October 11 Lamont Leader

Your news this week: Andrew Garlic Festival this weekend - 7 Frost rolls in as winter approaches - 8 Fall migration (bye bye birdie) - 10 OPINION: Teetering on the brink - 4

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Vol. 18, No. 46, Wednesday, October 11, 2023 www.LamontLeader.com

Recall Petition started against Lamont County Reeve Diduck Division 3 ratepayer Theo Wallace charges county with bullying and ignoring complaints

BY JOHN MATHER A Notice of Recall Petition has been forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs seeking the recall of Lamont County Division 3 Councillor and County Reeve David Diduck.

The notice was launched by Theo Wallace.

Wallace presented his Notice of Recall to Lamont County CAO Peter Tarnawsky Sept. 28 and it was forward to Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIvor’s office Oct. 5.

Tarnawsky in a release through Lamont County communications said he wouldn’t be available for any interviews.

Diduck said he was totally blindsided by the petition when he was informed of it.

“I was totally surprised when I received the Notice of Recall petition,” stated Diduck. “Even more surprised when there was no reason for the recall.”

“I don’t know who the petitioner is,” he continued. “Or where he lives. He

has not brought forward any issues or allowing the public to petition for the complaints for resolution in the six recall of elected officials.

The first was for the successful years I’ve been the Division 3 councilremoval of Mayor Nik Lee and the reslor.”

He said he reviewed the recall Act of ignation of Deputy Mayor Nola Wood Herrick of Ryley last the MGA and agreed April and the second the petition as prewas received from sented was valid. residents in the “I remain confident Village of Carbon.

I have the support of On a Lamont my constituents and Facebook page, some the petitioner won’t are questioning the be able to secure the population number of required 40 per cent 684 for Division Three of signatures on the in the County which petition to successfulis Diduck’s conly have me removed stituency. as Division 3 councilIn an email, lor.”

McElheran pointed to Graeme McElherthe Recall of a an, director of comMunicipal Councillor munications for Lamont County Reeve Handbook which Municipal Affairs, David Diduck states “in determining told the Leader this is population numbers the third recall received by the. Ministry since rules for a petition’s sufficiency, municipaliwere changed more than a year ago ties must make use of the Municipal

Lamont County ratepayer wants to ‘break the chain’ and starts recall petition against reeve

BY JANA SEMENIUK Lamont County division three ratepayer, Theo Wallace, submitted paperwork plus a $500 fee last week to start the process of recalling Lamont County Reeve David Diduck.

Wallace will need to secure 40 percent of the ratepayers’ signatures from his division within the next 60 days to proceed with recalling Diduck from his position on Lamont Council, but says there is already a problem with the population number stated by administration.

“I think they ballooned the numbers because they're going by the quarters, and they're all the same people on

some of the quarters, so I think they balloon the numbers so that we can't do it,” said Wallace.

Lamont County Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky is assigned with determining the population number in division three.

“We have enlisted our Global Information System (GIS) provider to identify the number of parcels with residences within Division 3 as a proportion of total parcels with residences in Lamont County,” stated Tarnawsky in his letter to Municipal Affairs. “This analysis has identified 329 parcels of a total 1,875 or 17.55 percent of population.

Continued on Page 15

Affairs’ Population List available at www.alberta.ca/municipal-population-lists.aspx. Further Ministerial Order No. MSD:021/23 orders that the determination of population of the ward is delegated to the CAO of the municipality.”

In his letter to McIvor, Tarnawsky stated he used the County’s Global Information System to determine the Division Three population.

While this is no perfect population number without a current census by electoral division, this figure is likely more accurate than simply taking 20 percent of the County population, which would be consistent with the requirement of the Act that electoral divisions be approximately equal.

Presumably if the petitioner or the Councillor subject to petition disagrees with the calculation, their remedy would be to appeal to the Minister for direction under section 240.96 or an application to the Court of Kings bench for judicial review.

Reeve Diduck’s council colleagues react to recall petition

BY JOHN MATHER With one exception the four councillors in Lamont County not hit with a recall petition are totally surprised by it.

The exception is Division 5 Councillor Neil Woitas.

“He was told four weeks before, at the LUB meeting this could happen,” said Woitas. “He was told if things weren’t straightened out it would happen, so I’m not surprised.

“From what I understand Roy (Division 4 Councillor Roy Anaka) and Dan (Division 1 Councillor Daniel Warawa) could be next if they don’t do anything tomorrow (Tuesday).”

A council meeting was held Oct. 10 and the recall item was on the agenda to be discussed during Committee of the Whole.

“There is other stuff people are concerned about besides the Land Use Bylaw people are concerned about,” he said. “Tomorrow I plan to bring up the use of County vehicles for personal reasons because I’ve heard people are concerned with that.”

He added people feel administration is acting too harshly within the County and Diduck is supportive of the administrator, which might be the cause of concern.

Continued on Page 14

2 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October11, 2023

Bruderheim Resilient Rurals and Communites in Bloom earn high praise at national award ceremony

BY JANA SEMENIUK The Town of Bruderheim’s Communities in Bloom committee earned a bronze five bloom rating, and a special mention, at the National and International Awards ceremonies on Sept. 29.

The ceremony was held in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo for their Resilient Rurals Regional Environmental Action Plan.

Additionally, Bruderheim also received an Outstanding Achievement award for the Communities in Bloom Community Involvement category.

Bruderheim director of legislative services, Sherry Cote, and her husband Bob attended the ceremony and

accepted the awards.

Cote said the Town has 12 volunteers who help with the planting and maintenance of planters and landscaped areas, but said it was difficult to say how many volunteers Bruderheim CIB actually has.

