In recent weeks, we have been informed by various Canada Post Postmasters that they have been given instructions to NOT deliver the News Advertiser due to the fact that we carry advertising in various forms. We urge our readers to talk to your Postmaster (Postmistress) and tell them you want to continue to receive the News Advertiser and local news & events in your mail. They do have the ability to mark your box to receive the News Advertiser. Additionally, we also urge you to contact your MP regarding this effort by Canada Post to remove the News Advertiser (and local news) from your home or business.
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Vegreville Fire Services Responds to Gas Leak
Fire crews were dispatched to a residential area following a reported gas leak Friday evening.
Mitch Newton, Protective Services Manager for the Town of Vegreville, stated, “At approximately 9pm on Friday, August 2, Vegreville Fire Services responded to a reported gas leak in the area of 56th Avenue and 52nd Street.
Upon arrival, it was determined that the cause of the leak was a ruptured service line, which appeared to have been damaged during the excavation of a tree stump. Given the amount of natural gas escaping from the line, at approximately 9:30 pm, on-scene emergency personnel requested residents within a one-block radius to leave the area.
Once ATCO resolved the issue, Vegreville Fire Services cleared the scene at approximately 11 pm, allowing affected residents to return to the area.”
At 10:02 pm, Alberta RCMP issued notification that Vegreville RCMP were on-scene assisting fire and other authorities with evacuations of residents at risk due to the leak. At 11:22 pm, Alberta RCMP issued another notification stating that the evacuation order was over and residents had been returned to their homes.
ATCO media relations provided the following statement on Aug. 6: “We can confirm on Aug. 2 there was a hit line caused by a customer doing work in his/her yard in the area of 52 Street in Vegreville. ATCO is completing repairs today.”
Lack of Available Childcare in Vegreville
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
There is a lack of childcare services in the Town of Vegreville. That probably doesn’t come as news to local parents, but it is an issue that is being further investigated in order to adequately address the current challenges families in the community are facing.
being of the community. The role of FCSS is to bring people together to explore, strategize and work through opportunities as well as provide administrative support. In addition to local businesses, the three main stakeholders that were identified were the Vegreville Daycare, Preschool and Town of Vegreville.”
and provides services at no cost to its clients.
Two representatives with the Vegreville Childcare Committee appeared before members of town council on July 15 requesting the Town of Vegreville to join as a stakeholder on the committee.
A July 12 memo from the Town of Vegreville Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) stated that: “Due to the lack of childcare services being a barrier to economic stability and community growth, local businesses are impacted because they are facing difficulties in retaining employees who are forced to leave their jobs or reduce their hours due to inadequate childcare options.
Edwards touched on the federal mandate to create childcare spaces across Canada and that the “only solution” is a multi-stakeholder or community development approach. “Vegreville I’m sure is not unlike any other region in Canada. If you’re not familiar with the term childcare desert, what that means in a nutshell is that for every one licensed childcare space, there are three or more children competing for that opportunity to have that care.”
Moreover, new businesses in Vegreville are finding it hard to attract individuals to relocate to the area due to the absence of childcare services. This situation is hampering the local economy and stifling potential development.”
The memo also stated that, “The overall goal of the Vegreville Childcare Committee was to work collaboratively to increase the economic and social well-
Mayor Tim MacPhee said lack of childcare in the community is an economic problem. With the town actively attracting industry, MacPhee said he felt the way to address this challenge would be through the committee and committed to having a representative from the town sit on the committee.
Earlier in the meeting Candice Minott, Community Engagement Coordinator, and Cathy Edwards, entrepreneur in residence with Cooperatives First, made a presentation to town council. They explained that Cooperatives First is a non-profit that supports cooperative startups in rural and Indigenous communities
Citing figures from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives from May of 2023, Edwards stated that 61 percent of younger children in Alberta live in a childcare desert. Additionally, “For every dollar spent on childcare in a regional economy, a further $1.38-$2.54 is generated resulted in positive outcomes for children.”
Edwards noted that through federal funding between $5,000 and $6,000 per childcare space could be accessed and that a new program is coming out through Canadian Housing and Mortgage Lack of Child Care - CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
Mini Botanic Garden Page 9
Happy Campers
Emergency services personnel on-scene. (Town of Vegreville/Facebook Photo)
Canadian-American Junior Hockey League Hits Pause Button for 2024-25 Season
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
The Vegreville Vipers Junior A Hockey Club had its most successful season yet, winning the coveted Canadian-American Junior Hockey League (CAJHL) championship. Despite this, they will not be fielding a team as the CAJHL has announced it will be dormant for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
The decision was formally announced on July 23 in a news release. CAJHL Commissioner Norm Shaw stated, “While it is regrettable that we find ourselves on this path, we firmly believe that this temporary dormancy will provide us with the opportunity to emerge as a better and stronger league.
By taking the necessary steps now, we are confident that we will be able to build a league that not only thrives on the ice, but also serves as a pillar of the communities it represents.”
