criminal record checks from which to choose, including basic criminal background checks using names and dates of birth, fingerprints to identify a person’s identity, a police information check and vulnerable sector check.
Fees could be attached to these criminal checks and the check must be presented along with the nomination form for public viewing.
The GPC can forego this requirement in favour of a sworn statement by the candidate or by using the disqualification provisions in the Local Authorities Election Act.
GPC is also looking at a policy for Councillor Orientation and Training
to apply to newly elected councillors. A corporate governance review in 2021 recommended a policy regarding councillor orientation be developed.
The GPC followed up August 14 with a review of a draft Councillor Orientation and Training Policy.
The province has passed Bill 20 which changed some election procedures and rules.
“It is Municipal Affairs’ interpretation that the orientation is only applicable to newly elected councillors after a general election or a by-election,” stated Jones in her report to GPC. Administration recommended that the GPC review the proposed bylaw and approved it for council’s upcoming consideration.
Alberta government activates contingency mail delivery plan
Starting Tuesday, Nov. 19, the province says mail can be accepted from Albertans at designated Alberta government offices across the province to ensure it reaches the proper destination.
According to a government release, Albertans who receive mail from the provincial government will receive a notification by email or phone indicating where and when they can pick-up/drop-off their mail.
While there were no
locations announced between Ryley and Irma at press time, nearby pick-up/drop-off locations are listed as follows on the government website. These are subject to change and new locations may be added:
In Camrose, at the AFSC building on 52nd street.
In Tofield at the Provincial building (5024 - 51 Ave.).
In Vegreville at the Haverhill building (512149 St. E).
In Wainwright at the Provincial building (#4, 810 - 14 Ave.).
In Lamont at the AFSC building (5014 - 50 Ave.).
In Sherwood Park at the Centre Plaza (190 Chippewa Road).
In Fort Saskatchewan at the Correctional Centre (7802 - 101 St.).
Alberta’s government will never ask for personal information over the phone or for anyone to click on a link in an email.
Non-critical mail will be held by the originating department until Canada Post mail service resumes.
Council establishes guidelines for letters of support
Patricia Harcourt
Beaver County has established a letters of support policy spearheaded by the new economic development officer Bob MacMullen.
The policy will provide guidelines for the county to provide letters to help promote local initiatives, be they of a business, tourist or other type of venture.
“Council often receives requests to provide letters of support for various projects within the county,” says MacMullen.
“The letters of support policy establishes a clear framework and guidelines for issuing such letters, ensures
consistency and fairness in council’s approach to supporting local initiatives.”
The county has established an advisory committee for economic development and its promotion within its boundaries.
The new policy states that council may or will issue a letter of support for projects or initiatives that align with the county’s economic development and strategic vision within the Beaver Region.
This region encapsulates the towns of Tofield and Viking, the villages of Ryley and Holden, and hamlets under the county’s jurisdiction of Kinsella and Bruce.
To be eligible, a
party wanting such a letter must provide a statement indicating how the project or initiative would align with the county’s economic development or strategic goals.
There must also be proof provided of compliance for the applicable municipality’s zoning and land use bylaws.
The applicant also needs to provide a verifiable estimate of property assessment and tax valuation at each defined phase of development or at the project’s completion, depending on the particular circumstances.
The county would also need an outline of the benefits that residents within Beaver
Region would receive from the project or initiative being proposed.
Letters of support can be signed by the county’s Chief Administrative Officer, in this case Kayleena Spiess.
A decision on an application that doesn’t fit the guidelines or considered controversial in nature would go to county council for a decision on whether or not a letter would be issued.
The requests for letters of support will be reviewed by the economic development officer “to determine the nature of the project or initiative, alignment with policy guidelines and to assess the impacts on the Beaver
Region,” states the procedural guidelines in the policy.
The officer will also ask other county departments for feedback .
County council will be also informed “to enable the opportunity to identify potentially controversial situations,” states the policy.
Five days notification or less will be given to give this feedback to the economic development officer in time sensitive situations.