“It would be hard to say how many CIB volunteers there are, as every organization, business, resident looks after our community in some form,” she said.

“The CIB program covers every aspect of running a community and touches on what the town, local businesses and volunteers for “Growing Great Places Together” would like.

According to the Communities in Bloom website, there are four

levels of five bloom ratings, with the lowest level a simple five bloom rating, next is bronze, silver, and the top rating is gold.

Bruderheim participated in the Class of Champions small category, along with Kinistino SK and Trail BC. Judging for the competition occurred over the summer where trained volunteers travelled through the participating communities to examine and evaluate the entries.

Criteria used included community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management plus landscape and floral design.

Two judges, Martin Quinn and Anthony O’Neil wrote positive

comments on Bruderheim in their evaluations, particularly impressed with the Resilient Rurals Climate Action Program.

“Many Communities today are creating action plans to prepare for the changing climate and to

protect our environment.

For small communities it is not always easy to fund such a forwardlooking plan,” they wrote. “Bruderheim, led the way with the work of tireless volunteers partnering with the nearby towns of Gibbons and

Lamont to come up with the regional plan. Action plans, similar to what Bruderheim has created are crucial for all communities across the country as we prepare for future.”

Continued on Page 15

Thank You The members & friends of the Russo Greek Orthodox Church of Star would like to thank the Provincial Government for it’s financial support for the painting of the Church and Bell Tower.

A grant of $7228 was provided by the Heritage Preservation Partnership Program. This represents approximately 1/3 of the total cost of the project. The Church is a 110 year old building and an important historic resource in the County of Lamont.

FALL COMMUNITY INFO EVE Join Life in the Heartland for a special in person event featuring industry updates f rom companies and projects in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.

LAMONT COMMUNITY HALL 4844 - 49 STREET, LAMONT, AB WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18 Doors open at 5:00pm

Visit LifeintheHeartland.com to register

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 3

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4 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Opinion The world teeters on edge with limited leadership

BY JOHN MATHER It’s been a terrible weekend, and I expect nothing good to come from it moving ahead.

While it was Thanksgiving here in Canada, it was terror in Israel.

The Hamas terror group in a very well-coordinated attack raided Israel and to date more than 1,000, mostly civilians, have been killed.

Others, including soldiers, were kidnapped and hauled back to Gaza and raped and tortured and then paraded around for the world to see.

It is expected they will be used as bargaining chips to free Hamas terrorists from Israel prisons.

Israel suffered an egregious lack of information prior to this attack and has declared all out war on Hamas and has been steadily raining missiles down into Gaza, killing not only terrorists but innocent civilians.

So of course immediate condemnation was heard from the civilized world.

But let’s face it… there are no really strong leaders in the Western world.

Can we really trust the direction that might come from President Joe Biden or even worse, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Not a chance!

It is a chance for high level bureaucrats to shine as they hastily prepare plans and methods to support Israel.

In Canada it won’t be any form of military response because Trudeau and his government, following the lead of previous governments, has neutered the Canadian Forces down to nothing. Even soldiers stationed on exercises in Lithuania have to supply their own helmets!

In the U.S. there is no speaker of the House, leaving the capital decision makers in turmoil. The U.S. is fiercely divided along political lines between the far right, right, left and far left - each group clambering with their own agenda.

And many U.S. leaders are more worried, and in some ways correctly, about illegal immigration along the southern border, than events far away such as the war in the Ukraine or Israel’s troubles.

And what of that war?

CONTINUED Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zalenskyy had been making his rounds of world capitals seeking support both in financial aid and military hardware to continue his country’s ongoing battle against Russian aggression.

So what does Putin think of this Israeli situation?

He is no friend of Israel and will probably try to keep it escalating.

Russia has the power of veto in the United Nations so expect no help from that

source. Bickering and squabbling yes. Solutions no!

With the middle east escalating, will Putin take the opportunity to escalate his fight in Ukraine?

Will China remain on the sidelines or will it take this additional international distraction as its opportunity to invade Taiwan.

I’m sure these are questions making the rounds at very senior levels of government throughout the world as everyone tries to avoid an escalating worldwide conflict that may be inevitable.

And does the west have

the leadership, especially in North America, to provide smart, levelheaded leadership in the face of this conflict?

Really, can you blindly throw your faith behind a near senile 80-year-old president, or a Prime Minister who cares more about windmills and solar panels than he does about its destructive impact on his country’s economy?

The world’s in a very precarious place right now and I don’t think it bodes well for a Merry Christmas.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

5038 - 50 Avenue Box 1079, Lamont, AB T0B 2R0 Phone: 780-895-2780 Fax: 780-895-2705 Email: lmtleader@gmail.com Published every Wednesday at Lamont, AB Serving the Communities of Andrew, Bruderheim, Chipman, Hilliard, Lamont, Mundare, RR 4 Tofield, Star and St. Michael

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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 5

From Where I Sit: Not So Much

BY HAZEL ANAKA Another week, another disappointing retail service experience. Not long ago I realized my passport would expire in March 2024. And while that may seem a long way away, it’s not when the wheels of bureaucracy are either flat or under-inflated.

I printed the online passport renewal document and filled it out. It was quite straight forward though I did check with my two personal references before naming them. The next step was getting new passport photos. We’re long-time AMA members so I thought I’d get it done there. I’m sure my last ones were done at Costco because they were cheap; about $8 if I remember correctly. Mind you, that was nearly 10 years ago.

As the world of smart phones with great cameras grew and evolved, the Costco photo labs

disappeared. No one I know is printing photos anymore. Every square inch in retail needs to turn a profit or get phased out.