Vipers General Manager Bryan Brown posted on the team’s Facebook page that they were very grateful for the fan support, sponsors and everyone who helped them through the past three seasons. Winning the CAJHL championship this past season, Brown said, “It means more than you will ever know. We will take this time to help the CAJHL get into a better situation and come out stronger
than ever.”
In a follow up interview with the Vegreville News Advertiser, Brown said taking a hiatus was a “very hard decision” to make. “After winning a championship here in Vegreville, and displaying great support from our Vipers organization to our fans, sponsors, schools, any charity in the community, food bank, corn maze, ag society, and many other events, it was very difficult, as and our ice users agreement was up for renewal and it got changed from the past contract, not allowing our team’s logo to be put at center ice was our deciding factor to not renew our ice users agreement.
Every town with a Jr A franchise display the top team in there town. For example, Lloydminster has a Jr A team and Jr B team. The A team’s logo is displayed at center ice as that is the top team in the community. We use ice that is during the day time all week long that isn’t taking away from any other organization, and we also use a lot of other ice, worth a lot of revenue to the town each season. And one of the stipulations we asked for was to have our logo at center ice. It was denied.”
Brown, who serves as CAJHL President, explained that they had three new teams committed to play this year, but could not find adequate ice in the
areas of interest for their locations, and a few other teams were interested, but could not make a commitment prior to the deadline. “It (deadline) wasn’t met and there is just too much work securing players, scheduling, and sponsorship, among staff among other things to successfully run a Jr A franchise to be competitive and successful. So, we called it. Brown was asked, “How will this hiatus affect players who were hoping to
play for the Vipers, future prospects, sponsors, fans and the community at large?” He replied, “Whenever you take a hiatus it definitely affects the players coming to play for you. I have made sure all 15 players I had signed have new homes and are interested in coming back to play for the Vipers where ever that is the following season. If it’s here with
Pause - CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
8th
CAJHL
Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser – Opinion
There has been a lot of talk recently about the size of the federal public service. Jack Mintz did a deep dive on it in July highlighting that while Canada’s population grew by 12.5 percent in the past ten years, the federal non-military service roll has grown by 39.9 percent.
In June, Stats Canada released their regular employment report in which, if you dig deep enough, you will find data on public sector employment. This data covers federal, provincial and local employees hired by departments, agencies, hospitals and schools, including universities and colleges. I do not believe this includes contractors which is important to note when you consider the ArriveCAN application was outsourced at an estimated cost to taxpayers of $59.5 million.
It’s a little hard to comprehend, but public sector employees now number almost 4.5 million people, representing 21.5 percent of Canada’s workforce. Now the average non-military federal employee costs us taxpayers $142,000 a year. That’s a good gig if you can land one and a lot of money for people who often work from home with limited oversight, supervision or deliverables at the end of the day. Before anyone thinks I’m being harsh, when was the last time you called any federal government office? Accountants regularly comment on wait
times of multiple hours with the CRA and that is one office that has had significant growth.
All that people-power added up for a line item in the 2023 federal budget of $50.8 billion (including CPP, EI and other contributions). By comparison, if in the past 10 years public sector growth would have been in line with population growth, our bill would have been $10 billion less in 2023 enabling federal personal income taxes to be cut by $1,000 for a family of four. Additionally, some of those currently employed in the federal system would hopefully be employed in the private sector, paying taxes and adding to our GDP.
Here are a few examples of departments that have experienced bloat during the Trudeau Liberal reign.
- Employment and Social Development Canada grew from 21,097 employees in 2014 to 38,983 in 2023 — an increase of 85 percent. These are the folks who have trouble getting CPP and OAS payments sorted in a timely fashion.
- The Canada Revenue Agency has grown to 59,019 in 2023, up 46.5 percent from1 2014.
- Public Services and Procurement Canada is up 51 percent from 2014, now clocking in at 18,118 employees. This is the department recently criticized by the Auditor General over various failings including violating procurement rules and not properly documenting the aforementioned ArriveCAN app.
- The Privy Council Office (PCO) whose job is to support the Prime Minister and Cabinet has grown by 61 percent. Led by the Clerk of the Privy Council, this department helps the government in implementing its vision, goals and decisions in a timely manner. Did you note that last part?
- The oft referred to “no-pipelines” department… the Impact assessment Agency of Canada has doubled in size since 2013. Its performance can be assessed by the number of projects approved in the last number of years.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada, now famous for the controversy of the two scientists with ties to China it fired grew by a whopping 94 percent to 4,211 since 2014. But…don’t blame it on the pandemic because it grew by an additional 1,000 employees after that was done.
- Refugee and Citizenship Canada is another department that doubled in size from 5,927 employees in 2014 to 12,258 last year. However, their performance likely hasn’t doubled. It is said that a visa for Canada can take up to 125 days to process for a Swiss citizen.
- The CRTC who watches over our radio, television, telecom and internet added 30 percent to the count.
- Women and Gender Equality Canada by percentage was the high achiever with a total of only 468 employees but grew by 380 percent since 2014.