Council would be notified once any letters of support are issued to qualified candidates.
The motion to pass the policy as per the recommendation was made by Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5).
“This is a good move to show support. There are guidelines with eligibility requirements so it’s not all open season.” he said.
The motion was passed without further comment as the policy had been discussed and honed at previous Governance and Priorities Committee meetings.
The officer will recommend if a letter should or should not be provided, including any decisions made by council on more controversial applications. Any applications that are rejected would be sent a letter outlining the reasons it was rejected.
Beaver Regional Water Capacity Operating Committee to help with water suppy issues
The county and other regional partners are forming the Beaver Regional Water Capacity Operating Committee.
This is one of several ventures the local municipalities are working on together.
The water capacity operating committee is composed of the chief administrative officers (CAOs) of all municipalities in the Beaver Region as well as the Interim CAO of the Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission and the Regional Manager of the Beaver Emergency Services Commission (BESC).
This new committee has been discussing,
“the issue of long-term water supply needs and regional waterline operational issues,” explained Beaver County CAO Kayleena Spiess.
She continued: “All municipalities have expressed a need for an adequate water supply to enable residential growth and economic development in the region.
“The issue of capacity is a complicated one and the regional CAO group recognizes the benefits of working together.”
She said the committee, “will assess the water supply infrastructure, determine current and future needs, and prepare strategies, business
cases and grant applications to access funding for expansion.”
The CAOs would work together to provide mutual support for operational issues like water restrictions and line breaks as they arise.
However, this committee is strictly an operational one and makes no decisions or binds any council.
Acting on consensus only, the committee can make recommendations to the Beaver Regional Partnership (BRP), BESC or water commission.
County council along with all other councils in the region are being asked to approval the CAO’s signing of the Terms of Reference, which
Spiess said “would signify support and the spirit of cooperation for this initiative.”
At the December 20 meeting of Beaver County Council administration is asking that the council pass first reading of the bylaw called Beaver Regional Partnership (BRP).
On Oct. 10, BRP asked that each council in the partnership pass a bylaw to establish the inter-rmunicipal committee and its terms of reference.
Some of the proposed changes in this bylaw include making decision by resolution instead of consensus based decision making.
And BRP approval would no longer be
required if a minority of municipalities wish to proceed with a project, and do so outside the BRP scope.
Also, “municipal representatives may not be removed or excluded from participation in meetings, and municipal representatives may attend meetings virtually.
This proposed bylaw also states that BRP meetings wpuld be held in closed session.
BRP reps can share what is discussed in these meetings with their municipal councils but it must be done in closed session as well.
Other water related decisions occurred at the October 16 meeting of regular council when a motion by
Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) was passed to support the Town of Tofield in its submission of an Alberta Community Partnership grant application. The project is to develop a storm water management plan with the town being the managing partner and no financial obligation on the part of the county.
A motion by Dale Pederson (Division 5) was also passed for county council to support a grant application to the ACP for a feasibility study on building a fresh water holding pond in Viking and re-locatng the water inlet line at the Viking water tower.
Patricia Harcourt
ECSHL has some high-scoring games over the weekend
Leslie Cholowsky Staff Reporter
The East Central Senior Hockey League had six games play out this past weekend, with some high scores and fierce battles.
The Irma Aces travelled to Coronation to take on the last-place Royals, who were determined to get their first point this weekend.
Irma scored the first goal of the night a few minutes into the first, by Lincoln Glover from
Tyler Ganie. Coronation scored the next two goals for a 2-1 lead heading into the second period. Coronation scored a third goal before Irma’s Paden Jonescu scored on a powerplay, from Ross Herzog and Zach Mackay, to make it 3-2, then tied it up with a goal from Holden Gwinn, assisted by Jonescu.
In the third period
Mason Holt put the Aces ahead by one, assisted by Carter Lawson, but with
just over a minute left in the game, Coronation tied it up 4-4.
