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Vol. 12, No. 5, Tuesday, November 22, 2016 www.LamontLeader.com
Rural leaders request carbon tax exemption for ag. producers Michelle Pinon Editor
Robert Malica, who represents Division 5 in Lamont County was one of more than 400 rural politicians who booed Deputy Premier Sarah Hoffman at the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts & Counties (AAMD&C) Fall Convention in Edmonton on Nov. 17. Malica, said he is not in favour of the carbon tax, and was vocal when Hoffman told the delegates it was necessary to address climate change because the science behind it is real and there are serious health concerns tied to burning coal. “Quite frankly, I don’t
understand it,” said Malicia, pointing out that none of the provincial government ministers, (including Hoffman), could provide any facts or numbers as to the negative health effects and costs associated with the issue. In fact, no facts were provided as to the benefits of the carbon tax that will see fuel costs increase by 20 per cent starting this January. Malica also doesn’t understand how the carbon tax will attract more businesses to Alberta given the additional expenses businesses and residents will have to incur. In the case of Woodlands County in southern Alberta, it will stand to loose hundreds
of jobs at its coal plant with the province’s phase out plan. More than 90 per cent of elected officials passed a resolution requesting the Government of Alberta to exempt all municipalities in Alberta from the carbon levy. Part of the resolution states: “Whereas the carbon levy would significantly increase costs to Alberta municipalities both directly and indirectly which would require municipalities to increase property taxes, reduce services, or increase user fees (or some combination of these).” Malica added, “It all goes back to the taxpayer.”
Bruderheim Sends Christmas Greetings
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF BRUDERHEIM
Stephanie Xinnick and Colton Hold paid a visit to Santa with their son Bennett during the annual Christmas Celebrations at the Bruderheim School gymnasium. A good crowd was on hand to visit Santa, make Christmas crafts, and purchase items at the Craft Sale on Saturday, Nov.19.
MICHELLE PINON PHOTO
St. Michael area resident and crafter Amanda Ducharme worked day and night for the past two weeks creating enough chalkboard and barnwood signs to sell at the St. Michael Crafters Market on Saturday, Nov. 19. More than 200 people attended the event that was held at the St. Michael Recreation Centre.
MICHELLE PINON PHOTO
Lindsey Mercer, right, and her mom Linda Burns were busy selling baking on behalf of the Bruderheim Preschool during the Christmas Craft Sale in the Bruderheim School gymnasium. The upcoming fundraiser is to help support field trips and classroom activities for the youngsters, and they are hoping for a good turnout on December 8.