The question we must ask ourselves, regardless of political leaning, is what are we getting? Is there value in what we are spending? After all, you can look back 40+ years across many governments and this one stands unique.
Have you seen any significant improvements in your services? Are passports processed faster? Is crime down along with lower volumes of drugs, guns and criminals crossing our bor-
Bloat - CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
Specialty Cinnamon Buns a Favourite
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
Cindy Santo never envisioned opening a restaurant when she and her husband Kent moved from Grande Prairie to Mundare nearly two-and-a-half years ago, but they’ve managed to create a true community hub at Baba’s Bistro with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, great hospitality and homemade cuisine. While they have a variety of items on the menu, the most sought after item are cinnamon buns.
Thursdays are cinnamon bun day when they offer unique toppings like maple bacon, cream cheese with fruit filling, black forest, butterscotch, etc. “We have 18 different toppings for the summer,” says Cindy.
Its Lorraine Abbott’s job to prep and dress the cinnamon buns before the bistro opens. In summer, Cindy makes three batches, 120 cinnamon buns in total, and within three to four hours they are completely sold out.
While some customers still look for traditional toppings like raisons, walnuts or pecans; more and more people are gravitating to the specialty cinnamon buns. Cindy credits her son Robert for coming up with the idea.
“I like it when people say, I came for the buns.” She’s had people from Cold Lake, St. Paul and various places through-
out the Edmonton region stop in specifically for her cinnamon buns. Cindy has accommodated several specialty orders, and began making mini cinnamon buns a few months ago.
She admits there’s been a lot of trial and error in the beginning, but she has got the process down to a fine art now. Her cinnamon buns are always moist, fluffy and freshly baked. “Customers like them because they are homemade. Of course, there’s a secret ingredient.”
While Cindy won’t disclose what that secret ingredient is, she has done a great deal of research and experimentation to develop her amazing recipe. She shared some tips and tricks for folks wanting to make their own cinnamon buns. She says, the key is to have the dough at the right consistency. She said to use traditional or bakers’ yeast and to store that in the
fridge. She also doesn’t knead the dough. She believes, “It’s the little things that make a difference.”
Always looking on the bright side, Cindy pointed out that, “With failure comes success.” She believes there’s always room for improvement and strives to provide the best quality and service to her customers. She also believes in supporting local artisans. There is an impressive selection of jewelry, paintings, photos, etc. Jam sessions and special suppers are also some of the featured events. There’s room for lounging and a play area for small children as they want everyone to feel comfortable.
The greatest compliment she received is when a couple walked through the front door and declared, “We’re home.” There’s no Wi-Fi and staff are encouraged to visit with customers who come from near and far to experience all they have to offer.
Lorraine Abbott, left, and Cindy Santo. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Fresh baked. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Merchandise for sale. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
90 Years Ago – August 15, 1934
A new early record for cutting in the Shandro district was set when N.A. Shandro began cutting his barley on August 10th.
Wheat prospects in the New Kiew district of the largest crop in three years, and an average yield of 25 bushels per acre according to a crop showing. The crop promises to equal that of 1931 if the present favorable weather conditions continue. This area’s wheat crop will exceed last year’s by one-third. Through the greater part of the district, wheat stands at an average height of 34 inches.
The application of modern refrigeration to fur storage has undergone rapid development in recent years with the use of Freon, an odorless, safe, refrigerant, with dry cell units, which maintains uniform low temperatures essential to the preservation of life and luster of furs.
According to experimental tests, a dairy cow on full ration requires in the neighborhood of 30 pounds of dry matter every 24 hours.
In Canada and the more northern latitudes and on the tops of mountains the duration of sunlight during summer is much greater than on the lowlands or in places nearer the equator.
75 Years Ago – August 10, 1949
Effective July 20th, permits are no longer required for the export of potatoes, fertilizers, agricultural implements, electrical supplies, antimony, cocoa beans, and sugar. The number of items for which export permits are now required had been reduced to 137, from a peak of 1,109 at the end of 1944, when wartime conditions demanded stringent controls over the export of many products.
Nearly 50 varieties of meat and meat products, ranging from cocktail sausages to whole hams, are now packed in metal cans, the American Can Co. reports.
The voice of the chicken is being heard less and less in British Columbia this year. Thousands of empty poultry houses dot the countryside. “For sale” signs are mushrooming along the road in front of small farms – monuments to the marginal producer’s fear of shrinking markets. The “grave danger” of non-renewal of Canadian egg contracts with Britain for 1949-50 is the biggest headache for B.C.’s $15,000,000 poultry industry.
An English firm has developed a liquid linoleum that is poured 1/4 “ thick over the floor, allowed to dry for 24 hours, and then polished.
50 Years Ago – August 8, 1974
The Soils Branch of Alberta Agriculture and the Federal Soils Research Station at Vegreville are expanding their deep plowing pilot program to obtain more information on crop response to deep plowing on various solonetzic soil types and to become familiar with any problems that may occur during and after the operation. Solonetzic soils occur in association with normal soils throughout east-central Alberta from Edmonton to Brooks. They are characterized by a hard-pan soil layer below the topsoil which restricts root and water penetration.