Zach Mackay scored, unassisted, in overtime to make it a 5-4 final for the win. Wyatt Copeland got the win in goal for the Aces; shots were 4236 for Irma.
The Sedgewick Sabres played host to the Stettler Imperials on Friday, where Sedgewick came away with a 3-2 win.
Also on Friday, the Forestburg Flyers travelled to Wainwright
to take on the Rustlers, who took full advantage of home ice advantage and a short Flyers’ bench to take an 11-3 win over Forestburg.
In other Friday night action the Oyen Eagles beat the Provost Combines 8-5 in Oyen.
On Saturday evening, the Sabres suited up and travelled to Delburne to take on the Outlaws, coming away with a 5-2 win. Scoring information was not available at pres time.
Also on Saturday, the
Hughenden Jets took their turn hosting the Wainwright Rustlers, coming away with a tight 8-7 win against the league newcomers.
After weekend play, the Oyen Eagles have a 4-0-0 record and eight points, with the Jets and Sabres each at 4-1-0 for a three-way tie for first on points.
Irma has a 2-0-2 record with six points, while Provist has a 2-1-1 record with five points and fifth place.
Wainwright, Stettler,
and Delburne all have four points, but Wainwright’s only played four games with a 2-2-0 record, Stettler five games with a 2-3-0 record and Delburne six games with a 2-3-0 record.
The Flyers are sitting with two points with a 13-0, and Coronation has one point and a 0-4-1 record.
This coming weekend will see Irma heading to Stettler to take on the Imperials on Saturday, Nov. 23.
Battle River School Division Offers Opportunities for High School Students
Kelsey Witham Staff Reporter
The RAP (Registered Apprentice Program), Green Certificate, and Dual Credit Programs are being offered to Battle River School Division (BRSD) high school students to help improve the transition from school to the workplace and gain on-the-job training all while staying in school and earning an income.
RAP has 33 BRSD students enrolled this year, the students will be completing 1,000 hours of practical apprenticeship experience in a variety of trades, such as: Agriculture Equipment Technician, Auto Body
Technician, Heavy Equipment Technician, Electrician. RAP is designed to support the Alberta economy while addressing the needs on the students and providing them with future employment opportunities. This program also helps with assisting in the shortage of skilled trades workers while
minimizing the cost of training. The average hourly pay for a student working in the apprenticeship program is $31.11 an hour.
14 BRSD students are enrolled in the Green Certificate program this year. This is an industry
driven training program that teaches agricultural skills. Students select a specialization and work towards mastering the skills within their training program. Some of the specializations that students can choose are Beekeeping, Greenhouse
management, equine, cow calf beef, poultry, swine, and sheep. Three students from BRSD’s 2023-24 Green Certificate program received their Alberta Agriculture Technician Green Certificate this year. Two Continued on page 13
$6,106
This is Ray and Sherri, owners of Ray Arc Welding in Camrose. Ray became a credit union member at 18 when he got a loan to buy his first car – a shiny new Trans Am. Last year, Ray and Sherri got a $6,106 profit shares cash payout from Vision. They put their share towards a new CNC machine for the business, which lets them precisely cut everything from signs to home décor using computer-controlled tools. It’s good for business, says Ray. It’s also one of the coolest toys he’s owned since that shiny new Trans Am. What’s your share ?
Real people. Real results.
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
Employment. Events. Thank Yous. Memorials. Services & More!
Employment. Events. Thank Yous. Memorials. Services & More!
CARD OF THANKS
On behalf of the Good as New Shop, we want to express our deep appreciation for everyone who makes the store happen. We are so grateful for our volunteers - who sort, sell, fix, clean, recycle, mow, shovel, load and haul, and so much more. And we couldn't serve our community without all the generous donors and of course our customers! Thank you, everyone.
47c
The family of Craig Allan would like to thank family, friends and community members for their caring and support following Craig's death. The flowers, food, cards, visits, phone calls, thoughts and prayers were greatly appreciated. Thank you also for the donations in Craig's memory to the Tofield Library, Dolly Parton Imagination Program, and to the Food Bank. Special thanks to Weber Funeral Home and to Kevin and Lynn Langager. We commend the medical staff in Tofield, Camrose, Misericordia Hospital and the Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital for their expertise, treatment, kindness and caring. We are grateful to all of you.