So, AMA it was. I was tickled to hear that as a member my photos would be free. That just happens to be my favourite price! Before long I had them in my hot little hand. I picked up a couple road maps and a guide for Colorado. I talked to the ladies in the travel department to get a feel of the current state of a ff a i r s - - - t r a v e l - w i s e , post-Covid. I learned that airports are very busy and there are no deals to be gotten because there is such pent-up demand to travel. Resorts and airlines don’t need to reduce prices to fill seats. Okay.

Someone told me she’d gotten her passport at St. Paul and it was so fast.

This farm kid hates to pay for parking so skipping the ordeal at Canada Place and heading to St. Paul seemed a no-brainer.

I never would have guessed St Paul would have a Service Canada office but it makes sense. They

serve a huge catchment area.

The front counter receptionist was so thorough, helpful, friendly, and funny I forgot I was in a government office.

She looked over my application and found a couple missed postal codes which I simply completed. She looked uncertain about my photo and took it to an agent for a second opinion. I wore neither glasses nor a smile. My ears were visible. I didn’t get it. Surely AMA does enough passport photos to be competent. These women were worried about my skin colour. On closer inspection I did look as though I’d just done a spray tan at home. There was an orangey cast to my skin.

“You can take a chance and hope the agent reviewing your application will let it go, but if they don’t there will be a significant delay if you have to redo all this. If you want to get new pictures taken there’s a photo studio a few doors down. They do great photos that are almost never rejected. It is your choice though.”

Off I trudge for new

Lamont and Area

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photos. I am not at all pleased that they cost $25. When I say as much, I’m told that some places in Edmonton, including the one at Canada Place charge as much as $85.

She does the photos and my skin is no longer orangey. In my opinion, I look more like a cadaver in this set but hey what the hell do I know. Back at Service Canada, I wait for the next step in the process because I didn’t have an appointment, which in fairness is recommended. Eventually, it’s my turn. That lady was very efficient and matter-of-fact about the likelihood my first pho-

tos would be rejected. I pay $160 for another ten years and am told I’d likely have the new passport in hand by November 8th.

All along there was a mail-in option for a passport renewal but I didn’t like the possibility of having my old passport get lost in the mail. In hindsight, it’s good I didn’t because if the photos were going to be rejected, I’d have lost a few more weeks of time.

They suggested I take a picture of both sets of photos so if I want to take the matter up with AMA, at least I’ll have proof of what good pho-

tos look like. They also provided a document explaining the specific concern with my pictures: 8. Photos must represent natural skin tones.

The only remaining question is: how much more time do I want to waste trying to make a point with AMA. I highly doubt they’ll reimburse my $25. But it irks me something fierce that a busy city location can’t take photos good enough to pass muster.

The fact I didn’t pay for them is immaterial.

People’s time and frustration has to be worth something. If their camera needs calibrating, then do it dammit. The St. Paul experience was great, AMA not so much from where I sit.

21042AL0

Bruderheim Community Church 4904 Queen Street

780-796-3775

Sunday Worship 10:30 am All are Welcome!

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Lamont Alliance Church 5007 44 st., Lamont

780-895-2879

Sunday Service 10 am

J OIN US FOR SERVICES SUNDAY MORNINGS @ 10 AM Pastor Darren Anderson Check out: www.lamontalliance.com

Bethany Lutheran Church 20577 TWP 550 Fort. Sask.

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Worship Service 11:00 am Sunday School (during service) Coffee after Service

Church Director y $40 per month Call 780.895.2780

6 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October11, 2023

Alberta’s poverty picture doesn’t take all factors into account - Dixon JANA SEMENIUK In a report published Sept. 26 by Food Banks Canada, Canadian provinces have been graded on a Poverty Report Card, for the first time showing how their efforts to reduce poverty compare to other provinces across the country.

The best performing province was Quebec who earned a B-, while the worst performing province was Nova Scotia who earned an F. Alberta scored a D which was just below Canada’s overall grade of D+.

County of Lamont Food Bank board chair Jody Zachoda said the score seems about right.

“At first glance, it looks like the report is on track with what I (am) seeing. Our food bank usage in the County of Lamont (has) steadily increased over the years since we have been adjusting to a new normal since COVID. I have noticed many of our clients are single and cannot possibly make ends meet on their own,” she said.

“The cost of heat and electricity are over-

whelming for many people who have steady reliable income. For those who face food insecurity it could be a choice of whether to have electricity or food. “ Zachoda added that local policy makers should prioritize groups with specific needs.

“For example, Indigenous peoples, single earners with low incomes, and children.

The government must also address the lack of mental health resources and promote holistic school nutrition programs across the province,” she said.

The public opinion data used for the Food Banks Canada report was collected from 4,292 adult Canadians via an online survey by Discover by Navigator between March and April of this year.

In Alberta, 356 online surveys were completed.

According to the provincial governments’ website, approximately 400,000 Albertans are estimated to be living in poverty including one in 10 children.

According to Community Food

Centres Canada, the poverty threshold in Canada is just over $25,000 for a single adult household. Additionally, Alberta’s population has grown from just over 4.5 million in 2022 to nearly 4.7 million in July.

Meanwhile, four categories that contributed to each provinces’ final grade in the report on poverty were; experience of poverty, poverty measures, material depravation, and legislative process. Alberta scored a D, D-, D- and C respectively.

According to the report, one of Quebec’s contributing factors to its top performance in the country is its social assistance program.

“The social assistance system in Quebec performs much better than in other provinces and people are largely more satisfied with it than people in other provinces are with their systems,” stated the report, adding that Quebec residents spend 12.4 percent of their household income on food related costs compared to 11 percent nationally.

Although

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT We are seeking to establish a permanent Full Time Administrative Assistant in meeting the need for Administrative/Infrastructure support assistance.