Youth voyageurs of the County of Lamont have a busy time planning a week’s schedule to host 20 students and 2 chaperones from Charlesbourg, Quebec. This is a youth exchange program supported jointly by the Federal and Provincial governments and the hosting is a local responsibility of participating groups.
Taking part in the official opening of the Vegreville Fair were Don Mazankowski, MP; Dr. Al Bildfell, President of the Vegreville Exhibition Association; and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Newcombe of Calgary who performed the opening ceremonies.
Alberta’s cabinet has approved funds amounting to $33 million providing compensation payments to farmers eligible under the adverse weather damage compensation program and/or interest payments on guaranteed loans for farmers who were unable to harvest their crops last fall.
25 Years Ago – August 10, 1999
A regimental medal, issued in 1988, finally found its way to Harry Semotiuk of Vegreville, last week. The British Columbia Dragoons marked their 80th anniversary in 1988 by issuing the medal. The regiment began in 1908 as an infantry militia unit. During World War I it became a Calvary unit and then switched to a tank unit in the 1930s. Semotiuk served as a gunner operator during World War II. The Vegreville Garden Club held another successful Annual Horticultural Show on Wednesday. The Grand Aggregate winner for 1999 is Olga Osinchuk followed by Stefania Kiefiuk and Anne D. Samograd. Special category awards go to the following: Dahlia, one bloom (decorative) – Anne D. Samograd; Roses, tea – Stefanie Kiefiuk; Gladiola, one spike arrangement with accessories – Myrtle Charuk; Miniature Arrangement – Alice Fodchuk; Patio Flower Pot – Mariette Hughston; Home Grown Fruit Collection – Anne Hrudey; Potato white – Helen Yasinski; Tomato, cherry type – Anne Hrudey; and Artistic Display of Vegetables – Anne D. Samograd.
The Basilian Fathers Museum at Mundare received $3,291.25 for storage upgrade under the category of collections management.
Letters Welcomed
One role of the Vegreville News Advertiser is to promote dialogue on various issues of concern to area residents. We accomplish this by welcoming Letters to the Editor and allowing various issues to be debated through our pages. All letters must contain the writer’s name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, however the writer’s name may be withheld from publication in special circumstances deemed appropriate by the Publisher. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity, spelling and grammar, taste or for reasons of potential libel. A maximum of 150 words is preferred. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.
Trudeau’s EV Mandate Will Break the Bank
Kris Sims Canadian Taxpayers Federation
Alberta’s energy regulator recently warned people to stop using kitchen appliances because the electricity grid was at risk of blacking out.
Albertans were told to stop cooking on stoves and washing clothes in warm water.
You know, modern life, circa 1955.
The government also told us not to charge electric cars.
If we’re being told to stop using toasters, how are we going to charge our government-mandated EVs?
The Trudeau government is banning the sale of new gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles by 2035.
This plan is a non-starter for two key reasons:
The EV mandate will likely cost taxpayers a shocking amount of money, and Canada doesn’t have the electricity to power these vehicles.
Let’s look at costs first.
Multiple levels of government have pledged about $57 billion to corporations that make EVs, including billions for Volkswagen and Honda.
That’s the corporate welfare cost, with governments dumping taxpayers’ money into the boardrooms of Berlin and Tokyo.
Then there’s the sticker price of the EVs.
If the Trudeau government forces Canadians to buy only these types of new vehicles, it will sharply increase costs for people.
The cheapest new EV in Canada sells for about $41,000 with a vehicle like a Nissan Leaf eligible for a $5,000 rebate from
the feds.
Last year, Canadians bought about 1.7 million new vehicles, the majority of which were cars, SUVs, and light trucks. If those vehicles were all EVs, the rebates would cost about $8 billion.
With the cheapest new gasoline-powered sedan selling for about $21,000, and with no rebate costs to taxpayers, there’s a strong sticker shock in that price difference for both the person buying the car and taxpayers.
What about power bills?
The average Canadian household uses about 10,861 kWh of electricity per year. The average electric car uses about 4,310 kWh of energy per year, according to EVBox, a company that produces electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
If the average family had one EV and charged it at home, their electricity use would jump by about 40 percent.
Where is the electricity for these EVs coming from?
Calculations done in British Columbia show that if everyone switched to an electric car in B.C., the province would need about nine new Site C Dams. Site C cost about $16 billion and took about 10 years to build. Creating nine new Site C Dams tomorrow would cost about $144 billion.
In Alberta, hydro dams aren’t happening, and building a regular nuclear reactor costs about $15 billion and takes about 10 years to complete.
Alberta is home to about three million vehicles, and if they were electric, that fleet would use about 12.9 million mWh of power per year. The province would require about three nuclear plants to charge
Freedom of conscience, of education, of speech, of assembly are among the very fundamentals of democracy and all of them would be nullified should freedom of the press ever be successfully challenged. - Franklin D. Roosevelt -
Ryley Citizens On Patrol Program
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
Citizens On Patrol (COP) is a community-based crime prevention initiative in cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Volunteers provide an extra set of eyes and ears to watch what is happening in their communities.
