December 4, 2019
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VIEWPOINT - CONTINUED from PAGE 6 has been financed by borrowing. The deficit this year is expected to reach $20.0 billion and could grow significantly larger if a recession occurs. Clearly, today’s government has ignored the lessons from the Chretien government, which corrected the spending and deficits of Pierre Trudeau. As Martin once said: “The debt and deficit are not inventions of ideology. They are facts of arithmetic. The quicksand of compound interest is real.” The return of an interventionist Ottawa has also rekindled tensions in Confederation. The separatist Bloc Quebecois won almost as many seats in Quebec (32) as the Liberals (35), and Western alienation hasn’t been this prominent since Pierre Trudeau’s National Energy Program in the 1980s. Unfortunately, our deteriorating federal finances and increasing regional tensions are an ominous throwback. The solution to these challenges lies in the successful reforms of the Chretien era. Federal decentralization and empowerment of the provinces, coupled with fiscal reform to put federal finances back on solid ground, would do much to reverse the worrying state of Confederation. Jason Clemens, Milagros Palacios and Niels Veldhuis are economists with the Fraser Institute and co-authors of The End of the Chretien Consensus? © Troy Media
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Fall Appreciation Barbeque with Former MLA Jessica Littlewood Saskatchewan/Vegreville. I’m doing consulting work for my friend’s small business in health and safety. In terms of politics, I feel it is important to stay informed of the developments that are happening in the constituency; the cuts to the school’s budget in Elk Island Catholic and Elk Island Public are going to have significant impact on the students in the classroom, and knowing that 6500 positions in Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) were just announced that they would be cut within the next three years will be hard on a lot of workers,” Littlewood said. When Littlewood was asked if she would run in the next election, she replied that her focus right now is empowering the citizenry of Alberta.
To celebrate the fact Former MLA for Fort Saskatchewan/Vegreville NDP, Jessica Littlewood is still a voice for the constituency in a different capacity; supporters of the NDP attended a Fall Appreciation BBQ at the Senior Citizen Sunshine Club of Vegreville on November 30. For a moderate cost, people were treated to lunch and refreshments. Member of United Steel Workers Local 1-207, Jason Rockwell was also present at this event. When asked what life was like now for her, Littlewood commented that since the last provincial election, she has been able to spend a lot more time with her family and is able to take care of her mother more. “However, my heart and my brain still reside within the constituency of Fort
Derek Fox presents Jessica Littlewood with an appreciative plaque. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)
BUS CRASH - CONTINUED from PAGE 11 ers who assisted the students.
Town of Smoky Lake Mayor, Hank Holowaychuk also wanted to thank the highway heroes who put their own safety aside to assist the students and the driver. He also wanted to thank all of the firefighters, police, emergency services and health care personnel and hospital staff. Smoky Lake County Regional Fire Chief Scott Franchuk confirmed it was a two vehicle motor vehicle collision. Two patients were trapped and the jaws of life used to extricate them before they were airlifted by STARS the other students were taken to the local hospital and other hospitals in the surrounding area. All students are reported to be in stable condition. Franchuk said the thoughts and prayers of all first responders are with the stu-
dents and their families at this time. At press time Tuesday afternoon the HAK Collision GoFundMe page, organized by Shelby Henry had already raised $6,275.
Homestead Senior Citizen’s Lodge 5253-46 Ave. Vegreville
Vacancies Available – Programs & Activities – Excellent Meals & Snacks – 65 Years Old Age Requirement Phone : 780-632-6211, Rhonda or Marielle