Jim and Yvonne Allan and Family TM47P
CARD OF THANKS
We would like to sincerely thank everyone for attending our 50th Anniversary. A special thanks for all the lowers and squares brought, making it a very memorable afternoon.
Jim & Fay Bronson
COMING EVENTS
The Lougheed Agricultural Society invites you to supper at 6 pm on December 2 at the Fieldhouse in appreciation for volunteering at our events, may your contribution be large or small it is greatly valued. Without volunteers the board would be unable to hold events. Please let us know if you can attend call 780-385-0752. Following at 7 pm we will be holding our Annual General Meeting, please stay if you wish to see our plans for 2025 and provide some insight to what you may like to see happen.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas A Christmas Pagent & Concert at the Sedgewick SDA Church December 7 at 6 p.m. Luncheon to Follow Everyone Welcome!
SUDOKU
COMING EVENTS
Killam/Forestburg Baptist Church Christmas Banquet Sunday, December 8 at the Killam Community Hall Doors open at 5 p.m. Supper at 5:30 p.m Concert at 6:30 p.m. with Daddy-Daughter roots duo Ben and Jessica Crane For tickets please call 780-385-3607
Adults $25, ages 12-17 years $20, under 12 years FREE
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2024 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com.
Order of the Eastern Star Forestburg Chapter is hosting a Soup/Chilli Luncheon Monday, November 25 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Masonic Hall Basement in Forestburg. $10/Lunch
VIKING
HEALTH CENTRE AUXILIARY CHRISTMAS MARKET Thursday, December 5 11 am to 5 pm
Viking Community Hall Lunch available for purchase Great Christmas ideas, Crafts, Baking, Gifts, Décor & more To reserve table, call Kim 780-385-0902
Viking United Church Candlelight Service December 1, 7:00 pm
Donation to Christmas Hamper Program (toys, food, money) Coffee & Dessert following service Everyone Welcome
COMING EVENTS
GALAHAD LIONS CLUB TURKEY BINGO
Monday Nov 25th
Galahad Agriplex 7:00 PM 15 Go-Go Bingos, 1 Bonanza, 1 Door Prize Master Card $5.00
Christmas is Coming!!
Viking Grad Class of 2025 is selling Christmas Greenery Red or White 6.5" Poinsettia $13 24" Wreath $38
Outdoor Arrangement $50
Contact your local graduate for more information OR contact Donna at 780-385-4809 or Erin Hollar at 780-336-6377 Pick-up is scheduled for December 5 & 6th at the Viking Carena or discuss possible delivery with your seller Hurry! Selling until November 18!
FOR RENT
RENT
55+ adult bungalow in Belvedere Gardens with a single attached garage. Two bedrooms, in-floor heating, vaulted ceilings, open concept. Available December 1st, 2024. $1400/ month includes utilities, except power. 4527 55 Ave, Tofield, AB. Contact Dan 780970-7908
Large, non-smoking 2 Bedroom Apartment in Killam. Call Chuck 780-263-7290
2 Bedroom House For Rent Near Hardisty. Small older home 2 kms out of town. Includes fridge, stove, microwave, washer & dryer. Recent reno’s. Very reasonable rate for the right person or couple. Call or text (780) 699-3449 for details
HARDISTY: 2 BR furnished house for rent available now. $1200 plus electricity. Call or text 780-717-6783
SEED FOR SALE
ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888483-8789
Does your club have an event planned? Advertise in the Classifieds
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE
Christmas is Coming! Anybody in need of Christmas Lights, Brian has some for sale. They are mixed colours, some are flashing/blinkers. Will sell by length which would be $10 each. There are two strands that need bulb replacements. There is one that has a package with it. If interested, please call Brian at 780-678-0053.