Qualifications and Skills Completion of high school diploma and office experience, preferably in a municipal environment.

Intermediate Microsoft Office and proficiency in office equipment.

Experience with Accounting Software is an asset.

Valid Class 5 Drivers License Carry out written or oral instructions and maintain accurate records as required.

Excellent attention to detail.

Manage multiple, competing priorities and interests while meeting deadlines and providing support to internal and external stakeholders with frequent interruptions.

Display a high degree of professionalism in a complex government and community office.

The right candidate will promote positive community awareness and public relations, be highly adaptable and flexible to change, and establish strong and positive working relations with both internal and external customers.

This competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Email applications to Sharron.sinclair@bruderheim.ca

Alberta’s rates in these areas were not included in the report, information on its political landscape was.

The current UCP government was criticized in the report for ‘rolling back some of the social spending introduced by the NDP government’.

Meanwhile, Alberta’s minister of seniors, community and social services Jason Nixon said in a statement there is information not taken into account in the report.

“This report does not include any of Alberta's affordability measures including the $600 affordability payments, over $26 million in food bank funding over the last few years, and the highest AISH benefit in the country at $1,787,” he said. “We are leading the country with supports for Albertans.”

Some recommendations made for the Alberta government in the report were to raise the minimum wage to $17 per hour and index it to inflation moving forward, adding that currently 20 percent of all food bank recipients’ main income is through employment. Other recommendations included increasing and indexing income assistance programs, and expanding temporary rental assistance benefits to all Albertans waiting for

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Notice of Nomination Day Local Authorities Elections Act (Section 26) LOCAL JURISDICTION: Village of Andrew, PROVINCE OF ALBERTA Notice is hereby given that Nomination Day is October 16, 2023 and that nominations for the election of candidates for the following offices will be received at the location of the local jurisdiction office set out below within the period beginning on October 2, 2023 and ending at 12:00 noon on Nomination Day. Offices Councillors

Number of Vacancies 2

Location (address) of Local Jurisdiction Office: Village Andrew 5021-50th Street Andrew, AB T0B 0C0 DATED at the Village Municipal Office, of Village of Andrew, in the Province of Alberta, this 2 day of October, 2023

VILLAGE OF ANDREW IS LOOKING FOR 2 NEW COUNCILLORS!!

ARE YOU READY TO STEP UP AND HELP THE PRESENT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

We are looking for people that have the passion, interest, and willingness to take the Village to the next level.

The past issues are being resolved with the help of Municipal Affairs, (As requested by the present members of council).

If you are interested to be heard, involved, and seen please run in the upcoming by-election. New ideas, directions and opinions are welcomed.

Election packages are available at the Village office.

It is time to step up and help make the difference you want to see and have talked about with your friends, bring them out in the open and help make Andrew the great little Village see its potential, but your HELP is needed.

Please Join US!

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 7

Andrew Garlic Festival keeps growing

BY JANA SEMENIUK The Andrew Agricultural Society is gearing up for their 23rd Annual Garlic Festival Oct. 14 with a few new additions.

Andrew AG society second vice president Anna-Lee Laderoute said the annual farmers market this year has a record number of vendors and had to move outdoors.

“This year we have a record number of vendors at the market and we will have 75 different vendors,” she said.

“We’ve actually grown into outdoor space this year. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger every year.”

A full day of activities are planned for the whole family starting with a Lions Club pancake breakfast, farmers market, parade, and entertainment by JoJo’s Magic Circus.

Additionally, Emcee for the event is comedian and juggler Paul Isaak who will be performing two shows. A flash-back frolic supper, show and dance is also scheduled for the evening with music by Jaedyn Pilon and the Flash Back Band featuring performances by legends impersonators of Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash and Elvis with the meal prepared

by Tom’s Catering from Lamont.

Laderoute said tickets for the evening entertainment are always prepurchased as they sell out quickly.

“There’s lots to do for everyone and the dance is a family dance. We try to keep the whole day as a family event,” she said.

Additionally, several children’s activities are planned, including a rock-climbing wall, mechanical bull, pony

rides, zorb balls and bouncy houses.

Keeping with the celebration of all that is garlic, a speaker is scheduled to discuss the finer points of the aromatic bulb, in addition festival attendees can try their hand at the traditional Garlic Peeling contest, Garlic Bingo, and partake in specialty foods such as garlic perogies in addition to garlic parmesan French fries.

Andrew Garlic Festival keeps growing. File photo

Media denied permission to cover Mayor’s reading EIPS tightens grip on information for taxpayers

BY JANA SEMENIUK While Bruderheim Mayor Karl Hauch volunteered to read to children at Bruderheim School last week for read-in week, the Lamont Leader was denied permission to attend and cover the Oct. 5 event.

Communications Director Laura McNabb stated that the event was not public therefore media would not be allowed to attend.

“This is not a public event. The principal will be happy to provide a

UN

Camrose County Seed Cleaning Plant will have USED SEED PLANT items for Tender.

Tenders will be opening October 13th Watch for a complete listing on our website. www.county.camrose.ab.ca

S RE

VE ER

photograph of the mayor’s reading afterwards,” she stated by email, adding she was not willing to discuss the issue.

In previous emails, McNabb said all Elk Island Public Schools quotes and comments from all staff must first go through her prior to being received by the media, including principal reflections on their annual Christmas concert.

An article covering Bruderheim’s new

teacher, Mr. Brian Christie, last month was only allowed to proceed once the teacher and principals’ comments were first filtered through her before being included in the article.

Bruderheim mayor Karl Hauch did not respond to a request for comment.