In Alberta, Ryley COP is one of 48 currently in operation. Ryley COP President Dan De Brabandere said the role of volunteer members is to observe and report suspicious activity to RCMP. Back on June 1, 2023, Ryley COP became an official member of the Alberta Citizens On Patrol.
Prior to that they applied to join the COP program in January of 2023 and had to form a board as well as develop bylaws. De Brabandere said they were also fortunate to receive some grant funding which paid for signage and decals.
To date, they have about a dozen active members. One of those members is Dale Roth, who was born and raised in the community. He, and his wife have resided in Ryley for the past 38 years. Roth said it was about year and a half ago when there were a series of break-ins and vandalism in the village. He said was concerned about his friends and neighbours and wanted to do his part to help keep the commu-
nity safe.
Tofield RCMP Cpl. Cheryll Rafferty has been in policing for nearly 20 years and is the official liaison for the Ryley COP program. “When I started my career with the RCMP in Red Deer I became the liaison with the COP program there as well.”
In terms of crime reduction in the community, Cpl. Rafferty said, “The COP program might have helped, but members were able to identify suspects and many of them were charged, and many were incarcerated. As well, it is also due to the transient criminals moving from the area.
There are still concerns with property crime in the rural areas, so with programs like the COP it helps us have more eyes on the streets and sometimes provides valuable information of who was in the area at the time crimes were being committed. They do assist in letting us know when something suspicious is ongoing.”
As far as deterring crime, Cpl. Rafferty said, “The COP program is effective because the local community members of the small town are aware of who belongs in the town and who is a stranger. They are able to identify suspicious activity from individuals they either don’t recognize or in vehicles they don’t recognize. The more people watching their neigh-
bourhoods, the better chance police have of arresting suspects.”
Members hold regular meetings and attend the monthly Farmers’ Market. They recently participated in Ryley Sports Day, and they hope to continue their outreach efforts to raise more awareness and gain new members to assist them.
From L-R: Dale Roth, Dianna Kowerchuk, Madison Ferris, Dan De Brabandere and Ray Kowerchuk. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Ray and Dianna Kowerchuk. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Signage that was erected near Main Street in May. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Planting Benevolence
On August 2, the Board of Directors from Vegreville and District Co-op donated $1,270 to Vegreville Garden Club (VGC) from their fundraiser efforts. VGC will use these funds to pay for guest speakers because many come from distances so VGC has to pay for the speakers’ mileage. These speakers bring professional knowledge about gardening to the community. President of VGC Diana Ashton said, “I’m astounded by the amount raised for our club! We’ve had such interesting people present to our club and I’m excited that this can continue. We are grateful to the Co-op!”
Mini Botanic Garden
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Ken Johnson is a retired carpenter and building superintendent who has been growing flowers around his place this past year as a hobby. He
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Representatives from the Co-op Board from L-R: Lydia Lastiwka and Joanne Gorda present the cheque to members of VGC Diana Ashton, Bev McCarty, Sonia Hunka, and Jennifer Young. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
A Hot Sale
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
People were eager to purchase a traditional summer staple when Vegreville Association for Living in Dignity (VALID) hosted a Hot Dog Lunch on Aug. 2 at Vegreville and District Co-op.
This event generated over $900 for VALID. Program Coordinator Karen Streets said they will use these funds for their community access program to help cover the cost of activities and supplies for the individuals in the program.
purchases these plants from a nursery and some were donated to him.
Ken just created his own floral arrangement as he admitted it makes him happy to be creative.
“I used to build assisted living facili-
ties and flowers always made the seniors happy. So, I wanted to have this in front of these apartments so the tenants would go outside. Also, my plan was to bring joy to the residents of Vegreville.”
Support for Wildfires, Future Farmers and Skilled Trades Program
Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk
MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville
Our hearts continue to go out to those affected and displaced by wildfires throughout our province. Earlier this week, we received more insight into the devastating damages to regions throughout our province, including Jasper National Park and the Town of Jasper.
Alberta’s government is supporting Parks Canada by providing overhead staff, crews, helicopters, and heavy equipment, with air tankers available when needed to help fight this fire. Nearly 1,900 firefighters and support staff are currently working in the province. In addition to our provincial resources, Alberta has imported firefighters, support staff, and equipment from other jurisdictions to support wildfire response and suppression efforts.
While more than half of the current wildfires are lightning-caused, the remaining are human caused. Our government strongly encourages all Albertans to remain up-to-date on fire advisories and restrictions in their area.
Farmers play an intricate role in our province. That’s why our government is sowing seeds of success for future farmers and ranchers. Agriculture is fundamental to Alberta’s history, economy and future prosperity. Over the past 20 years, the number of young and middle-aged producers in agriculture has seen steep declines, while the number of farmers over 55 has increased. To increase the workforce in
farming and ranching, our government is creating new changes to the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation’s Next Generation Loan Program.