Affordable, maintenance-free 12’x12’ deck with attached ramp and two steps. (Buyers responsibility to movemust be gone by the spring). Call Brian at 780-678-0053
If anybody is looking for Pepper Seeds in different varieties (mostly sweet), Brian has some. As well, if you are looking for Flower Pots, Hanging Baskets, or Window Boxes, Brian has many different sizes available. All Washed and Disinfected. Call 780678-0053
47/48c
FOR SALE
Single electric bed (head and feet adjustable). Like New. For more information call 780-385-2362
SERVICES
Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-232-3097
Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com. 47p
SERVICES
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
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.
SERVICES
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
WANTED
CASH FOR COIN COLLECTIONS & COIN ACCUMULATION'S! Also buying all Gold, Silver, Old Jewelry, Nuggets, Sterling, Bullion, Ingots, Royal Canadian Mint Coins, Rare Coins +, Todd 780-504-7995.
Uttered in an impassioned
Outfits
“Westworld” actor Harris
Stewed game casserole
Indignities inflicted on others
Blood type
Says beneath one’s breath
Taxis 27. Transmits genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm
28. NFL great Randy
29. Where college students live
30. Brief Yankees sensation Kevin 31. Condiment
CLUES DOWN
1. Open-roofed entrance
2. Japanese religion
3. Dancer’s garments
4. Distributes 5. Yemeni port
6. Spanish doctors
7. It cools your house
8. Engine variant
9. Makes more manageable
10. Days (Spanish)
13. Milliliter
14. Spread out from 15. With two replaceable hydrogen atoms
20. Respectful title for a man
21. Equally
Scarlett’s home
Big Blue
Subway dwellers
One-tenth of a liter
Central European river
Distress signal
Expression of sympathy
33. -frutti
34. Polish city
38. Astronomy unit of distance
39. Romanian village
40. Bears first overall pick Williams
43. Irritated
44. Clothing for sale has them
45. One-time world power
49. When you anticipate arriving
50. Farm building
51. Organize thoughtfully
53. Detective
54. One who reduces
56. Nursemaids
58. Partner to “Pa”
59. World’s longest river
60. Commemorates
63. Compound
64. The Lannisters and Starks fought for one
65. Email function
33. Bar bill 34. Football equipment 35. Dance music 36. Russian river
37. Mary __, cosmetics
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Form of humor
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Go over again
Auto parts manufacturer
Atomic #18
Province says its making progress on ‘refocusing’ health care system
Health Minister invites public to participate in telephone town halls this month
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Since starting an overhaul of Alberta’s Health Care system, the Province has made progress in some areas, but is still working, and still inviting public input, into remaining changes.
What has been done is that Recovery Alberta and Primary Care Alberta have been established, and that Minister of Seniors, Community, and Social Services, Jason Nixon, has become the sector minister for a new Continuing Care provincial health agency.
The Province says, “Under Alberta’s refocused health care system, four fully integrated provincial health agencies are being created to oversee the priority sectors of primary care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health and addiction.
“Acute care, which includes hospitals, emergency services and surgery care, is a significant part of the health care system, providing critical care to Albertans when they need it most.
“Alberta’s new acute care provincial health agency, Acute Care Alberta, will become a
Continued from Page 9
legal entity in early 2025 and begin operating in spring 2025.”
The Province has established an Acute Care Provincial Health Agency Executive Transition Team, which includes executives from Alberta Heath and an external special adviser, Dr. Chris Eagle. Eagle is former CEO of Alberta Health Services, and “brings extensive experience in the delivery of acute care services in the province.
“He will provide valuable insight and expertise that will support the transition of Alberta Health Services from a health authority to a service delivery provider.”
The Province also announced that as of this Tuesday, Primary Care Alberta is now operational, under the leadership of Kim Simmonds. Simmonds says, “Every Albertan deserves to have a long-term, trusted connection with a family doctor or health care team. We are ready to work to ensure all Albertans have a primary health care home.”