A request from the Lamont Leader on Oct. 4 through McNabb to speak to the newly elected EIPS board chair Cathy Allen has not yet been responded to.

D

Timed Online ANTIQUE Auction for Wayne & Caroline Fibke PH Wayne (780) 446-3434. Preview Oct. 15th & 16th, 1-6 pm.

Bids Start to Close Tues., Oct. 17th. Location: 9919 101st, Fort Sask, AB.

Over 325 Lots Timed Online Acreage Auction, Mundare. Bids Close Oct. 23rd.

Included are 22 GRAIN BINS (Lamont Area) More Info to Come

For more information call 780-672-4765

WILL RUN IN THE OCTOBER 18TH ISSUE OF THE LAMONT LEADER This is an annual Salute showing appreciation for our local Fire Departments.

We invite you to book space to express gratitude, respect and say Thank You to the Firefighters within Lamont County who work hard to keep us safe.

Book your space with Crystal Call 780-895-2780 or email lmtleader@gmail.com

D E A D L I N E T O B O O K S P A C E I S F R I D AY O C T 1 3 T H @ 4 P M !

8 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October11, 2023

Apprenticeship registrations in Alberta doubles, pension plan gaining support - says MLA Alberta’s government is investing an additional $12.4 million to create nearly 2,000 more apprenticeship seats across the province.

Fast-rising demand for skilled workers, combined with our government’s significant work to modernize and promote apprenticeship education in our province, led to double digit increases in apprenticeship registrations in Alberta in 2022 and 2023.

There are currently more than fifty thousand registered apprentices in the province, 19 per cent more than were registered last year – and the year isn’t over.

By expanding apprenticeship opportunities, we’re empowering students to pursue rewarding careers while sustaining the growth and momentum of Alberta’s skilled trades labour market.

I was pleased to attend the re-opening of the Queen Elizabeth II Planetarium in Edmonton, Sept. 29, on behalf of Premier Smith and the Government of Alberta.

I and our Government will continue to support science, technology, innovation, and learning opportunities for all Albertans.

I look forward to many more generations of Albertans being inspired and educated by this fantastic facility, on the grounds of the Telus World of Science.

Our government is launching a public engagement on the possibility of creating an Alberta Pension Plan, following the release of the independent Lifeworks report. An independent panel will conduct extensive engagements with Albertans to gather their thoughts, suggestions, and concerns.

This is your pension, your choice, and we want to hear directly from you. To provide your thoughts, ideas, and feedback, please

builds the following skills for students: critical thinking, communication skills, enhanced Indigenous and francophone perspectives, while being age and developmentally appropriate. A new draft social studies curriculum will be developed by talking to parents, teachers, and education specialists that will set our students up for success. To provide your thoughts, please fill out the survey here: https://www.alber ta.ca/curriculum-haveyour-say.

Jackie ArmstrongHomeniuk, MLA Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville

visit: www.albertapensionplan.ca.

At this website, you can also read the entire report, and find critical information regarding the potential for an Alberta Pension Plan.

Alberta’s government is also beginning a transparent and collaborative engagement with Albertans and education partners on draft kindergarten to Grade 6 (K-6) social studies curriculum.

Using the valuable feedback provided by Albertans over the last two years, Alberta Education is re-drafting the K-6 social studies curriculum to ensure it

Freezing fog rolled through Lamont County Sept. 30 leaving heaving frost. Right, sunset at Astotin Lake, EINP on Oct. 1. Crystal Moren photos.

The Town has received a request to make an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw.

Request to rezone a single property from C2-General Commercial Land Use District to R3 - Low to Medium Density Multiple Residential Land Use District.

A Public Hearing has been scheduled for October 24, 2023 at 7:15 p.m. at the Town Office in Council Chambers, 5307 50 Avenue, Lamont.

The purpose of a public hearing is to permit members of the public to communicate concerns or express support about the proposed amendment.

Documents can be inspected at the Town Office, 5307 50 Avenue.

Visit https://www.lamont.ca/townhall/public-hearing for more information.

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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 9

ARE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW DROWNING IN ELECTRICITY BILLS?

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VISIT CAMROSEENERGY.COM TO LEARN MORE. READY TO MAKE THE SWITCH? CALL 780-781-4115!

10 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October11, 2023

Public hearing to gather residents’ opinions on reducing Bruderheim town council down to five

BY JANA SEMENIUK The Town of Bruderheim will be holding a public hearing on Oct. 25 around the proposed bylaw to reduce the number of council members from seven to five (four council members and one mayor).

The idea has been proposed three times to council over the past four years, and defeated each time with the last two occasions defeated in votes of 5-2.

During the June 21 council meeting, however, most council members spoke in favour of examining the issue further with the exception of councillor Len Falardeau who has been a continuous vocal opponent of the motion.

In one of her last council meetings before she

resigned, former deputy mayor Judy Schueler said savings to the Town of $11,000 per councillor per year was a good reason to look at reducing the number to five. “$11,000 times two, that’s $22,000 a year, and that's quite a bit of money. That's 2.1 percent of our budget,” she said. “(In 2021), we (also) had to wait two more days to get two more councillors. So, from my perspective, that means that we don't have enough interest in town, and getting to five will be a lot easier.”

Councillor Falardeau was not swayed by Schueler’s explanation.

“The reason we defeated it is common sense.

The $11,000 (spent on each councillor) we blow money on greater and

sillier things than that,” he said. “$11,000 just not a justification at all. We can trim money elsewhere and I believe we can do that quite easily for that amount of money. The Town is, I think it's still ready for seven. It's not ready for five.”

Councillor George Campbell made the suggestion for a public hearing to gather what the resident’s thoughts are on the matter.