Alberta’s government understands that producers need stable sources of capital to manage and grow their operations and help them weather economic challenges. By expanding eligibility and updating Next Gen’s terms, we will make it easier for producers to enter and re-enter the agriculture industry, give greater opportunities to new and growing operations, make succession more appealing, and encourage new and young people to get into farming.
Alberta is an industrial powerhouse, and as such, our province’s demand for skilled workers continues to grow. As our skilled trades sector is bustling with opportunity, we want to highlight it for individuals considering their career paths. To spark young Albertans’ interest in the skilled trades, our government and Calgary’s TELUS Spark Science Centre are working together to create educational spaces. These spaces will educate youth about trades-based science concepts in a fun and engaging way, sparking interest in a career in the highly respected trades.
Alberta’s government is committed to increasing advocacy and supports for apprenticeship education across the province so young people can learn about and experience the incredible opportunities and careers that exist across the province.
A customer on the far left with VALID professionals and clients shows her pleasure at the thought of having some picnic food. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Hot dogs and pop anyone? (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Busy barbecue time. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
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Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Children’s faces glowed with anticipation at Beetle’s Birthday which was hosted by Mannville-Minburn-Innisfree Kalyna Family Resource Network (MMIKFRN) on July 23 in Mannville.
Eight participants from seven to 11 years of age observed the charming and exquisite birthday atmosphere.
This was the sixth program in the Small Celebration series where the children enjoyed a variety of activities which including a mix of games, crafts, movement activities, and either a story or a learning opportunity.
Shih-Tzu puppies available. Linda 780-657-2475
SHARED ACCOMMODATIONS
Two roommates sought to share large queer-friendly home near library. $450-$650 depending on room, plus share of utilities. Kids, pets possible. Interested? Email: VegrevilleBeanbag@gmail.com.
Beetle’s Birthday featured eight different activities. They began by opening a present, each containing a unique activity. The activities included stamping, cupcake decorating, LEGO building, storytime, beetle discovery, and classic party games.
MMIKFRN Program Coordinator Alicia Rutt explained, “Our “Small Celebrations” series aims to provide enriching activities for children, focusing on “three things about three things.”
This approach includes:
- Learning three fun facts about a particular insect.
- Exploring three attributes or qualities that the insect can teach us. For beetles, we discussed their resourcefulness and resilience and identified three ways we can demonstrate these traits.
-Understanding three points about a particular celebration, including why we celebrate it and how it is traditionally or culturally observed.”
Participant Ayla Jackson expressed she really liked the program as she enjoyed creating a birthday scene out of LEGO and she liked and found it really neat finding the balloon with the beetle inside.
Presley Hinton said it was interesting and fun. She liked popping the balloons and designing the cupcakes.
A parent Kari Cannan admitted that every chance her daughter gets to attend one of these programs she loves them. “I think they are awesome. I could live a thousand lifetimes and I would never be as creative as Alicia Rutt. The programs are always very educational and interactive.”
Children in action.
(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
What a cheerful atmosphere. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)
Smoky Lake Stampede
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
“There’s nothing better than a rodeo, in small town Alberta, on a Saturday afternoon.” Those were the words of Premier Danielle Smith who was attending the Strathmore Stampede on Aug. 3. The same can be said by 1,900 ardent rodeo fans who flocked to the Smoky Lake Stampede this past weekend.
Scattered across the main viewing area, fans of all ages were sitting on blankets in the grass, relaxing in lawn chairs or cheering from the bleachers. The Saturday afternoon performance, was held before a crowd of 1,300 people, and began with a special presentation to members of the Trach family who have been supplying the stock for the Smoky Lake
Jesus is Everything
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Children from six to 13 answered questions and were enthusiastic as they learned about their Christian faith at the Vegreville Seventh Day Adventist Vacation Bible School from July 22-27.
Stampede for 41 consecutive years which is said to be an incredible rarity.
While the rodeo featured the regular events like bareback, saddle bronc, junior steer, bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing; it was great to see the old-fashioned Bloomer Race featured during intermission. Of course, rodeo wouldn’t be as much fun without the kiddlins’ who also entertained the crowd with Stick Horse Barrel Racing, Frisbee Scramble, Mutton Bustin’ and Wild Pony Race.
Local barrel racing was a nice touch as it featured several members of the Smoky Lake Riding Club. The rodeo was hosted by the Smoky Lake Riding Club with proceeds going towards upgrades of the rodeo grounds.
The theme was: The Jesus Expedition. Participants explored the miracles of Jesus. Each day, they visited a new world destination and learned about a new miracle. This program included everything from singing and learning about different destinations to hearing Bible stories, memorizing Bible verses, doing outdoor activities, having snacks, and making crafts.
Coordinator Julie Berard explained, “Each activity was designed to help the children learn that the theme verse, “The Lord is my strength and my song and is become my salvation,” points to Jesus, whom they can trust no matter what.”