Health Minister Adriana LaGrange also recently announced a new “regional approach” to health system planning
of those students chose to specialize in equine while one in cow calf beef. The Dual Credit program is career-based high school programing, assisting students in making meaningful transitions to post-secondary education or to the workplace. This allows the students to personalize their high school experience and span their knowledge into professions such as health care, trades, agriculture, and business administration. One of the BRSD students who completed their Equine Green Certificate last year has now registered for the Dual Credit Veterinary Assistant Certificate Program at Olds College. BRSD Program
through seven “integrated health corridors.”
“These corridors will enable an evidencebased approach to planning that will inform decisions about services, workforce and infrastructure across the four new provincial health agen-
cies. This new approach will connect care pathways and support seamless patient journeys throughout the health care system.”
The Province says it remains committed to maintaining open lines of communication with Albertans as it stands
up the new provincial health agencies. To that end, three telephone town halls have been planned for November.
The first occurred today, from 7:30 to 9 a.m., but two more are planned: Nov. 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Nov. 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Albertans can register to participate online, or can choose to provide feedback on the refocused health care system online until Dec. 5. To register for an upcoming telephone town hall session, visit www.alberta.ca/lead-theway.
to: Box 240, Viking, AB T0B 4N0. Cheque payable to ‘Viking Christmas Cheer’ Cash or Cheque only. Stop by The Weekly Review in Viking or mail donation to: Box 240, Viking, AB T0B 4N0.
‘Viking Christmas Cheer’
REMINDER: IF YOU MAILED A CHEQUE, THERE MAY BE A DELAY IN APPEARING ON THE TREE DUE TO CANADA POST STRIKE REMINDER: IF MAILED A
Auditor issue resolved for now with split council vote
Patricia Harcourt Editor
The issue of which auditor the Town of Viking will hire is resolved for now with a split vote from council.
Council will retain its current auditor despite continued resistance from Councillor Cindy Lefsrud. The vote was 4-1 in favour of keeping Donnelly and Company.
A previous meeting tabled the issue, but CAO Doug Lefsrud said that “the information hasn’t changed since the last meeting.”
Councillor Judy
Acres spoke in favour of retaining Donnelly and Company: “We’re having a hard time finding (other) auditors (to consider),” she said. “We shouldn’t let one go if we don’t have another one lined up.”
But Councillor Lefsrud said she would not vote in favour of the proposal to renew with the current auditor, and asked for a recorded vote.
Deputy Mayor Julianna Merta said there were no other companies the town could guarantee as a prospect, but Councillor Lefsrud said the information requested
should have been provided before the item came back to council in order to make a decision based on that.
“We should have the information,” she said.
Acres made the motion, ‘for the sake of expediency,” to adopt Recommendation #1,, which read: “Council by motion directs administration to proceed with Donnelly and Company LLP as the 2024 auditor.”
Recommendation #2 which wasn’t considered, had been to “proceed with Donnelly and Co. LLP as the auditor for 2024 and 2025.”
FEATURED PROPERTIES TOWN OF LAMONT
• 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
• W4-20-55-27-SE Plan 1023701 Block 1 Lot 1A Lamont County. 138.09 acres in the Lamont Heartland for industrial use. Located North of Highway 15 on Range Road 202. Price: $2,990,00
• 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
VILLAGE OF ANDREW
• 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
VILLAGE OF CHIPMAN
• P E N D I N G W4-18-54-29-NE N 54466 A RR184 Village of Chipman 38.75 acres 25± acres in hay. Double car garage, power, septic, and well nice building site. Price: $289,900
STRATHCONA COUNTY
• SW Part of NW–23 –53 –23 –W4 40.55 acres North of Highway 16 on Range Road 232 in proposed medium industrial zoning with CP rail line at the border of the property. Price: $7,200,000
• Parts of SW and SE-7-53-22-W4 located at Highway 21 and Lakeland drive 63.62 acres of development land with Highway 21 exposure. The property is within the Bremner and local Employment Area ACP with expected future use of industrial. Price: $5,100,000
THORHILD COUNTY
• NW 1/4 -14-58-22-W4 and NE ¼ -14-58-22-W4 Plan 172-0793 Block 3 Lot 222 acres game farm with page wire 100 acres could be cultivated. 4 mile North of Redwater. Good HWY 28 access. Price: $690,000
Lauren Hill Steven Hill
Norman Hill
The world’s first governments arose to keep people safe —
so let’s do more of that, rural
George Lee Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Countryside crime statistics point to a need for governments to seek guidance from deep within their collective core, the Alberta legislature heard recently from the UCP side of the chamber.