The hearing will be held at the Bruderheim Fire Station at 7 p.m. on Oct. 25.

In addition the council will be holding their organizational meeting.

The public are welcome to attend in person or watch live online.

Public Hearing Bylaw 07-2023 Number of Councillors Sitting on Municipal Council

October 25, 2023 7:00 PM Bruderheim Fire Hall Meeting Room 5112 Queen Street, Bruderheim, Alberta

A small flock of a few dozen snow geese, pictured over the lagoons in Bruderheim Oct. 7, begin their fall migration south for the winter. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Friends of the Battle River Railway presents

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Ticket Prices Train Ride + Supper & Dance $130 ea.

Supper & Dance only $65 ea.

Hall opens 4 pm Supper at 5pm Dance to follow Heisler Community Hall, l, Heisler AB B

Tickets can be purchased hased at: wa (Forestburg) ware (Forestb burg Coutts Home Hardware Galahad Post Office e Online at www.BattleRiverTrain.com or call 780-781-9260

5 Quarters (768 ac) Cattle/Grain Land at Radway!

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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 11

BOBCAT SERVICES

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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING LOCAL

Local Supporting Local

The Lamont Leader is the newspaper of Lamont County.

We are proud to serve our local communities.

Thank you for your support, advertising and readership!

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12 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October11, 2023

MECHANICAL

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ADVERTISE TODAY. CALL 780.895.2780 OR EMAIL lmtleader@gmail.com

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FOR ALL YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS 5003 - 50 Street, Mundare, AB 780-764-3936

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PLUMBING

(Div of Stadnick Contracting (2011) Ltd.)

Is now available for septic cleaning

Contact Brett : 587-991-0398 Servicing most of Lamont & Strathcona County

JMP Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

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Furnace & Hot Water Tank Replacement Plumbing - New Home Construction Air Conditioning - Gas Fitting - Gas Fire Places Garage Heaters - Service & Repair - Sheet Metal

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SEPTIC TANKS CLEANED NEW SEPTIC PUMPS INSTALLED SEPTIC SYSTEMS DESIGNED & INSTALLED

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REGULAR 24/7 TOWING

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PLUS equipment, sheds,

at Smith Insurance Service, Main Street Lamont etatchyn@biamonte.com Edmonton: 780-425-5800 * Speaks Ukrainian *

antique/classic vehicles, RVs, and more!!

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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 13

The

$14 minimum for first 25 words, 45¢ per word thereafter (G.S.T. not included) PICTURE $10

BOLD $5

ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PREPAID BEFORE INSERTION unless customer has an account in good standing.

LAMONT LEADER Ph. 780-895-2780 Email: lmtleader @gmail.com NNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS Heart to Home Meals Made for Seniors Quality and Convenience Over 200 quality frozen meals, soups, and desserts delivered directly to your home.

Average $9 per meal Free delivery* No obligation Request your FREE menu today! Ask us about our trial offer HeartToHomeMeals.ca *some conditions may apply.

Call 780-666-2336 to inquire.

We accept Veterans Affairs Allowances.

We offer special diet options. ________________________ Potatoes Beets Carrots **Taking Orders for Fall Potatoes, Carrots, and Beets** Off Highway 13 Turn North on RR 122 go North 3 Miles.

Helen Tanton 780-888-6800 AUCTIONS AUCTIONS HOUSE TO BE MOVED: Updated bungalow in Lougheed AB. Must be moved by 2025. Includes triple car garage. Ritchie Bros Auction Oct 25-27. https://rb.gy/7u7au.

EADER

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Classifieds

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3 papers for the price of 1!

COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS

FOR SALE FOR SALE

HELP WANTED WANTED HELP

SERVICES SERVICES

Mopsy Tucks has a great selection of costumes to rent for Halloween or all occasions.

Hours Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sundays and evenings by appointment only.

780-386-2353 780-888-5188 Lougheed, AB ________________________ Elk Island Art Club, 2023 Annual Art Show "Playing with Light". October 21 & 22, 10 am - 4 pm. Josephburg Drop-in Centre, Josephburg, AB. Admission is free. 780998-2740 ________________________ Ravenhill Agencies Ltd on 5109 50St, Tofield: GRAND REOPENING on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17th from 11 am 2 pm. We are throwing a BBQ - bring food bank donations, as Ravenhill will match it! ________________________ Viking Fire & Rescue Pancake Breakfast Sunday, October 15 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Viking Fire Hall Adults $10 6-17 $5 5 and Under Free

WHITE SPRUCE TREES: 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered, Wurzel Dip enzyme injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 20. One-time fuel charge: $125-150.

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Quality guaranteed.

The Andrew Community Center Association is looking for a janitor/caretaker to maintain the hall. The job entails washing/waxing floors, deep cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms, maintaining supplies such as toilet paper, paper towels, dishwasher supplies, etc. It also entails prepping the hall when rentals have been booked and thorough cleaning when the event has concluded.

Applicant should be able to do small repairs when required.

Paying a competitive wage.

Please forward resumes to barb@barpek.com. ________________________ Family Connections Inc. seeks casual support worker for 12 hours per week in Lamont area. Contact Steve at 587521-6144 ext 105 for more info.

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit?

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Member BBB. 1-877-9871420. www.pioneerwest.com. ________________________ Come see our beautiful, well maintained country Cemetery located at 21338 Twp. Rd 550 in Josephburg. We offer burial and cremation plots as well as columbarium niches for sale.

Please contact the Josephburg Community Church @ 780998-9331 for more information. ________________________ Carpet and Upholstery cleaning - residential and commercial. Truck mount unit, sewer backup, and flood cleaning. Auto and RV Cleaning. Call John and Sheri at Fancy Shine Auto and Carpet Care at 780-384-3087 ________________________ Roy's Handyman Services.