Kids having fun. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Blake Zieffle in the Tie Down Roping event. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Smoky Lake contestant Matthew Montgomery competing in the Junior Steer Riding event. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Hudson Hope in the Junior Bull Riding. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Riata Brain from Bellis. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
new owners or elsewhere. But hopefully here.
Reflecting on the past three seasons, Brown was asked, “What would you say were some of key factors to your success and how will you build on that moving forward? Brown responded by stating that, “Some of the key factors is organization, community involvement, and local talent to help build community support and make a team successful.
It isn’t something that is built over night and won’t be again in the future.”
During a telephone interview on Aug. 6, Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee stated that, Brown never said anything to him about not having the Vipers logo at centre ice as being the deciding factor in the decision not to renew the ice users’ agreement.
MacPhee said the town had been working on that agreement for the past three or four months to get it signed.
“The negotiation was ongoing on a new deal, a new contract for the ice users’ agreement and they had asked if they could have their logo at centre ice and we had said that we were going to put four small logos on the ice and we’re not going to have a logo at the centre
ice position.”
The four logos would be for the Vipers, Rangers, figure skating and minor hockey.
MacPhee said he was upset to learn that the reason the Vipers didn’t renew the ice users’ agreement was because of the logo.
“I’m very sad to hear that that’s the way he put it because throughout process for the last three years with the Vipers we were very happy with the management, with the ownership, with the young men that played and their contributions to this community. They improved every year to the point where they won the championship. I understand the league has had some challenges and over the last three or four years and we’d seen what I thought was an improvement in the new league compared to where they started with the Western United States Hockey League.
Myself, personally, I thought that the Vipers were a really good addition to our community, and like I said, the ownership, the management, the young men who played here, they all were very good for our community.”
KARBASHEWSKI,
Richard, Darcy and Arlene, Derrick and Angela, Dwayne and Dana, Kari-Mae and Gerald
Grandchildren: Dyson, Logan, Daymon, Tieran, Delayne, Jennifer
MEMORIAM
MEMORIAM
Countryside Charm
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Seven children from six to 12 said “wow” and “cool” as they showcased their projects during the Obeying My God (OMG) Day Camp from July 23-25 at the Vegreville United Church. This program followed some of David’s story to help the participants understand the meanings of the scriptures. This was done through music, games, experiments and play.
On the first day, they learned about David and how Samuel anointed him (to be king) as a teenager but then he had to learn and wait until he was in his mid-30s to become king.
Happy Campers
Coordinator Holly Cependa explained, “This taught children about patience, teamwork, and God is always on our team. They also learned that even when things look the same, they can be different. We need to work together to get things done.”
Crazy Laws
On the second day, the story of David continued with the moving of the Ark to Jerusalem. They discussed the Ark and talked about what might be in it, has it ever been found, and other ideas. They discussed the steps needed to plan a celebration (decorations, music, parade, food, and other materials) and what David might have done. Participants made an ark and re-
enacted the scene of when David brought the Ark into Jerusalem. Cependa stated, “It was a great day of celebrating and learning that there are many ways to worship God - each person has their style of worship. There isn’t a wrong way, as long as we do worship!”
On the third day, they learned that we need to ‘let God be God’. The story of David continued and they found that they needed to have clear communication and to listen very carefully to make sure that the information was clear. They learned that everyone has a different interpretation of the information - we need to let God do what He wants to do. We just need to listen to Him. Cependa said, “Through experiments/games, we learned that noise often gets in our way and we get off our paths. We need to remember to listen (despite the noise).”
In the front row are participants and in the back row are the volunteer leaders from L-R: Antoinette Fortier, Holly Cependa and Georgina Baron. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Children in action. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Vegreville Speedway
Submitted
Racing Hurdles
Plans changed for the Drag Races scheduled for Vegreville Speedway at Vegreville Regional Airport on July 26 and July 27.
It was a crazy weekend! Mother Nature was not playing nice! Friday Night race got canceled due to high winds! Saturday we were on rain delay until about 1 pm.
However, we had the best bunch of racers! They were out on the track with brooms and leaf blowers getting the water off the track! Then lapping the track until it was dry. Everyone pitched in setting up the timing system and we were racing by 3 pm! We are so grateful to everyone who helped with this!
Sunday was our rainout day. We were ready to start racing at 11 am. Then an unexpected twist was that they needed the airport for an airplane to take off and land for a missing person search. So, again all of our drivers pitched in and helped remove all the equipment from the track. They had it done in 15 minutes! We hung out till about 2:30 pm when they gave us the all-clear for the runway. Everyone pitched in to put the equipment back on the track and we were racing by 3 pm.
The July 27 Race winners:
1st Place Andre Doiron
2nd Place Aaron Tillapaugh
3rd Place Kyle Lamarche
King of Hill - Percy Stark
The July 28 Race winners:
1st Place Mattieu Doiron
2nd Place Tom Dwyer
3rd Place Aaron Enns
those vehicles.
Who’s paying that tab? Taxpayers? Folks opening their power bills?
We’ve seen this bad movie before.
Around 2015, the Ontario government signed contracts to buy “green” energy, and people faced surging power bills, some eclipsing $1,000 per month.
Ontario’s auditor general found people overpaid their power bills by $37 billion because of government meddling with the electricity system.
Today, record numbers of working families across Canada are visiting food banks and about half of Canadians are within $200 every month of not being able to make the minimum payments on their bills. They can’t afford higher power bills.
If Albertans are being told to eat cereal for supper to save the electricity grid today, how will they find the energy and money to charge the Trudeau trolley parked in the driveway tomorrow?
We don’t know all the inevitable costs
(pasture / hay)
Submissions are due by 1PM (MST) on Aug. 30, 2024.
of Trudeau’s EV mandate, but everything we do know indicates that we can’t afford it.
Kris Sims is the Alberta Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
Sean Chilibecki presents a cheque to Andre Doiron. (Vegreville Speedway/ Submitted Photo)
Sean Chilibecki presents a cheque to Aaron Tillapaugh. (Vegreville Speedway/Submitted Photo)
Sean Chilibecki presents a cheque to Kyle Lamarche. (Vegreville Speedway/Submitted Photo)
Notice to Creditors and Claimants
Estate of Peter Paul Suchy who died on June 30, 2024.
If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by: September 23, 2024 with Olson Rau + Mohr Solicitor for the Personal Representative at #12, 6109 50th Avenue Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1N6 and provide details of your claim. If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
Managing Emotions
ders? Are legal immigrants needed in our labour force being processed faster?
This is yet another example of an out of touch government. One that would rather virtue signal than take action. This government has no plan and no respect for taxpayers. Clearly, they have no grasp on basic economics, much less those needed to run a large enterprise like the Government of Canada.
The famous Austrian-American management theorist, Peter Drucker, once wrote that an economy cannot survive with each of us selling insurance to one another. He meant even a robust service sector isn’t enough to sustain an econ-
Notice
Canadian Navigable Waters Act
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors hereby gives notice that an application has been made to the Minister of Transport, pursuant to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act for approval of the work described herein and its site and plans.
Pursuant to paragraph 7(2) of the said Act, Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors has deposited with the Minister of Transport, on the online Common Project Search Registry (http://cps.canada.ca/) and under registry number 10989, or, under the NPP File Number 2024-612784 a description of the following work, its site and plans:
• Bridge Rehabilitation
• Temporary Platform across Vermilion River at Two Hills, AB in front of lot number BF 1031, Hwy 36, south of the 45 Ave intersection
Comments regarding the effect of this work on marine navigation can be sent through the Common Project Search site mentioned above under the Comment section (search by the above referenced number) or if you do not have access to the internet, by sending your comments directly to:
Navigation Protection Program – Transport Canada 344 Edmonton Street Winnipeg MB R3C 0P6
Transport Canada (TC) will not make your comments on a project available to the public on the online public registry. However, any information related to a work is considered as unclassified public record and could be accessible upon legal request. As such, the information and records provided should not contain confidential or sensitive information. If you want to provide confidential or sensitive information that you think should not be made public, please contact TC before submitting it.
However, comments will be considered only if they are in writing (electronic means preferable) and are received not later than 30 days after the publication of the last notice. Although all comments conforming to the above will be considered, no individual response will be sent.
Posted at Two Hills, Alberta this 17th day of July, 2024 Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Children braved the wind while they played at Cul De Sac Park on July 26. These kids showcased the things they made at the guided play at the Five Stop Park Hop hosted by Kalyna Family Resource Network-Vegreville and Area. Spokes Programmer Kailyn Kuhn helped the participants make stress balls filled with flour and for each stress ball they created, they used markers to write an emotion on it. This activity was meant to open up discussions about when they experience these emotions and how they can understand why they feel them. By focusing on the domain of emotional maturity, we helped the kids learn through hands-on experience and encouraged them to ask questions they might have. This approach allowed the children to better understand their emotions in a practical and interactive way.”
omy. Producing industries, such as energy, agriculture, mining and manufacturing create tangible products that add wealth that can be taxed to fund government, schools, hospitals, infrastructure and social services. A concept clearly out of reach of this government.
Before you go to sleep at night, are you worried that not enough paper gets pushed in circles in Ottawa, or are you worried about how much you pay cheque is getting stretched? There are many ways we could do better. I’m not sure how we could do any worse.
Tell me what you think.
Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com
Corporation that will offer interest free and low interest loans as well as grants to non-profit childcare facilities.
Cooperatives First provides assistance with incorporation, developing a business plan to access funding and training for board members, facility planning and operational guidance.
On Feb. 27, 2023, FCSS held a community engagement session to discuss residents’ childcare needs. Based on feedback from participants, it was pointed out that, “Barriers and challenges identified includ-
ed: no spots available, long waitlists, unable to return to work, not enough staff (low wages) and not enough childcare available during the school/ summer breaks.”