Grant Hunter, the member for TaberWarner in southeastern Alberta, said protecting people and their property is a foundational role of governments everywhere.
“When civilizations first made their collective decisions to forgo a portion of their individualistic tendencies and band together, it was with the intent to add a measure of protection to their families and societies as a whole,” Hunter said.
“Today, governments
across the globe have expanded their scope and practice. Working together for a common goal has on the whole benefited humanity and has enriched a civilized society,” he told the legislature Oct. 31.
“But we should never forget the primary reason why we first formed governments, and that was and still is to protect its people.”
Crime is proportionally higher in rural Canada than it is in urban Canada, statistics show.
In 2021, the most recent year that Statistics Canada crime data is available, police with jurisdictions that were mostly rural served 15 per cent of provincial populations. Yet they reported 24 per cent of violent crimes, 18 per cent of property crimes, 30 per
cent of Criminal Code traffic offences and 23 per cent of other Criminal Code violations.
The rural-urban gap is also pronounced using another StatsCan measure, the Crime Severity Index. The CSI aims to make overall, violent and non-violent crime more widely comparable by meshing seriousness and volume.
The higher the number, the more of a problem crime is, using a baseline of 100 from 2006 data. The overall CSI number in rural areas was 91.9 in 2021, compared with 69.3 in urban areas.
The violent crime CSI shows an even bigger disparity, widening significantly between 2011 and 2021. The index number for violent crime was 124.1 in rural areas and 85.2 in urban
MLA tells colleagues
areas in 2021. In 2011, there was virtually no gap — 84.8 rural, 84.9 urban.
So, what’s going on?
Hunter has some theories. He singled out federal bail legislation and liberalized drug policies as empowering factors for criminals in Alberta. But he mentioned his own government’s focus on recovery for drug addicts as a sound health care approach that could help.
“It is not compassionate nor humane to facilitate or prolong another’s drug addiction,” he said.
Hunter continued: “I have lived in rural Alberta for most of my life, Mr. Speaker. It is a peaceful and serene life.
It’s a great place to raise a family, but the criminal element has learned how to operate in rural Alberta, and that is of great concern to me.”
His comments come as crime and policing continue to be hot topics in Alberta, with much of the controversy tied to an expansion of the role of the Alberta Sheriffs.
Earlier this year the legislature passed the Public Safety Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, enabling the government to create an independent agency. The agency would place the police-like functions of the Alberta Sheriffs under the same kind of legislative framework and civilian oversight that exists for other police services, the
province’s website says.
The opposition NDP says that the province is working to undermine and replace the RCMP, which faces challenges across the country filling positions in the communities it services.
But the UCP says that the legislation is about augmenting and supporting the RCMP, not replacing it.
Hunter, meanwhile, said much remains to be done on the crime-fighting front.
“If we fail to help our people feel safe, to live and work and enjoy their property, then our primary reason for forming governments has been lost.
“I believe we can and must do better for our people.”
Unreserved Real Estate Sale for Garth & Darlene Fleming Sale Starts December 6th & Closes on December 9th, 2024 Holden, Alberta
Directions: From Hwy 14 Go 3 1/2 Miles South On Rg Rd 163, West 1/2 Miles to Corner of Twp Rd 490 & Rg Rd 164
Selling A Beautiful Half Section Of Mixed Farm Land Located Just South of Holden Parcel #1 - Consisting Of the NW-33-48-16-W4M - Being 160 Acres
M/L - Beautiful, Mostly Open Land Currently Having 63 Acres Cultivated, 97 Acres being Pasture Land & Few Trees with a Creek Running Through The North East Corner. Surface Lease Road & Lease Site That Currently Has A Yearly Revenue of $3600.00/Year. With Some Work There Is An Opportunity For Many Of the Pasture Acres To Become Cultivated.