Flooring, Trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-2323097 ________________________ 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! Willing to travel anywhere in the county.

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FOR RENT RENT FOR House for Sale or Rent - 5316 - 57 Ave in Viking. 4 bedroom 2 bath. Large backyard with detached garage, across from playground. Available Oct. 31, 2023. No smokers, no pets, damage deposit required.

References required. $1,000/month rent. Call Dennis Bird at 780-336-2369 (house) 780-385-5689 (cell) or Laura at 780-385-2043 for more info!

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Like new - One slide, 2 easy chairs, table for 4, very roomy shower, unique interior, very cute, lots of extras- must see!

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Having an Event?

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MOVING SALE MOVING SALE Hobby Farm moving sale everything goes! All portable fencing: livestock panels, chainlink for pets, plus gates, etc assorted sizes, Round bale feeders, water tubs, rain barrels.

780-365-2217 SEED FOR FOR SALE SEED 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. ____________________ WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN - Heated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. "On Farm Pickup". Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252.

GIVE AWAY GIVE AWAY Looking for loving forever companionship homes; American Cocker Spaniels, recently show dogs. 4 years old and older. NOT for breeding, new owners must spay or neuter. Serious inquiries only.

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Take advantage of this offer.

Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1844-453-5372.

41p

LAND LAND FOR TENDER OR TENDER The Following Lands are for Cash Rent on a 4-Year term by Tender. Highest or any bid not necessarily accepted.

Lands up for Tender: N1/2 19-47-11 W4 SE1/4 19-47-11 W4 Tender Closing Date October 20, 2023 Send Tender Offers to kweder@telusplanet.net SERVICES SERVICES Painting Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749 ________________________ PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca. ________________________ CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed?

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PURCHASING ENTIRE COIN COLLECTIONS! Call Todd 1-250-864-3521.

41p

14 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October11, 2023

Lamont County Councillors give reactions to Recall Petition Continued from Front “He could lose his career over this,” stated Woitas.

“I feel if there’s some changes to administration the recall could be cancelled,” he said.

“I just got back from Thanksgiving church and the people are mad,” he added. “In the past year his way of running the County and my way of thinking have changed. I have a different opinion. I know what the ratepayers want, I know what I want and I know what my kids want - and me and him don’t think alike right now.”

He said while much of the voting on council is unanimous, that’s been changing lately with Woitas opposing more resolutions.

“If I don’t agree with something I’m not going along with it,” said Woitas. “Dave’s way of representing the people and mine are different and I’ll go with my way right now. I’m sticking up for my ratepayers and

what they want.”

Division 2 Councillor Aaron Wick was totally surprised when he heard about the recall.

“I don’t think it’s a good thing,” he said.

“My own opinion only. I really don’t have any information on it.

“I guess we’ll find out some more tomorrow.”

“We didn’t get any information on it, because I don't know anything about it. I don’t know the rationality of it, I don’t know when it was submitted… I’m hoping we find out something on Tuesday (yesterday).”

He said he wasn’t worried that a recall petition could be launched against him.

“I don't really know,” he said. “I haven’t had any ratepayers tell me they’re upset with me or the way I’m working.

“We just don’t have any rationale for the petition.

“The people and public have to know too,” he stated.

Division 1 Councillor Daniel Warawa said he

was totally surprised by it.

“I don’t know why. I was shocked when I heard about it,” he said.

“My question is why. I can’t see any reason for it.”

He wasn’t sure if the petition was aimed at Diduck as a councillor or as Reeve of the County.

“If you can recall someone, are all of us councillors going to be recalled?” he wondered.

“I don’t care if I get one,” he said. “If someone thinks they can do a better job, then run against me. I do the best that I can and I have for more than 20 years. I think David does the best he can also.”

He added councillors don’t handle any money nor are there any bullies on the council so he can’t see any reason for the recall.

He said he doesn’t understand why the legislation lets one person have the power of recall over an elected municipal official.

“David is as polite as can be,” he said. “I don’t know the petitioner. I’ve never heard of him so I’m wondering what his reasons are.

“We have a session on this on Tuesday (yesterday) so maybe there’ll be some answers.”

Division 4 Councillor Roy Anaka was also taken by surprise by the

Notice of Recall.

“It was a total surprise,” he said. “An absolute total surprise. I never expected it.”

He said he recalled when the legislation was brought in, in 2022.

“The shocking thing is you can apply to municipal affairs for a recall without giving a reason,” he said. “So now instead of the ratepayers voting for you every four years now they can take a crack at you any time during your term.

“When you can do that and you don’t need a reason, at least I haven’t heard of one, then it’s kind of open season on everyone.”

He said he wasn’t really worried about a recall aimed at him, “but then

you can do it without having a reason.”

He pointed out it was a cost to the ratepayers not only for the verification of the signatures on the petition but then if the recall was successful the cost of a by-election.

When asked if he thought the recall was aimed at Diduck as the councillor, Reeve or as an indirect move against County administration he felt it could be possibly all of those.

“Everybody in the County has thoughts on how things should be run,” he said. “And council has one employee and we know we can’t please all the ratepayers all the time.”

He added the recently well-attended Land Use

Bylaw public meeting may have had something to do with the Notice of Recall.

“We’ll see where this goes… but as far as the LUB we had a second public hearing, we’re providing more information on the public record and we’re having a further workshop on it.

“Everything we do and you think you have it right… then there’s someone out there who says you’re doing it wrong.”

He added many of the bylaw the County works on have to also comply with Provincial Legislation, so in some ways council’s hands are tied.