Parcel # 2 - Consisting Of The SW-33-48-16-W4M - Being 160 Acres M/L - Beautiful, Mostly Open land, Currently Having 50 Acres Cultivated, 110 Acres Being Pasture Land & A Few Trees, Dug Out, Also A Former Yard Site. Quarter Is Fenced & Cross Fenced, With Some Work There Is An Opportunity For Many Of The Pasture Acres to Become Cultivated.
Please Contact Garth @ 780-868-4181 For More Information
Real Estate Transactions are being Handled by Maxwell Polaris Victor Lillo (780) 708-2000 & Allen Olson (403) 783-0556
Real Estate Terms & Conditions: 10 % Down on Sale Day. Balance & Possession on or before January 15th, 2025. If Balance is NOT RECEIVED by January 15th, 2025 the Deposit will be Forfeited as Liquidation Damages. All measurements are approximate and need to be verified by the purchaser.
iGaming and ads led to more problem gambling in Ontario; should Alberta expect the same?
Brett McKay Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
There is a clear association between the expansion of online gambling, gambling advertising, and the number of people seeking help for problem gambling in Ontario, according to a new study.
As Alberta looks to the Ontario model to create its own legal iGaming markets, should the province expect the same outcome?
For a study now published in the Journal of Gambling Studies, researchers compared the number of calls received by Ontario’s problem gambling helpline in the
months before and after the province expanded its online gaming market in April 2022.
Dr. Nigel Turner, a scientist with the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, said that during the pandemic, calls to the helpline initially dropped off when casinos were closed.
As more people moved their gaming online, and public health measures were relaxed, the number of people looking for help with gambling addiction rebounded –and then kept rising.
“The primary increase was in people calling related to online
Parcel #1 - Consisting of the SE 36-53-18 W4M
Being 160 Acres M/L
Pasture Land Fence with Page Wire, Single Strand Barb Wire & A Dug Out.
Located North of Hwy #16 on Rge Rd 180 for 5 Kms. West Side of the Road
gambling,” Turner said.
In the ten months before Ontario legalized online gambling, an average of 84 people per month called the problem gambling hotline, compared to 184 in the ten months after legalization.
Along with the rising volume, Turner said there has also been a clear demographic shift in who is reaching out for help.
“There was a shift towards younger players, younger people are more comfortable gambling online, and more males gambling,” he said.
Men are more likely to play table games and bet on sports than women.
Prior to the pandemic, online gambling and sports betting were a fairly small niche, Turner said.
Though grey markets existed, “a surprisingly small percentage of people went to bookies.”
After legalization, half of the people who called the helpline complained about problems with online gambling.
The amount of people who gamble that develop a problem is small, “but they also do make up disproportionately high percentage of the revenue,” he said.
Turner said there is no jurisdiction that has done a particularly good job of developing
legal iGaming markets, but there are lessons that can be learned from other regions to minimize negative social impacts.
At the same time Ontario was expanding its gaming market, Britain, where online gambling has existed for years, started tightening regulations.
“They have actually put more regulations on iGaming to try to keep it safer.
“They've banned celebrities (from gambling ads), for example, they've cut back on when the ads for the gaming can be shown, to reduce the impact and reduce the amount of exposure to youth to these gaming ads, and they've banned credit cards from gaming,”
Turner said.
Currently, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) operated website Play Alberta offers the only legal options for online gambling in the province.
In May, Alberta's government introduced legislation that allows the province to regulate iGaming.
At the Canadian Gaming Summit in June, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally said the government is following the Ontario model for an “open and free” market, but gave no indication of when Albertans could expect the open online market to be introduced.
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