“Yes, it sure came as a surprise.”

403.343.8083

www.davexconstruction.com

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 15

Ratepayer gives recall reasoning Continued from Front Therefore, the population of Division 3 is pegged at 684.”

Lamont County is comprised of five divisions with the county as a whole listed as having a population of 3,889 as of 2016. The exact population for each separate division is unknown by administration.

Wallace said he has teamed up with several people to gather the approximately 274 required signatures.

He said resentment has been building for him since he first moved to the county 14 years ago beginning prior to Diduck’s election, when unmaintained roads caused just under $2,000 in damage to his vehicle.

He said his complaints to the county went unheard and pushed aside for more than two years.

“They pushed us off for two years. The runaround took two years (then) the claim (expired),” he said. “It was just unacceptable.

When you bring in a company that’s supposed to maintain the roads, they should look after what damages were done.”

Since then, Wallace said he joined the Chipman Fire Department where he ran into more problems with the county ranging from headbutting over attempted forced COVID vaccination to issues with fire trucks that reduced their ability to effectively fight fires.

“They (the county) dismantled a Fast Attack (fire truck) that was designed for going out

and doing grassfires and bushfires. Now it can go (faster) on the road but can no longer go into the bush,” he said.

“They say that we've got to fight fires from the road. So, they're charging ratepayers for them to sit on the road for the fire to come to them.

Now, how often does the fire decide to come to where the firefighters are? You got to go to the fire to fight it.”

Wallace said he was eventually forced out of the fire department.

Meanwhile, Wallace said he has also witnessed bullying by the county administration and finally ‘had enough’.

“Somebody’s got to speak up. They put my phone number out there (on the public recall document) which shouldn’t be there. That is a tactic of bullying when they do stuff like that,” he said.

“They (also) bully the councillors that speak out for the ratepayers, they bully them, so we need a change. They've been in there for too long. They think that they can control everything. The people have to start to be able to speak and we're not allowed to speak because they bul-

lied the councillors inside that hall.”

Wallace said he was also upset around the proposed Land Use Bylaw that endured a second public hearing

this past Aug. He said Diduck has become complacent.

“The way I look at it he’s been in there too long. He rubber stamps stuff because he doesn’t

want to listen to the ratepayers,” he said.

“There's two (councilors) in there that speak up for the ratepayers and the other three stick together, so nothing can

ever be done. We’ve got to break the chain and make some changes.”

Wallace will have until approximately Dec. 3 to collect all signatures.

Awards presented in Fort Mac Continued from Page 2

Bruderheim Director of Legislative Services Sherry Cote and her husband Bob accept one of two awards from the Communities in Bloom National and International Award Ceremonies in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo on Sept. 29 for the Town of Bruderheim. The Town's Communities in Bloom committee won an Outstanding Achievement Award in addition to a Bronze Five Bloom rating and special mention for their Resilient Rurals Climate Action Program.

The Resilient Rurals Climate Action Program was first developed in 2016, by Director Jill Yanich who was looking to expand on an existing program that aimed at creating plans for residents in the case of emergencies arising from extreme weather.

Yanich partnered with the neighbouring towns of Lamont and Gibbons to facilitate the program.

RRCAP also earned the 2021 Ministers Award for Municipal Excellence for Smaller Municipalities.

Photo: Sherry Cote

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16 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October11, 2023

Community Programming

Community Services: Serving Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew & Chipman vvv–a Homestyle meals for seniors Access current monthly services & programs information for FCSS, CALC and KFRN on and low-income households each of the services’ Facebook pages: FCSSlamontcountyregion |LamontCountyAdultLearns ($10 per meal bi-weekly menus).

Contact 780|groups/1922602184662497, or scan the QR code: 895-2233 Ext. 226 to place order or learn more about the program. `http://www.lamontcounty.ca/communityprogrammingv For more information, scan the QR code or visit lamontcounty.ca/community-programming.

Contact CALC, FCSS or KFRN at: 1-877-895-2233 | 5303-50 Ave. Lamont, AB T0B 2R0 |

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Development Permits for Discretionary Use – Appeal by Oct. 26 See lamontcounty.ca/public-tenders for full details.

michelle.a@lamontcounty.ca for more information or 780-895-2233 x228

Fire Prevention and Safety Week Oct. 8, to Oct. 14, 2023. Visit fpw.org for tips and plans for safety. This year’s theme is: “Cooking safety starts with YOU!”

michelle.a@ lamontcounty.ca for more information or 780-895-2233 x223

https://signup.com/go/OemixuN or erin.b@lamontcounty.ca / 780-895-2233 x244 for more info.

The next scheduled ASB meeting is (tentatively) on June 14, starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Administration Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link): lamontcounty.ca/departments/agricultural-services/agendas-minutes-asb.

Next Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meeting The next scheduled ASB meeting Next is (tentatively) December 13, starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamontfor County Please Note – inFocus is also available viewing online at: Councilon Meeting Administration Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link): lamontcounty.ca/departments/agricultural-services/agendas-minutes-asb. www.lamontcounty.ca/communications The next Regular Council Meeting is on Tuesday, June 13, starting at 9:00 a.m. The public (for those toisview weeklyfor submission as full-at: Please Notewanting – inFocus alsothe available viewing online Lamont County Council Meeting is welcome to attend atNext the Lamont County Administration Building or virtually through sized PDF and to access hyperlinks). www.lamontcounty.ca/communications Microsoft Teams Council (link): lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes.

The next Regular Meeting is on Tuesday, October 24, starting at 9:00 a.m. The (for those wanting to view the weekly submission as fullpublic is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Administration Building or virtually sized PDF and to access hyperlinks). through Microsoft Teams (link): lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes.